{"id":1441,"date":"2024-11-30T07:06:55","date_gmt":"2024-11-30T07:06:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=1441"},"modified":"2024-11-30T07:06:59","modified_gmt":"2024-11-30T07:06:59","slug":"i-came-home-from-the-hospital-with-a-newborn-when-my-mil-saw-me-feeding-him-she-screamed-take-him-back-to-the-hospital-before-its-too-late","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/1441","title":{"rendered":"I Came Home from the Hospital with a Newborn \u2013 When My MIL Saw Me Feeding Him, She Screamed, \u2018Take Him Back to the Hospital Before It\u2019s Too Late!\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<p class='\"entry-title\"'>Honestly, I think I should\u2019ve seen it coming. Karen had been acting strangely throughout my pregnancy, asking intrusive questions and making passive-aggressive comments.\n\n</p><div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But I never thought she\u2019d go so far as to say what she did that day.\n</p><div class='\"code-block' code-block-1>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/t9_aq5epkliRpb9O97ZszBT9EcJGfkHfnSjZXzGjADo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2FjYzFjOGJiMjdiNWNlOWVkMDZiYTJjMTA4NzU3NTE2ZWVjNzMyOTk1ODNlNzM2MGNjOTIwYWRmYmUwMmUzYi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/cacc1c8bb27b5ce9ed06ba2c108757516eec73299583e7360cc920adfbe02e3b.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' older woman source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An older woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Jake and I recently welcomed our baby boy, Noah. After years of struggling with infertility, holding him in my arms felt like a miracle. The journey to this moment wasn\u2019t easy.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The endless doctor visits, failed treatments, and sleepless nights spent questioning if we\u2019d ever become parents had taken their toll. When Noah finally arrived, we wanted to savor every second of his newborn days, but my mother-in-law, Karen, had other plans.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/lbBxmm5BwFoHZyWz88PwkEvvf2MHfmrW1tQPvmeqmeI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGNhZDFmN2VhYTc5ZGY1Y2I1MTkxOTY0ODZmYjBiMjM1YTVlZTE5ODg0Njg1NzcxNDFhY2MyNTg0ZmQ3MzMzNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0cad1f7eaa79df5cb519196486fb0b235a5ee1988468577141acc2584fd73335.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' older woman smiling source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An older woman smiling\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We didn\u2019t share much about our struggles with family. It was too painful to relive, and frankly, we didn\u2019t want to deal with questions or pity. Karen only knew that we\u2019d been trying for a long time, and she seemed genuinely happy when we announced the pregnancy.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The thing is, Karen has always been difficult. She\u2019s one of those people who thrives on control and hates surprises, which meant our pregnancy announcement wasn\u2019t exactly on her terms.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/08wMLdVQJn8BSJPGMcJlK63VXTqVUOjb4YzBun-cGCE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGU5MjZmYWU3NTRhNDZjODdjZGVjOTQ1ODFiNGM1MTFkZjBjMDYwYjg1MGY3NTBlODUzZTVhZDRmYTYwNTA3MC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4Mg.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0e926fae754a46c87cdec94581b4c511df0c060b850f750e853e5ad4fa605070.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman holding an ultrasound image source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1282\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman holding an ultrasound image\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAre you sure this is the right time?\u201d she asked over dinner after Jake and I broke the news. \u201cThirty is still so young, Bethany. You have your whole life ahead of you.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I glanced at Jake, hoping he\u2019d say something, but he just gave me a small smile and squeezed my hand under the table.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMom, we\u2019re in a great place. We\u2019ve been planning for this for years,\u201d he replied, trying to keep things light.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Karen just shrugged. \u201cWell, I guess it\u2019s your decision.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/P34oEYQnZPUHpcMwKWjC4dGYLJmFg7B7nouNuo3Ji38\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjYwZmQ2MWFiNmM1NzVkMjFkMmFkZjBiNDEyNTM4YTNmMWIzYjA0YTcwODliMGEwMTRhYTY1YTc0ODViOWM1Yi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/f60fd61ab6c575d21d2adf0b412538a3f1b3b04a7089b0a014aa65a7485b9c5b.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman talking to her son source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman talking to her son\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Her tone was dismissive, and I couldn\u2019t help but feel she didn\u2019t think we were ready. Jake and I were financially stable and had been married for five years. What more did she want?\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Throughout my pregnancy, her behavior got stranger. She asked me overly specific questions about my doctor appointments, like what tests were being done and why.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIsn\u2019t that an awfully early ultrasound? What are they looking for?\u201d she\u2019d ask, her tone full of suspicion.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/2imVPmOg6OYf7UQDYB0zJuPYkwynGXxIy-nxhFvRYoQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDkzMGRiYjA2YjBiNTdhNDZkNGUyYWRjZDY3MjVhZTA5ZjNjOGVmNDMzMTNkOTQxZWEyM2IwZTNhY2NkOGRjZS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d930dbb06b0b57a46d4e2adcd6725ae09f3c8ef43313d941ea23b0e3accd8dce.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman talking to her daughter-in-law source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman talking to her daughter-in-law\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As a result, I started dreading her visits, especially when she\u2019d throw in passive-aggressive comments about my decision to work part-time.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMust be nice to take it easy,\u201d she had said with a raised eyebrow as if I were lounging on a beach instead of preparing for our first child.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>One evening, about six months into my pregnancy, she cornered me in the kitchen while Jake was outside grilling.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou know,\u201d she started, \u201cyou really don\u2019t look pregnant. Are you sure everything is okay with the baby?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/-nawGUhncudy6bsdYXO6-bOqfFunasap31qwpTQ7M80\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTAxOGNlOGUxZDU5ODY4MDJmMDU0MWEwYjJiOGUxZWY1OGYyY2IxZDhiMmQyOWQwNmU5MGYyZDQwOTc2MTlhYS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5018ce8e1d5986802f0541a0b2b8e1ef58f2cb1d8b2d29d06e90f2d4097619aa.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman talking to another source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman talking to another woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I didn\u2019t know how to respond.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cUh, well, I am on the smaller side,\u201d I said carefully. \u201cMy doctor says everything is fine.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHmm,\u201d she murmured. \u201cI just hope you\u2019re being honest with yourself. And everyone else.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That comment stayed with me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I chalked it up to her controlling nature and her need to feel involved in every aspect of Jake\u2019s life, but it felt very odd.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/OpfO-jMu3WzhJX2EP_AL0_vvximeDP8mGwxpi4Nm7To\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjVjNGMxY2E4Y2ZhMWRhODcxNjU0ZDRmZWJiNTVmYTAwMjc4MzFiMjAxZjBiYzQwZjZhMTNhNTA1OTkzNmI4Ni5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b5c4c1ca8cfa1da871654d4febb55fa0027831b201f0bc40f6a13a5059936b86.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman looking at her daughter-in-law source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman looking at her daughter-in-law\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Jake brushed it off when I mentioned it later.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou know how she is,\u201d he said, kissing my forehead. \u201cDon\u2019t let her get to you. You\u2019re doing great.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>After Noah was born, I hoped her attitude would change. I thought holding her first grandson would soften her.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But when she showed up unannounced two days after we brought Noah home, any hope of a fresh start with her vanished.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was in the nursery breastfeeding Noah when she walked in without knocking.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI just couldn\u2019t wait to meet him,\u201d she said.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/TmFAZBBRKlOPomgEB12iVnbEyPfkhE_CThdxEnbGUDk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYWFmNGY3YTU1M2Q0ZTIyYjRkZmE5MzhiMjUzMmY5ZmY3NjZkNTk4ZGNmY2RjNjNjMDYwMjVkYmI0ZjM5NzJlMi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/aaf4f7a553d4e22b4dfa938b2532f9ff766d598dcfcdc63c06025dbb4f3972e2.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' older woman smiling source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An older woman smiling\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But as soon as her eyes landed on me feeding Noah, her expression changed. Her face twisted into something I can only describe as horrified. She froze in the doorway, unable to say anything.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Finally, she did. And what she said was totally unexpected.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cTake him back to the hospital! Right now!\u201d she screamed.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat? What are you talking about?\u201d I asked, clutching Noah protectively.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She ignored me completely, pointing at Noah as if he were an alien.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSomething isn\u2019t right! You need to fix this before it\u2019s too late!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/ou8Fi5TV8sdHpIfVY7sVl2jncYyBZvsuH-vPM5nLsXw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWQ5ZmFjZjJlODg4ZDNhN2VmY2I4MDhmOGVjYjMyZTE2YmY2NzI5NGEzNzkyYWI5NjM2NGRiYzdiNzJmZDgwMi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9d9facf2e888d3a7efcb808f8ecb32e16bf67294a3792ab96364dbc7b72fd802.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' serious woman source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A serious woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She spun on her heel and stormed out of the house, slamming the door so hard the walls shook.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Jake came running in seconds after the door slammed.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat happened? Is Noah okay?\u201d he asked, his eyes darting between me and the nursery door.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was still shaking, clutching Noah to my chest.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYour mom\u2026 she just\u2026 she screamed at me to take him back to the hospital,\u201d I stammered. \u201cShe said something wasn\u2019t right with him and that we needed to \u2018fix this.\u2019\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/BdD7ZLi4ORgaQMl8oMH4uDcFxa4BjzsY57wE7HUsm8c\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmUyOTQzN2E5ZjA4ZjUxNzJiZjE0YzFhYzg4ODIyZmY3NDg2OWI1YmYzNmJjMzk1MGM4ZGE4YzUzNzhlZGExOS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/be29437a9f08f5172bf14c1ac88822ff74869b5bf36bc3950c8da8c5378eda19.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman talking to her husband source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman talking to her husband\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat? Fix what? What is she even talking about?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI don\u2019t know!\u201d I cried. \u201cShe wouldn\u2019t even look at me, Jake. She just kept pointing at Noah like something was wrong with him.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He sat down next to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBabe, Noah is perfect. You know that. Mom\u2026 she\u2019s just being\u2026\u201d He trailed off, clearly struggling to find the right word. \u201cShe\u2019s being ridiculous.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But ridiculous didn\u2019t quite cover it.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/zey9hbkiA5uI_G1NEK3N8IV7ndpeljPS-aFjLY3_l6g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDcxNGY2MGQwNDM5MTVkMTI5MjZiNDQwOWMxYmU5OGJhN2M5ODI5MTYwYjBkMTZkMzk5NzA3YzhkYjg2M2I3Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d714f60d043915d12926b4409c1be98ba7c9829160b0d16d399707c8db863b7c.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man talking to his wife source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man talking to his wife\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Karen\u2019s reaction wasn\u2019t just rude or overbearing. It felt much worse than that.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As much as I wanted to believe Jake\u2019s reassurances, her words kept echoing in my mind.\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>Something isn\u2019t right\u2026 Fix this before it\u2019s too late.\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The rest of the day passed in a haze of anxiety.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I kept checking Noah, searching for any sign that something might actually be wrong. Was his color off? Was he breathing okay?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He seemed perfectly healthy, just as the pediatrician had said, but Karen\u2019s panic had wormed its way into my head. What if she saw something I hadn\u2019t?\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/TaACxGxbbK_-8l6ZfU7rJRqjWXxHYrAJuuCPdkY6UVY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWNhYzM5MjQ4MGVmMGRjNjRhNjI1YTkxYTQwOWM5MWFmYTE5ZGNiM2Q5NzZjNWUzZjBhOTFiMjE2ZGU5NzFjNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5cac392480ef0dc64a625a91a409c91afa19dcb3d976c5e3f0a91b216de971c5.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman holding her baby feet source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman holding her baby\u2019s feet\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Jake tried calling her multiple times, but she wouldn\u2019t answer. Each missed call only added to our frustration and confusion.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhy isn\u2019t she picking up?\u201d Jake muttered after his fifth attempt. \u201cIf she\u2019s so concerned, the least she could do is explain herself.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That night, after hours of silence, my phone buzzed with a message from Karen.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>You can\u2019t hide the truth forever. You\u2019ll regret this when it all comes out.\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/TC01mGRDAWKXHPJZJyULmQ9a5PjfvHAXEri-H-8FSXg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWIzYTVkZDA4ZDM2YmRlMjkwZDA1MTA1YmUzNzBjYTQ2YmI2MDk4ODQ5YmExNDYzNTNiNDQ0NjVjNTdkYWYwNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/1b3a5dd08d36bde290d05105be370ca46bb6098849ba146353b44465c57daf05.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman using her phone source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman using her phone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stared at the screen, trying to make sense of her words. Hide the truth? What truth? And what did she mean by \u201cregret this\u201d?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When I showed the message to Jake, he was furious.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThis is insane,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m calling her again. She doesn\u2019t get to scare you like this.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He finally got through to her the next morning. I listened from the couch as he paced the living room, his voice growing louder with each passing minute. I could hear Karen through the speaker.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/HKgFslaWSvR4dy0al6y_2uXmF22Q1bOzRh6O_k0bljU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZWI5NWE4MWRmMmIzNmQ5YmNiYWNiMTgyYjNiM2JmM2MwMWUyNjUzZGY5M2ZiOTMwYTE5OWE5ZTA0MTMyY2NjMi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/eb95a81df2b36d9bcbacb182b3b3bf3c01e2653df93fb930a199a9e04132ccc2.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man using his phone source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man using his phone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMom, what are you talking about?\u201d he demanded. \u201cWhat truth? Why would you say something like that to Bethany?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>At first, Karen dodged his questions, repeating vague warnings about how we\u2019d regret it if we didn\u2019t listen to her. But Jake wasn\u2019t letting her off the hook this time.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEnough with the cryptic nonsense!\u201d he snapped. \u201cIf you have something to say, just say it!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>And finally, she did.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBethany was never pregnant,\u201d she said. \u201cThat baby isn\u2019t yours.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/sZGSRF1HnBfbd9quAx7dczeoGx2kNnBTOPVqOM-0C3U\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTk4MDUzOTU4MzNjYTVkOTk5MmFiYzM1NWI0YWNjNDI1MTg4YzgxNjAyZmY2NTQyNDA4NTRhMzlhN2E1YmY0Mi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/99805395833ca5d9992abc355b4acc425188c81602ff654240854a39a7a5bf42.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' older woman talking on the phone source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An older woman talking on the phone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I couldn\u2019t believe what I was hearing. Karen went on and her tone grew sharper as she outlined her so-called \u201cproof.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cShe barely looked pregnant,\u201d Karen said. \u201cI mean, did you see her during family dinners? Always wearing those loose clothes, hiding her stomach. And where are the photos, huh? She didn\u2019t post any bump pictures. Not one.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Jake\u2019s face turned red with anger.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAre you kidding me right now?\u201d he yelled. \u201cYou think she faked an entire pregnancy? What planet are you living on?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/2NYO3JcNUfVYz6U2YZ8CHkqWL-rpCVLZEPlhmgt59vk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTEzM2Y3OWExOTMzZDc5YTQwNDBhZjQ5NDY3ODM3YTY3NmJjMjNmMWI2NWIwNjEyNmI5ZGJlZTk1OWNlZDA3MS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9133f79a1933d79a4040af49467837a676bc23f1b65b06126b9dbee959ced071.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' angry man source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An angry man\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cShe didn\u2019t want anyone to know,\u201d Karen insisted. \u201cIt\u2019s obvious! You two must\u2019ve adopted that baby, and she\u2019s just too ashamed to admit it. I\u2019m trying to protect you, Jake. You\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cStop it, Mom,\u201d Jake cut her off and hung up.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cShe\u2019s completely lost it,\u201d he said, running his hand through his hair. \u201cWhat is wrong with her, Beth? How could she even think something so\u2026 so insane?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I didn\u2019t have an answer. My mind was reeling from her accusations. Karen wasn\u2019t just being difficult.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>This went far beyond her usual controlling tendencies.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/6_5IV7bo7xqWLJPrVW4kEvmi3GscV981yR14EZ6-4eY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYThkZWJiZWUyYzEyMTUxMWRmYTQ2ZTkwZTJmNmU0OWNjYTIyZmE4NTZkZTVhZjU5NzhjYmI1ZmRlODk3OWNhMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/a8debbee2c121511dfa46e90e2f6e49cca22fa856de5af5978cbb5fde8979ca0.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' angry woman source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An angry woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She genuinely believed I had faked my pregnancy and lied to Jake about Noah\u2019s parentage. The sheer absurdity of it made my head spin.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Jake sat down beside me, taking my hand.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBeth, listen to me. This is her problem, not yours. You did nothing wrong, and you don\u2019t owe her a damn thing.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I nodded as tears blurred my vision. \u201cWhat if she tries to turn this into something bigger? What if she tells the rest of your family? I don\u2019t want to keep defending myself against something so ridiculous.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/jwa8pkTB5j5wkcbpK97pvDEs_ZxFqKXX0VRe54FrAIs\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNjhjM2IxOTU1YWFiNTg2OTUxYjE2MGFjYmRlYjM1MTVjYmEyMzA5MWZmNjYzNTZjNTFmMjg3MTI5OTVjMGRiZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/68c3b1955aab586951b160acbdeb3515cba23091ff66356c51f28712995c0dbd.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman in her house source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman in her house\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He squeezed my hand tightly. \u201cWe\u2019re not letting her drag us down, okay? Noah is our son, and that\u2019s all that matters. If she can\u2019t accept that, she\u2019s out of our lives.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I wanted to believe him, but a knot of anxiety settled in my chest. Knowing Karen, this wasn\u2019t over.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That night, I couldn\u2019t sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, Karen\u2019s words replayed in my head.\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>Bethany was never pregnant. That baby isn\u2019t yours.\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The conviction in her voice was chilling, and I couldn\u2019t help but wonder how far she\u2019d go to prove her delusion.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/VujYw2MNNaxLfwDi1srzu9zxbLqnmfNCLv-wiavlXSc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTA3MzczOTI3YTFmZjg1MTE5ZDdlNDFiZGUwYmI0YmQxODljNzgyZGU5YjMxYWFlYjAwYWE0NzllYzU3NWM1ZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/107373927a1ff85119d7e41bde0bb4bd189c782de9b31aaeb00aa479ec575c5d.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' older woman looking straight ahead source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An older woman looking straight ahead\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The next morning, as I held Noah in the nursery, I tried to focus on the joy of having him home. His tiny fingers curled around mine, his soft breaths filling the quiet room. But Karen\u2019s accusations kept replaying in my mind.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Soon, Jake joined me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWe\u2019re going no-contact,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cShe crossed the line, and we\u2019re not letting her back in until she apologizes and accepts Noah.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I wanted to believe that cutting Karen off would solve everything, but deep down, I knew this wasn\u2019t over.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/-liDA9I-Ry4BhacpspMTlWl7B9nvAZDu8JmQq2g59JU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODE3ZmFmZjkyNGMxZDlmMmRhNDA3MGUxMjcyZjY5MDMzMjhlYjc1ZmRkNDUwNjQ4MmYxY2I0NDM5NzFhY2IxNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/817faff924c1d9f2da4070e1272f6903328eb75fdd4506482f1cb443971acb17.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' close-up shot of a woman eyes source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A close-up shot of a woman\u2019s eyes\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She wasn\u2019t the type to admit she was wrong, and the thought of her spreading her lies to the rest of Jake\u2019s family made my stomach churn.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Later that day, Jake shared a conversation he\u2019d had with his sister, who had called after hearing from Karen.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cShe\u2019s already planting seeds,\u201d Jake told me grimly. \u201cShe told Serena she\u2019s convinced you\u2019re hiding something, but Serena didn\u2019t believe her.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The thought of Karen dragging other family members into her delusion made my blood boil.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/5uqM3kAebcNzx-7gaHepOHz3TtlBAzcaYKxG5myDMJY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDFjNTUzZWM5OTA4NTg2MzNjOWVjNDJlMGM4NmFhMTNhY2M3MzIxNDY5NTUzMWQ1ZTFhMjY5YWZiMmY1YzAzNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d1c553ec990858633c9ec42e0c86aa13acc73214695531d5e1a269afb2f5c037.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman sitting on a couch source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman sitting on a couch\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cShe can say whatever she wants,\u201d I said firmly, \u201cbut I\u2019m done letting her have power over us.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Jake wrapped an arm around me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWe\u2019ll handle this together, Beth,\u201d he said. \u201cShe doesn\u2019t get to control our lives anymore.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>For the first time in days, I felt a glimmer of hope. Karen might continue her campaign of paranoia, but Jake and I were a team, and I knew nothing could break us apart. Not even her delusions.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/sICh3bAIBc9-0L5dvOZIrWrW3pEzRKP7Jgb1akKUQ_g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmIyMTg0ZGQ4YWQyZWM4NTMxNTUzNjhmYjFmMWQzNDExMDYzNDAyOTU2ODk3NjhjM2VjZmE1NjgxZTU5YWI2NC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTI1OSZoZWlnaHQ9ODMx.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6b2184dd8ad2ec853155368fb1f1d341106340295689768c3ecfa5681e59ab64.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' couple holding hands source: midjourney width='\"1259\"' height='\"831\"'>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Honestly, I think I should\u2019ve seen it coming. Karen had been acting strangely throughout my pregnancy, asking intrusive questions and making passive-aggressive comments. But I never thought she\u2019d go so far as to say what she did that day. An older woman Jake and I recently welcomed our baby boy, Noah. After years of struggling [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1442,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1441","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1441"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1443,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1441\/revisions\/1443"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1442"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>