In article 846uc.4373$aN1.1335@fe21,
Auntie Em Auntie wrote:
Paula,

Judging from the quality of your writing I can see that you are an extremely
intelligent person. How in the world you could have screwed up your life
this badly is far beyond my ability to comprehend.

You need to adopt this child out to a family (mother and father) who can
give it a normal, healthy, happy life. And you need to get some serious
counseling to improve your self esteem which is apparently very low. You
had no business bringing a child into the world under these circumstances -
and you know it.

Nonsense. Paula, don't listen to this person! You were willing, and
tried hard, to be a mother before -- a single mom, with doner sperm, you
said. So at a minimum you have that! (Yipee!)

Now, you also have somebody in your life who has an interest in your
daughter. Is it possible to relax and not push it and let things run
their course? Maybe put *your* relationship with this guy on hold, and
both of you enjoy your daughter. If that means that occasionally he'll
take her, well then, you get a break! If it just means that you have
somebody to chat with once in a while and relate all the cute things
that your daughter has been doing lately, well that's significant too,
and makes being a single mom not nearly so lonely.

As others have pointed out, this guy might not be dependable. So don't
depend on him -- don't stress out over things that he promises but doesn't
deliver -- but do take advantage of whatever he has to offer. If he
offers money, take it. But don't base your life on getting it. If he
offers to host your daughter on alternate weekends, accept the offer.
But don't get upset if he backs out. That just adds more stress to
your life. Above all, ENJOY YOUR DAUGHTER!!!

Best of luck,
- marty
(single mom to Alex & Andie, 3-year-old girls)