Staci-ism #4,576

Tonight. Oh tonight. I almost died tonight. Laughing, that is! My wonderful mama (Grandma E) came over to see me on my birthday and brought me an awesome gift (a brand new can opener!!! Don't smirk. If you had seen our old can opener in action, you'd be just as excited as I was about this new contraption--and some bucks to buy a new top!). She stayed for a while after dinner and played with Staci. Staci is in a book phase, happy to sit while you read her story after story after story after... you get the picture. They sat down to read 'Let's Go All Around the Neighborhood'. It's a cute little book from my childhood which I have fond memories of also reading with my mom. In this book, Susie and her mom spend the day running errands. Susie gets a new pair of red shoes, they go play at the park, and even get to have a special lunch at a restaurant. 

Grandma E is doing a great job of stopping every few words and letting Staci fill in the blanks. She has most of her books memorized and loves to help read. They get to a point where Susie and her mom go out to eat. I hear this exchange: 

Grandma E: Susie has a...

Staci: Hamburger!

Grandma E: with a....

Staci: pickle!!!

Grandma E: and a glass of...

Staci: WINE!!

And for the record, no. I do not let me 3 year old have wine at lunch time. Dinner time would be more appropriate for that! I kid, I kid. 

Conversation with Staci

Conversation between Max and Staci:

Max: what Tv show did you watch today?

Staci: Curious George!

Max: what other TV show did you watch today?

Staci: the man in the yellow hat!

Max: What's the man in the yellow hat's name?

Staci: Yellow. (proceeds to make her elephant noises)

8 thoughts on Christmas cards and a tip

Just some giggles as I address, stamp and stuff...

1) My thumb has been asleep now for 2 days
2) I don't know why it makes me giggle to send something to the Raymonts from the Raymonts, but it does
3) It occurs to me I never get as many as I send, but that's ok. I love sending them (even though I can't feel my thumb--it's all about the sacrifice. er whatever)
4) I wish I had the time and the money to send a better card, one with a personalized message or at least an update on what's new with us.  This year it's just a quote from Dr. Seuss.  That's all ya get peeps.
5) It feels really funny to type when you can't feel your thumb
6) I'm thrilled I made it through without addressing any upside-down.  at least I don't think.
7) I love our picture for the card more than words can express.  Thank you MLP!
8) Addressing, stamping and stuffing is way more fun with wine. I really missed it this year.

Quick tip: instead of licking all those envelopes, use a damp sponge.  keep a small bowl of water nearby to re-moisten as needed.  so much faster! (and less icky)

PSA: Watch Your Mouth

What a lovely weekend it has been!  Got to go out with my husband last night to a fun Christmas party while my mom watched Staci.  This morning we had homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and then I got to go to Costco with my mom toddler-free!  I forgot how fun and easy shopping is when you're not wrangling a VERY busy toddler.  *sigh* 

The trip to Costco was enjoyable, we walked up and down almost every aisle just browsing and checked out all the toys and books for kids.  And then one of the demo ladies (who was not very slim herself to say the least) handing out pita chips and hummus should really have just kept her mouth shut.  Our conversation went something like this:

Her: OH, when are you due?
Me: March 7th
Her: OOOH, you still have a WHILE then (looking quite surprised, then looks down at my stomach again) it's a boy then?
Me: no, it's a girl
Her: Oh, you're carrying SO low! Is the baby measuring big? You are SO big already!
Me: No, baby is measuring right on track.
Her: Oh, your uterus must just be all out front like a basketball then (eyes wide in disbelief)
Me: yeah, my midwife did say my uterus is right out front... (walking away, wondering wtf just happened)

Which brings me to my PSA for you all.  In case you haven't noticed, pregnant women do not need to hear how big we're getting.  We already know.  Intimately.  I also do not want to have conversations with people I've never met about the placement of my uterus on my body.  The only things that are appropriate to say to ANY pregnant woman, no matter HOW big she is, is something along the lines of, "Wow, you are glowing. You look absolutely beautiful and your belly is so cute!"  Anything that strays even slightly from this statement is really not ok.  Also, if I have never met you, it isn't cool to ask me where or how I plan to deliver, whether or not I plan to breastfeed, or to say things like, "oh it's your second? and your first is HOW old?  WOW, (widening eyes) YOU are going to be BUSY".  So please, watch your mouth.

Why I Love Wine

Dear grapes, thank you so much for letting yourself be squished, your juice fermented, so that I may drink it and feel fabulous. You have made bad days bearable and celebrations sparkle. You pair well with all sorts of lovely dishes. You look pretty on my table. You smell nice. I love it when my throat and belly get all warm after a few sips. You feel fancy, even when you’re cheap. One glass and I am the BOMB at Boggle. Two glasses I strat ot spel wrdso wrogn. Oh Wine, you make me happy.

My drinking days started out much like anyone else’s. Under age, fake ID, some Boone’s Farm and bad decisions. The usual. Since then, I like to think I’ve blossomed into a bit of a cheap wine connoisseur. What is your favorite cheap wine?