His parents and family have always been better off than me and mine. We try not to let it bother us, but there are a few things I'm uncomfortable about. The biggest one? We just found out we're pregnant. I have two kids from a previous relationship, but my youngest is nine, so I have no more baby supplies. His mother keeps asking when we're going to start decorating the baby's room. What my birth plan is. I don't have any of those things yet. I'm very uneasy about this entire situation. His parents are super excited. They just helped us to buy a home. And I know they want to cover all expenses for upcoming baby, but it feels so wrong just to have them support me like this.

I was thrown out of my mom's house at sixteen- she has heavy physiological issues. I grew up standing in line at food banks and stealing from neighbors gardens. I had a minimum wage job and I've since progressed to being able to care for the three of us, perhaps meager-ly, but in a home full of love.. Fast forward to a few years ago when my fiance and I got together. His family is amazing- his mother is sweet, his dad easygoing and cheerful, and his grandparents are supportive and kind. They made me and my kids feel welcome, like a part of the family.

But then, as a part of the family, we are expected to participate in family activities. No, I cannot afford a weekend inclusive trip to Cedar Point, even if they are paying for the tickets. I can't afford the overpriced food for three days. I politely decline, and they insist, so we go, and I feel horrible the entire time- denying my kids treats and souvenirs simply because if I spend what's in my checking account, I'm going to have to get an extension for my power bill. His mother will brush off my "oh no no, you don't need to buy them t shirts" and do it anyway. When my children see their mom not being able to do for them, and watch someone else do it instead, I'm afraid of the message it leaves for them. It makes me feel like a mother who just isn't good enough. I have no idea how I'm going to turn down their yearly trip this year. I know they do these things to include us, but it's hard accepting them when it makes me feel like this.

I'm super scared to have a newborn again. I'm scared I will have to rely on his parents to support this child. I haven't relied on anyone to raise my kids, and at this age it's terrifying to think I might have to. And for the icing on the cake, I had to quit my job when I found out because of the heavy lifting I do daily. So with only one income, relying on them is almost inevitable at this point. I'd rather take a gift from a stranger than have to accept help from them- as crass as that may sound, I just don't like to feel like I owe them, that "I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for them so I owe them" mentality.