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

Jeckyll and Hyde pics

Thanks to Elle, Trevor and his Mom for sharing these nice pictures from the musical. It was a great success:) More to come. I copied a few for you Grandma Mare, and will mail them out.

busy weekend, time to relax

The weekend started early with a concert at the Windhover on Friday featuring Eugene Rousseau. He is one of the leading classical saxophone performers in the world. He's also a researcher and designer for Yamaha instruments. He has a very impressive bio. Elle was astonished by his talent. Yamaha offered to gold plate his saxophone, but he said not to bother, because he didn't care how it looked, and it wouldn't help the sound:) On Saturday, UW hosted a clinic with Rousseau teaching technique. Paul and Elle went and were impressed with how friendly and approachable he was, and also his candor with young people. The musical Jekyll and Hyde wrapped up Saturday night, and it was great. Photos will be coming soon. Afterward Elle headed out to the cast party until 2 AM. This morning was the usual round of church and choir practices, and then back to the high school for set strike. I grilled some chicken this afternoon, taking advantage of the great weather, and made a large batch of guacamole. Elle is sacked out on the couch with Carmen, as Eva and Paul travel over to Marian for a late mass and practice. A quiet evening at home will be nice.

Plumbing problem fixed...

It was a tough few days without any water...but all is fixed now. My apologies to the folks planning to come to the party tonight. It was the party that wasn't. I just couldn't entertain 20+ folks with no water (no toilets:)and nothing to offer in the way of refreshments. I couldn't use the kitchen:( Enough of the rant on my 50+ year old house. On a lighter note, I'd like to wish Aunt Jeanette (Dad's older sister) a happy transition to a wonderful assisted living home. She will move tomorrow with the help of her sons and extended family. She's just a great Aunt, and very much like Grandpa (Dad) Gilbert, just a joy to be around. I can't wait for her to meet our first grand baby, James and Elise's baby. We will get them together for sure. Today's photo is Henry enjoying a mac and cheese recipe with Gruyere cheese and lots of nutmeg. He enjoyed it, as you can see :)

Happy Birthday to Debby :)

Wishing dear friend Debby a very happy birthday! She is the first person I met in Fond du lac in 1982 and we've been close ever since. Funny though, I don't have any still photos of us together. I have lots of video of the kids when they were younger, with Debby and Dan in them. I must see if I can upload a video soon. Had a nice visit with Jenny and her new baby Mason, pictured, just 6 weeks old. The Manitowoc folks will remember her from the old west side neighborhood. Jen's just like another daughter to us. She's teaching marketing classes at Fondy High now, but has another 6 weeks off with the baby. He's really darling, and very bright.