Ferrara's in Florida

Before we flew to the 'Deli, we celebrated the season at our church's semi-formal Christmas party. Philip was excited that Santa made a special trip to the Lower East Side! An annual party the weekend before Christmas is a Gibbs family tradition. L to R: Jenny, me, newly engaged Bonnie and Paul, Ginger Our lovely Maw-Maw, SMU freshman GiGi holding Holly's 7-week baby boy Ivan, & new mom Angela

Back in the real LA, Sable is having a blast. Despite the many loved ones that dote on her, she prefers to give her affection to my parents' 13 year old catahoula mix, Bear.

Straight-haired Sable loves playing with curly hair and Santa's beard was no exception.

I finally was able to view this link and it is hilarious! Our friend, Brandon Kolmetz aka Cooper's Daddy, put it together. Nana, you will love it! http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1217205028

The holidays have been extra happy with a baby in the house. So different, so wonderful. We have been so busy having fun and I haven't captured it all on camera. Here's a couple pics of Sable's world this week. Philip's new rat tail (alright, alright, we all know Mr. Metro wouldn't sport such a 'do. It's actually 10 inches of my hair for Locks of Love). Make Christmas cookies for the 1st time in my life or watch Baby Einstein for the 1,000th? A little R&R after wrestling with my friend Julia My evening wrestling partner That is Sable's world in a nutshell. Now for mine: A fierce second wind stronger than a double-espresso kicks in when Sable goes down for the night. I try to get as much done as possible between 8pm-8am including some decent sleep. For the other 12 hours in a day, 10 of them are spent as a watch dog protecting plants, burning candles, and wine racks from tipping over; senior inspector of everything that the junior inspector deems ...

We've been so busy having fun that we haven't had much time to blog. My 17lb 13 oz, 27.5 inch boss has been keeping me on my toes with her constant pulling up-letting go-"Look Ma, No Hands" hat trick. Say No to Crack. I Play to Win. Sable and Stella, what a pair Professional Taste-Tester Daddy brought me a toy from Home Depot I love my dadadadadadadada Thanksgiving fun with Brandon & Lauren

Sable & Aunt Ginger went for a brisk walk in the cool New York air. Aunt Ginger saw some hot shopping opportunities and Sable didn't seem to mind - it didn't take much shopping to poop little Sable out - whooo, all those colors and noises, it's a good thing her comfortable bear outfit kept her nice and cozy. Sable woke up when Mimi called and had to do some talkin'... As you can see, Sable loves talking to her Mimi After the phone call with Mimi Sable was ready for some play time. The swing is her favorite.

Aunt Ginger came to visit bearing a toy rat Juliana wanted to share with cousin Sable. Well, it's Sable's new favorite toy!!!

For all those who are far and can't hear Sable's sweet voice, sit back & enjoy this little clip of Sable playing with her toys...she's really enjoying herself!!!

Gina Chong-You & Baby Jayden Rachel, Melissa, Rhoda I was too busy tending to Sable to take any photos at the Ladies' Getaway so I "borrowed" some from Melissa's blog. Gina, Rhoda and Rachel have been close friends of ours from when I attended grad school at UF seven years ago (wowwww, has it really been seven years already??)

We've had some "only in New Orleans" experiences but this was truly one of those "only in NYC" ones. A few weeks ago we invited our neighbor over for dinner. Ruth, a remarkable lady who overcame much adversity and atrosity in her lifetime thus far of 87 years, is still as lovely as the pictures she showed us in her prime. After meeting her husband in a concentration camp and spending three years as a prisoner, they were liberated to Sweden after WWII where they married. Shortly thereafter they moved to Jackson Heights, NY, where Ruth still resides. For almost 3 years we've known Ruth as the "'young' older woman who wears Pumas" but only recently have we had the privelege to get to know her. What an honor it has been.

This Friday was extra special because two of my girlfriends came over to play. Upon waking, I found Stella playing with my toys in the living room. We went on a walk in my double-stroller, check it out. Then Julia paid me a visit this afternoon. I just love hanging out with my friends!

Yesterday was the first day of fall weather, at least for us who've been in sunny Florida most of the month. Tights and jeans pose a challenge to the crawl speed, but it doesn't seem to phase her: Sable still gets where she's going.

We spent most of October in Florida. During that time we visited with my parents, good friends from the Rock of Gainesville, and Aunt Mary.

My dad and mom just can't get enough of the Sable girl. Three days after kissing her good-bye in Florida, they made their way to NY for more kisses.

Sunday was a remarkable day full of surprises. Philip left for a class he was taking while Dad, Mom, Sable and I headed out to find The Rock of Sarasota for church. We were greeted by a lovely lady who, unbenounced to us, was Pastor George's mom. Upon entering the auditorium, Apostle Richard (Pastor George's brother) introduced himself to us and to make a long story short, mentioned that Pastor George was sitting on the front row. Can you imagine how exciting it was to hear that my pastor was visiting the same church as us?! It was a surprise for both of us. Pastor George met Sable for the first time and she LOVED him. She just put her head on his shoulder and acted as if she knew him. Later that afternoon another surprise, this time for Philip: Pastor George came by the condo and walked in on Philip who was studying on the lanai. It was really fun seeing the look on his face at the surprise guest!! This was also the first time my parents met our pastor. My mom made one of her ...

My parents joined us for a few days in Sarasota on Siesta Key. We've invited them on previous vacations to more exotic places, but they were always busy. This time they couldn't resist--we had grandbaby Sable with us :)