PDA

View Full Version : Sensitive Subject...



ICNJess
12-08-2005, 05:54 AM
Ok I am going to try really hard to post in a manner that doesn't make any one get lost or confused so hang in there with me lol...

Alrighty so my mom and I were talking about a baby shower. All my family is in Chicago, and most of them are too elderly to travel, and my sister can't make it up here because well it's a whole other story, but she's got two younger kids who don't travel that well. Anyway, so it would be my friends and my in-laws. But here's the thing with my in-laws...they are horrible.

For one thing, my SIL has voiced her hatred towards me to everyone but me. She has hated me since she laid eyes on me for some odd reason...I'm actually pretty shy when I meet people, so she took that as me being a snobby rich b*tch...by the way I'm not even close to rich.

So lately my SIL has been telling everyone what a horrible mother I am going to be and how I don't know what it's really like to raise a baby. She has a toddler (she tried to trap her ex-boyfriend by getting pregnant because he's wealthy, but it backfired because he wants nothing to do with her). Anyway she tells everyone I am lazy and crazy and that I am going to suck as a mother, etc.

My MIL is not much better. She was not excited at all when she found out I was pregnant, and she makes little jabs about my pregnancy to hubby that are not at all desireable. He doesn't talk to her much anymore, there's a big story behind that...and this, among the big reason, is why I don't want them at my shower and why hubby said not to invite them.

For one thing, my MIL forced us into Chapter 7 bankruptcy this year. We were paying our bills on time and everything until this mess happened. My hubby, before we were married, bought a car in 2002. It was an '02 but used, but still up there in price. He could afford it, and was making payments. Then we got married and we were making payments and making ends meet because I was able to work. Then my IC just got worse and worse, so I filed for SSI.

We then realized we couldn't afford this car payment, so we put it up for sale. We had it pretty much sold to one of hubby's co-workers. Then my MIL calls us hysterical one afternoon. My SIL (the witch) had crashed her jeep and totalled it. She was 8 months pregnant at that time, and couldn't get a loan anywhere for a car. She needed a car to get back and forth to work and what not. So she made hubby give it to SIL. (Hubby's and SIL's step-dad, MIL's husband, is the co-signer on that car).

We went up to MI and got it licensed in hubby's step-dad's name. He was sitting right there when SIL agreed to make all the payments and promised that she could afford it and would make payments. Fine. This was in summer of 2003. Months go by and all of a sudden we are getting phone calls from the place the loan is through, Wells Fargo. Hubby does not know why they are calling and they aren't leaving messages. Finally he calls them to find out what is going on, and he finds out that a payment hadn't been paid in months! The balance was now way up there in the thousands and if we didn't pay it they would repo it!!!

So hubby gets on the phone with MIL and they battle...she says hubby should go out and get another job and make the payments from now on for SIL. Hubby says, "no, I work a full time job and some over time already!" MIL says, "Then tell your lazy wife to get a job!" Excuse me???

Have I mentioned that my MIL and her hubby have millions of dollars, play the stock market, have private CD's and all those sorts of investments?? And her hubby is on the title and loan!

So they battled for months--my SIL refused to get a job (she had quit her well paying job because people were talking about how she got "knocked up without being married" etc.) Guess she can dish it out but she can't take it? And she refused to ask her "sugar daddy" for money for it. So it ended up getting repo'd because we could not make the payments and we could not get the money to make that astronomical payment of thousands.

My MIL then began to call and harrass my hubby. "Call Wells Fargo and tell them you will pay, and that it's all your fault that payments haven't been made. We'll drop the car off at your house and that way they can see for themselves," she says. By the way, she didn't tell her husband any of this was going on--even though it's in his name and this is his credit going to hell in a handbasket.

Well they took the car and auctioned it and all this crap and so the new payments was ridiculously high. Wells Fargo even saw that the last payments had been coming from my SIL and MIL! Unreal! So we sought out legal advice, and we told them of all my medical bills (that was in the range of $60,000) and he suggested chapter 7 anyhow, that way we couldn't be held liable for the car and they can go after my MIL's hubby now.

Phew got all that? It's been a real mess with them. I had my SSI trial in Oct and got approved basically on the spot, but got my official letter in the mail. I just want to scream and pull out my SIL's and MIL's hair.

My MIL is still calling once in awhile, to badger my hubby for money for this. Hubby says, "Mom, we filed chapter 7 because of you guys and now we have a baby on the way, we're finally getting our feet on the ground." (All my prenatal care is covered 100% under our insurance thankfully and now I'll have Medical Assistance) and do you know what my MIL had the nerve to say???

"Well because of you I might have to file chapter 7 and lose everything!" BS! Then hubby found out she's been paying SIL's bills on credit cards and not telling her hubby, so she put all the credit cards in one of those debt consolodation agencies. This poor guy does not know how bad his credit is right about now...

ANYWAY so now that you've all got the big picture here--here's the problem--

If I invite my MIL (because above all else it is the decent thing to do, though we've already made a rule that if they want to see their grandchild, they have to come here to do so) I will have to invite my SIL or else it will get worse than it already is.

If I don't invite my MIL, I just know that somehow word will get back to her and she will make hubby's life even more miserable than she has tried for the past 23 years. I just feel like I am breaking up his family or something, and this is the last thing I wanted. They blame me for everything, and every time she talks to Chris (hubby) she makes these comments about me and I hear him arguing with her. I hate that she puts this stress on my hubby and I feel so guilty. But he told me not to invite them to the baby shower.

I just want to make things right somehow, even though my own hatred for them burns inside of me so bad that I could kill this women before I let them hold my child. I feel like it would be letting the devil himself hold my baby! I don't let Chris know the depth of my hatred, as this is still his family, but he knows I really dislike them.

What do I do here??? One advantage is that they will be here on my terms, and my mom hates them so much as do my friends that if they make one crooked comment there will be a group of protective women hurling their butts out of this house.

What should I do???

patricia1
12-08-2005, 07:01 AM
Wow what a horrible situation....And having to deal with this while being preg. This is a hard situation to deal with. You are d*** of you do and d*** if you dont. But then again this is you and your hubby's baby and the party is for the baby, not them. Maybe if you do invite them you can say here is the terms if you come: No ugly remarks (after all it is their grandchild/neice or nephew) and no matter how they feel about you to put feelings aside for this one day. Tell them upfront should something be started they will asked to leave right away. Then they know this upfront and they can choose for themselves if they want to come. I had the same problems with my daughters dad family. Because I was divorced when I meet their son, they had nothing to do with me. I moved from Louisiana to NJ to be near him. Know when I meet them, the day before we left to move back home to Louisiana. I spent Thanksgiving by myself because his mom and dad did not want me there. But he went....They dont even treat my daughter as their own, no phone calls no birthday present nada.

Remember if they continue with their behavior it is their loss not yours. You would think people would be happy with a new baby on the way... :grouphug:

poetgirl
12-08-2005, 07:55 AM
I definitely agree with Patricia that you and Chris set the rules for the visit - no ugly remarks or behavior. I think it's Chris that has to make them promise to abide by those rules and state flatly that if MIL and SIL cannot be happy and supportive for you both, then they shouldn't bother coming to the shower. This is supposed to be a joyous, exciting time in your lives (and one would think, your extended families lives too.) Since it's Chris's family, he has to set the rules that his relatives abide by. If you try to do it, they will only resent you more. At least you do know that your family will support and protect you while the in-laws are here. In your case, just try to take the high ground and be gracious, if at all possible. At least it will show you have some class and decency. People can see that, you know?

Sunflower2
12-08-2005, 08:23 AM
well, I know how difficult it is to deal with in-laws. I have my experience. How long have you been doing this in-law battles??? I hope not that long. Anyway, what do you really want for your baby shower?? It's your party. not thiers. So it's really up to you whether you want to have a really good time with your loved ones, or waiting for another bumb to explode at the party ???

tigger_gal
12-08-2005, 11:13 AM
I agree rules should be set too... I also believe, if Chris sad don't invite them he has good reason not wanting them there.. I guess its a coin toss, and hard to choose... Talk more about it with your parents and Chris, and see what you can come up with. You shouldn't be pentelized for there lack of compassion.

Patricia.. I have a mil the same way, I am sorry your child, has to go thru this too. It really isn't fair that there so inconsiderate.

SharonA
12-08-2005, 12:14 PM
Jess...Since it will be your mom and your friends who attend this shower, can you get one of your friends to play "host". That way, the invitations can come from them, not you. Your in-laws don't even have to know that a shower is taking place. If, for some reason, they mention a shower, you can put the whole thing on them by innocently asking them if they intend on giving you one. Don't volunteer any information about this shower :ignore: , since it is up to your "host" to make the invitation list.

ICNDonna
12-08-2005, 12:42 PM
I agree with Sharon --- if someone else is sending out the invitations, you really don't have much say in who is invited, especially if it is a "surprise" shower. :)

I have to agree that if they can't be nice, they shouldn't be invited.

Donna

Katrina
12-08-2005, 01:28 PM
I like the idea of rules. Saron's idea is great too! I would prepare yous support system...:grouphug: I hope it goes ok. XOXOX

ICNJess
12-09-2005, 03:49 AM
Thanks girls, that does sound like a really good idea! We thought about that...but then my MIL will nag hubby "Well why didn't her mother throw her a shower? Why didn't her friends ask her mother about me?" Trust me, this is how she is...

creatingkarma
12-09-2005, 04:08 AM
Jess, what a mess. I'm sorry that you're having to deal with all of this. I had problems with my baby shower when I was pregnant. My husband's parents are divorced & I couldn't invite both sides at the same time for fear of a fist fight between them. I couldn't invite his step-siblings because then the step-mom would find out that she wasn't invited & it would all blow up. I decided that my baby shower would be with my friends only & it was perfect. This is for you & your baby & you shouldn't have to worry about making everyone else happy. If your MIL asks why didn't your mom throw you a shower, I would just say well, why didn't YOU throw me a shower if you're so worried about it? Good luck with this.

patricia1
12-09-2005, 07:04 AM
It is so hard and trust me it could get even harder when the baby comes. It is so hard to say what to do. Because like I said you are **** if you do and **** if you dont. I would still have hubby explain the rules for coming and if they cant follow them or feel that it is to much so be it. You did you part by inviting them. This should be about the precious baby you are carrying and not about her insesentive feelings towards you right now. But easier said than done I know. Good luck and I am SOOOO HAPPY ABOUT YOUR BABY

Cindy***I have never understood his family. Then again he only wants to be daddy when its conv. for him. She is 12 now and has learned. Funny story during my preg with her he remarried this lady. Over time her and her mom became so close to Taylor. When they divorced I was devestated. But they keep getting Taylor and seeing her. We consider her (grandma to Taylor) She died several years ago of Breast cancer. BUT Michelle still sees Taylor during holidays and summers. Michelle lives in Chicago now and flys her everywhere. She has even taken her to Hawaii 2. Her sister lives there. To bad she could not have been Taylors Dad :biglaugh:

Betsie
12-10-2005, 03:12 AM
Jess,

In the long run...my advice is have them invited. Though the relationships are really difficult, it will ease YOUR stress.

They can choose to come or not and they can choose to own their behavior, good or bad. But the bottom line is you shouldn't feel so worried about anyone attending.

I think we all have been in situations that are uncomfortable in some respect, but sometimes just taking the high road will knock all that load off your shoulders. I would have the best possible time while they are in my presence! ;)

Your goal is to "nuture" a baby through the process of pregancy, theirs is to act responsibly. If they can't, it is not a reflection on you. Perhaps Chris would feel that burden, but he is not required to make excuses for them.

My guess is they will be on decent behavior, and if they want to go home and be caddy after? Who cares...they are not the ones who will have the benefit of this little darling in their lives, so a little shower is about as close as they get....their choice Jess.

In the meantime, just enjoy the holiday season and remember, next year there will be someone rolling around yanking the ornaments off the tree...and I don't mean Kiki! :kissing:

Annie2
12-10-2005, 06:40 PM
Jess,

I've gotta go with Betsie on this one. By taking the high road and inviting them, you take all the stress off of yourself. The ball would be in their court. It would be their choice to make whether or not to attend. They know what they would be walking into...a gathering of your friends and relatives. They might just decide they don't want to be there and, if that is their choice, it would be just fine. If they decide to attend, like Betsie, my bet is they would be on their very best behavior. They wouldn't likely make fools of themselves in front of everyone there. No matter what they decide to do about the invitation, you are totally off the hook and can relax and enjoy this very special event.

I love Eleanor Roosevelt's quote Betsie uses in her signature. It certainly applies in this situation, too. Invite them and hold your head high. Do not give them the power to make you feel bad or guilty. I would take that quote one step further here. No one can be held responsible for things over which they have absolutely no control. I would not ask Chris to explain the "rules of proper behavior" to them. They are adults and know how they should behave. Chris certainly doesn't have the power to control how they choose to act. Though you wouldn't be asking your hubby to take responsibility for your MIL and SIL's behavior, it might make him feel he should take on that responsibility. If your MIL or SIL find some crazy reason to complain to Chris about receiving the invitation to your baby shower, he can just say they are invited to attend but they don't have to---it's their choice. End of discussion---he need not say another word about it. That keeps the ball in their court and both you and Chris cannot be blamed for anything.

Hope this holiday season will be warm and wonderful for you!

ICNJess
12-12-2005, 04:56 AM
Ahhh the high road it is...thankfully we do not see them that often. And the shower will most likely be on a Saturday evening, soooo they probably won't show, but at least the invite will be out there.

Annie--Betsie has pointed her sig out to me too many times to count...I think she's given up on me with that one LOL!

Hugs,
Jess

ibtracy
12-12-2005, 06:44 AM
Jess, I so can relate with all that you're dealing with. My family can sometimes be a total train wreck :rolleyes: as well. I have to agree with going ahead and inviting them (get it over with) and like you said if you have it on a Saturday evening, maybe they won't show and you won't have to deal with all that emotional & physical stress. However if they do tell you they're coming then set some ground rules and tell your other friends and family members what's been going on so that they can step in and stop any tiny problems that might escalate into bigger issues to save you any emotional trauma during what should be a fun and happy occasion. I wish you the best of luck and sincerely hope all goes well for you and it turns out to be the most memorable occasion it could be for you. Take care of yourself, Jess through all of this. :idea: Pick someone special to be your sidekick so not to be alone at the shower that always helps me from being cornered into a stressful situation. Hope some of our suggestions work for you and you can relax and enjoy!

Happy Baby Shower!
I hope you have a wonderful time, ;)
Tracy K.

sherry6
12-12-2005, 03:07 PM
I whole heartedly second Betsie and especially Annie. She took the words right out of my mouth. I hate to say it, but you kind of have to invite them. And I agree that your husband should not have to take responsibility for them. It sounds to me like he is a good guy and is obviously on your side. He has already stood up to them, and has made his feelings about you clear to them. That is the only responsibility he has.

No matter how horrible they are to you in the privacy of their own family, they will not have the guts to be horrible to you around your family and friends. You can invite them and breathe easy. Your work is done.

I'm sorry you have such a horrible situation. Your story sounds incredible, and I would have a hard time believing it if I didn't have a close friend in a very similar situation. It's more common thanwe all think. Your MIL and SIL sound toxic, and you should probably have as little to do with them as possible. I know it is easier said than done. :headbang:

Take a deep breath; your family, friends, and husband love you! :grouphug:
If your in laws can't see how great you are, it is truly their loss.