This weekend we went to DH's mom's house. She's slightly neurotic, she's very tense and flutters to and fro doing this and that. It's a constant nervous energy. I like her, the kids love her, but you know...it's just this energy that makes you kind of uncomfortable and you can't put your finger on it. My BS (10 months) was super whiny there. He only wanted me to hold him, he didn't really want to play. I chalked it up to him having a cold. SS4 was kind of goofy and attention-seeking too.

In the afternoon we switched to DH's dad's house. FIL and DH's stepmom are the warmest, kindest people you've ever met. Almost the instant we walked in, BS was smiley, was being held by everyone, was sooo happy. SS seemed to relax too. It was crazy. They see both FIL and MIL about the same, so it's not like BS is more used to one than the other. DH said, "Woah, it's like BS is a whole new child!" and I said "It's the energy here...it's so loving and caring and relaxed." DH agreed completely, especially because it's the same thing we see with BM. The minute the skids walk in her door, they're different kids.

Anyone else have these experiences? How do you put your finger on that "energy" and how to explain it?