Last weekend when we were at the weekend bungalow, Gavin got to spend some time with his paternal grandparents who were also invited over. My husband, who has a very distant relationship with his parents wasn’t keen on the idea initially. However, he relented because I thought it would be nice especially if my FIL could join us.

Unlike his grandmother whom he sees at least once a week, Gavin hardly gets to see his grandfather. In fact, he only saw his grandfather three times this year! But funny thing is that we noticed that Gavin connected to his grandfather everytime without much fuss. He had no problem being carried by my FIL, and was even very obedient with the old man. They had a swimming session together and I could tell that my son was rather fond of his grandfather. Instead, he seem colder to his grandmother, whom he sees rather frequently.

Well, let’s just say my MIL isn’t exactly affable. Although she’s full of smiles and all, she just isn’t affectionate with him. All she does with Gavin half the time is to insist he calls her “Mar Mar” and if the boy refuses, she will hound him persistently. As for the other half of the time, she’ll be fussing about what he does or play to make sure he’s safe and clean. *Sigh* I suppose she’s more of a caregiver.

Anyway, my MIL is just not very easy to connect. Anyone who has spent half an hour with my MIL would comment that she’s quite a challenge. For example, she’s so anal about hygenie that she spent most of the time checking all the food that has been BBQed to ensure they’re all cooked instead of eating them. It really got on the nerve of my husband, who was the one doing the BBQ. Godma actually gave me credit for being able to speak cordially to my MIL. Haha…I just try. Since the last outburst, I’ve remained aloof. As long as she doesn’t provoke me, I just ignore half of what she says. Left ear in, right ear out. If I get any friendlier and encourage conversation, I’m just asking for trouble. So it’s really better this way.

But despite whatever problems I have with my MIL, I’ve never once stopped her from visiting. I don’t want to deprive her of being a grandmother. I also think it’s important for Gavin to have some fond memories of his grandparents when he grows older. So come this weekend, I plan to invite my FIL to swim with Gavin again. A nice bonding time for the two of them, when my FIL can also find joy in being a grandfather.