Ferrara's in Florida

"My friend Stella has great hair!"--Sable

Sable absolutely loves her Aunt Ginger and she has won Aunt Ginger's heart. We had a nice time with my sis, Gin. The only drawback of visiting with Ginger is when she has to leave; we always miss her SO MUCH! While Sable had Aunt Ginger's undivided attention being dolled up & entertained, I taught a few fitness classes, ran errands and went on a date with my man. Sunday we met Aunt Jenny Gibbs in Central Park for a picnic. Spring is in full bloom with colorful trees, shrubs and families everywhere.

Sable's wardrobe is rapidly overtaking my closet. I think she may have more outfits than me and she is only 6 weeks old!! Every day I look forward to dressing her in a new outfit, but these days she wears at least 2-3 because she is a messy eater.

Monday night we returned to St. Luke's Roosevelt where we recounted Sable's birthday for a group of nine preggos, their partners & two instructors at the Enriched Lamaze class. Recent memories flooded us upon entry to the hospital. Once inside the classroom, we experienced deja vu from the less recent anticipation of preparing for Big Apple Baby's arrival. For the first time I felt what veteran parents talk about--that awesome, indescribable elation of preparing for and having a baby. As we unfolded the details of Sable's arrival, she woke up from a dead sleep HUNGRY. A lactation consultant (LC) was conveniently listening to our chronicles and graciously offered me a room to feed Sable. While Philip wrapped up & fielded questions, I fed the hungry one. The LC stayed with me and commented on our story while I fed Sable. She said our experience was incredible and Philip's words almost moved her to tears. After she retold her favorite parts of our story, ...

Today I had my final doctor's appointment for the year and Sable went with me. I packed her in the Baby Bjorn and we hopped on the E. It was my first time out solo with her and what an experience. I learned a few new things-- (1) how to nurse standing up (in a ladies' room stall), (2) how to change a diaper on the public changing table, (3) how wonderful New Yorkers are to a woman and child. Not only did someone offer me a subway seat but many doors were held for me and lots of people stopped to take a peak & compliment little Sable. Of course, she slept through most of this. Sable also slept through our visit to Fenway Partners. Everyone seemed happy to meet her especially my boss, Tim. He held her for a while and even gave her a little kiss on the head. It was fun stopping by the office. I definitely miss work but am enjoying my new "job" of learning to be a mom.

Sable had her first playdate on Monday night. It was quite an event for Sable as she interacted with her first canine, Solomon, then met 4-day-old Stella Grace. Kristin and Raina set up the little ladies for a photo shoot as you can see.

The Lopez Family Sable's smallest item of clothing Sable's first "going out" outfit Pops & Nana Sable's bath by Nana

This afternoon Pastor Fabian dedicated Sable & Stella at our home. The intimate affair was really sweet and quaint.

Mom, Just want to say that you are truly the best! We couldn't have found anyone to take care of us the way you did--you cooked delicious meals, cleaned all the laundry in the house over and over, went to Sable's doctor appointment, grocery shopped, catered to our every need and loved on Sable. Thank you so so so so much! And thanks for coming earlier than expected. Dad, Thanks for letting us have Mom for 10 whole days. Thanks also for visiting and taking good care of us...and for the yummy meals. In reality, we know you came to NY so you could frequent the Met :) love y'all so much, gina, philip and sable

We spent all this time renovating and constructing a nursery only to realize that Sable hardly spends any time in her Serene Green. This weekend I decided to let her play and nap in her crib. She seemed to like it. I took these photos with her FAO Bear from Aunt Karen, Aunt Jenny & Aunt Bonnie Gibbs.

Sable is more alert this week & she has been practicing her "neck exercises" when we burp her. Given her interest in looking around, I started giving her daily tummy time. In these photos, she looks angry but don't be alarmed, it's just the Italian forehead which she inherited from her Daddy.

Cousins Paige & Emma sent their little cousin Sable a luvie with her name on it. She's a bit young to love on her luvie so I do it for her. She likes it when I rub the satin edges on her face.

After Sable's 7pm feeding we have bath time. Her mesh lounge chair used for bathing fits perfectly in our kitchen sink. Her little body fits perfectly on it and she relaxes when the warm water hits her tummy. She looks like a little froggy, it's so cute. Her favorite part of the bath is when Mommy holds her head underneath the faucet so that the water runs over her head. She lets her shoulders drop and her face speaks of contentment.

Currently, Sable spends most of her days & nights in her pack'n'play.