HAVA WEARS ME OUT
So, you know I love her to death and when she is cute, BOY IS SHE CUTE! But when she is crying, BOY IS SHE CRYING! Mom and Dad are in from Brazil, which is wonderful - and she was a little angel today at the mall, didn't fuss one bit...not about being off of naptime, not about being hungry...nothing....all smiles. I sort of saw it coming. She was a mess later this afternoon and tonight...completely wiped out and screaming at the same time and wearing us out in the process...hence, why I am writing this at 11:30 pm when I should be asleep. I'm off to bed now, my baby is silent...finally.

Hava was showing all the signs of wanting to eat solids. She was sitting up, chewing her fists, big weight gain and waking up at ALL hours wanting to eat. So, she was getting way too much formula....hence....the big event - 5 days away from being 4 months. She's an early-bird!


Finally, she was very tired of the high chair and had to have some comfort while trying to get this stuff down. We switched off and on between the cereal and a bottle to help her understand how to swallow. She was worn smack out and went straight to sleep after it all. She's been doing this "holding her head" thing for a while now...always when she is eating. It is so cute!!!

So, now that you've seen all the pictures, I can catch you up to date on Hava herself. She will be 4 months old on the 25th! We can't believe it! And we are so excited because mom and dad will be back a couple of days after that for about a month. We went to the pediatrician today - for those of you who remember our weight issues, this is just amazing - Hava is now 23.75 in. and 11lbs. 3oz.! She is still considered petite, but she has really picked up weight. So much so, that the doctor's office thinks she should be ready for cereal pretty soon...she is already taking bottles any and every chance she gets.

She had more shots today (YUCK!) and she let us all know she was not pleased with it. But, better than the last time, she was over it pretty quickly. Also, SHE IS SLEEPING COMPLETELY BY HERSELF NOW!!! Can you believe it? We can put her down wide awake and she will go right to sleep on her own...no pacifier, just the swaddler....which I don't think she will need much longer. She usually sleeps about 2.5 hrs in her naps and will sleep throughout the night (10-6/7) most nights.

Hava is pretty good at keeping her head up, giving humongous smiles and she loves to stand (with some help, of course). She is the happiest child when she is the happiest, and the saddest when she is the saddest.....she can still go from zero to full throttle in an instant. She still loves people, but has to have her schedule maintained. If anyone gets in the way of what she is used to doing, she will let them know. ;o)

She pinches the snot out of everything (including our hands when we're holding her)! She definitely loves to be outside, or to take rides in the car or to sit in her bouncy seat with music. This is probably my biggest proud moment now - MUSIC. She is completely enthralled by true music. However, if it is off pitch or out of rhythm, she complains. But she will sit forever to listen to live instruments or voices. I think she is just as much a part of our Praise and Worship Band as any of us are.

The cutest? When we are praying at night and mentioning all our family member's and friend's names, she coos at every one mentioned! And as we sing our songs to the L-rd, she easily drifts off to sleep.

This motherhood thing is the best! Remind me again why we waited so long???

Yeah, yeah, I know...it's been a while. But here she is - our little angel with some added chub! She has a lot going on now!
This is Hava and mommy at our family weekend 2 weeks ago. Papai, Mamae and Hava.
Mamae and Hava in the garden.
Papai and Hava (and the ducks) by the fountain.
This was a few days ago, the first time Hava actually reached out and grasped a toy on her own.
Yes, the tongue still makes its appearance quite frequently, especially when sleeping.

Her head gets rounder and balder as the days go by!
Laughing time!
Talking face - we get to hear her put her 2 cents in pretty regularly now.
Papai and Hava.

Her famous smile!

...and another one!
This is Hava and her buddy Kefa having a play date.
We still can't tell who she looks more like.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I gave her doll to her and she held on tight!

Hope you enjoy seeing our precious gift growing in every way, every day! Praise be to our Father, Creator for His beautiful masterpiece!