My MIL is fantastic. I always thought so. We got along fine, and always had something to chat about. She helped me pull off a truly amazing wedding, and was always around to give advice and lend a hand- whether it was laying sod, moving, or helping my husband recover from a hoodie addiction.

It wasn’t until we moved into their granny suite that we got super close, super fast. When we decided to put our house on the market in order to build, we were welcomed to the Murray household with open arms.

The day that I went into labour, my husband was at work. I didn’t know what labour was like, so I wasn’t really sure that it was real. Chey was a nurse, so I thought I’d check in. She immediately kicked into nurse mode, and taught me to breathe through the contractions (and not to be a baby about it, because it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better)

I called my mom on the way (who hates hospitals- but wanted to be in the waiting room) And then I decided it was time to call Chris. (No honey- it’s probably not labour, just going to get checked-you stay at work). Chey got me checked in (no Ellen, you should not wait in line for your number to be called, and no Ellen, you can’t take the stairs) She kept me calm while we waited for Chris to arrive.

I originally did not think I wanted anyone but Chris in the room while I delivered, but honestly- having someone there with me who had delivered FIVE babies was amazing. She was so excited and happy to be present for the birth of her grandson, and I honestly don’t think I could have done it without her.

Once someone has seen you deliver a human, and then recover from that, you can’t go back to chatting about hoodies. We are on a whole other plain of existence now. For the last year she has coached me through all of the health scare, head bumps and teething pains. She has cooked for us, done our laundry (I fold it wrong 😂) and supported us through thick and thin.

These last few posts are all about gratitude for the humans in my life that help me be a mom. I love, need and appreciate them so much.