18 Months Living With In-Laws

Here's how Derek wants this blog to be written: It was roses and peaches and was so perfectly easy! 

But my reality is just a smidge different. And let me start by saying that it really was fine. There were definitely benefits but I just think it's funny how many people have told me I deserve a medal! And do I think I do? Sure. Living with in-laws is hard no matter how much you love them. It's probably the same with living for anyone for an extended period of time... it's just HARD. 

For the first few months it was just great. There were no issues and we ventured around DC with them hitting up the hot spots and soaking it all in. The kids loved having them in the house and Derek and I loved getting out and about sans the kiddos from time to time as well. Everyone was still new to the game and it felt like we could survive.

But around half way through was when I noticed that things changed a bit. Nothing major, I mean we're all civil adults, but little things here and there that would just drive me bonkers. And I should add that the true was probably the same for them! I'm sure I did things that they thought I was crazy for, I don't deny that! I mean, it had been like 10 months living with the in-laws. And we were only half way. 

It was around 12-14 months that I started to get antsy. We were doing less and less with them on the weekends as we really enjoyed just our little immediate family unit. But I was still able to focus on booking everything that came my way with full time care for Ady, Derek and I were enjoying nights out on the town with free babysitters and they got bond for 18 months with the kids.  And It was a mutually beneficial deal with them living essentially for free. We were all just ready for change. And for our own space in our own houses. I sometimes felt like I had to walk on eggshells and began to long for time with just the 4 of us. I know they looked forward to the day it was just the 2 of them as well.

And then 18 months came. Would I do it again? No. But did it work out for everyone involved for 18 months? Sure.  Would I suggest anyone living with in-laws for that amount of time? Probably not. But, then again, would I suggest living with anyone other than immediate family for that amount of time? Nope. We've been in DC without them for a few weeks and I've enjoyed the time with just the 4 of us. And it's easy. We can be 100% ourselves again. 

I'm sure they'll read this and think I'm ungrateful and by no means is that the case. Again, both parties benefited and it worked out finding a house with 2 master suites on opposite ends. #winwin! It worked out and for that I'm grateful. And to walk away with no resentment or strain on the relationships is yet another positive in my opinion! But it was pretty hard (naturally.... and for both parties involved) and maybe I do deserve a medal. 

But so do they. :)