When my mother-in-law, Melissa, came to help with my colicky baby while my husband was away, I thought I’d finally get a break. But the few hours that followed left me questioning her intentions and my instincts as a mother.
I was exhausted, barely managing to care for Emily. Peter called and suggested Melissa come over to help, so I reluctantly agreed. She arrived with a casserole, immediately commenting on my appearance and offering advice, but I was too tired to argue.
She took Emily from me, assuring me she could handle it. I went to rest, but when I woke to Emily’s cries, my phone and the baby monitor were gone. Panicked, I found Emily alone, crying in her crib. Melissa was outside, talking on the phone. I confronted her, and she claimed she was helping me rest by unplugging the monitor and answering my phone, but I was furious. She had left Emily unattended for over 30 minutes.
I told Melissa to leave, and she stormed out. When Peter came home, I explained what had happened. He seemed to defend her, saying she was trying to help, but I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t more upset. We argued, and I felt the distance between us grow. I was unsure if I’d overreacted, but in my heart, I knew Emily deserved better.
Was I wrong?
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