Ultimate in cool

How cool is the new iPhone? Can't wait to see one in person. That won't be happening anytime soon, unless one of my friends purchases it. We don't get such cool toys at work (especially now that I'm out of the technology loop even more), and the most expensive cell phone I've ever owned topped $30, maybe.

This device is amazing, though. The screen swivels as you move the phone. No number pads. You can pick and choose the voicemail you want to listen to (or automatically delete). And it comes in such a beautiful, little package. Some day ...

iPod crazed

My parents have officially welcomed me into the iPod world. For Christmas, they gave me a 30 gig, black iPod. I love it. I haven't had much free time to download CDs or fill it with the latest from iTunes, but I had some songs and playlists on my computer. (I was already using iTunes to buy songs here and there.)

Mostly I use it when I'm on the treadmill or listen while I read a book. Soon, I'll be learning how to play it through my auxiliary hookup in the Pilot. My dad loaned me his book, "The iPod Book: Doing Cool Stuff with the iPod and the iTunes Store," which is so easy to read and has great tidbits of information.

My dad is the resident iPod nut in our family. He got one a year or two ago and is never seen without it. Well, he may not take it to business meetings. But everywhere else. Just ask my mom.

Favorite new books

Brendan and Ryan received several new books for Christmas. Two have emerged as favorites:

Edwina, the Dinosaur who didn't know she was extinct, by Mo Willems: We've been huge Mo fans since our good friend Tyra sent us a pidgeon book a couple of years ago. This is another good one, and both the pidgeon and Knufflebunny make guest appearances (as usual). Brendan has enjoyed reading it a couple of times each day and surely spends his time thinking about what "extinct" means.

Here Come the Backyardigans, by Janice Burgess: Both boys truly enjoy this show, which focuses on childrens' creativity at its best as they play outside. Ryan loves this book, which has textured pictures on each page to touch and holes to explore. If you have a little Backyardigans fan around the house, this is a sure hit.

Happy holidays

You'd think I've been busy for a week since I haven't blogged lately. Truth is, I have simply been enjoying time with my boys, parents, and away from work. After all, this was my last week off before the baby arrives in late April!

Christmas was wonderful. Having my parents here made it more special for me and the children. (I'm sure hubbie enjoyed it, too!) They arrived Christmas Eve after a very long drive. Grammy was promptly put to work. Her mission: bake cookies with Brendan. They made delicious snowflake, Christmas tree, and reindeer sugar cookies.

That evening, the boys opened their early Christmas gift -- matching holiday PJs. This was a tradition in my home. We'd beg my parents to open a gift early, and usually the gift was matching PJs.



Christmas morning, we were overwhelmed with the wonderful and thoughtful gifts from one another and family. Ryan wasn't too interested in his gifts, but happily explored Brendan's. Note to self: Do not spend hours wrapping gifts for a 17-month old! After opening gifts, we gobbled down Papacakes (pancakes) and later enjoyed a fabulous Christmas dinner.

The rest of the week was relaxing and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the work week resumes for me tomorrow. We were fortunate to enjoy some special moments last week, though.

• Thursday, the boys stayed home with a sitter while Ken and I treated my parents to an anniversary dinner. They are celebrating 38 years!
• My mom and I got away for a few hours of shopping. Need I say more?
• Ryan quickly grew accustomed to asking Grammy and Papa to read to him ... over and over and over. Thanks, Aunt Jenn, for the cool Backyardigan books.
• The boys loved playing in the new playroom. Perhaps the newness will wear off and the excitement will fade, but they seem to enjoy having another place to play.
• Friday night, Ken and I snuck away for a night on the town. Well, actually, a night in a hotel. We stayed at the Omni in downtown Detroit. Usually, we'd seize such an opportunity to explore the town. Not tonight. We enjoyed dinner at the hotel, strawberries and champagne (just a sip for me!), then sleeping in. The night was truly about relaxing for us.
• Sunday night we enjoyed a nice dinner with my parents at home for New Year's Eve. Then we visited our friends Paulette and Joe for a small party. It was a great time.

Well, I could go on, but I know you all must have other things to do! Besides, my time is running out. Hope your holidays were just as wonderful.