My mother-in-law and thriftiness could have been cut from the same cloth. She always maintained that there was no sense in purchasing anything for a newborn when other relatives had grown-up children and could pass on their old clothes. You can probably imagine the state of hand-me-downs after they’ve been through half a dozen kids. That’s why I didn’t want those cast-offs.
In the beginning, we lived in a rented flat where my mother-in-law didn’t meddle much. But things changed dramatically after we bought our own houseshe took it upon herself to supervise our renovations. According to her, the tiling would be handled by a friend, the electrics by another mateno need to hire professionals.
The workmanship of these so-called experts was abysmal, and I had no wish for their services. I’d already seen what her own home looked like after a similar job. She tottered and stumbled her way across uneven floors every day. When I declined her offers, she called me money-minded and accused me of frittering away our shillings.
When it came time to replace our furniture, the second act began. My mother-in-law busied herself ringing every relative, collecting old settees, sideboards, and worn-out carpets. After I refused these relics, she ominously declared that we’d end up in the poorhouse with such attitudes.
My husband, thankfully, sided with me. We earned enough to furnish the house decently. So, we set about making things as we wished, no matter how much my mother-in-law may have fumed.
I should clarify straight away that I’m not a snob. My sister often gives me her clothes, but they’re lovely and well-kept. I’m not one for accepting just anything simply for the sake of saving a few pounds. I’d rather buy a handful of good-quality things for the babyclothes that are comfortable and presentable.
Why are you so quick to waste money? my mother-in-law would moan. There are plenty of children in the family!
I knew most of those clothes had seen far too much use. One glance told me they were only fit for scrubbing the floors. Every item was stained, patched, threadbare, missing buttons or poppers.
Another relative showed up with an ancient cot from her cousin. The sides were missing altogether; she just had her husband nail it together. We carted that family heirloom off to our cottage in the country and bought a proper cradle for our little one.
Look at these high and mighty folk! my mother-in-law huffed. You spend like theres no tomorrow, but wait until youre on maternity leavethen youll wish youd listened to me instead of turning up your nose!
But I wasnt bothered by her indignation. I had every right to care for my childs well-being. Even if financial troubles came our way, my own parents would never let us down. Wed get by just fine without those so-called gifts.
