Vanity haunts birth announcement

DEAR AMY » My daughter and sonin-law are expecting their first child. My husband has a granddaughter, but this will be my first grandchild. My husband and I have been together for more than 16 years and have helped raise each other’s children.

I love his granddaughter and I don’t want her feelings to be hurt by announcing on social media that I am expecting my first grandchild. She is 8 years old and knows that I am her father’s stepmother, but I still don’t want to hurt her. Whenever she comes over, my husband and I both spoil her (like grandparents should), but she has always favored her “Papa.”

The problem for me is that I am much younger than my husband, and I didn’t want my social media friends to think that I was old enough to have an 8-year- old grandchild.

How can I say that I am expecting my first grandchild without making her feel like she doesn’t count? DEAR GRANDMA » I appreci-

Happy birthday (Aug. 18):

Take your time, check out your options and let your creative imagination help you come up with the best way to approach any situation you face this year. Your numbers are 6, 13, 20, 26, 31, 37, 45.

You are sensitive, insightful and possessive.

Birthday Baby: Aries (March 21-April 19):

Don’t make assumptions or overreact when it comes to emotional situations. ★★

Taurus (April 20-May 20):

Implement alterations because you want to, not because someone is putting pressure on you. ★★★★

Gemini (May 21-June 20):

Keeping busy and concentrating on physical gains will make you feel better as long as you ate your sensitivity about this situation, but I have news for you — you are already a “Grandma.” You have been one for the past eight years, and for you to try to find a way to deny this now that you are about to have a “real” grandchild in your life is all about your own vanity.

Your young granddaughter wouldn’t be the only person surprised (and possibly hurt) by the revelation that she isn’t your grandchild. Her parents, especially the parent you “helped to raise,” would likely be quite wounded.

I could also venture a guess that the reason your granddaughter has always favored her “Papa” is because you are signaling to her in a variety of ways that she is a placeholder for the real grandchild who will someday come along and claim your heart.

I became a grandmother quite young — at least it seemed so at the time, because I wasn’t prepared for this life stage. But family comes to you in different ways and at different times, whether or not you’re ready (or “old don’t overspend. ★★★

Cancer (June 21-July 22):

Let your charm lead the way. If moodiness takes over, you will ruin a chance to spend quality time with someone special. ★★★

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22):

An investment may not interest you now, but in time it will pay off. Don’t walk away from something unique. ★★★

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Give-and-take will lead to new opportunities and accomplishing things you never thought possible. ★★★★

Libra (Sept. 23- Oct. 22):

Don’t argue with someone who puts pressure on you. It’s in your best interest to walk away. ★★ enough”) for it.

And so now the thing to do is to take to social media to announce your joy at the birth of your second grandchild. DEAR AMY » I am a supervisor in Adult Protective Services in Illinois. Your letter and response to “Feeling the Creepiness” was posted on the National Association of Protective Services Administrators (NAPSA) news list.

I want to personally thank you for your accurate information, and also provide another resource when you receive a letter that sounds like it could be potential abuse, neglect or exploitation of a disabled adult or an elderly person.

Concerned parties can contact NAPSA.org. The website has information about making a report anywhere in the country.

Thank you again for being an advocate and champion of those voices we generally do not hear. DEAR HOLLY » Thank you, and all of the caring and concerned people who do this important work.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

Be practical and honest and you will find common ground with those you love. ★★★★★

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

You’ll be tempted to overspend on a product or service that makes unrealistic promises. ★★★

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Make love or your important relationships a priority. ★★★

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

Show some discipline when dealing with money matters. ★★★

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20):

Socialize, update your look or do something creative with someone you love. ★★★★★