Daughter.....newly married...in laws..

Of course you are feeling lonely and left out. The wedding will have been a hugely emotional occasion and now it is over I can understand how flat and empty your life could be.
I came home after youngest D’s wedding and just cried- because her husband is lovely, she was so happy and because everything had gone perfectly, but most of all “anti climax ”
You have even more reason to feel that letdown as you do not have her father to share how you feel, but also because she has “joined” as you see it, a large and loving family.
But of course she is still your daughter and has not left you.
Do try to be glad she is happy and gets on well with her in-law’s and if you can possibly find some other activity, or treat for yourself or maybe a short break to take your mind off it for now, it could help.
You might like to write down how happy you are for her, how much you welcome your SIL and know he will look after her and perhaps how proud her dad would have been and wish them all the happiness in the world.
And then when they are back, invite them round for a family meal, make a huge fuss (in a nice way) of your SIL and do not let on in the tiniest way that you have ever felt jealous.
Believe me, I have been there and know from my experience that jealousy is the most hurtful and destructive of emotions.
Don’t go there! ???

I think you might be suffering after the wedding blues a bit. You have had a massive life change take place so do be kind to yourself. No one will take your place but your place has changed and you need to start doing some different things, new hobbies and interests. When the AC start going on holidays and days out with the in-laws it does feel funny but I am sure things will settle down.

Should have said “ mothers os sons”

You are not alone Chris, and as your post shows this not a situation only found with mothers in laws of sons! I’m sure many mothers would feel as you do. I think jealousy is a personality trait which some of us have more than others, and it’s no good anyone telling you it’s pointless- a bit like worrying - we don’t want to do it ! Perhaps you could suggest a weekend away with you. Whatever happens. Try to find a way to get over these feelings before a grandchild arrives as that’s another dimension , particularly if the geography is an issue. I’m sure your daughter loves you loads, and her Mi law will never replace you , no matter how well she relates to her.

Entirely natural that you should feel like this. Yoyr brought her up to be loving and independent......and she has flown as you have prepared her to do. Well done! But now it’s time for a shake and start your new life.

So often a change in the family dynamic causes problems but in your case everything is hunky dory - be happy for them.
As your SIL is wonderful I am sure he will be just as keen to involve your side of the family in the future as your daughter has with his.

Perhaps you could take up a new hobby, so as to have something new and exciting in your life, now when your daughter's life is changing?

If you live close enough for it to be feasible you could invite your daughter's parents-in-law for lunch or coffee one day, after they are back home, with or without your respective children.

Oh dear Chrisks - no one will ever, ever, take your place. Be happy that she has a good relationship with her in laws. I
wish my daughter's in laws would be as nice to her as your daughter's are.
I don't want to rub salt into the wound, but did they not invite you to join them, being that you are on your own. Or did you find it all too much, with their large family and therefore didn't want to go.
Don't be jealous....your daughter is being welcomed into her new family, but that will never replace the old.

Surely, it would be more of a problem if they were mean to her. Be happy you have raised a daughter who can slip so easily into a new way of life.

I have two daughters and we are extremely close and I always encourage them ( but they don't actually need it ) to give the MILs equal status, as I hear such horror stories about mothers of boys being cut off by their DILs.

Would you actually have wanted to join their merry family throng, if you had been invited? They do say you can sometimes be more lonely in a crowd. Your relationship with your daughter has a different dynamic.

Can't you just be happy for them, that they all get on ?
Jealousy is a terrible trait which can eat away at you if you allow it. Think positive thoughts in this world/life of uncertainty and keep your chin up.

We hear far too much about break-ups in in-law relationships that you should consider yourself fortunate within this family.