Ferrara's in Florida

It's official--my sister, Holly, is having a baby boy due on October 31. Juliana called and shared the good news with us this week. This will be the first grandson in the Ricky Gibbs family and the first great-grandson for Maw-Maw. We are excited to welcome our first nephew.

Beach season began today on Long Island so we packed a cooler and headed east. Our first time to the beach as parents wasn't much different from any other since Sable was faithful to her naptimes. A little NYC lagniappe--Either Sable is a magnet or little girls love littler girls. Two weeks ago a baby girl walked up to our picnic blanket speaking Spanish to her poppy. He translated, "She thought your baby was a doll." This week on a walk in the 'hood, two young school girls in uniforms stopped to chat it up with Sable. And today while on the beach, a 3 year-old made her way over to get a good look at Sable with her mom quickly following behind her. Toddler Edy was shy to say her name and age but didn't hesitate to voice, "I want to hold your baby."

The seasons have changed a few weeks early in the Big Apple and today will reach 90 degrees. Sable is ready for the warm temps in her new outfits. Happy Hot Pants Halter Top Honey (Couldn't Help But Post Another Swimsuit Shot) Sable's Oversized Sun Hat

My UF friend and former workout partner (GI Jill) is getting married. For mother's day, Philip gave me a weekend in Boston where Sable and I attended Jill's bridal shower. Jill's friends brought desserts and everyone voted on the best one. I used my mother-in-law's recipe for Eclair Pie and guess who won? Me!! We had a refreshing weekend and a fun time hanging out with Jill and Felix. The bride & groom R&R at the hotel Starting Her Young: A Campus Visit to Harvard

What do Sable and Louie have in common? Gosh, where do I start?! Louie was my first pup, Sable was my first child. Louie was so incredibly sweet, Sable likewise. Louie made messes, Sable makes even bigger messes. Louie was the loudest eater in the world; that is, until Sable came along. Louie shamelessly passed gas and Sable has no qualms about it either. The list could go on and on but one of the top traits that both Louie and Sable share are the delight on their faces when they wake up to a new day.

Sweet Sable was not so in the supine. We tried swaddling, a vibrating bed mattress, music, sounds of nature and even a human heartbeat...just about everything but laying on her back didn't soothe our little girl. Then we tried a not so popular but simple change--we let her sleep face-down and voila, instant peace! She doesn't exactly sleep flat on her tummy as evidenced in this pic.

Little Sable had her two month doctor's visit last week. She weighed 10 pounds and measured 23 inches, which puts her in the 90th percentile for height (50% for weight). Those measurements don't sound like much but she weighs 40% more now than the day we brought her home from the hospital. I Found My Thumb Tomahawk

Sable loves her Aunt Marlene. Maybe it's because Aunt Marlene brought her more clothes...or because Aunt Marlene introduced her to shopping...or because Aunt Marlene looks like her daddy (except she's pretty)...

We went on a picnic in Tomkin Square Park on the Lower East Side today. I remember when I moved here 5 years ago the park was no place for a family, but today the park was filled with hipsters, Bugaboos, Frenchies and college students. The weather is absolutely amazing and the flowers and trees are in full bloom. It's hard to ponder that only 7 weeks ago there was a blizzard.

Sable loved her Aunt Marlene. They had such a fun time playing and holding each other this weekend. Cousin Emma told Marlene that she is going to teach Sable "everything she knows except how to ride a bike without training wheels" because Sable might fall and she doesn't want to hear her cry. LOL

My good friend, Colleen, met Sable and me in our neighborhood one Sunday for a walk. We used to see each other daily when we worked at Evercore, and it was good to catch up in person. Sable doesn't keep her eyes open very long on walks hence the little sleeper.

Our friends, Georgio and Dana Luca, ran into Al Sharpton the week of the IMUS controversy. Of all the celebs to meet on the sidewalks of NYC...

"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.