My MIL has been asking me to go with her to the huge mall over by my house for nearly a month now. She's always 'suggested' it every time she's seen me. "Maybe when the weather's nicer, we can take Henry to the mall. " I always say, "We'll see." Why? Because while the mall was renovated last year and there are a ton of really nice stores, there aren't that many places that I actually like to shop in there. After making one loop of the mall (think an oval), I'm usually very very tired. Especially if I've had to push the stroller, which I count as my exercise, or have to carry my son a lot.

My MIL knows all this. She also knows that I don't care for kid's clothing shops (sorry ladies, I'd rather look at the cute stuff online than in person) and that I think Henry has plenty of toys. Especially since his birthday is Thursday and his party is next Saturday which means he'll be getting even -more- stuff. She's also seen him a lot lately so I don't think this is her trying to tell me she hasn't seen her grandson. I guess my point is that I don't see a point in going and I think she knows it. I told my DH about her asking repeatedly and he said it was up to me whether I went or not but he'd understand if I didn't want to. No pressure, a little support. So I intended to tell her the next time she mentioned it that we just had too much going on and while I appreciated her wanting to get me out, I would really rather not.

I think she knew that was my plan (or I'm just feeling particularly cornered/harried this morning). Now I just saw her Sunday night at dinner and she mentioned the mall again as I was packing Henry up to go home. Since it was late, I was in a hurry to get Henry home (30 minute drive on the interstate), and because my mother was helping me I just smiled and gave her my same vague answer. I didn't want to go into why I was turning her down with my mother later. Now I wish I had.

I got an email this morning from my MIL. She mentioned a few family things first - apparently she and her brothers (all four of them) are getting together Saturday, would love for us to join them; DH's sister wasn't sure if she had the day of Henry's party off but as soon as she knew, they'd let me know; and at the bottom, almost as an afterthought was the mention of the mall. Again. She saw me two days ago.

"Also. I have several things to do on Thursday but I thought that maybe we could get together on Friday and head to the mall to walk around and have lunch. A mini birthday celebration for Henry. Think about it and let me know."

Recap: Thursday is Henry's 1st Birthday. I had no intentions of seeing any of our family - my parents or my ILs - on his birthday. It's just going to be a quiet affair at home because we're having a party for Henry next Saturday for everyone to celebrate his birthday. Why on Earth does she make is sound like we were somehow planning on getting together on Thursday? And then she makes it nearly impossible to say no to her request because don't I want to celebrate Henry's birthday with her? No, not really, I'd rather stay home. But I'll feel like an ogre if I tell her no!

Help!