So it's been about a month since my last update.
Sorrel is pregnant. We found out from a family friend who still followed her on social media and saw that she had posted ultrasound photos.
This is obviously hard to process for all of us and we're trying to make a joint decision on how to proceed, so I would appreciate everyone's empathy in regards to our actions and choices.
What we are doing now is basically collecting a paper trail on her, just as much documentation as we can get in the case that she somehow manipulates this pregnancy into a legal advantage, which is unlikely, but we're taking all the precautions.
After we made this discovery, my uncle reached out to Anatole (dad), and he basically said that yes, they were expecting, but they didn't mean for us to find out like this and were working on a way to tell us personally. He said he would respect whatever we decided in this matter but vouched for his girlfriend and said he had changed and wanted to be a better dad for his new kid. And obviously, they were still hoping for the chance that they could be included in the family. (Personally, I suspect Sorrel may have been texting through his phone, though my uncle didn't have any such suspicion, so idk).
My brothers and I also went through the rest of her facebook and found some other upsetting things. Prior to the ultrasound photos, she had been posting photos of our family, mostly our younger siblings. One example is when our little brother got sick two months back, she had come over to take care of him and she posted a photo of him in his pajamas, sitting in front of his lunch and smiling, and the caption was "sick day :( but I get to spend time with my precious baby" and tbh my gut reaction when I saw that photo was honestly...like it made my gut turn.
So my uncle saw these as well and basically sent her an email saying that she had to take down all the photos with my younger siblings in them, never to put their faces online again, and if she didn't he would write a cease and desist letter and pursue legal action. She sent back a very apologetic email, like apologized very profusely, and took down the photos.
Some other stuff we found on her social media, which were not as concerning, was just captions of her talking about our family situation, not naming anyone or giving away too much but victimizing herself.
Given that we're still trying to make a decision about all of this, Henri opened a very cautious line of communication with her through text. She's been very apologetic and congenial and just giving information about the pregnancy. Henri said that after he asked, she had showed him more ultrasound photos, prenatal labs, appointments, basically confirming that she wasn't lying. The only off-putting thing she's said in their text is he reminded her of the father she always wanted for her kids. ????.
So then about a week ago, Sorrel texts Henri asking him to come to her next ultrasound appointment. Henri automatically was going to say no, but he showed us first, and I had told him, say yes, see what she says. This I have kept more to myself but I am still suspicious that this pregnancy might be a sham. I just feel like there's something more going on, whether or not it is entirely fake, but it's not something I'm going to push really hard with my family because we're all troubled and overwhelmed to different degrees and I don't want to add to it. Henri replied yes, then some days later, she said her OB was out of town and she had to push things back. And she only likes seeing this specific OB. I have made a large mental note of this.
Yesterday, and this is what prompted me to make the update, and I am still working through some emotions related to this, it was the day after my little sister's birthday. I was home alone with my younger siblings, Anatole came to hang out with the kids, watched a few episodes of their favorite show with them, and brought presents for my little sister. There was one specific present that he said was "from Sorrel," which I took, and I opened it in the kitchen later in the afternoon.
If this has been forgotten since my first post, which is understandable, I share a mother with my two older brothers who passed away when I was a kid. One of my very few memories with her is a tradition she liked to do every summer, making mazamorra morada (yam/corn pudding dessert from Peru) together, and we continued this tradition after she passed. And when I got older I naturally took over and did it with my younger siblings. I know our mother isn't their mother, and I'm not their mother either, but it just keeps a part of her with us. I never got to learn Spanish from my mom like my brothers did so for me it's also a way to connect with my peruvian heritage.
So the present Sorrel had given was two mason jars of mazamorra morada she had made and a note to my sister, part of it saying “oh I hope I made it as good as Charlie did”
Honestly I just felt so sad in that moment, I don't know if it's dramatic to say but I felt like this very precious thing I had with my siblings had been tarnished, like touched by this ugly gesture. I knew in my gut when I opened it that it wasn't just some innocent loving birthday present for my sister. And I don't have any way to prove it, but I know she did it as a dig at me. I think she found out from one of my younger siblings talking about it, and they know it's a tradition from my mom that I do with them and I just know Sorrel understood that significance even if I can't prove it.
And I know I'm just venting to strangers on the internet at this point but the worst part is, those jars are just sitting in our fridge right now, and my little sister and brother have no idea, not that I would ever want them to, and this thing from my mom I never imagined it was, like, in danger of a situation like this, like I literally feel violated. Not to be dramatic again. So after that happened, I was feeling very intensely like je perdais les pédales, I walked Anatole out and told him I refused to see him or hear from him again until he left her. I know that's a very emotional thing to say but I think I was trying to express how much I wanted Sorrel away from us in terms that Anatole would recognize.
I haven't talked about this to my family yet but I'll probably tell my brothers and uncle today, I just did not feel like I had the words for it yesterday, nor was I in the right state.
I want to say again that we're still in the middle of going through this stuff and we haven't decided what to do yet, concerning our relationship with Anatole and Sorrel and our next sibling. Personally, I don't think the risk of having those two people in our lives is worth the connection with their child, as I unceremoniously expressed to my father yesterday. I'm at a loss. If you've read this far thank you, and I again appreciate all words of advice.
Tell your brothers and uncle, and throw the jars away. There is no law that you have to keep them.
Absolutely throw those jars away.
If she asks, just say that it was too much of a risk to let your sister eat that, after the olive thing and her talk of "exposure therapy".
Is there any possibility that she might have dropped either olives or olive juice in those jars?
Those who talk about 'exposure therapy' have been known to sneak an allergen into food they serve to someone with the allergy, just to try to prove they 'aren't that allergic." Many, many times, the results ends up with the allergic person at the ER, and sometimes worse.
What’s the olive thing?
Look at update 1 and search for the word olives. There’s a bit of context needed for how ridiculous what the lady said is.
fr sometimes you just gotta let stuff go for your own sanity
Absolutely. All OP is doing at this point is trying to ensure another child is brought into this world for her father not to be a real parent for.
Just throw away the jars and focus on staying sane. Threatening dad about being with his gf… that’s just setting another child up to move in with them, which brings the gf around even more often. No thanks!
She's already been flippant about your little sister's allergies. There's no telling what she put in there. Throw them away for safety, if nothing else.
You're absolutely right. OP, there's no sentimental obligation to hold onto something that feels tainted or violating, especially when it's from someone who crossed boundaries repeatedly. Throwing the jars away isn’t about being dramatic, it’s about reclaiming your space and peace. You're allowed to say no to symbols that hurt you, no matter how "thoughtful" they were meant to appear
Of course, I'd have to save the Mason jars after dumping the crap out.
That's just being practical. But whatever is in those jars should get flushed straight down the crapper, especially since she was so dismissive of the younger sister's allergies.
Then I’d google some kind of warding spell/potion/herbs and fill the jars with that to try to keep her crazy away. 😂
You are my sister. I have 6 already, but you might be the best of the lot.
Have an accident in the fridge. Jars break, things spoil etc etc. Are they even safe with kiddos allergies?
I wish she'd "accidently" let the jars slip out of her hands on the hardwood kitchen floor. But clean-up. And possible floor damage.
By the sounds of it OPs recipe is tailored to kiddos allergies so there's every chance Weirdo's recipe won't be safe and genuinely should be donated to someone else or disposed of.
And if anyone asks, say what jars?!
I wonder if they aren't tainted with allergic foods re little sister's allergy.
There is no way of telling exactly what is in those jars, and there is every reason to distrust Sorrel. Throw those jars out.
I… would not drink those. At all.
Definitely throw the jars away.
That woman is obsessed with you and your siblings in such a creepy way. I suspect the pregnancy is fake and she is going to to use it to get closer to your siblings and then say she has had a miscarriage. Or she will wait until she has a negative interaction with you to say she miscarried.
I can absolutely see Sorrel blaming a “miscarriage” on Charlie. “The stress made me lose my precious baby. Charlie is so unhinged and territorial!”
Sorrel is special for sure. Make sure Henry follows up about that ultra sound.
NTA
Updateme
I've a feeling if OP downloads the picture and Google's ultrasound pictures she'll get a match, and I think OP thinks along the same lines.
Updateme
UpdateMe!
I’m really curious to find out if this pregnancy is real and I doubt that it is.
Updateme
Same
Updateme
Wouldn't surprise me if there was a sudden miscarriage and blaming it on op. Hopefully, dear old dad sees the light before that
UpdateMe!
Sorrel is such a WEIRDO (but not a nice weirdo....like a nefarious weirdo)...everything she does is SO calculated...I think acting like this would be EXHAUSTING.
I had never heard of mazamorra morada, but I LOVE a good pudding, so I had to look it up.........it sounds DELICIOUS & I will ATTEMPT to make it. When I do make it, I will be thinking about you, your mom, and your siblings...charlie_z0usx do you have any tips or tricks about how to make it?
Updateme
you know what, I'm loving all the pudding comments, it's like a little ray of sunlight in all the dark clouds. I had already put this in a reply to another comment but toasted kiwicha, or I think quinoa more commonly in english, as a garnish makes all the difference! especially if you have anyone who doesn't like the cinnamon spice, kiwicha works so good instead. also, we always keep it in the fridge overnight, I think this results better than just chilling it for a few hours. the only other tip I have is to make it a fun activity, I don't like cooking that much but I love making mazamorra because we put on music, and the kids get little chef hats, and we make a whole day out of it. and we always make extra to share with friends and neighbors.
Those of us who know what it feels like are definitely Team Charlie's Pudding.
That's your tradition. That's something you started with your siblings together, to have meaning for the three of you. I love it. I wish I had traditions like this with my siblings-- they are 20 and 23 years younger than I am, and just starting to make up their mind whether they want to hang out with me or not (we share a volatile father). I'm sure this all sounds familiar, so I just want to say HUGS (in whatever form that takes for you and your comfort).
This is SO wholesome & I LOVE IT.
I wish for only good things for you & your siblings.
While I'm not a mom, I love being an Auntie....you've got an entire community here rooting for you, and feel free to reach out to me if you need some Auntie love! You are an amazing sister & fabulous human!
Oh my god. I love this. One spiteful excuse for a woman can not take this special ritual away from your family. Turn the music up extra loud and drown out any thoughts of… what was her name?
UpdateMe!
Sorrel is making moves on your brother Henri. She is overly familiar, borderline sexual with him. That's why she is so focused on him. She sees you as a threat and is attempting to oust you.
Personally? She is TROUBLE.
I think you all need to cut her off ASAP. Regardless of whether she IS genuinely pregnant or not. Henri should not be around her, particularly solo as she is unhinged.
I'm guessing that by the next update it'll be revealed that they're having an affair.
And she's pregnant with twins.
Yeah, I'm sorry but the constant sowing in the last posts of "this woman could one day have my dad's baby" through the last posts made me side eye the pregnancy announcement in this one
Recently I read about that Australian woman who poisoned her in laws; so I definitely would throw away the mazamorra morada made by Sorrel, who seems a little deranged too.
I can only advice you one thing OP. Please tread with absolute caution when dealing with her, just like you have been doing till now. She hasn't really been a great person to be around, from what I gathered from your posts. But still, just be vigilant, trust your gut, and wait for her to fuck up and give you a reason to prove yourself and your gut feeling right, and go NC with her.
Best of luck OP. Lots of hugs for you.
Hi Op!
I wouldn’t serve that pudding because unless it was kept at a constant lower than 40°F or 4°C then it might be unsafe. Plus you don’t know all the ingredients in there.
I suggest ‘accidentally’ dropping the jars. Sad but accidents happen with glass jars!
Also, that dish sounds amazing. Can you share your recipe? I am a chef and would love to try it. At least try to make it.
[removed]
Since it’s been altered for allergies, I wouldn’t trust what she sent, if there’s a likelihood that she followed a recipe that wasn’t yours.
yeah I mean, I was originally just keeping it for my little brother but after all the comments about her trying to poison us...I think I will just tell him it went bad and throw it out :(
Remember she wanted to have your sister eat something she is allergic to at an important banquet. It wouldn't be out of question for her to include allergens in the dish to "prove" she was right.
OP, she tried to shame your sister into eating an allergen at the gala. You cannot trust her food. Throw it out.
I would never suggest she’s trying to poison anyone, or test her allergies, but I wouldn’t necessarily trust food from an outsider when it comes to allergies. Cross-contamination is far too likely if the allergens are common foods.
She did try to test the sister's allergies in a previous post tho. She was trying to give her food that contained allergens and claimed the girl just needs "exposure therapy". While they were at an event.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I read the posts as they came up, and forgot about that. I don’t like being accusatory, but you’re right— there’s no reason to trust her, and all the reasons not to.
Trust your gut, OP. It’s been telling you something is wrong with Sorrel for a long time. Regardless of anything else, you’re the one there, you’re the one whose body reacts, and you have to trust that beyond anything anyone tells you.
That’s valid. Does she know of lil sis’s allergies?
In one update she suggested that exposure therapy would help lil sis get over her """"allergies"""". I'm somehow not shocked that someone of Sorrel's caliber would believe allergies are make-believe. (And clarifying that I feel allergies, intolerance, and texture issues are 100% real- I have quite a few myself)
I completely forgot about that part.
Thanks to my own personal dietary needs, that part gave me a particular rage against this woman. I mean, all of it did, but just don't mess with people's food!
My mom’s allergic to eggs (amongst other things), has been since she was pregnant with me, and I’m 33. She’s been married to my dad for 38 years.
Her allergies are well-known, and she’s had anaphylaxis from cross contamination before.
My uncle and aunt were camping nearby and invited her over for a dinner of fresh-caught fish. Afterwards, she called me because she started feeling signs of anaphylaxis. I got her to the hospital after an EpiPen, and then asked wtf had happened. When she told me, I automatically knew. My aunt and uncle only wipe out their breakfast pans with a paper towel, to conserve water. And they eat eggs every morning, without fail.
Called them with a “what the fuck were you thinking?!”, and got some tears and “we didn’t know”s, as if we haven’t spent the last thirty-plus years avoiding egg products near my mom. They spend a month in my hometown every year, and have at least one meal with my mom at least 20 of the days. I still haven’t let them live it down.
Given what she said about fixing your sister’s allergies with exposure therapy, I would not feed that to your sister. You can explain why you have to get rid of the jars or you can just lie and say it looks like they weren’t sealed properly and went bad, but you’re happy to make her more whenever she wants.
Sorrel has outright stated she believes she should harm your sister to “help” her. That woman should never be allowed to give your sister anything to eat, ever.
You can use the fact that your sister has allergies as an excuse to not feed it to her.
If you consume food that has come from that woman, or let others consume it (especially given there is an allergy hazard among you), you are *absolutely* **FUCKING** ***INSANE***.
Throw the jars away, no need to keep them in the fridge.
I would caution against having Henri have contact with Sorrell. She has focused on being close to him and have made several comments and gestures towards him that are romantic in nature. Not only is she having delusions about being the younger kids mum, but she also seems to be having delusions about who should play the role of dad in her fantasy family.
Sorrell view of the family seems to have been a man close to her own age with two young children waiting for a woman to step into the role of mum. Then she decided that was her ideal family and it wa going to be hers. That she was dating the mans father, that the man had a girlfriend and that another man had custody of the children was details she could ignore. But when OP and her other brother came home for the summer it started being much harder to ignore, and why she told OP that "everything was fine until you came back".
There are some things that really stand out about her behavior towards Henri. She called him "baby boy". She told him she should be his date, because if he brings OP others might think they are dating (but people thinking you are dating your stepmom is so much less weird). She had both Henri and her boyfriend hold her up for a photo. She wants to cook and bring him lunch. She wants him to attend her ultrasound appointments. It's like she's trying to sneakily start dating own stepson hoping no one will notice until it's too late and he has to marry her!
Sorrell is focusing on OP as the rival, and a lot of hostility is directed there. But her focus on Henri is troubling as well. Henri may be a grown man, but he should still be protected from someone that might have romantic delusions about him.
Throw away those jars. You also do not know what is in them, and considering your sister's allergies they most likely contain something harmful for her.
Sorrel: "ShE CaN Be CuReD bY exPoSuRe tHeRaPy" 🤦♀️
Right?!? That's insane and I cannot believe that she said it 🙄 Sorrell's brain sounds like a scary and empty place.
NTA holy I remember your first post and bruh, this woman is insane, you have every right to be suspicious about her pregnancy and cautious about having anything else to do with her. I would absolutely toss those jars, it's obvious since the park she's been making digs at you, and this is a step beyond, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this batshit woman.
Yikes. She’s going to make a move on Henri or claim he’s the real father of her baby. She absolutely sent that gift to your younger sister as an F U to you. She sounds sociopathic to be honest. So please be careful and document EVERYTHING!
You live with your younger siblings at your uncle's house right? Will there be adults to protect them when you go back to school? Your father should only be allowed to visit when your uncle is home and never with Sorrel. She's not allowed anywhere near your younger siblings.
All of you should block her. Her having a baby (maybe) with your father does not make her family and she will use that baby to manipulate the shit out of your younger siblings. Be careful with this.
Consider asking your uncle to change the locks and put up cameras. Your uncle needs to tell your dad that she's never allowed in his house. She's unstable and extremely inappropriate. Not safe for the kids. If she has a baby then she can keep the baby with your dad and leave the rest of you alone.
Start documenting everything weird she does so if it comes down to it you can possibly get a restraining order or the equivalent where you live.
Good luck and stay far away from her. She not right in the head.
yo everyone bullying OP for not throwing away the jars, she said her siblings had seen her open the box and was excited about them, she was saving it for her younger brother who DOESNT have allergies, what did you want her to do, toss them in front of their faces?
Yeah this is kind of what I was getting at…in the moment tossing the food wasn’t really an option. I think I would’ve gotten rid of it in the end, regardless, the little ones were just so cheered up by the sight cause they have happy memories attached to it too.
I suggested lying, they had gone bad and had to be thrown away, but OP would be happy to make a new batch this weekend.
At this point, it’s not just an allergen safety, it’s an everything safety, and I don’t think they should be accepting anything to eat or drink from her. YMMV.
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that hurt the most in these kind of situations. I’m so sorry.
Updateme
NTA. It doesn't matter what your age is, her condescending, insulting, presumptuous behavior is absolutely intolerable and her interference with the other kids is dangerous. She should not be allowed to interact with them, neither by phone or in person. You should check their phones and block her number. You should do that for yourself, as well. Any communications should come from your Dad, if you are still in contact with him. If you have any concerns about the safety of the new child, when it is born, don't hesitate to call CPS or DFPS or whatever your state calls it. The sheer stress and drama alone is good reason.
What’s going to happen when you go back to school?
This is a question I've been grappling with lately. My uncle will be back in the house and my oldest brother will be around more. And my brother Teddy has graduated so he's back at home for the time being. I don't feel great about leaving while this is going on, but I trust them and I know I'll be kept in the loop about everything. We'll see how the situation proceeds. Worst case, I take academic leave and graduate a semester late.
I don't know anything about your program and I don't remember if you told us how far into the program you are but are there any courses that you could take online through your school or courses that your school would accept if transferred in from another school online or in person locally? You sound like you're a loving sister, attentive, caring and smart so I'm sure that you'll do whatever is best for you all. I can't help you in person but I'm part of your village aka a willing support whenever you need and I know I'm not the only one. 💜
Hey Charlie, I’m a psychotherapist, and I’m so sorry you’re navigating this and have been for some time. Unfortunately the behavior of your father’s girlfriend that you’re describing really lines up with symptomatology often seen in people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Obviously I’m not your dad’s girlfriend’s therapist, so I can’t make an official diagnosis, but I want you to know that I 💯believe you, and the behaviors Sorrel is engaging in are meant to be manipulative and divisive. Unfortunately for whatever reason you are receiving the brunt of her ire. I would be very cautious, and recommend you, your brothers, and your uncle all getting behind setting extremely strict boundaries with her and your father. Your experience and feelings matter. I truly commend you for being such a great mother figure for your siblings, and looking out for them the ways you have. Where her acts of “motherhood” are self-serving, yours are selfless. You’re clearly a great caregiver, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some loud insecurities that she is projecting onto you as a result.
She will likely continue to attempt to gaslight and deny, and wiggle her way in, but firm boundaries that you and your family draw will keep you safe.
Just a theory but I agree it sounds like she lied about the pregnancy to keep your father tied to her/so he won’t leave her. If he’s as much of a pushover as you say, he’s a prime target for someone with BPD.
Anyway, sending much warmth and encouragement your way.
This needs to be upvoted more
Either demand that your uncle tell Sorrel to give him an actual date and time of the ultrasound, or he’s going to take her to court for both paternity (testing) and custody arrangements!
UpdateMe!
Faking pregnancies are so easy these days. And her OB just up a left? SO many Red Flags. And she made your dish? Best to be NC forever - neither she or the bio donor are good people
Someone else pointed out she'll likely fake a miscarriage and blame it on OP.
It’s easy for the internet to Monday night quarterback a situation but it’s a whole other thing to actually be in the big game so I’m here to tell you that I believe that you are doing your absolute best in a horrendous situation. You have your siblings who are children that you have to think of so doing what many of us want to do on your behalf (crash out) would not be good so I commend you for your restraint. I’m sending all the positive vibes your way Sis!!
Updateme
This woman sounds very toxic. It’s not difficult to fake test results and it’s actually fairly easy. Used to be a mortgage fraud investigator so I’ve seen some good ones. You’re so strong and I applaud how you’ve handled yourself. My thoughts are this woman means you harm. She’s crafty and she might be making a play to get custody of the younger children, if possible. In the meantime, she’s trying to subtly displace you in the family hierarchy and gain favor with the kids. I’d personally do everything you can to keep her at a distance and keep an eye on her at the same time. Run a background check if you can. She might have a criminal record and it’s likely, actually. I don’t know the legal status of the kids guardianship so I’m hoping it’s solid. She might be trying to push dad into seeking custody. Also, a fake pregnancy could be a way into trying to establish family. She needs to be exposed. You can do it. Sorry I made some comments because I missed one of your updates, so I wasn’t aware that she can’t get her hands on the children. That makes me feel so much better. You are handling this extremely well and with maturity of someone much older. It is a captivating read, I must say! Hopefully, I won’t miss any updates and they are all positive.
Dump those jars in the trash and send back the empty ones.
I wouldn't trust those jars. She has already said she wants to work on your sisters allergy. Hell no. This woman is nuts and honestly I'm surprised you didn't tell your sperm donor that if he didn't cut her loose you were cutting him out sooner.
/Updateme
Does your father know his gf wants to f*k his son?
Like if Henri goes with her he should make a video just in case she tries somethimg.
Your dad doesn’t have custody of any of his other gaggle of kids and shouldn’t be allowed to make more. Don’t take more of his offspring, just let CPS deal with it.
Your dad potentially having another child should have literally 0% to do with this. So what if they have a child? That's their responsibility. You can still cut them off and stop the drama now
Oh sweetheart. Please be gentle with yourself; you have been so mature, so responsible, taking care of everyone else for so long (and indeed acting more like a parent than your father or his gf), you may be forgetting that you too need to be cared for. What I mean to say is 21 is still young, and like a lot of transitional moments in life, you're probably missing your mom (and to some extent the father you never got to have), being there to support you.
Please don't dismiss your feelings about her 'gift'. You don't have to be rational or mature all the time: you can be a girl who is hurt because she lost her mom, and you shouldn't feel like you have to squash down or rationalize whatever feelings you have about that. You are allowed to take up space too in your family.
"Sorrel had given was two mason jars of mazamorra morada..."
Opportunity is knocking!!!
It would only take one or two successful attempts to prove this nutcase for what she is:
Create and develop another, completely false, family tradition for her to steal. Make it something odd but convincing.
You Mom always had party piñatas shaped like Godzilla on major holidays and you haven't been able to find another decent animal in years.
You had water balloon fights at the beech and the winner got the prize, only make sure she gets hit with a balloon full of colored ink.
You mom made you and your received hand-made traditional gifts (baby dolls, blankets, socks, whatever) and it's too made your young siblings never got their chance.
You and your brothers can come up with a convincing story and talk about it in front of your younger sibs. She'll pester them with questions and set up another Mom copy-cat action. Poof! She's a schemer who got caught up by better schemers.
Hang in there. You are an awesome sibling!!
Hi Sweetie. Please accept these hugs from this grandma/internet stranger. Please remember to not make any major decisions while you are angry. An angry mind cannot think. I am positive that your mother is proud of the woman you are growing up to be and how hard you are working to keep a normal happy life for your siblings. I offer a great big virtual hug to you. You can't feel it, but it's there
Still NTA. She’s box office poison. UpdateMe
Updateme! OP you're better than me. Also, chuck those jars EXPEDITIOUSLY. Thats a major overstep.
Honestly , the whole ordeal has been mentally draining and exhausting for you. I would suggest , complete no contact with the dad and sorrel by all the siblings. Save your mental health and do it. Even if a new sibling comes in the picture , it is not your responsibility. It will have both parents which is NOT you and your siblings.
Do a reverse image search on the ultrasound to see if she just stole it off the internet.
This Sorrell woman needs therapy or something. NTA, obviously.
Updateme
Failing to shut that man and woman out of your collective lives is going to turn into something life-threateningly bad real fucking soon.
For the love of god, cut them out. For good.
Honey, trust yourself. You're seeing that Sorrel is behaving in a shady manner that gives you an icky feeling. Trust yourself.
It sounds like she's only really showing up where there's good photo opportunities. When she does show, she doesn't miss a chance to disrespect your adulthood and demean role in your siblings lives. This behavior is incredibly inappropriate. A worthy person wouldn't need to take loving relationships from children in order to give loving relationships to children. A woman who has worthy intentions wouldn't be threatened by their partner's daughter (you).
Protect your peace and protect your siblings.
Her obsession with the “boys” and younger siblings, along with her absurd jealous of you is wacky and weird. Also, throw out the jars and make new ones with your siblings.
Updateme
The fact that she made an excuse about the ultrasound having to be pushed back makes me think she's not pregnant at all. She's just trying to lie her way into the family. Even if she is, it doesn't mean any of you have to anything to do with her. Do what others say and reverse image search the photo.
The reason you feel violated is because it is a violation of privacy and emotions. She's kind of like a stalker and she's obsessed with your family and in particular, she's in competition with you, your late mother and probably even the mother of your other siblings. She was projecting when she called you unsupportive of other women and wanting to be the only woman of the house. This whole issue wouldn't have started if she was not condescending to you, and when she realised she did not win that round, she made it her mission to compete with you and "get revenge". I would just throw that food away and pretend it didn't happen. Make boundaries with your father and say that woman is to by no means see or contact the children and that includes gifts. I know you want to have a relationship with any potential new future siblings, but it doesn't mean you can't set boundaries and still see them. If she uses them as collateral, then so be it, it is better to protect the family you do have now then future ones. Now with dealing with her, you have two options: greyrock/ignore tf out of her and make her go crazy without doing much or constantly correct and mock/swear at her everytime she says something wrong like one of Pavlov's dogs lol. She'll go crazy either way because whether or not you say anything, she will always perceive everything you do as blatant disrespect. Read a story about how a poster's wife responded back to their BIL by pointing out his flaws and how no one there liked him, to the point BIL and SIL stormed off and threatened to skip Christmas. The trash kinda took itself out and the family is much happier for it so you never know, might just be your luck. Also, unsurprisingly she finds a man closer to her age more attractive than your father and now definitely has a crush, maybe get another sibling or uncle to maintain contact. Good luck.
Your sister has so many allergies I wouldn’t let her eat anything Sorrel made.
You are seeing red flags in her behaviour and she’s talked about exposure therapy. I’d be very careful.
If you decide to not serve the pudding, don’t feel guilt at all. It was absolutely given with bad intentions and that taints your home. Throw it out and celebrate your Sorrel free home.
And thank you and your brothers for stepping up for the littles. Their growing up years were so much better because they had you there!
If you're looking for advice:
1) no gives a fuck what randos on the internet think of your writing or if you're story is true. It's your truth so fuck them.
2) This woman (Soreal) is living rent-free in your head. Evict her and give yourself a piece. She may or may not be pregnant, and if she is, it may or may not be your dad's. You can not control this these things, and whatever the truth is, just accept it.
You are already doing the most important thing by protecting your family from a crazy woman. Now protect yourself and give yourself some piece.
Please be careful with the food she made especially since she mentioned “exposure therapy” when discussing your sisters allergies in the past. You can never be to safe when it comes to crazy :(
Omg Im sorry your having to deal with this crazy lady.
Updateme!
I have to say that Sorrel's name is incredibly accurate (same as Julien Sorrel, shitty, ambitious guy in a 19th century novel).
(Je viens de passer mon bac de français et j'en ai marre de Julien Sorrel, donc je trouve ça vraiment, horriblement marrant).
I'm so sorry you're in this incredibly tough situation btw. Wish I could help <3 stay strong
ay ay ay, désolée que t’aies dû lire tout ça. Et puis, je pense à genre 90 % que Sorrel, c’est pas son vrai prénom. Je crois qu’elle fait juste en sorte que les gens l’appellent comme ça — ça ouvre un autre débat, mais elle est un peu francophile, c’est sûrement pour ça qu’elle est avec mon père. Je pense que son vrai prénom, c’est Sarah ou un truc comme ça, mais elle voulait un nom qui sonne plus français. Et merci.
Edit: j’ai oublié de préciser, Sorrel elle est pas française, c’est pour ça. elle vient du Minnesota mdr.
UpdateMe
OP you should have those jars checked for what ingredients they actually contain. Sorrel did say exposure therapy will fix your sister’s allergies!!! Don’t let the kids have any! Take care of yourself and your siblings x
Was waiting for an update, what is her problem? As in what is her damage? As in what the hell is she thinking? Clearly those that can empathize with her are a bit screwy themselves.
As for the "thoughtful gift"?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the beautiful part, the emotional significance (for your family at least) is making it together, so she skipped that step (which would be good for bonding) and just gave it, trying to insert herself... Honestly at that point it should have been store bought, no? Same emotional weight.
I do get it though, I have my own family traditions, nothing similar, but when others join in (non family) it does feel ... iffy? I forgave one person because they didn't do it with malice, but I did make it clear that I only feel comfortable doing that with family.
On to the main point!
If it's a fake pregnancy, she's just trying to insert herself into your family, again.
If it's true?
Silver lining is you can tell her point blank: You don't have to play mom with us anymore
I never understood why she inserted herself, yeah it happens, but she's the girlfriend, not wife or stepmom (she needs to know her place). She feels she has authority and definitely fought against you, but I feel like she felt her authority was threatened?
Point being, she can be a mom to your half sibling now, your involvement will be whatever your comfortable with, and she doesn't have to backseat parent your other siblings. It won't stop her of course. I can almost assure you she'll want the rest of the family helping, AKA it takes a village and whatnot.
I'm definitely curious how the situation unravels, yours was not a prepacked family she could insert herself into, even now I question what your father sees in her besides his own lust.
A Sorrel couple if I ever did see one.
Hope she didn't put any of your sister's allergens into her gift to try for her "exposure" therapy.
Update please
I remember I said in the last post she was crazy and she’d be trying to get pregnant.
She also seems very keen on your brother Henri, I picked up on that after the debacle at the function when you quite beautifully out her in her place.
The stuff she is doing with your younger siblings and your mums traditions is fucking gross and shows what a manipulative crazy person she really is.
You dopey dad has really landed a whopper this time.
She's trying to insinuate herself as the matriarch and going after the brother, who she thinks is the perfect father type! Cringe. Be careful. She sounds unhinged, and power hungry. She wants to be the most important person. You're a strong female and she doesn't like that you don't roll over and yield to her.
Throw the jars away and tell Sorrel that you did. Say to her "This is our tradition from our mother, someone who is actually family. You're not family, don't ever try to horn in on our family traditions."
I am so sorry you and your siblings are dealing with such a jerk!! I pray sorrel's baby turns out not to be your dad's!! Quite honestly it's the best you can hope for. God bless you and your siblings ❤️
Oh I’m so sorry - please hang in there. She can’t tarnish it if you don’t let her. Your sister has no idea - tell your bros and uncle
“she said her OB was out of town and she had to push things back.”
That doesn’t make sense. With pregnancy appointments, they’re usually scheduled in advance to coordinate with the provider’s schedule. If there was an emergency and her regular doctor couldn’t see her, most likely someone would’ve picked up the appointment. Also, ultrasound appointments are typically separate from a provider appointment as they are done by the sonographer, not the doctor. So I call bull on the OB out of town all of a sudden. Not impossible, but I doubt it.
FYI - my mom is an obstetrician :) and I saw in another comment that you work in healthcare so…I have no idea why she thought you’d fall for that one.
So until you witness a human baby leaving her body, be skeptical.
Okay wow. I just read these blockbusters you posted.
At first: Somehow when you are writing you are french, it somehow makes this feel... Nice. Maybe it's just some weird sentiments from school times French lessons hitting me, maybe that at some French speaking place in the world people are as shitty as they can be here in Germany... I dunno. But I like it and you calling yourself here Charlie (with a very french pronunciation in my head) is really making me smile right now. Thank you for that. 💜
Sorrel sounds like a (and I can't emphasize that enough) VERY MANIPULATIVE person. I advise you to trust your gut on this and really keep talking with your brothers and uncle about everything she does. Because being a united front against that force of manipulation is absolutely necessary.
My mother had similar tendencies to manipulate people, set them off, spinning fantastical tales so others would believe she is the victim. Document everything you get your hands on and your chats with her. The only thing that got my mother to leave my sister alone was a court order. I am no contact because CPS made sure for a long time she couldn't contact me. As long as I don't poke her I am probably safe. And I wasn't smart enough to save the chats where she harassed me... And she deleted them. So please don't repeat my mistakes and don't be afraid to take this woman to court if she goes really nuts and endangers you.
It clearly sounds like she has a problem with you and Teddy and tried to drive you both out from the family construct she is envisioning. Maybe it's about you not submitting to her perfect family picture, maybe she sees you as a threat since you have been kind of a mother figure. The one she tries to be. And wtf is that very weird obsession she has with Henri? He should be really careful especially if she really is working in a similar field. If he gets on her bad side she may try to smear his name.
I really hope you and your family are keeping it together, maybe consider getting psychological help during or after this ordeal to sort things out. You all sound like a really sympathetic bunch of people that really have each other's backs. I am sorry you and your older brothers had to grow up so soon. But I am also glad that your younger siblings have such strong people taking care of them. I wish you, your boyfriend, your uncle, Teddy and Henri, their girlfriends and your younger siblings ALL the best and I am sending lots of virtual hugs over for bad moments. 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂💜 You may distribute these hugs as you see fit ☺️
And just for my personal smile (and maybe yours while you read this, maybe you just think it's cringe, but I'll take my chances) i am pronouncing your name very frenchly in my head again: Charlie... Chaaahrrrrrliieeeee (so very french 😍)
Take care. 🫂💜
OP, just throw her pudding out. You don't need it in your fridge, nor do any of you need to eat it. And, it would speak volumes to Sorrel that the children know nothing about it when she asks.
That creep isn’t giving up on your family and she sees you as an obstacle she wants to see hurt and/or broken.
Throw away those mason jars in case she put “something extra” in them that your siblings are allergic to (how she referred it as being picky in your last post).
The “pregnancy” is probably her desperate attempt to not be fully cut off from your siblings.
Holeeeeee hell. I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this!
And Henri...wow. Sorrel wants in his pants bad. I hope his gf takes care of business and makes her back off.
This is crazy as hell but I don't think she's pregnant either. Too much BS.
UpdateMe
NTA
I'm so sorry that your father's girlfriend is, en bon québécois : "une criss de folle!"
But this is soooo not over!
Brace for impact!
updateme!
Just read your story. I'm sorry this is happening. I am amazed at how strong and amazing a job you are doing! Please just toss out the jars of food. Make them with love just like your mother.
Just reread the post history, and the choices here don’t add up. Sorrel is bullying OP but no one does anything about much about it, except removing her as a pickup person and taking the key. It keeps following this pattern of people rolling their eyes, ignoring behavior, and then it bubbles over and explodes.
OP needs to point out every odd comment in the moment, “that feels hurtful. What do you mean?”, and the guys need to actually call out the bullying.
Specifically, why did no one else call put the weird comment at the park that suggested OP is bulimic? Why didn’t anyone say., “Why would you say that to OP, what do you mean?” to put it back on her? That is extremely inappropriate to imply, for multiple reasons.
And why didn’t the brothers refuse to do the photo at the gala with “her boys”? Why did they even allow her to attend? Being the preferred children, why don’t they call Sorrel out and outright reject her? Block her?
Why didn’t OP call out the original “priss” comment, or the teenager comments? If OP is so sure her dad would never call her that, why isn’t he more upset with Sorrel harassing his daughter? Why is he allowing Sorrel to bully his child, as well as endanger all his children (allergy denial?!)
Why does anyone even allow dad to stay in the picture if he supports Sorrel’s behavior? How could he let her berate OP when OP was trying to leave the gala? The description of that moment is bizarre—everyone is completely ineffectual so OP throws a key and says “fetch”?
Where is uncle in all this? Why won’t he stand up for OP?
This whole situation is starting to feel like “we got mad but went back for more.” OP keeps just taking it and hiding it, like the jars. Why not call a meeting to talk about it with the siblings and uncle, to mention the jars and how it is hurtful? Lay out the whole history of harassment by her and inappropriate behavior, and agree to prioritize OP’s wellness? Stop with the “side piece” snark and get serious about this.
If OP is a primary caretaker of the kids, why isn’t this more widely acknowledged? Why is uncle so hands off? Why allow this person in their lives at all, and why is no one more concerned about her psychological attachment to the idea the kids are her babies? Do they feel like they owe dad contact? I cannot think of a reason to keep him in their lives at this point.
Ugh, if this is fake, you got me. You got me.
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Oh my, what a saga! I'm with on feeling that 'present' was a dig at you and another attempt to 'take over'.Time to with your gut and go NC. Updateme please!
Updateme
NTA. Your dad's wife was already an ass, but she keeps getting worse and worse.
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Still NTA. You've put up with far more than anyone else would have. I would have gone NC a long time ago. Throw the jars out. I think she had it bad for your brother. Her comments are creepy. Hopefully, your brother keeps up with her about the ultrasound appointment. If I were him, I'd be changing my number. And move. If possible, all of you should move - really far away. Updateme!
Updateme!
I'm sorry Sorrel is such a conniving nutcase. I truly hope she isn't pregnant. She's definitely underhanded though. Do not let this sour your tradition with your siblings though.
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If anything I would be concerned about is the fact if it’s true she’s pregnant is that you will have yet another sibling to raise cause they doesn’t sound mentally well either of them. UpdateMe
Honestly, i think i'm the one is having the high blood pressure for you
Updateme!
Still NTA. Sorrel is….something else. She’s conniving and calculated. You’re right not to trust her. Reverse image search the ultrasound pictures and make sure Henri follows up about the next appt. Tread carefully and keep your level head. Updateme.
Updateme
Updateme!
Nta & I hope next update is with Sorrell gone! UpdateMe!
Updateme
UpdateMe
Why would she want your older brother at her ob appointment? That’s weird.
I feel like this is just the beginning of many, many Sorrel stories and I am HERE for it 🍿
UpdateMe
Reverse image search the ultrasound / natal images
It's really not hard to find that sort of image online
OP, please do that! It might give you an answer to whether or not she's lying. Remember that even if you don't find a match online, it doesn't mean she's telling the truth. She could've gotten these pictures elsewhere (maybe a friend/coworker who is/was pregnant)
Well either way they will know when she starts to show. But it does sound suspicious
In many of these probably-fake-pregnancy situations, the "pregnant" woman has a miscarriage before she's supposed to start showing.
I had already done this, didn't find anything, but I still have my suspicions for the following reasons:
I've worked as an EMS and in healthcare, my boyfriend is in pre-med and applying for his MD, between the two of us we have a VERY good understanding of how these things work. In this stage of pregnancy it's ill advised to be missing or rescheduling ultrasounds because they're time sensitive, and it's one thing to have a special OB doctor (which is expensive and rare), if they're unavailable you go to another provider, very simple. So this is very strange.
Just glancing over her labs I noticed some things that were off, specifically the gestational age and the EDD, some of the formatting, and it was also missing CBC but she could've cropped that part out. They're small details but it adds to my suspicion.
She says she's gone weekly for checkups which isn't like crazy but, going that often definitely isn't needed and is unusual.
They weren't trying for pregnancy. As Anatole described to my uncle, it was a "happy accident."
She tagged a lot of people in her post of the ultrasounds, including the family friend that reported this to us. I would almost think she did it on purpose and planned for us to find out that way.
Honestly, at this point I think this might be a setup. She's teasing you, clearly trying to get a reaction. If that happens, she could claim she "lost the baby" because of the stress you caused her for "wanting to be part of the family" or something, so she can finally make you the villain.
As much as I hate to say that, but I think it would be best to let your brothers and uncle take over all communication with either of them for now and step back. This woman clearly has a plan that involves you in some way and the best thing you can do is not to play along and grey rock them. If she gets frustrated because her plan doesn't work, it's way more likely she'll drop the mask. Especially if she doesn't have an easy way out of her fake pregnancy.
/Updateme
I wonder ... if she says she's pregnant (but isn't) and they stop using BC because of it, then she really DOES get pregnant ...
Or is this stretching too far, LOL?
i mean her comment to Henri makes me think she is looking for a potential father because Anatole is not getting her pregnant. Its beyond f'd up. He needs to block them. So does the other brother because he will be next.
So no i do not think you are stretching anything too far.
I’m gonna be extremely straightforward you should cut out your father from your life .
Because let’s speak seriously for a min , what did he brought on a positive note in your life since you reconnected with him ?
I get that it may be he hard because you have younger siblings , so they may want him in their life but you don’t owe him anything and aren’t obliged to welcome him in your life nor maintain any relationship that wouldn’t be purely civil for when your youngest siblings are around .
The fact that he said wanting to be a better father to this kid when he can’t even be a decent one for you by protecting you from his crazy girlfriend and putting firm boundaries with her when it comes to you and your siblings , his existing children that he have already let down and it seems is failing again for some woman.
He is excited about his do-over kid and is already willing to give this child the best version of him while you gotta stick with the bare minimum from him .That’s incredibly unfair.
As for Sorrel that woman is absolutely crazy and I have no doubt she is faking her pregnancy or baby trapped your father.
She is absolutely in competition with you and even writing and rereading your previous posts , I realize how crazily she act and how obvious it is .
She is desperate to get a role in your family and motherly one would be even better that’s why she is competition with you , the PUDDING she gifted your sister is the perfect exemple of it , you are not crazy it ABSOLUTELY WAS A DIG AT YOU . A way one saying “see I can be the mom the kids needs ” .
Her constant constantly reaching out to your brother Henris is also extremely odd. The damn near obsession she seem to have with him , always calling him , touching him , only inviting him to the ultra sound but not your other brother.Its all so bizarre to me
I’m a mom and step mom saying that it is very obvious that she feels threatened by you and that she needs to compete with you because she want to be seen a the mother/ maternal figure and as long as you are there for your siblings and that they know they can rely on you she won’t and that bothers her a lot hence her obsessive maternal behavior and her trying to baby your siblings as if she has any authority over them .
She is no parent , no one important in you and your siblings life , not a stepmom , not a maternal figure and that’s bothering her like crazy.
Her getting pregnant could totally be a stunt to try and force her place into your family and more precisely this motherly role she is desperately craving because if she can’t have it with your younger siblings , what better than to give your dad a brand new kid with whom the both of them can start over ?
If I was you I’ll keep that woman at arm length and honestly your father to.
You said yourself you weren’t sure if keeping the both of them in your life was worth a connection with a potential new sibling.
You and your siblings seems to have manage pretty well on your own before without your father . All of y’all got each other which is honestly such a gift and more than enough , you don’t need to adults with the fantasy of a blended family trying to force this on you.
Chose yourself and your siblings, if your father pursue the relationship with this woman you can be sure you’ll only ever get trouble and will always come after , your previous post is actually pretty telling in where are his priorities , let this woman be HIS trouble , I strongly advice all of you some distance with both of them for everyone’s sake.
Side note: I also find very interesting how whenever a masculine figure like your uncle , your dad or brother talk to Sorrel or call her out one something she is always apologetic and obey whatever demands have been made , like your uncle asking her to take down the family pictures.
But whenever YOU ( the only woman ) do and say something she is barking and biting , and either acting all agitated calling you name and trying to start a fight with you or will be putting a whole victim act …
Very interesting….
Your suspicions are well founded. Next will be the tragic miscarriage and she’ll expect the family to rally round her.
updateme
I've always said trust your instincts. You have done nothing wrong at all. updateme please
I think she isn't pregnant. That comment toward Henri was beyond disturbing. He should stay away from her.
There is something very wrong with Sorrel and i would cut contact with her. Your Uncle needs to wake up and realize he is exposing the younger children to her crazy. Not to mention your father cannot be trusted. He does not get a gold star for suddenly sobering up when you guys are already grown. I think you are right you should cut contact with them both whether she is really pregnant or not.
My wife had complications and they didn't see her every week early on, We did get an extra couple of ultrasounds but with the first one because everything was normal we only got 12 weeks, 18/20 weeks(can't remember exact week) and one at the end to measure size.
I think it was at viability that we saw the perinatologist every other week. Then at 28 weeks they started seeing her every week because she was funneling and having issues with the baby's heart rate. She started bleeding pretty bad at 32 weeks so they just delivered my youngest.
Someone needs to give your father a vasectomy even if it’s forcibly.
Correct...and Sorrel's behavior is so SUS. She clearly wants to trade Anatole for Henri....which is weird. Who wants to bet she's trying to get Henri on his own & then make claims that "something" happened between her & Henri. This woman is delusional.
...and it's his baby lol/not lol
BINGO!
A woman tried to say she was pregnant for my cousin and sent him a pic of an ultrasound. They had stopped dating because her behavior started getting weird and he felt something was off about her.
The dates and patient name were cut off. My first thought was hell no. No woman I know, who is really pregnant, would send an ultrasound with her name cropped off.
A reverse image search later revealed it was stolen from a mommy blog. Beby Sarah had been born 3 years before.
He just sent a screenshot back of the page where she got it from. She sent a lol back & started sending naked pics of other guys she slept with.
This. I bet anything they are random pics from the internet.
There was mention of prenatal paperwork too, though that could be forged. A simpler path might be that she is pregnant but that doesn't guarantee who is the father.
Yep, that woman is poison.
I wonder if we're to the point yet where artificially generated natal photos are medically indistinguishable as fake. I think we're past the point in a lot of things where reverse image search is likely to catch most fakes.
For real though, it’s not hard at all. That’s what makes it so shady. If she had nothing to hide, she wouldn’t be posting those kinds of things to begin with, especially after getting called out once already.
Someone needs to insist upon a paternity test.
I don't know about where op lives, but in the US, ultrasounds usually have the mother's name on them. If you're sharing them with people that you actually know, most people won't crop that out.