I cannot even begin to tell you how relieved I am to find this section. I haven't quite got to grips with the acronyms yet so give me time! I've been with my partner for 11 months, and he has a 5 year old daughter and an 8 year old son. They are lovely and have been incredibly accepting and good (I moved in in September). His ex is also very nice, although she stresses him out! But they try very hard to keep it reasonable and to help each other out. She is 5 months pregnant with her new partner (also a lovely guy), which I think has helped everyone move on.
Just writing this down has helped - I think I'm so lucky that the situation is the way it is. But of course there are issues, and I feel that we are all shaking down a bit - me and my partner have been arguing a bit this weekend, I think because he has the kids for a week and is a bit stressed by that. We both work from home so it can be a bit tricky if the kids are here to get any work done, but of course at least we don't have to worry about childcare. His son is prone to temper tantrums and I think they are both a tiny bit spoiled but they are bright, beautiful, loving children and I am thrilled to have them in my life.
I'm just so happy to have found somewhere where I can come and ask questions about the inevitable issues.
Anyway, there was no particular question in this post, I just wanted to introduce myself - hello! - and say how relieved I am to find myself here; and also hope that you will be able to help me out when I'm having those tear my hair out moments.
Cheers!