To give you all hope and a smile really, there is so much step parenting angst.
Currently pregnant with no. 2. Told 16yo dsd2 and our 6yo ds before anyone else. She was overjoyed as we knew she would be, bless her. She lives with her mum but we see her most weekends still - she always makes sure she comes to see us and plans her social life accordingly.
On Sunday we were discussing finances (worried about twins, although we think it's just the one!) and dsd says "you can stop my allowance when the baby is born if you like, I don't mind at all". I was a bit gobsmacked tbh and told her of course we won't stop her allowance, we'll make sure all our dc are cared for. I just sort of looked at her and thought how incredibly lucky we are to have her. I mean, she's beautiful inside and out and so utterly selfless.
She then went on to say that she wants to be around even more when the baby is born so she can give ds a lot of attention because she knows he might feel left out with the attention the baby will get. She's a fabulous big sister to ds and i love to hear their laughter together when she's around. He adores her. She's even planning on buying him a present, as well as the baby when it's born.
I've shared a lot of experiences on here about dsd1 which haven't been so positive, but the relationship we have with dsd2 is well worth celebrating I think. Somehow we all (dh's ex and her dh too) managed to produce a well adjusted, loving, thoughtful and beautiful young lady between us all, despite the trials and tribulations along the way.
I feel very lucky to have her in my life - her support and help over the years with ds has been invaluable.
I think the sunshine has gone to my head. 