MIL came to our house last week and spent a night, as she was driving through town after visiting my brother in law and his kids. I was really shocked that she was even going to come over, because since I've lived there (2 years) she has not even come inside the house. We get along great, she's just always gotten a hotel when she's come to town and had us bring the kids there.

Last week, she walked in and was commenting on the changes we've made to the house (flooring, carpeting, paint, trim, doors, windows, etc) and I politely made a comment that she hasn't been to our house in over 2 years and that there have been a lot of changes. She started to say that she has been there, but then she must have realized she was mistaken because she got quiet. The kids interrupted and the moment passed.

Later, DF said to his mom, "Have you ever stayed at our house before?" and she told him that she has. He said he couldn't remember a time. Between these two comments we must have struck a chord in my MIL.

She called yesterday and told DF that she would come spend a few days at our house and help me out with cleaning and cooking and setting up the nursery. I was really surprised, and she also said that she'd love to let us have a few days on our own to get out of town and she'd take care of the dog and the house and the kids. DF was shocked, as was I. Then we started putting the pieces together and realized we must have inadvertantly made her feel bad that she hasn't really done anything for us like she used to do for he and BM. DF said that when BM lived there his mom used to come spend weekends there and do a ton of cleaning, go to Sam's club and stock them up on household stuff...she must have just realized that she used to do that all the time and that she hasn't in 2 years!

I am very greatful that she is willing to help out as we definitely will welcome it, especially after the baby comes. I'm just totally shocked at her change of direction! We've slowly been getting closer and it wlil help so much to have that connection, since my family lives 8 hours away