I'm currently in hospital with my DC, because last night I got admitted with a suspected ectopic pregnancy.
I was allowed to keep DC with me, 1. Because I'm BF, 2. because my DH is in New Zealand of all places right now.
I phoned and no answer, there usually isn't from her as she's not good at answering her phone but great at checking FB and games
I told her what's going on, and she said "Oh my gosh, is there anything I can do?" My answer was "No, just lovely to have a listening ear that understands pregnancy complications, etc"
Her "Gem, I'll call you back in 5 minutes" and hung up. No answer as to why. She just hang up.
20 minutes go by and I ring again, wondering if she'd forgotten like she often does.
My dad answered. He said she was delivering some brownies she made to them because they just got in the door.
Fine, no worries. I said can you just make sure she rings me back. He said of course.
Another 20 minutes go by, still nothing. So I phone back. She answered in a cheery tone "Helloooo!"
Me: "You said you'd call me back, what happened?"
Mum: "Oh sorry, was just sorting out the girls (my sisters).
Anyway, I could tell she wasn't keen on speaking on the phone as I know my replacement phone can be a little bit grainy. She offered a sympathetic ear for a minute, asked what the next steps were and then said "Right Gem, I'm gonna go. Your phone connection is really bad"
Me: "Alright then, speak soon. Love you"
Her "Love you"
That was the end of that.
It always happens. I can never actually speak to her on the phone. She always has to go, the kids are always going something that tears her away from the conversation.
9/10 she's having half a convo with me and half with my brother, and often it all ends in "Ive got to go, I'll call you back" because the kids have done something or other that they shouldn't have/broken something/playing up.
I'm aware it's hard habit 3 children aged 8,9 and 4.
But on the same note, I have friends and family with a similar set up and they don't get interrupted. I've seen it with my own eyes, unless it's a real problem, their children get the death stare and they just don't interrupt or get given the attention.
My aunts and grandmother feel the same. They're always very eye roll at her and the "I'll call you back" because it never happens. She never does, even though people would love to speak to her/have things to say.
It's as if we just aren't that important to her, because in the evening when the kids eventually go to bed, she's playing on her phone.
If I take the 3 hour train down to visit her, she's usually on her phone whilst I'm trying to talk or something.
If she comes to visit me, the kids act up and I never get a word in really. And then, even though I'm fine with them there because kids can be hard work and so what, she's usually saying "I'm going to go Gem, these kids are doing my head in".
I just feel a bit deflated. I really needed someone to chat to today, it's really difficult looking after a young baby and being in hospital. He's trying to walk and he can't get down.
My joints are killing me, my stomach hurts. I'm drained. It's all just a bit much and I would love a chat because when we do have a proper chat, they're amazing and there's no one else I'd rather speak to 
It's ironic because my mum would be beside herself if she was in this situation and my 75 year old gran would be pulled down from her house immediately, so she can watch the kids whilst my mum rests.
There were paediatric nurses looking after him whilst I was in thwas A&E ward, but since I've been admitted there's been no one, understandably.
I'm even having to time a wee to be 30 seconds long in case my son starts screaming because he'd been left (I have his pram so he goes in there)