Turning lots of corners - DaB35 Part 8

[DaB35]

In other news - I'm going to be an uncle! My sister announced she is pregnant and expecting early next year.

Some new houses are being built near where they are. I've put my name down for interest to see if I can afford a flat there perhaps. My mum for some reason is violently opposed to me getting a flat for some reason - I keep pointing out to her that I will need at least £120k as a deposit to get just a 2-bed house (in the UK house prices are just ridiculous) and I definitely don't have that! Unfortunately I cannot afford to rent; it's just too high.

I could up sticks and move way up north but I don't want to do that. I like my job, and I have my friends and work all based here.

It's XW's birthday today. I'm thinking I will text: "Happy Birthday. Have a great day." We have been fully NC for over 3 months since D.
I had thought maybe a shocking 180 would be for me to ignore her completely and not reach out. Last year, XW's birthday was right in the middle of our S; not good timing. I texted her and definitely pursued, saying I missed her etc. I regret doing that.
This year, I can see the argument for not contacting her today at all - hitting home the idea that I'm not in her life anymore - but I think after 3 months one two sentence text should be ok.

Would really appreciate any further thoughts on this.