I have big and exciting news! We’re getting a girl! I can’t say we’re having a girl because that would imply we’ve made one.  Kasey’s presence on this earth is all thanks to her parents, Keith and Susie. But we will take full credit for our son, Will, who somehow attracted this amazing woman, wowed her with his good looks and charm, and then was smart enough to propose to her this week. And she said yes! So, we’re getting a girl! I’m telling you, readers, females have been thin on the ground in the Albrecht household lately. Ethel the Cat and I join the two mares (who barely live here anyway) as the only two x chromosomes carriers on the place.  We’re ecstatic to add to our numbers.

When we met Kasey, it was love at first sight. Forget Will. Will, who? Kasey is now the focus of our conversations when they’re both calling. We always take her side. She’s our favorite. Will gets a bit disgruntled, but he secretly loves it. And Kasey receives all our love and gives it back a hundredfold. How did we get so lucky?

So now there will be a wedding, and I am the Mother of the Groom. Do you know what that means? Wear beige and be quiet, according to wedding protocol. Sounds just like me, don’t you think? I really hope I can help with the wedding cake samples. That’s an excellent use of my gifts and talents.

As I muse on my role as a future Mother-in-Law, I am also beside myself about my other new title, Graunty!  I will be welcoming my niece, Regan’s first son, in early April and have self-labeled as Graunty (obviously pronounced Grant-y). Since she doesn’t have a mom in the picture, I will happily step up wherever needed.

When considering these new positions, I have some ideas of what might be helpful to my future daughter-in-law (and son) and niece. They lightly mirror the three immutable laws one of my best friends sent me when I entered the teenage years with my boys. I had them on my wall for years, and the one that stuck with me was: offer no advice. I amended it to (unless sought). I have bitten holes in my tongue to keep my opinions to myself. I’m not always successful, but I try hard. These people are grown adults. If they want my opinion or advice, they’re happy to ask for it. And I’m overjoyed to give it. Until then, zip it.

I have also adopted a no-judgment stance and try to apply it across my relationships, especially with my children and extended family. Who am I to decide what’s best for someone else? Are we the same people in the same circumstances? We are not. Just because I might not do it their way doesn’t mean their way is wrong. So I zip it.

And finally, I have every intention of being the Circus Graunty/Mother-in-Law. That’s the one who is not in charge of this child, new mom, or spouse unless that means spoiling them and loving them unconditionally. My job is to be fun, a strong shoulder, a listening ear, and game for anything. That seems way more up my alley than beige and being quiet. Wish me luck.