Monster In Laws

This post has been rattling around in my head for a while. I keep writing it, then re-writing it trying to find a way to make it sound less whiny, less angry. I have yet to really succeed. So hang in there with me.

Sorry for the radio silence recently- we have been inundated with M's family recently. M is going back to work next week (which is a post in itself) so everyone has decided that now is the time to come and descend upon us before the looming word deadline.

Now don't get me wrong - I love family. I come from a large extended family and am used to the obligations and expectations that families can place on you. It' s just M's family...they are just a piece of work. Seriously - you look at M and wonder how did she come from these people. How is she so happy, healthy and functional?!? I don't have a good answer, and after the most recent visits the question still weigh's heavily on my mind.

M's father and his wife have not been to visit us since the twins were weeks old. M has officially had my last name for over 5 years, but do they acknowledge this... no. Do they still send birthday and holiday checks to her maiden name...yes. Have them mistaken M's best friend for me ...oh, yes.

jeeze.

Don't get my started about her mom's side. I have never felt more invisible. The people are amazing - they make statements like "M you now have a daughter" and forget to even acknowledge that I am a functional part of this family as well.

I try to let it roll off my back. I really try not to take it personally, and I try not to get too wound up about it, because really what good is it going to do me? I have spent more times than I care to imagine keeping my cool, biting my tongue trying to not say something that I am going to regret later. But this is starting to cause stress and strain between M and I. I understand it is her family, her mother, her father and she doesn't feel like she can just walk away from them. I understand that but it is incredibly frustrating to just stand here and watch and they belittle our family. Belittle me - treat my children with anything less than respect and love then you'll have to face my mama bear wrath.

I think bottom line it is amazing to me that people can still behave this way. It kills me that they put M in this position, and it infuriates me that they think that they can treat me this way - and that I have yet to actually say anything to them. Dreaming of the day, of the moment where I can really tell them what I think....

Until then.... I will just keep biting my tongue and 'smiling and nodding' when I am forced to interact with them all.

But for tonight - I am going to have a glass of wine with my sweetie and celebrate our little family and enjoy having our home back to ourselves.