2nd post today-Lots of Pictures

Here are some random pics from the 4/5 week of Chava's life. They go from most recent at the top to last weekend at the bottom. Read the previous post to find out about Chava's 1 month check-up.


Chava and grandpa catching a cat nap in the basement while Mom and Dad catch some much needed Zzzz's upstairs.

Speaking of cats...Our other babies need some love. So, here are a picture of Oscar (black cat in foreground) and Emmy (diluted calico laying down). They have adjusted to the baby quite well.

"If only they'd let me outside...Oh the damage I could do."

"I'm so pretty, I'm so pretty..."

Chava showing off for Grandpa.

"Hey grandpa, I heard a good joke the other day. Knock, Knock..." (Ok, maybe it was just some gas. Either way, cute random smile.)

No random smile here. (There is a more profane picture that won't get posted.)

Chava decided to empty the contents of her stomach all over Daddy and herself. Daddy had to take a shower after this one, while Mommy gave Chava a bath.

Chava in pink clutching a ring on her playmat.

"Nana, I can do it myself"....

....Now if only she could learn to change her own diaper and comfort herself we'd be set.

Big blue eyes. (Are we sure she's a Kalinsky?)

Random tongue smile

More big blue eyes

Aunt Barb came to visit and take care of Chava and Mom after her surgery. She is now for hire to change diapers, clean bottles, and, as she puts it, do Shoddy housework and lawn care.

1 month check-up

Well, Chava is now 1 month and 3 days old. She had her 1 month check-up on the 14th and passed with flying colors. She now weighs in at 8 lbs. 11 oz. and 21 inches long. She has put on 1.5 lbs since birth (2 lbs since her 3 day check-up when she was 6 lbs. 10 oz) and 2 inches. The doctor said she looks perfect and whatever we are doing, keep doing it. So, I guess Danielle and I will continue to feed her and change her, since that seems to be the only thing we really do (or have time to do). It seems we have failed in our attempts to raise an under-fed, un-loved baby. Stay tuned as I will be posting a couple new pictures later today or tomorrow.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CHAVA NICKNAMES!! And sorry Lori, "peanut" is not an option.

Oh, in case anyone is interested, Chava still has blue eyes!! The doctor says it can take up to 6 months for them to change, however, if they haven't changed in the 1st couple months there is a greater chance they will stay closer to the color they are now. I can't believe it, a baby with the Kalinsky lineage might somehow end up with blue or hazel eyes. Now just think, if her adult hair comes in blond, could we have the 1st ever blond haired blue eyed Jew? Who'd of thunk it. I guess that does make her a "Chosen One". (Sorry for the pseudo-Hitler era reference).

4 Weeks Old

Chava amazes us every day. She is 28 days old today and hitting milestones well beyond her age. She tracks very well, is on the verge of smiling and lifts her head up like a champ.

In case you didn't know, Danielle had her gallbladder taken out 2 days ago, and Matt has been sick with the flu. We have had lots of help from Grandma Kalinsky and Aunt Barb. Nana (Lori) Wenman will be coming to help next week. Chava wanted us to thank you all for nursing mom and Dad back to health.

By the way, don't forget to vote on the polls on the right side of this blog about Chava's name and possible nicknames. You are also welcome to comment. At the bottom of each post there is a comments link.


"What did you say, Mommy?!"


"Did you hear what she said, Daddy?!"


"I'm not sure how... much... longer... I... can... hold...on..."


"What choo talkin' 'bout willis?"


Some good bonding time. We think she might be contemplating her escape.

The rest of the Pictures

As if I hadn't posted enough pics, here are the rest of my favorites from the first 3 weeks of Chava's life. In case anyone has forgotten, or wasn't told, here are her specs.

Name: Chava Marie
Birth Weight: 7 lbs. 3 oz.
Birth Length: 19 inches
Birthdate: April 12, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (3 weeks early)

For those of you who are curious, I'll explain the name. Chava is the Hebrew form of Eve. Chava means "Life". It is pronounce like Channukah, but since many people can't pronounce the "CH" sound, it can be pronounce like Hannukah, by pretending the "C" is silent (HAVA). Also, Chai in Hebrew means "Life". Many of you know I have a tattoo with the Hebrew letters that spell Chai. If you've ever heard someone say "Lechaim" when toasting a glass of wine, it means "to life" in Hebrew. These are all derivations of the same word. Chai has a special meaning to me, and Danielle fell in love with the name Chava.

As a side note, it is Jewish tradition to name your child after a deceased relative. As it so happens my father's mother was named Eva.

As for Chava's middle name, This also has a special meaning. In Danielle's family, the first born daughter of the first born daughter of the first born daughter, etc, has the middle name Marie.

We later found out Chava was born on her great-grandmother Belva Marie Schulz' birthday.

Chava enjoying her playmat

Thank you for the May basket Gramma!! (Chava having a "Living in a VAN Down by the River" moment.)

Danielle posing with Chava before the Open House our neighbors threw for us.

Our princess

Peaceful Baby.....for now.

This is a picture of the 4 moms with 5 babies who were all born within a two week span in our subdivision.

Getting used to her tongue

Life is hard!!

Chava next to Danielle's baby picture. She is all Wenman/Schulz

Lots of sleeping interrupted by brief periods of crying.

Daddy's favorite pose from the hospital

GO HAWKEYES!!! We are starting early with the brainwashing

Some More Pictures

Sorry these are out of order, but I was just trying to get them up. If I have time, I'll organize them later.

Head exercises

I was just leading by example. I wasn't actually asleep. At least I don't think I was.

STRIKE A POSE

Isn't she beautiful, oh and the baby is cute, too!!

OK, I was really asleep this time.

At the hospital in Mom's arms



Hmm, what's this? I like that, I'll have to suck this finger more often.

Grandma and Chava Sporting Black and Gold. The only true colors!!

Chava asleep in Mommy's arms.

Big Stretch and showing our true colors.


I'M AWAKE!!

MMMM, COMFY

Oscar happy to be getting some lap time, even if it's shared.

"Daddy Stop Choking Me."

A rare unhappy moment.

Pictures of Chava - Long overdue

Well, it's about time I post some pictures. I'm sure you've seen many of these, but there are a few new ones in the bunch. I chose my favorites, so sorry if there was one you liked that I didn't post. Just be happy I finally got around to trying to figure out this blog thing.


Chava at 7 Days Old

Wide a wake, and time for a changing.

At the Hospital 29 hours old

Enjoying Daddy's Arms.

"Hi, Mom and Dad."