DEAR ABBY: I'm a newlywed, married to an amazing man who also brought me an adorable 5-year-old stepson. Although we married only three months ago, I have been in both of their lives for three years. We recently found out we are expecting, and I am over the moon! We haven't told anyone yet because we are waiting to get through the first trimester.
My question to you is, while this baby is my first, he or she is clearly his second. How do I answer when people ask if this is our first baby? In a sense, it is our first baby, but I don't want to lessen the importance of my stepson. At the same time I'm so excited to share that yes, this is my first baby!
I'm looking forward to all the excitement and the advice people can give, and I want to share the news. Do you have guidance on how I ought to phrase the best news of my life? I never thought I would have this dilemma. -- OVER THE MOON IN LAS VEGAS
DEAR OVER THE MOON: Congratulations on your impending birth. I applaud you for your sensitivity to the feelings of your stepson. If you are asked if this is your first baby, reply that it is your first but your husband's second. And when you do, be sure to tell the "asker" how much you would appreciate any advice the person would care to share about infants, and I'm sure you'll get an earful.