It’s week 17 in my #52WeeksA4A blog challenge, and I’m kind of excited for this one! I wrote about my sister for my first family member, back in week 6, but this prompt was a no-brainer for me. My mother-in-law is a total rock for the family… and after having Addie’s party and Sunday dinners aplenty, I know that the saying it takes a village refers to her.
When Dave and I got married almost 6 years ago, I wasn’t sure what my relationship with Sue, my mother-in-law, was supposed to be. It wasn’t like my friends- who either loved or hated their MILs. We didn’t get mani/pedis or do lunch together, but we liked to talk about Dave (nicely, of course), and she actually liked me (I hope). I love that my mother-in-law thanked me for being good to her son.
What mom does that?
I’ve held onto that for a long time. Living 300 miles from my own family is a lonely place for a girl, then a woman. And it’s really lonely when you’re a mom- at least for me. Since my final move from Philadelphia, I desperately missed calling my mom to tell her I was coming home for dinner- or asking her to come to my apartment. I yearned to get my nails done with her, or just stop by her office for a hug. I missed her.
So then I was a wife, and in a spot where I didn’t know my in-laws very well. But when I got pregnant, and subsequently miscarried, my mother-in-law all but moved in. Not really, but she was incredibly supportive, and when we told them we were pregnant again, I swear I saw her physically light up for us- which brings me to one of my favorite things about her; no matter how many grand kids come along (there’s 5 now), she’s just as excited each time- ready to spoil them rotten with everything and anything, but most importantly, love.
The way Addie lights up when we head over for Sunday dinners and talks about her (and her grandpa), show me exactly what I wanted reassurance of when I first married- Dave is the right man for me. I firmly believe that we marry a whole family, and though it’s taken these 6 years to build the friendship I wish had come so naturally with the whole family, we are blossoming. We are finding our place. And most of all, I am enjoying the gift of another mother.
So thank you, Sue. For blessing me with Dave. For being the most amazing grandparent to the girls. And for being the mother-in-law I didn’t know I needed.
What family member did you write about this week? Share in the comments and come link up your post below! Note that next week is a repeat (OOPS!)… I’ll be just sharing about the challenge that week- taking a little break due to mommy brain!!!!
What a testament that you can write about your MIL!! Love it (and am a little jealous)!
Angie Scheie recently posted…Brotherly & Blogger Love
So true- she’s amazing. She has totally been my champion, especially since I became a mom!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…My Mother-in-Law, #52WeeksA4A
I love reading your posts. I am extremely close with my MIL, so I can genuinely appreciate this. I truly look forward to things coming in my FB newsfeed from ‘A is for Adelaide’. <3 From one blogger to another, keep up your awesome work!
Jenn Park recently posted…Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Featuring Minnie’s Pet Salon Available 5/19
Thank you so much, Jenn!!! That means so much to me! <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…My Mother-in-Law, #52WeeksA4A
You’re so lucky to have a good relationship with your mother-in-law. I know a couple of people who would go into the Thunderdome with their MILs if they could.
Dawn recently posted…DIY Confetti Glitter Laptop with HP Envy Touchsmart
I just snorted. This is so funny! I think there was a brief time I thought I could go to war… but I just had to meet her halfway. And I needed to CTFD (if you know what I mean!).
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
I am going to become a mother in law soon and I hope to be like Sue is to your family. My daughter’s fiancee and I get along great, so I know we will have a great relationship.
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted…Printable Household Chores List
That is so wonderful to hear! <3 I know you are going to rock being a MIL!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
How great that you have such a good relationship with your MIL!
Indeed!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
This is so sweet of you! She sounds like an awesome mother-in-law. It’s a great sign when your kids are excited to see their grandparents!
Liz Mays recently posted…The Ultimate Vacation – I Want to Go RVing!
So true… and for more than cookies! LOL!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
It is so true that you do marry the entire family and even if you don’t always see eye to eye, it’s important to do your best to get along. It’s great that you and your MIL get along so beautifully!
Melissa Roy recently posted…Becoming a Mommy is Not the End of Your Life
I totally agree! I always wanted to be close to my inlaws. I think it’s important to create your village, starting at home, if you can!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
This is so nice to hear. You always hear horror stories about MILs and I’m not yet married, but have been with my boyfriend for over 7 years now. I remember him multiple times telling me I’m just like his mother, so I guess that’s why we get along so well. She will call me just to check up on how things are going and I love it.
Danielle recently posted…Nutrisystem, Guess Who’s still on It?
That is so awesome! I love when MIL take on their children’s partners as their own in some way. It means so much.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
I’m so glad that you have such a good relationship. I wish that I had a relationship like this.
<3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
Awe… that is quite the MIL… you are really very blessed. My MIL lives with us. Yes, I know, could be scary; but we make it work. Thank you for sharing about your MIL. She sounds like a wonderful woman with a huge heart.
I actually talk to my hubby about this a lot- when they are older, I hope my inlaws come to live with us.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
I’ve been very lucky to have liked (and been liked) by both of my mother in laws. I still keep touch with my ex mother in law, she’s a great lady.
Gabriel recently posted…Peach Jar Cakes and Creative Blog Hop
I love that!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
Being able to have a good relationship with your mother in law can be hard to do! But it is great for a less stressful marriage and relationship for your kids if you can get along.
Vera Sweeney recently posted…Sneak Peek Of ‘What She Said’ On TLC: May 10th At 11PM EST #WhatSheSaid
So true!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
Awe, what a sweet post, your MIL sounds like a very nice lady! My MIL and I get along nicely too, she’s always been very supportive.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken Skewers
That is awesome!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
I’m so happy to hear that you have a lovely mother in law. Mine passed away before I even had a chance to meet her, but I hear the most lovely stories about her.
Mary Larsen @Tall Mom tiny baby recently posted…Fun Pregnancy Announcement and Gender Reveal Ideas – Panorama Prenatal Screening
Dave feels the same way about my Dad. I think he loves to hear the stories… it’s like he knows him.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
It is so important for us to have these kind of people in our lives. Great that you have one
Lena recently posted…Is Gender Prediction in Pregnancy Real?
So true.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
That is very sweet. I was never able to have a nice relationship with my mother in law.
Debi- Travel Blogger recently posted…The Bed Bug – How to Spot it & How to Avoid It
That’s a bummer 🙁
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
What an amazing tribute to your MIL. I’m sure she will be as touched by this post as I was – more probably! 😉
Emily recently posted…Avengers: Age of Ultron Coloring Sheets! #FreePrintables
I hope so! I want her to know how loved she is!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere
What a great challenge! She sounds like an amazing lady!
She is, indeed!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#UnscriptedBeauty is everywhere