Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Ex has a surprise for me tomorrow, what could it be?

343 replies

BigWheels · 12/05/2023 17:45

Ex had just left after spending a few hours with our son. On his way out he told us he has a surprise for us tomorrow morning and he will be coming to pick us up at 6.15am. He wasnt giving much away and I hate surprises so I'm desperate to know. Does anyone have any ideas?

Only information I have is that we have to leave at 6.15, its a long car journey and we can have breakfast once we get there.

I've known the guy for 10 years and he has never organised anything like this before. He's a hopeless gift giver so I'm more than a bit apprehensive. Not my birthday for another 2 months and our sons birthday was in February so nothing to celebrate.

I have previously expressed interest in a hot air balloon trip and because of the early start and long car journey I'm thinking maybe its that? But son is still too young for the trip and weather isn't looking great so I have my doubts about the hot air balloon theory. What could it be?

OP posts:
Offthexmaslist · 12/05/2023 21:36

I'm with you OP. My elderly parents always invite my Stepdads ex wife and her AP DH to all family events so my SS and SB x 2 can share events with both parents. (Our DF died when we were young) We have done it for so long that I think of them as extra parents...

Went to a 25 th of daughters friend last week where her mum, stepdad, dad, dads second ex (mother to friends half sibling ) and current wife were all there.

All I can say is that it leads to very well adjusted kids.

CountMushroom · 12/05/2023 21:42

Offthexmaslist · 12/05/2023 21:36

I'm with you OP. My elderly parents always invite my Stepdads ex wife and her AP DH to all family events so my SS and SB x 2 can share events with both parents. (Our DF died when we were young) We have done it for so long that I think of them as extra parents...

Went to a 25 th of daughters friend last week where her mum, stepdad, dad, dads second ex (mother to friends half sibling ) and current wife were all there.

All I can say is that it leads to very well adjusted kids.

I think that’s pretty normal — certainly the norm in my extended family. But the ex-wife in question in your case presumably knows the invitation is to a family event, she’s not told to be ready for a surprise trip at 6 am, and left with no idea whether she’s headed to lunch with her ex-PILs or white-water rafting…?

BreviloquentBastard · 12/05/2023 21:51

Had he at least given you a clue what you need to wear and dress your child in?

I don't think there are many things that could coax me out of bed on time for a 6:15am start on a Saturday morning so I hope whatever it is he's up to is lots of fun OP!

Please come back and tell us!

Zonder · 12/05/2023 21:55

Obviously I'm only here for the big reveal.

MuffinToSeeHere · 12/05/2023 21:56

I think that’s pretty normal — certainly the norm in my extended family. But the ex-wife in question in your case presumably knows the invitation is to a family event, she’s not told to be ready for a surprise trip at 6 am, and left with no idea whether she’s headed to lunch with her ex-PILs or white-water rafting…?

Exactly this. It's not uncommon to get on with your ex and their family and to do things together especially when children are involved. In fact I know several couples who work so much better and parent so much better now they are not together. I don't know any families where an ex springing a surprise on the child and former partner with no notice or discussion, not so much as a this will be an indoor or outdoor event, would be considered good co-parenting. It's very self centred thinking and I'm surprised the op and his new partner are ok with it and think it's a normal thing to do.

Screwedupworld · 12/05/2023 22:11

place Marking as I want to know now! I hope it's a nice surprise.

BillyNoM8s · 12/05/2023 22:36

I don't understand why people keep saying it's a pet. Why would you need to leave the house at 6am for a puppy!?

Rewis · 12/05/2023 22:40

Anyone else thought of the Lonely Island song Dick in a box?

HangingOver · 12/05/2023 22:43

Visit to a llama farm. At least it's supposed to be sunny tomorrow OP!

Icedlatteplease · 12/05/2023 22:57

I'm betting on wedding

Beachbreak2411 · 12/05/2023 23:15

Following!!

Tellmeimcrazy · 12/05/2023 23:23

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

WGACA · 12/05/2023 23:23

That’s so early to be up and out on a Saturday 😱

BadNomad · 12/05/2023 23:38

Why does it need to be a surprise for you? Your son I can understand, but it feels a bit...blurred boundaries...to treat an ex to a surprise. Especially when you have a wife and other child.

Summerbobs · 13/05/2023 00:05

MuffinToSeeHere · 12/05/2023 19:44

Its really sad to see the amount of responses from people who are struggling to understand why he would want to do something nice for me.

He can do something nice for you though whilst actually cluing you into the plan and giving you more than a few hours notice. He might genuinely be a nice guy, only you know that but he doesn't sound like he is that considerate of your feelings or opinions.

Yup

CountMushroom · 13/05/2023 00:08

WGACA · 12/05/2023 23:23

That’s so early to be up and out on a Saturday 😱

Yes, I would need to know how much fun I was going to have to get up at 6 am on a Saturday. I quite often get up at dawn for things I love doing, but not unless…

caringcarer · 13/05/2023 00:23

How old is your child? Thomas Land?

IHateLegDay · 13/05/2023 00:29

I really hope it's something nice but alarm bells are ringing in my head!! 🙈

Pixiedust1234 · 13/05/2023 00:34

I have less idea than you since I've never met him but there is no way on earth i would get up at 6,15am for a long drive without knowing where/what/why/who first.

Peachy2005 · 13/05/2023 00:40

Best of luck - hope it’s a nice surprise 👍😍

Lochjeda · 13/05/2023 00:45

If he's picking you up at 6.15 you would need to be up at 5.30am, only reason id get up at that time is for a holiday, a really good concert somewhere far away or to go to alton towers and I'd NEED to be prepared for all that.

Notamum12345577 · 13/05/2023 00:54

Namechange192727171 · 12/05/2023 20:59

Threesome?

🤣

Emmelina · 13/05/2023 00:55

Theme park? We have to drive 3 hours for Alton Towers from where we are.

he should at least give a hint for appropriate clothing. Like, if there are water rides jeans would suck.

CallieQ · 13/05/2023 01:00

Eurovision!
Why go with ex though

CallieQ · 13/05/2023 01:02

Rewis · 12/05/2023 22:40

Anyone else thought of the Lonely Island song Dick in a box?

Dick in a box?! Confused