We have a niece!

We flew out to NJ in March to make up for the trip that was cancelled due to the blizzard last Christmas. While we missed seeing Ma and Pa Ferg and all the New York decorations the first go around, it was ok because now we got to meet our brand new niece Ella for the first time.


Ella was only three weeks old but she's already a big, healthy young lady. We spent most of our time hanging out with Mom and Dad and marvelling at this cute as a button and incredibly needy little creature. It was interesting to witness first time parents learning how read the different cries of their child and trying different soothing tactics. I should've taken notes!



Steve and I left the new family to stretch our legs in New York for a day. It was so nice to walk around this great city without an agenda and just enjoy being a part of the scene. We ate brunch at a lovely French cafe and then explored the myriad of neighborhoods on foot. Along the way I heard gun shots and turned to Steve with wide-eyed panic. Are you kidding me? I thought this only happened in the movies! Turns out I was right, as they had closed down 7th Ave to film part of the next Bourne movie (Borne Ultimatum, perhaps?). We watched as a stunt drive peeled out in a little sports car and again shots fired in the distance. Ah, it makes me nostalgic for LA. But of course, not wanting to look like tourists, we walked on.


We passed through Grand Central Station, then tried to go into the Crysler Building but it wasn't open to the general public. That's too bad; I like it far better than the Empire State Building. As we walked on the swarm of tourists became thicker and thicker, and soon we found ourselves at Rockefeller Center. It really is a beautiful center, and I love the art deco flavor. On a whim we tried to go on the NBC Studio tour but it was completely full. That's too bad, I really would love to see the set of The Office.




Apparently Ella missed us while we were gone, because she was screaming for her Aunt and Uncle. Or maybe she was just screaming...she's got a great set of pipes.


Oh, the humanity! You're a great kid, Ella, we can't wait to see you again soon.