I'm just fed up of family not making an effort. DD (2) is a funny, bubbly girl who is such a joy but both my partners family and mine can't be bothered. It breaks my heart as its not what I envisaged.
Partners family live 3 hours away and despite efforts our end, don't text, call or ask about her. When we visit there's zero effort, they won't interrupt their routine to spend time with us at all.
My family, my brother has my nephew (4) who I've always made effort with, but he doesn't ask about my DD, doesn't even agree to meet etc. He's free all weekend, his wife is working and no plans. Asked him to meet with the kids but 'no I'm tired'. They haven't seen each other since August and he only lives 30 mins away. My parents work full time and if I want DD to see them, it's a one way street, I make the plans and I drive to them (I also work full time).
I'm not expecting much, just a little effort, but it makes me sad. I didn't have much family growing up either and never thought the same would happen. Where we live, we don't know many people but am hoping as DD gets older I'll make school mum /dad friends.
I can't help but feel envious when I see (seemingly) doting grandparents with their grandkids in my local park etc. An elderly gentleman at the drs yesterday gave my daughter more attention than my partners dad ever does. I'm grateful for the kindness of strangers but my reality isn't even nearly meeting expectations and it gets me and my partner down. DD gets lots of toys /money sent her way but that's not what we want/need. We've tried telling them but they won't change. I also feel resentment that my mum used to look after my nephew 3 times a week whereas I've never had that offer.