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."

As the Belly Grows

Here is a preggers picture of Danielle. This was taken the night of her Baby Shower in Cedar Rapids. She is about 34 weeks pregnant here.

We are eagerly awaiting the birth of our 1st child (third if you count the cats). At the baby shower we revealed we are having a girl. Her initials are C.M.K. Since we decided to tell everyone the sex, we thought we should still hold something back, so we only gave the initials. Now the fun of figuring out the name begins. Happy Guessing!!

Test Post

This is a test post. This is just to see how this whole thing works. I hope to soon add some pictures and more information about the goings on in the lives of the Peoria Kalinsky Clan.