To ask for a time!

[newmomof1]

PiL came to visit on Monday and MiL said "oh newmomof1, OP's Grandma & H are coming to see you and baby on Thursday as Grandma wants baby to grow up knowing who she is."

I said that it's fine (bearing in mind I've met this couple around 6 times in total in the 6 years since being with DP, incl a wedding and two funerals, so it's a bit awkward!) and asked what time they're coming. MiL said "well they're coming to see us too (in laws live just round the corner) and said some time in the morning but we've said we don't do mornings so I don't know."

We saw PiL again yesterday to drop off birthday cards and MiL mentioned the visit again. I asked, again, what time they're coming and she said "well they're coming to see first then they're coming to yours, but sometimes they stay chatting for 3/4 hours with us."

AIBU to expect someone to give an actual time of when they're going to visit?
It's awkward enough when people turn up and I'm breastfeeding baby or getting her off to sleep, and annoying that I feel like I can't go out in case they turn up.

As above, I don't have a strong relationship with these people and feel like if I was to contact them for a time they'd think I was being pushy (in laws get sensitive about that kind of thing so imagine their parents would too).

For some people time is a fluid concept. I cant say it would bother me, but little does. If family say they are dropping by 'in the afternoon' then they don't need to specify 1.37pm on the dot, thats simply anal. If you need togo out, then you text and say you'll be out but home again by 4 or what ever.

Or you could hamd all this back to DH to organise his own parents and grand parents.

I wouldn't even mind if it's a case of morning/early afternoon/late afternoon. I don't need a specific time, that would be anal, but 'before lunch' or 'some time after 3' would be helpful.

They're in their 80s, but they're 'old 80s' so don't carry mobiles etc.
I say 'old 80s' because my Nan is 84 but seems much younger, always texts etc.

He finds it hilarious that they're coming round when he's at work so doesn't need to have anything to do with it - as you can imagine, they're not particularly close.

I would reply and say that unless she gives you a time you can't guarantee that you will be in. If they can at least give a ball park time then you will do your best to be there but that you are in fact too busy to sit in all day. Then it makes them aware that you aren't just complying with demands!

Have you actually asked them to name a specific time? As above, just say you can't guarantee you'll be or awake otherwise. Be firm but polite. You have a newborn! You get to call the shots.

@OKBobble this is the problem - it's all verbal!
DP's grandma called PiL to pass the message on that they'll be visiting.

I think I'll be more insistent on a time in future. Just wanted to make sure that I wasn't being unreasonable in doing so - thank you!

@GreenFingersWouldBeHandy as MiL is the messenger, I have asked her to clarify on 2 occasions but her responses are very vague (see OP)