Another nice photo from Nashville...

Just home...interstate snow covered :(

There was only 1 lane open on the interstate for most of the trip between Milwaukee and Fondy. Some cars were in a big hurry to pass on the snowy side. Several ended up in the ditch. We're home safely this early morning. Pics are from earlier this afternoon. Afterward Elle, Eva and I shopped for dresses for Krissy's wedding. Lots of deals and Elle also found a nice dress for the "Snowball" dance at Fondy High :)

Elle and Belle :)

Christmas in Nashville

Thought I'd include a few new photos. Baby Belle is doing well. Today everyone went to see Avatar at the Imax, while the baby and I hung out and relaxed:) Plan to take Jacques for another walk tonight. Elle and I were saying yesterday, that if it was 50 degrees in Wisconsin in December folks would be grilling out and playing football on the lawn. Here we walked for miles and didn't see a soul. Elise says its too cold for folks down here! Funny.

Denver as Santa

Thanks to friend Kelly for the cute snapshot of Denver, her labradoodle:)

Merry Christmas!

Kylee's first Christmas:)

Thanks to co-worker Kristin for the adorable photo of little Kylee, her 7 month old. Love the outfit! Christmas will be especially fun this year with the new babies.

christmas duets

Early start..

Elle has to be to school by 7 this morning. I'm thankful for a day off to finish Christmas prep. Later today, I'll head up to Jo and Tim's to drop off gifts for the Manitowoc folks. A storm is predicted the 24th and 25th, and we are leaving for Nashville on the 26th., so there's lots to do :)

Christmas dinner 1965

Came across this photo yesterday. It was 1 of hundreds that we 'dried out' after the flood. It is damaged but still a gem. Paul and Kathy are in the photo, along with Hilde, Les and Grandma Thelen. Unsure who the rest of the folks are...assuming family. I always love these older photos:)

Well wishes...

Happy 2nd. anniversary today to Elise and James! They will have a wonderful Christmas this year with the new baby :)

Night of Silence

Fondy High's 6th. annual 'Night of Silence' concert is tonight, and it's always very good. Elle's bell choir, and V-Jam singers are featured along with the varsity choirs. The locals folks won't want to miss this one:) Great way to spend an evening.

cold but pretty

We tromped around last evening at the UW just admiring the frozen ponds and all the snow on the tree limbs. Afterward we met at one of the music parent's house to hear the V-Jam kids wrap up a night of caroling. We had some great hot mulled cider:) Elle was very tired after a 16 hour day, so we left for home around 11. I'm grateful for a quiet day today.

prayers for our Minnie

We extend our condolences to Minnie and Aliyah for the loss of a Sister and Aunt. Paul and I agreed that Meldon Denise's funeral (going home celebration) was the best we've ever experienced. Such a great family! I texted Elise the details, as she went to Marian U with one of Meldon's (Niecy's) sons. Liyah was here tonight for a long time, just talking about the loss. Soon we leave for V-Jam caroling and fun with the music folks.

calm before the storm

Today we have our Christmas party at work. It's always nice to have a chance to talk to the corporate employees, and of course the food is wonderful. The first big snowstorm of the season has good timing, in that I'm off tomorrow and plan to stay home all day and decorate for Christmas:) Let it snow! Paul is very busy with several masses at various places, ie. Springs, St. Francis and Holy Family because of the Immaculate Conception. He has a 12 hour day, but is busy rescheduling Wednesday in case the storm turns out as expected.

Lovely Belle

I swiped this photo from James' facebook. Couldn't resist:)

a few nice band photos

Thanks to Chris for the nice photos from a recent show.

Getting an early start to the day...

A co-worker and I are making a few cheesecakes today, then heading to church with one of the residents. The second Sunday of Lent is here already. Church will be packed. The 'Chreasters' are all heading back for services :) Of course, they're always welcome in church!

nice memories...

Photos today are of Elise at 1 week old. It's fun to look back now that she has a babe of her own :) I'm home safely, after a very bumpy flight home. Henry is very happy...he is sitting on my shoulder now, offering me a grape.

chilling out today

Elise is feeling very well today, and baby is relaxed and happy. I don't think she cried more than 2 minutes all day, and then only when she was hungry. Grandma Julie changed her diaper and cleaned her little belly button, which also got quite a response, but she quickly quieted when she was fed. It's nice to relax a bit before Grandma Julie returns home to Fondy tomorrow. Thanks again to our friends and the folks at church for the kind wishes and continued prayers. To my friend Kim...thanks SO MUCH for the lovely afghan and I'll be seeing you soon In Manitowoc.

Yeah...back home for good!

Just arrived back home on a windy, rainy evening. Elise was so happy to sit and rock the baby and enjoy some quiet time. Poor Isabelle has been stuck so many times for the blood draws that her little feet are sore:( She's doing very well with the weight thing though, and is right around 7 1/2 pounds. Clever girl.

new hospital pics

Baby Isabelle is doing very well. It is hard to see her under the glowing lights with eye patches on, but she is improving very quickly. She has been awake for hours today, and focusing on Mom's face, when the eye patches were off momentarily. Dad went home to catch up on things, and have a quick nap. Isabelle is a cuddle bug.

update

Baby doing much better. Bilirubin levels dropping and weight is up to 7 pounds and 6 ounces :) Elise is much better too. Not sure how long baby will have to stay. Hospital communication is not the best.

Prayers needed today folks...

We had a few setbacks today, which landed Elise in the ER for a complication, and little Belle readmitted to lay under the bililights for her jaundice. Although it's fairly common, the condition makes her lethargic with a poor appetite. She's dropped to 6 pounds and 14 ounces. With a little TLC she'll come around. I've decided to stay a little longer, through this week at least. (Thanks to JoAnn for capably running things at work for me. A box of Hughes chocolates is on the way!) Belle is a strong girl, just like her Momma, and will come through just fine. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Love to our friends in Cyberland.

65 today in Nashville

We are really enjoying this beautiful weather. Jacques and I had several long walks already. Thanks to James for putting photos up on Snapfish, but for the folks who didn't get them, here are a few highlights:)

Home at last!

Baby Belle came home at noon today. She is just a wonderful baby, and very strong. She will move her head all around searching for her Daddy when he speaks to her:) Came home at 7 pounds and 9 ounces, but is nursing well. Here are two new pics.

She's Here!!!

Please welcome baby Isabelle Juliette Rochon Estes, (baby Belle)...born on Wednesday, the 25th. She was 8 pounds and 20 inches, and is a healthy baby. Elise is doing well also, as is the new Daddy James, who is a natural at parenting. Here are a few photos, with more to come. Thanks to all of our dear friends and parish folks who offered their prayers. I told Elise we were all asking for a healthy baby, and our prayers were answered. Belle is just a gift. What a wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Love to all in Cyberland, from 'Grandma' Julie. Sounds good:)

Beautiful day...got alot done

We walked this afternoon in the old neighborhood, enjoying the great weather, and showed Elle our first home. Since we moved in 1990, she never lived there, but she found the history interesting. Paul told her about how he and Grandpa Les and Uncle Jeff built the garage, of how neighbor John and he roofed the house, and about putting up the privacy fence, all of which are still there. The current owners (who bought the house from us) take great care of the place. That makes us feel very happy because we loved that house. Today's pics are Henry and little kitty Leo (Eva's cat) as they played this morning in the extra bedroom.

Happy 10th. Birthday Aliyah

Nice photo of Elise, James and Baby Girl

some more...couldn't resist...great show