I had a lot of friction with my MIL during my first birth/labor/ newborn (disagreements about medicine, contagious illness, vaccines, their ability to safely babysit after some harrowing episodes). We lived close to them and so far from my family. For this second pregnancy we live far from everyone. MIL said she wanted to come around Christmas to wait for baby to arrive, which I knew would piss me off to no end when I am at my largest and grumpy-est. I tried to say no, made my husband sad, then agreed to allow it if they aimed for early January. That way I figured baby would come or already be there at least. Then I was getting worried about it because they would be staying with us for weeks and are my least favorite house guests. I was picturing camping out in my room with baby and all my postpartum mess. But it seems my prayers were answered, they say they can’t afford flights. I was so relieved I’m almost shamed. I know they still might find a deal but... it’s true. I’d rather be alone then have them “helping.”