Sometimes

There are things you can't have without a child of your own. Or things you can rarely have.

On the one hand, you rarely have someone start yelling and crying and insistently babbling the only words they know over and over at 4:20 am until you get up and go bring them a snack.

On the other hand, this morning she snuggled on my lap eating a little cereal, feeding me the occassional piece, and generally getting warmer and cozier and heavier and softer. Just quiet and sweet. And when the cereal was all done, I cuddled her and cradled her and carried her up the stairs and she smiled so sweetly and dove back in to her crib and huddled down in child's pose.

She's getting older, and I won't have too many more of these moments.

It's one thing I have thought about over time. What a sensual experience it is, taking care of a baby. They are so touchable. You want to touch and hold them. Their skin is smooth and soft. They smell good. Their hair is like delicate silk. They want to be kissed and hugged and tickled and wrestled. *hugs the Rice Barbarian tight*

Possibly still a little bit PMSy

But this PRESUMPTION really pissed me off.

From: randomrealestateagent@whocares.com
To: CK@work!!!
RE: Your Next Home - Landlord's Husband asked me to call

Hi CK (and Husband),

Landlord's Husband asked me to give you a call to help you find your next home. Husband mentioned you may already be working with another agent. If you are not, I would love to help you. As you probably know, for either rentals or buying, working with an agent as your representative doesn't cost you anything. Our fees are paid by the landlord or seller of a property.

I can also connect you with lenders that are highly reputable and financial [sic] strong.

Blabblahblah

Thank you,
Random Real Estate Agent

From: randomrealestateagent@whocares.com
To: CK@work!!!
RE: Rental not yet listed

Hi CK,

I want to also mention that I have a new townhouse rental listing, that might also be for sale, that is coming on the market soon. It is vacant now. It is in the NearYourCurrentHouse cluster on the water. Great view. 3 bedroom. Husband says size is important. Your current place is 1674 square feet and this property is 1368 square feet, so it is smaller.

If you were willing to rent it as is, you could save some money every month toward a down payment for a future home. Or you might be able to buy this below market value and do the cosmetic touch ups on your own. It does need new windows which I might be able to get the current owner to buy.

Just wanted to mention it.

Thank you,

Random Real Estate Agent

From: CK@work!!!!
To: randomrealestateagent@whocares.com
RE: Rental not yet listed

Random,

Thank you for your contact. I will let you know if we need your help. FYI, our current place, including the fully-finished basement, is right around 2000 sq. ft. We are looking for something not less than 1800 (including the basement of course, let’s be fair!), preferably not less than 2000, and within an easy walk to NearbyRoad Dr. (I know NearYourCurrentHouse cluster meets the easy walk requirement!).

On a personal note, I know it is a knee-jerk reaction for real estate agents to suggest buying and make the big pitch for what a great idea buying is instead of renting, but seriously, I am NOT interested in discussing this topic anymore with anyone. It is an EXTREMELY sore point for me personally, especially right now, as YET ANOTHER landlord forces us, a perfect tenant, to move when we would really rather stay. Thank you very much for never mentioning this topic again.

Kind regards,
CK

Haha!

Then I really confused her by responding on the below market purchase question after all. She is talking about a waterfront property in a pretty good neighborhood one street over. I said, SURE, if they would entertain an offer of about $175,000 less than the probable asking price in that neighborhood AND pay the closing costs, we might be interested...