I am expecting my first child in July after suffering from fertility problems. Our baby is very special to us and I wanted to make his first Christmas memorable.
I live in Paris, my younger brother lives in London and my older brother lives the other side of the world. My parents spent Christmas 2010 with my younger brother and Christmas 2011 with my older brother. I was unable to go in 2010 as I had just had an operation and in 2011 as I was suffering from morning sickness in my first trimester.
I invited my parents to spend Christmas 2012 at my house in January 2012 and they accepted.
However, a month or so later they said that they wanted to spend Christmas 2012 with my younger brother in order to see their first grandchild who will be about 20 months. They said that they are worried that if they don?t see him this year, they will miss their turn with the in-laws.
I am extremely insulted that they prefer to see my brother?s baby rather than mine, especially as they have lived close to my brother since the birth of his baby and have had plenty of opportunity to see him. They don?t seem to be concerned that they will miss their turn with our new baby. My younger brother has always been the favourite and I'm concerned that his baby will also become my parents' favourite grandchild. I don't want my baby to suffer as I've suffered other the years.
We?ve had several arguments about this but they will not change their mind. I keep crying.
I sent a message to my parents and brothers this weekend saying that I think we should each take it in turns to see my parents (i.e. every three years) and my OH has sent an e-mail to my parents inviting them again to come this year. We haven?t received any replies so far.
I am tempted to cut off my parents if they refuse to compromise.
Has anyone else been in a similar position? What do you think I should do?