Dear Isa,
Thank you for the lovely dress for Jillie. It is really pretty and will look so cute on her. What a lucky girl. Her wardrobe keeps growing. Mom and Shirley came and brought her several more outfits.
We had a nice - if short - visit. They came Thursday afternoon and left Monday afternoon. I took them to the wharf in Santa Cruz on Friday, it was a beautiful day. Saturday Katie and Shorty came over and Jillie and Alex went swimming in Jillie's new pool. Sunday we went to the Hilton for brunch and then tore the deck up!
So we have been working in our new-found yard. We've planted grass, 2 new shrubs, flowers and lettuce. It really looks good. Jillie likes the grass and clumps of dirt - very tasty! Next we'll work out front.
She's teething - need I say more? Jillie's been a bag for 2 weeks now. It's getting quite unbearable and we still don't see any teeth pushing through. We've been giving her Paradol and cold teething rings. God I hope this doesn't last long...she wakes up 2 to 3 times a night though I'm not getting up with her.
We went to Toy's R Us the other day and bought her all kinds of stuff - some toys, a swing, swimming pool, big pool float, a toy telephone, etc. But she still likes adult toys; all the books on the book shelf, pots and pans, plants, everything she shouldn't have! When will we learn?
Jackie is still working out great. She's going to visit Jim in L.A. for a long weekend soon. That should be really fun for her. She has met him several times. Unfortunately she hasn't met anyone her own age. She joined the health club - but she won't go unless I do. She doesn't just take off on the bike - so I can't imagine her wanting to stay here for long. Although she said if she can get her visa extended she'd like to stay another 6 months. I really hope she does because I don't know what I'd do if she leaves.
Gordon is doing fine - he got into working in the backyard and is happy how it turned out. He's been playing tennis about once a week. He had 3 sales and a listing a couple weeks ago - so, he's been on a real estate high - again! Jim has loaned us his computer indefinitely so I'm afraid I'm becoming a computer widow.
Nothing new in the works. A friend is getting married up near Sacramento on May 7 so Rhonda and Mark and Gordon and I will go up overnight. I'm putting milk away now in preparation (Jillie is still nursing just fine). A friend has offered us his 4 bedroom house near Jackson (a town we drove through on the way up to the mountains) so we might go near the end of April.
I hope you enjoy these pictures. Again, I've made some notes on the back of some. Also hope you are feeling well and the weather is getting better.
Take care, Love from Sharon
Dear Mum,
Just thought I would add in a few lines - I am 1/4 way to my Broker's Exam. I do a little bit when I feel like, then give up for 4 or 5 weeks. I hope you are feeling better soon, we are all well here.
Jilly is being a menace - she is fully mobile and can stand holding on to furniture for 10-15 minutes at a time - she can even walk around as long as she has something to cling to. I hope she is not getting too spoiled.
I'll talk to you soon,
Love, Gordon
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Letters to Isa - March 17, 1988
Dear Isa,
Thank you for sending the cute nightshirt for my birthday. I've got it on now and it's comfy to sleep in.
Jackie arranged a party with 10 or so people over the evening of my birthday. It was supposed to be a surprise but I knew something was up. Gordon took me out for drinks and Jackie got the house fixed up, Jillie fed, bathed and in a cute party dress and greeted guests. The girl's a wonder - the best thing that's ever happened to us! Anyway we all had a good time.
Gordon and I had a great anniversary. We left about 1:00 pm on the 3rd; drove through San Francisco; picked up some beer and went to the lookout over the Golden Gate Bridge - took the back way up the coast - stopped and had oysters (well I had oysters) and clam chowder; then arrived at the Blackthorn Inn about 4:30 pm. We were the only couple at the Inn so we had the place entirely to ourselves. The room, called the Eagle's Nest - was round, glass windows all the way around looking out onto a forest. There's a bridge to a hot tub and bath. So we sat in the hot tub most of the time we were there, drank beer and went out for dinner. The next morning we had a great breakfast - quiche, fruit, breakfast roll, coffee and orange juice and took off about 11:00 a.m We drove further up the coast out to a point where there is a light house.
We got home about 2:00 pm. Jackie and Jillie were playing in the kitchen and everything was fine. Jackie said she had no problems with her - she took her bottle just fine (used up about 30oz. of milk) went to bed okay and was fine in the morning. In fact, Jackie said after she gave her 4 oz. or so in the morning, she fell back to sleep in bed with Jackie.
So there's no problem leaving her overnight with Jackie. Now I have to build up a milk supply again!
The other morning, March 8, when I went in to get Jillian, she was standing up in her crib smiling away....so proud of herself. Now all she wants to do is stand up! She pulls up everywhere and has even started taking steps around furniture. Pretty hard to imagine huh? The Dr. Mom book says she should pull up at 10 months and walk around holding onto furniture at 11 months. There's just no stopping her.
We are teaching her to say Ja-Ja for Jackie. She's said it several times - but not consistent. Still her favorite word is da-da - but she really babbles a lot. She can wave hello/goodbye now. And she knows to look when you say where's kitty, Sylvester (the window cat) Ja-Ja and daddy. She's so smart and so much easier to cope with. completely independent but coming to the stage where she's shy around people she doesn't know well.
Mom and Shirley come out next Thursday the 24th. We're really looking forward to their visit. Jackie will take a much deserved 4 days off just to lay in the sun and do nothing. It is working out so well with Jackie - I'm so pleased. I think Jackie will stay another 6 months. I really hope so. I don't know what I'd do if she left. I really think I'd take in kids and stay home with Jillie. I just can't see taking her to another person's home.
I have left CalFed Mortgage and gone back to Vintage Realty. Finally the fiasco is over with CalFed and I'm pleased to be out of there and back downtown. I'm working part time assisting the broker there and selling too. Gordon had 2 sales this week so he's feeling up again after a slow period. Hopefully this will be a good year - God knows what will happen next year after the election and with our deficit so high. Interest rates are expected to soar so real estate will be the pits.
We were sorry to hear you had to go on steroids again. Hope you are feeling better now. The worst of winter should be over now and perhaps health will improve too. These pictures should help!
I'll write again soon. I've got another roll of film in the camera so I'll send more pictures as soon as I use the roll up.
Take care Isa and say hello to Jimmy.
Love from Gordon, Sharon and Jillie
P.S. I tried the recipe from the February (or March) Gourmet for Creamed Leeks. It's really good - Gordon and Jackie liked it a lot. Try it if you get a chance.
Thanks again for the sleep shirt! :)
Thank you for sending the cute nightshirt for my birthday. I've got it on now and it's comfy to sleep in.
Jackie arranged a party with 10 or so people over the evening of my birthday. It was supposed to be a surprise but I knew something was up. Gordon took me out for drinks and Jackie got the house fixed up, Jillie fed, bathed and in a cute party dress and greeted guests. The girl's a wonder - the best thing that's ever happened to us! Anyway we all had a good time.
Gordon and I had a great anniversary. We left about 1:00 pm on the 3rd; drove through San Francisco; picked up some beer and went to the lookout over the Golden Gate Bridge - took the back way up the coast - stopped and had oysters (well I had oysters) and clam chowder; then arrived at the Blackthorn Inn about 4:30 pm. We were the only couple at the Inn so we had the place entirely to ourselves. The room, called the Eagle's Nest - was round, glass windows all the way around looking out onto a forest. There's a bridge to a hot tub and bath. So we sat in the hot tub most of the time we were there, drank beer and went out for dinner. The next morning we had a great breakfast - quiche, fruit, breakfast roll, coffee and orange juice and took off about 11:00 a.m We drove further up the coast out to a point where there is a light house.
We got home about 2:00 pm. Jackie and Jillie were playing in the kitchen and everything was fine. Jackie said she had no problems with her - she took her bottle just fine (used up about 30oz. of milk) went to bed okay and was fine in the morning. In fact, Jackie said after she gave her 4 oz. or so in the morning, she fell back to sleep in bed with Jackie.
So there's no problem leaving her overnight with Jackie. Now I have to build up a milk supply again!
The other morning, March 8, when I went in to get Jillian, she was standing up in her crib smiling away....so proud of herself. Now all she wants to do is stand up! She pulls up everywhere and has even started taking steps around furniture. Pretty hard to imagine huh? The Dr. Mom book says she should pull up at 10 months and walk around holding onto furniture at 11 months. There's just no stopping her.
 |
| First time standing in her crib! So proud! |
Mom and Shirley come out next Thursday the 24th. We're really looking forward to their visit. Jackie will take a much deserved 4 days off just to lay in the sun and do nothing. It is working out so well with Jackie - I'm so pleased. I think Jackie will stay another 6 months. I really hope so. I don't know what I'd do if she left. I really think I'd take in kids and stay home with Jillie. I just can't see taking her to another person's home.
I have left CalFed Mortgage and gone back to Vintage Realty. Finally the fiasco is over with CalFed and I'm pleased to be out of there and back downtown. I'm working part time assisting the broker there and selling too. Gordon had 2 sales this week so he's feeling up again after a slow period. Hopefully this will be a good year - God knows what will happen next year after the election and with our deficit so high. Interest rates are expected to soar so real estate will be the pits.
We were sorry to hear you had to go on steroids again. Hope you are feeling better now. The worst of winter should be over now and perhaps health will improve too. These pictures should help!
 |
| Enjoying a little pool-side sunshine in her rolling chair. Check out those arm rolls! |
 |
| Lunch in the playpen consists of apple slices, cheese and a little French bread. Add a glass of red wine and some things never change! |
I'll write again soon. I've got another roll of film in the camera so I'll send more pictures as soon as I use the roll up.
Take care Isa and say hello to Jimmy.
Love from Gordon, Sharon and Jillie
P.S. I tried the recipe from the February (or March) Gourmet for Creamed Leeks. It's really good - Gordon and Jackie liked it a lot. Try it if you get a chance.
Thanks again for the sleep shirt! :)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Letter to Isa - February 17, 1988
Dear Isa,
Thank you for the letter and pictures. There are some good ones there - especially in her pretty pink dress! Unfortunately the pictures we had taken at the studio didn't turn out. They say there was a flaw in the film. I rather doubt it. They got an earful from me and we're not finished yet. What a farce!
Jillian is doing just great. Her new favorite food is avocado. I just mash it up and shovel it in! I think she likes its color most of all. She also likes winter melon. Her new trick is at bath time you start the water - take her to the T.V. room and remove her clothes. She crawls all the way into the bath room pronto! She hears the water running and takes off! We really have to watch her closely because she moves so fast. And she loves electrical cords! Gordon has placed plastic stops in all the electrical outlets and has put cabinet latches on the kitchen cupboards where there are cleaning things and glass. Her crib has been lowered a notch too!
Still her favorite word is Dada but she slips in an occasional baba and now nana. I'm trying to teach her lala and to say tata when we leave, but she's not quite got it yet.
Jillie just got over roseola - or baby measles. She had a 103 degree fever for 2 days with no symptoms. The doctor didn't want to see her though but called to see that she was okay. After the fever was gone she broke out in a rash on her tummy and back. So I called the doctor and she said no big deal just watch her. But the 3rd day of rash she became very fussy so I took her to the doctor at 7:00 pm. Still they said she was okay and sure enough the next morning she was as good as new. It's always scary though. With the fever I had to get up each night a couple of times so it took a couple nights for her to figure out she's okay and to stay asleep. So far she continues to sleep through the night.
Jackie is working out great! She's even talking about staying a year - although don't say anything to Helen or George. I think they will be disappointed if she doesn't come home in 6 months. Jillie really likes Jackie and even takes a bottle from her beautifully if I'm delayed. In fact today I was gone to a seminar for 5 1/2 hours so Jackie gave her milk. She took 3 bags full! Good girl!
So because of her ease with Jillie and vice-versa - Gordon and I have decided to use our gift certificate for the bed and breakfast for our wedding anniversary. So March 3 we will spend our first night away from our daughter. I'm already thinking about it too much! I'm sure I'll miss her terribly.
Jackie and I took Jillie to the beach the other day with the car top down! It's been really warm here - so we put her sunhat on, bundled her up and took off. It was a great day - Jillie slept most of the way, of course. We went out on the wharf and to the boardwalk/promenade and a walk along the cliff overlooking the ocean. She walked barefoot in the grass for the first time. She had an incredibly funny look on her face then she started stomping her feet really fast. I've got pictures I'll send you when they are developed.
Jackie went out with some girlfriend's of mine from the office. She had a nice time. She spent the night at my friends home. Jackie has also joined the health club. The other day all four of us went over and I took Jillie to the childcare for the first time. I told the girls that she's never been in a place like that and they said "and mom is more upset than baby right?" They were right. She was mesmerized by the other kids and hardly knew I was gone at all! I cried!!! Anyway they have walkers there like hers and there were other kids her age to roll around on the "new" carpet with. Gordon checked on her while I was in aerobics and he said she was on the floor with another kid playing. So I guess it's OK to take her there after all.
Gordon has 2 new listings - 1 of them has already sold - so things are picking up. My business continues to be weird and I'm now making a decision about what I'm going to do. I'd like to stay home with Jillie for a while - but I can't.
We've yet to finish the wallpaper in our bathroom! So what else is new!?! and it's getting so warm that I need to think about fixing up at least the entry way garden.
I have given Jillie that special kiss you directed in your letter. I know she misses her companion, especially in the morning as I know you do too. We miss you too, especially the extra hands to help with her. I was and am very sad that you had to leave and cannot spend more time with Jillie as she grows. I want her to know her grandparents. I think isn't very important. Hopefully it won't be too long before we are together again.
My sister and mom are coming out for 4 days beginning March 24. I'm really looking forward to their visit. I wish my mother could have 6 weeks with Jillie too. I'll write and tell you about their visit and send pictures too.
Give our love to all there. We haven't heard from Jimmy - but we haven't called up there either so we don't know what he's up to.
We'll talk to you soon.
With love, Gordon, Sharon and Jillian
Thank you for the letter and pictures. There are some good ones there - especially in her pretty pink dress! Unfortunately the pictures we had taken at the studio didn't turn out. They say there was a flaw in the film. I rather doubt it. They got an earful from me and we're not finished yet. What a farce!
Jillian is doing just great. Her new favorite food is avocado. I just mash it up and shovel it in! I think she likes its color most of all. She also likes winter melon. Her new trick is at bath time you start the water - take her to the T.V. room and remove her clothes. She crawls all the way into the bath room pronto! She hears the water running and takes off! We really have to watch her closely because she moves so fast. And she loves electrical cords! Gordon has placed plastic stops in all the electrical outlets and has put cabinet latches on the kitchen cupboards where there are cleaning things and glass. Her crib has been lowered a notch too!
 |
| After her bath with Mom! |
Still her favorite word is Dada but she slips in an occasional baba and now nana. I'm trying to teach her lala and to say tata when we leave, but she's not quite got it yet.
Jillie just got over roseola - or baby measles. She had a 103 degree fever for 2 days with no symptoms. The doctor didn't want to see her though but called to see that she was okay. After the fever was gone she broke out in a rash on her tummy and back. So I called the doctor and she said no big deal just watch her. But the 3rd day of rash she became very fussy so I took her to the doctor at 7:00 pm. Still they said she was okay and sure enough the next morning she was as good as new. It's always scary though. With the fever I had to get up each night a couple of times so it took a couple nights for her to figure out she's okay and to stay asleep. So far she continues to sleep through the night.
Jackie is working out great! She's even talking about staying a year - although don't say anything to Helen or George. I think they will be disappointed if she doesn't come home in 6 months. Jillie really likes Jackie and even takes a bottle from her beautifully if I'm delayed. In fact today I was gone to a seminar for 5 1/2 hours so Jackie gave her milk. She took 3 bags full! Good girl!
So because of her ease with Jillie and vice-versa - Gordon and I have decided to use our gift certificate for the bed and breakfast for our wedding anniversary. So March 3 we will spend our first night away from our daughter. I'm already thinking about it too much! I'm sure I'll miss her terribly.
Jackie and I took Jillie to the beach the other day with the car top down! It's been really warm here - so we put her sunhat on, bundled her up and took off. It was a great day - Jillie slept most of the way, of course. We went out on the wharf and to the boardwalk/promenade and a walk along the cliff overlooking the ocean. She walked barefoot in the grass for the first time. She had an incredibly funny look on her face then she started stomping her feet really fast. I've got pictures I'll send you when they are developed.
 |
| With Jackie in Santa Cruz...her first trip and walking in the grass barefoot! |
Gordon has 2 new listings - 1 of them has already sold - so things are picking up. My business continues to be weird and I'm now making a decision about what I'm going to do. I'd like to stay home with Jillie for a while - but I can't.
We've yet to finish the wallpaper in our bathroom! So what else is new!?! and it's getting so warm that I need to think about fixing up at least the entry way garden.
I have given Jillie that special kiss you directed in your letter. I know she misses her companion, especially in the morning as I know you do too. We miss you too, especially the extra hands to help with her. I was and am very sad that you had to leave and cannot spend more time with Jillie as she grows. I want her to know her grandparents. I think isn't very important. Hopefully it won't be too long before we are together again.
My sister and mom are coming out for 4 days beginning March 24. I'm really looking forward to their visit. I wish my mother could have 6 weeks with Jillie too. I'll write and tell you about their visit and send pictures too.
 |
| Jillian's new muck-luck's and Raggedy Anne and Andy hand-sewn by Aunt Sis. That's my rocker from when I was a little girl. |
Give our love to all there. We haven't heard from Jimmy - but we haven't called up there either so we don't know what he's up to.
We'll talk to you soon.
With love, Gordon, Sharon and Jillian
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Letters to Isa - November 8, 1987
Dear Isa,
I just finished all the thank you's to your friends and Nana for the beautiful gifts sent over with Marsha. I'm sorry they are getting out so late. There's just never enough hours in a day - as you know with a little one.
My last thank you goes to you for the cute plaid dress. She will wear it at Thanksgiving when we go back east with her little white lace tights! Gordon thinks the tights are silly - but what does he know!?! Also the dress you picked out for Nana to send is adorable. I can't wait for her to wear it. Just a bit big yet.
She weighs 1 stone now and is very long, over 24 inches. We take her to the doctor again on the 16th of November for a check up and her next DTP shot. I will take the day off because she's fussy when she has the shot. Poor thing. It makes me fussy too!
Enclosed are pictures that my brother-in-law took on Jillie's sixth day of life. Tim brought my Aunts camera out and shot a whole roll for her and my mother has sent this extra set for you. I've made notes on the back of some of them. She was so tiny then...and red too!
Also enclosed is a picture at 2 1/2 months - please note the little booties. We were in the mall one night and decided to stop at the portrait studio. She wasn't property dressed for a photograph but - what the heck! I have a big photo for you too but you'll have to pick it up when you are here.
We are really looking forward to your visit. I just wish you could stay longer - or permanently. Jillie needs a grandmother here.
Everyone here is fine. We are now getting some much needed rain. It's nice, and the nights are cooler. We ordered some firewood and the three of us snuggle in most nights to watch the fire. Jillie is fascinated.
We will write more later, love to you, Sharon
I just finished all the thank you's to your friends and Nana for the beautiful gifts sent over with Marsha. I'm sorry they are getting out so late. There's just never enough hours in a day - as you know with a little one.
My last thank you goes to you for the cute plaid dress. She will wear it at Thanksgiving when we go back east with her little white lace tights! Gordon thinks the tights are silly - but what does he know!?! Also the dress you picked out for Nana to send is adorable. I can't wait for her to wear it. Just a bit big yet.
She weighs 1 stone now and is very long, over 24 inches. We take her to the doctor again on the 16th of November for a check up and her next DTP shot. I will take the day off because she's fussy when she has the shot. Poor thing. It makes me fussy too!
Enclosed are pictures that my brother-in-law took on Jillie's sixth day of life. Tim brought my Aunts camera out and shot a whole roll for her and my mother has sent this extra set for you. I've made notes on the back of some of them. She was so tiny then...and red too!
Also enclosed is a picture at 2 1/2 months - please note the little booties. We were in the mall one night and decided to stop at the portrait studio. She wasn't property dressed for a photograph but - what the heck! I have a big photo for you too but you'll have to pick it up when you are here.
We are really looking forward to your visit. I just wish you could stay longer - or permanently. Jillie needs a grandmother here.
Everyone here is fine. We are now getting some much needed rain. It's nice, and the nights are cooler. We ordered some firewood and the three of us snuggle in most nights to watch the fire. Jillie is fascinated.
We will write more later, love to you, Sharon
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Letters to Isa - September 28, 1987
Dear Isa,
Enjoy the beautiful pictures enclosed. Jillian is just fine and happy and growing mentally and physically by leaps and bounds.
She really has quite a vocabulary of "goos" and "ahs" and the cutest laugh you've ever heard. She looks so much like Gordon - especially when she frowns!
We're so happy you're coming here again. Jillian will be at the perfect age and being able to be together for the holidays will be very special. We're talking about getting up to the mountains while you are here. I think you'd really enjoy our mountains and scenery.
Gordon has been really busy. He has 3 new listings - one has already sold and just opened an escrow with a buyer. Business got slow about the time Jillie was born.....but as soon as he started hitting the streets again he picked up business. It always makes his "attitude" much better.
I took a full time job - started last week. I'm selling money! I'm a "loan consultant" for a major mortgage company about 2 blocks from home. I'm on fixed salary - a pretty good one and can switch to commission if I wish. It's pretty much a 9-5 job and being away from Jillie is killing me. She stays with a woman across town 4 days a week and Gordon takes off 1 day a week to be with her. I'm still nursing and expressing milk. I go to her at lunch and she takes a bottle of breast milk in the mid afternoon. It's working out okay but being across town is a pain at lunch - plus I don't want anyone with her except Gordon or me. I spent alot of time crying last week missing her.
We are looking into having an "illegal alien" live with us Monday-Friday. A good friend of mine - a business associate of both Gordon and mine - has an El Salvadorian living with her - cares for her child; cleans the house; does the laundry and cooks all meals. Sounds good huh? Anyway her caregiver has a friend or family member who needs a family - so it might be us. It's a bit more expensive but with me working full time, we could swing it. She'd live-in M-F; go to San Francisco to be with family Friday night then return Sunday evening. She'd stay in the babies room while you are here. Anyway, we should know in the next couple of weeks. It would be worth having her here just so I could be with Jillian more and longer at lunch.
Gordon and I are taking Jillian to Washington, D.C. at Thanksgiving for 5 days. Mom didn't see Jillie because she had to go home the day before she was born and my dad couldn't come out, as planned, this month so we really feel we have to get back there while she's so little. We got a great deal on airfare and mom's helping too. So we'll have family for both special holidays. Naturally everyone is very excited!
I'll sign off for now. Drop us a line when you can. Looking forward to seeing you in December.
With love,
Sharon, Gordon and Jillian
Enjoy the beautiful pictures enclosed. Jillian is just fine and happy and growing mentally and physically by leaps and bounds.
She really has quite a vocabulary of "goos" and "ahs" and the cutest laugh you've ever heard. She looks so much like Gordon - especially when she frowns!
We're so happy you're coming here again. Jillian will be at the perfect age and being able to be together for the holidays will be very special. We're talking about getting up to the mountains while you are here. I think you'd really enjoy our mountains and scenery.
Gordon has been really busy. He has 3 new listings - one has already sold and just opened an escrow with a buyer. Business got slow about the time Jillie was born.....but as soon as he started hitting the streets again he picked up business. It always makes his "attitude" much better.
I took a full time job - started last week. I'm selling money! I'm a "loan consultant" for a major mortgage company about 2 blocks from home. I'm on fixed salary - a pretty good one and can switch to commission if I wish. It's pretty much a 9-5 job and being away from Jillie is killing me. She stays with a woman across town 4 days a week and Gordon takes off 1 day a week to be with her. I'm still nursing and expressing milk. I go to her at lunch and she takes a bottle of breast milk in the mid afternoon. It's working out okay but being across town is a pain at lunch - plus I don't want anyone with her except Gordon or me. I spent alot of time crying last week missing her.
We are looking into having an "illegal alien" live with us Monday-Friday. A good friend of mine - a business associate of both Gordon and mine - has an El Salvadorian living with her - cares for her child; cleans the house; does the laundry and cooks all meals. Sounds good huh? Anyway her caregiver has a friend or family member who needs a family - so it might be us. It's a bit more expensive but with me working full time, we could swing it. She'd live-in M-F; go to San Francisco to be with family Friday night then return Sunday evening. She'd stay in the babies room while you are here. Anyway, we should know in the next couple of weeks. It would be worth having her here just so I could be with Jillian more and longer at lunch.
Gordon and I are taking Jillian to Washington, D.C. at Thanksgiving for 5 days. Mom didn't see Jillie because she had to go home the day before she was born and my dad couldn't come out, as planned, this month so we really feel we have to get back there while she's so little. We got a great deal on airfare and mom's helping too. So we'll have family for both special holidays. Naturally everyone is very excited!
I'll sign off for now. Drop us a line when you can. Looking forward to seeing you in December.
With love,
Sharon, Gordon and Jillian
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Letters to Isa - August 28, 1987
Dear Isa,
Sorry this letter and pictures came so late. Everything seems whirlwind these days! Between changing Jillian and feeding and bathing Jillian there is little time to do more. Just this week I'm getting organized and free enough to prepare a decent dinner for us.
Jillian is thriving - already up to 10lbs! We took her for her 2 week check up and the doctor says she is in excellent health. She now sleeps in her own crib and room and feeds between 3 and 4 hours at night so we are seeing a little more sleep these days. I have gotten the hang of expressing milk so Gordon now feeds Jillian one bottle a day. He's also in charge of baths. I think Jillie enjoys it as much as dad! Fortunately, because Gordon's schedule is flexible, he is able to spend good quality time with Jillian, especially mornings when she's very awake and smiling. He really is a great dad - very attentive - and loves to dress Jillie like she's a doll!
My recovery has been quick. I feel pretty much back to normal except for another 15lbs to go. I think that's a stone and 1/2? I started back exercising this week and I've been working some too.
Gordon's business went through a slump a month ago but it's picking up again. He took a new listing last night and has a full weekend of showing property. It looks like he'll be getting another 3 listings in the next couple of weeks too.
We hope to take off 4 or 5 days in the next 2 weeks to go to Ken and Katy's cabin up in the mountains. The same place we went last fall. Jillian has gotten several sweater outfits as well as all of the beautiful sweaters sent from Scotland so she will be well outfitted. Gordon says she has more clothes than him!
We hope you have been feeling better and taking it easy. You really should be living here in California. Do you have any word on Christmas yet?
I hope you enjoy the pictures. We have another roll in the camera so we'll send more soon. If you need more wallet size photos, just let me know.
We are all well and happy and thinking of you. Write when you can.
Sending our love -
Sharon, Gordon and Jillian
Sorry this letter and pictures came so late. Everything seems whirlwind these days! Between changing Jillian and feeding and bathing Jillian there is little time to do more. Just this week I'm getting organized and free enough to prepare a decent dinner for us.
Jillian is thriving - already up to 10lbs! We took her for her 2 week check up and the doctor says she is in excellent health. She now sleeps in her own crib and room and feeds between 3 and 4 hours at night so we are seeing a little more sleep these days. I have gotten the hang of expressing milk so Gordon now feeds Jillian one bottle a day. He's also in charge of baths. I think Jillie enjoys it as much as dad! Fortunately, because Gordon's schedule is flexible, he is able to spend good quality time with Jillian, especially mornings when she's very awake and smiling. He really is a great dad - very attentive - and loves to dress Jillie like she's a doll!
My recovery has been quick. I feel pretty much back to normal except for another 15lbs to go. I think that's a stone and 1/2? I started back exercising this week and I've been working some too.
Gordon's business went through a slump a month ago but it's picking up again. He took a new listing last night and has a full weekend of showing property. It looks like he'll be getting another 3 listings in the next couple of weeks too.
We hope to take off 4 or 5 days in the next 2 weeks to go to Ken and Katy's cabin up in the mountains. The same place we went last fall. Jillian has gotten several sweater outfits as well as all of the beautiful sweaters sent from Scotland so she will be well outfitted. Gordon says she has more clothes than him!
We hope you have been feeling better and taking it easy. You really should be living here in California. Do you have any word on Christmas yet?
I hope you enjoy the pictures. We have another roll in the camera so we'll send more soon. If you need more wallet size photos, just let me know.
We are all well and happy and thinking of you. Write when you can.
Sending our love -
Sharon, Gordon and Jillian
Monday, October 24, 2011
Return to Scotland - Charli's Pictures!
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| Appetizers in the living room in the Moffat house. |
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| On our first hike together. Gordon helps the ladies over the burn. |
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| Charli and I and the view back to Moffat. |
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| At the kissing gate at "Jenny's view". |
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| Look at my outift! Och! You can tell I'm in Scotland. That's Isa's miniature pincher vest! |
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| Charli at the Moffat Well. |
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| Along the tiny street on the way to Maureen's home. |
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| Seriously? |
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| The beginning of our LONG walk. |
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| Gnarly slug! |
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| In front of the chocolate shop in Keswick, England. |
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| Around Gallow Hill. |
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| Sexy! |
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| A little Moffat B&B! |
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| Charli and Hunter get cozy on the motorcycle. |
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| Sheep beware! |
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| Charli with the Gray Mare's Tail in the background. |
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| Me in front of our Sunday roast hotel in Melrose! |
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| Need to make a call! |
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| At Melrose Abbey. |
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| Charli is like a little Gnome dwarfed by the huge Abbey. |
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| Great shot from the top of the Abbey. |
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| And of the cemetery below. |
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| The Scotsman at the Forth Road Bridge. |
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| Happy to be on a double-decker bus heading downtown. |
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| Up to the Royal Mile. |
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| Charli likes men in kilts! |
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| Toward the end of the pub crawl! |
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| Goo-goo eyes for the bartender! |
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| Great shot heading from the Royal Mile to Princess Street by the The Scotsman. That's the Balmoral Hotel in front of us to the left. |
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| Awwwww |
Great photos from a wonderful vacation. Makes me wish I was still there!
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