My first thoughts were: Is DH a product of a first marriage and the other two from a second? This is bizarre ~ is there any reason for FIL to think he’s not his biological son? Was there an ancient fallout that one or both of them are suppressing/denying? Did FIL finally grow up late in life and *now* more naturally bonds with those under 40 and small children? Was there any weirdness concerning DH’s first wife and that family?
Ironically, because he’s a shrink, you would think you could openly talk about this. Could you go have one of his colleagues over and bring this family stuff up? What will happen is the men will put on their professional therapist hats, but you *might* get somewhere!
Sometimes certain family members rub each other the wrong way. Or maybe FIL is waiting for *you and DH* to praise *him*!
Why don’t you bring a framed pic over every holiday as a present so he eventually has a collection? It’s hard to feel distant towards photos you see everyday. If you find he’s ferreted them away, then I would bring it up directly (which some would say you should do anyway). Good Luck!!
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