We live in Asia and they are from England. They usually come quite often, 3-4 times a year especially MIL, she stays 1 month at a time and when my baby's born in August they will be here for a month My OH said to me if that's alright. I said well, what do you want me to say, they already booked the flight.
And i really don't want them here. i have enough stress already now and she always goes on about cleaning ( all day long every day ). Every time we have to have a big cleaning the day before she arrives and it's never been cleaned enough for her. And she keeps saying things she doesn't want us to do with her grandchild : like using the ( baby ) pillow, using talcum powder because it's dangerous, bla bla bla and all the advise that make me want to leave the house: do this do that, do it like this like that, have you done this or that,........ it's gonna be a real pain. I know how to take care of things here and what i want to do , but it's always like "this is better" or "This will be better for you, believe me"

good grief... your kid hasnt even been born yet and shes already claiming the kid??? remind her that its your child whenever she says something stupid like that. also you have to be hard (but respectful as its your hubby's mom) but if she crosses the line, say so. and if she continues doing it tell your hubby to sort it out and under no condition can she continue to treat you like she is. if he doesnt believe you make him. sit everyone down to discuss the issue in the open.

unfortunately there isnt much you can do to NOT make her come. but you do have choices (and its important that you speak up). say to hubby that you are happy for her to come (and mean it) but it isnt an option to stay in the house - maybe they can rent a place in the area or stay at a B&B. i mean if they can afford to travel they can afford a place to stay.

if thats not an option for hubby give him alternatives like, they can stay but he has to cook, shop etc for them as they are his parents. If she has any complaints she can direct them to her darling son...... pass the responsibility onto him. i did that with my DH and while its not perfect, its better than being overwhelmed all on your own.

Also request a few weeks to get into a routine before the dragon comes to visit....i am sure they can change their tickets. after all, they should have consulted with you (after all you are lumbered with all the repsonsibility) before booking the trip and state that it was foolish not to.....

stand up for yourself, you are going to be a mom now. you are the focus not her.................

When your baby is there you're going to do what you think is best regardless of what anyone else says. You'll have no problem telling her to back off.

Well said Alchemist. I love my MIL, I really do... but not in my house!! My DH is great, he is the kind of guy who always helps out but when his Mum is here it's like he's a spoilt 8 year old again! I know it's a culture thing (half Mexican half Italian = SPOILT ROTTEN) but it drives me crazy.