This Is Why Mommy Drinks Wine At Dinnertime.

Mabel:  Mommy? Can I have a deal? If I eat all this broccoli, and these pieces of turkey burger, can I be done dinner?

Me:  Mabes, I don't do eating deals. That's Daddy's thing, not mine.

Mabel:  But if I finish those things, can I be done?

Me: I told you Mabes, I don't do deals.

Mabel:  But can I be done if I eat all that?

Me:  No. You have to eat your whole dinner.

Mabel:  But I'm not hungry.

Me:  Okay, well then you'd better go upstairs and go to bed to preserve your energy.

Mabel: I want to go play with Abigail and Catelyn.

Me:  Well, if you don't eat your dinner you're going to be too weak to play.

Mabel:  No I'm not.

Me:  Yeah, you will. And you'll tell me you're hungry too.

Mabel: No I won't.

Me:  Just finish your dinner, Mabes.

Mabel: But if I just eat those pieces I'll be full.

Me:  No deals.

Mabel:  But I can eat just those pieces and be done?

Me:  Fine. Yes.

Mabel:  Can I have ice cream for dessert?


The longest stare down in the history of stare downs happens between us.


Mabel:  I'm pushing it, right?

Me:  Yep.

Mabel:  It's okay, I get it.
You can just give me cookies.