The Litabug Phlog

Welcome to 2008! I don’t like making New Year’s resolutions (daily effort works better for me than sudden changes). And really, outside of business transactions (new Masspike tolls, fare hikes and such), not much is different about a new year. Those who know my obsession with writing won’t be surprised that my main interest in the change of a year is having a new number to form with my pen. 8. It’s graceful, balanced, tall, gentler than 7. It can be swirled in a twisting motion or set in a tidy stack like a little snowman… Good number - I think I’m going to like it.

On Christmas, my Dad had already left, but my Mom and sister had not yet arrived. We opened gifts from Austin’s family - sweet smelling soaps and candles and little sewing notions for me, adorable clothes for Maggie, handsome outfits and clever books for Sam, much needed dress shirts and pants for Austin, and many more pleasant treats. Thank you!

Nonnie and Aunt Becca have been here, showering the kids with kisses, hugs, and more Christmas presents. Some incredible genius has invented a fire engine playhouse big enough for a toddler to walk through, but that can be folded up - like those windshield shades - into a bag no bigger than a frisbee! Sam loves it. He peers out the windows at us and squeaks “Peepatchoo!” He can’t seem to say “peekaboo” but I like his version better anyway.

Yesterday, Mom, Becca, Maggie and I went into town for a little “girls’ day out.” Once they’ve left Boston, it’ll be tough for me to get out and about in the winter weather with two munchkins, so this was a fun escape. They were setting up in town for the First Night celebration. We went two years ago and saw the parade, ice sculptures, and fireworks. Children had already purchased plastic trumpets, which could be heard all over town, blasted from strollers and echoing between the buildings.

Happy New Year!