So I just wanted to post this as it's been one of my biggest worries since I found out I was pregnant and I can't be the only one who felt like this. I have been so worried that I cried the minute that test came up positive...not because I was sad, or happy, simply because I thought I had ruined my relationship with my daughter. How the heck would I tell her??! I promise you that she was my first thought.
My DD has spina bifida so we have such an extra special bond. We have been though so much together in her 7 short years in this world. 7 years just me and her, 7 years with me all to herself. 7 years of being an only child. How would she take the prospect of having to share me after all this time?
We had our scan yesterday and it hit me. My God, we have to tell her what's going on. My vison of this? Anger, tears, "you don't love me"...basically an absolutely hideous, livid guilt trip.
We were all sitting in the front room. She had an ice cream on the go so her dad decided to take this content moment to ask her if she'd like a sibling. Her reply? "Yeah" Ok good start... The rest just fell out. Ah, that's good news because Mummy has a baby in her tummy, a brother or sister. At this point she is speechless (does NOT happen often). She spent the first half an hour convinced that the scan photos were her scan photos!! As it sunk in, there were no tears, no anger, no irrational statements.
She. Was. Delighted
I completely misjudged how she would take the news. She hasn't stopped touching and kissing my tummy since I told her and she is desperate to tell every person she sees. The point of this stupidly long, rambling post? I wish I hadn't been so quick to think that I knew what she would say. I would have saved so much stress. I actually feel quite arrogant that I thought she wouldn't be capable of sharing me?! How stupid?! The bottom line? Just say it. Don't even think about it. Your kids are amazing individuals and they will continue to surprise you no end with their beautiful personalities and maturity where it counts.
I hope this reassures at least one person 