If these are the kind of people who are going to want to write you a thank-you note, you might want to include a pre-written one with your gift. I do it all the time for new parents -- I write the thank you, address it, put the stamp on and make a little "x" where they sign their names, so they don't have to waste precious baby time.

Huh. I get the purpose, but I'm not sure I'd know what to think if I got something like that.

I want Nora to be my neighbor. I bet she'd bring me muffins because I'm sick. (I've had some kind of low-grade something for a while. Last night it decided to declare itself as a fever and sore throat. A fever makes me whiney and a little whimsical in the brainpan.)

Nora, that's a great gift. One of the most appreciated gifts I ever gave was to a newly married couple in a new apartment. I packed up Christmas for them -- a little tree, ornaments, lights, tea towels and other decorative stuff.

I thought my flat tire was bad last week, but at least I didn't have to deal with it in Greek.

I'm not sure I'd know what to think if I got something like that.

It's not something that I'd send in a birthday present for my grandmother, but friends of mine who are new parents seem to find it an amusing and thoughtful way to acknowledge their busy lives.

Deena (and interested others), here's a better link to my Cafepress store with the kid shirts: [link]

t /shameless self-promotion

but friends of mine who are new parents seem to find it an amusing and thoughtful way to acknowledge their busy lives.

I'm sure it's all in the presentation.

Thank you, kind neighbor, for your [ ] thoughtful, [ ] considerate, [ ] unusual, [ ] cracktastic gift. (check/delete as appropriate)

We will always think of you as we [ ] munch on the lasagna, [ ] use the baby lotion, [ ] feed the iguana, [ ] hide the "child sized" hunting knives. (check/delete as appropriate)

[ ] Yours, [ ] Sincerely, [ ] We're keeping an eye on you, [ ] The restraining order is in the mail, (check/delete as appropriate)

Your neighbors.

It's not something that I'd send in a birthday present for my grandmother, but friends of mine who are new parents seem to find it an amusing and thoughtful way to acknowledge their busy lives.

It does make more sense in that context. I guess it just threw me for a moment.

Damn, Raq, that's beautiful.

Raq, you are so damned talented.

I'm sure it's all in the presentation.

Pretty much. For certain friends I make sure to get a line in there about how they hope the baby grows up to look just like me.

I'm sure it's all in the presentation.

Calli, that's hilarious!

Update: I'm finally at work. Bad connection on the battery. Cable thingies are now sparkling clean and car seems to be running fine.

I, however, am not so clean. Someone just pointed out that I missed some grease on my neck. Off to the bathroom to de-grease.

Ginger, I hope this is a quick ick and you're feeling better soon.