Same. I've always been bad at replying to people in general, and it's worse with friends that I have to hype myself up to talk to just so I can match their energy. Not their fault, of course, but as you said, you don't want to bring your friends down.
OP, I say keep trying. Everyone needs friends and the more, the better. Just keep the judgement low and try to be understanding of where people can be at in their life journey. I promise that they will appreciate you for reaching out.
As a side note, I've gone years without speaking to some friends and when I've dug myself out of a hole or they've crawled out of the woodwork, we've reconnected. And because we were understanding and accepting of what each other has gone through, our relationship is stronger.
Neither. It's her brother's baby mama. That's why they butchered the title. Apparently the nephew lives with his father and stepmother.