Has it been long enough??? :o)

We are here....plus 1!

Levi Caldwell Leite came into the world at 10:44 am on August 17th via c-section. He weighed in at 7lbs. 6 oz. and 18.5 inches. Here's an excerpt from my facebook note the day he was born:

My part in this was a little harder than last time - the anesthesiologist said "looks like you're gonna be my hard case for the day." I'm gonna make this short and simple since I am still VERY dizzy and tired from it all. It took the anesthesiologist about 6-7 tries to get the meds to kick in. I suffered a lot of sharp pains and even a couple of screams (which most of you know for me, means a big deal). Poor Al was sitting right outside (since they don't let him in until the procedure) and could only hear me screaming and crying. They even thought I might have scoliosis since they couldn't get the spinal to take on one side, but they finally were able. I had some vomiting, difficulty breathing and LOTS of dizziness. My heartbeat got down dangerously low and I didn't really start feeling pain-free until they got that under control. I am still extremely dizzy and nodding off, but I promise to get some pics up as soon as I get my head on a little straighter. :o)

And yes, I'll post pictures here too. :o)

Levi's been growing like a weed the past couple of months, but I'll be the first to admit, taking care of a baby with a toddler in the house is a feat of epic proportions (yes, I used the word "epic." I know, I know.) I was so blessed that 2 days before he came, my mom (and Al) surprised me when my mom unexpectedly, at least to me, came back from Brazil to help me with bringing this new one into our family! She was a huge help, especially with Hava. We had Levi circumcised 7 days later with Rabbi Marty Cohen. Levi has not had the nursing problems Hava had, so he was at birth weight the week after he was born, and is now right around 12 lbs - Hava only reached 12 lbs. after 4 months! He had one little issue which are enlarged kidneys. We had several tests on him and will need to do follow ups about every 6 months, but as far as the urologist can tell, it doesn't seem to be a big issue and might just be how his kidneys are. Levi is a VERY easy going baby. He loves to be held and sung to. He has a super gentle spirit and even a gentle cry - unless, of course, he feels neglected. :o) He is still not sleeping through the night, but is getting better. Our biggest surprise with him? BLUE EYES! Not quite sure where he pulled that one out from, but he sure is a cutie!

Hava - she's a hoot! She is such a smart cookie, a people-lover, and an independent drama queen! She is using both languages now, but generally chooses English first. She LOVES her little brother and has not had one moment of jealousy towards him. She is also growing like a weed - she'll be 3 in January. We're still working on getting her FULLY potty-trained, but she's on her way. Her personality is probably what we're most proud of. She's very adaptable to different situations and schedules and loves to have fun no matter what. She will instigate the fun with a funny phrase, a little dance or even come up and tickle you!

Al is finishing up his first seminary course - Greek! You can only imagine, his first time graduate course, studying in English (his second language) and it's a third language - GREEK! The great news is that he was hired as a campus electrician. This past week, we had some sad news - one of Al's aunts in Brazil tragically died. It is hard to be so far away when things like that happen, but technology helps us to feel closer. We have been able to see and speak with the family quite a few times and everyone is hanging in there.

I have gone back to my private voice students as well as public school voice students and love my job! When I'm home with the kids, Al is either at work or school and when he's home with the kids, I'm at work. Our schedule has worked out so nicely.

Grandma is also doing well. She just arrived back from her second trip to Israel! She will be visiting with family over the next month or so and when she comes back, mom and dad will also be coming from Brazil for the holiday season.

We are truly blessed beyond measure!

Back to School!

Just a note to announce that Al has officially been accepted at to a seminary (yeshiva) in their Masters of Divinity in Counseling program!  We are very excited and ask for your prayers as we continue to search for the path G-D has for us.  Al is applying for an on-campus job since he has not been able to secure any other, so please pray with us about the finances as well.

Rachel is still giving private lessons and will take a short break to bring this new baby into the world in 2 weeks!  After that, she will be returning to her private students as well as her public school students in September.

Hava is doing well, talking lots and growing like a weed.  We are very proud of her development and are trying to prepare her to be a helpful big sister to her baby brother.

Baby Leite Kidneys

Today was another weekly trip to the Fetal/Maternal Medicine specialist for a sonogram.  This baby boy (at 35 weeks, 6lbs., 6 oz. now) is almost as big as Hava was when she was born (at 38 weeks, 6lbs., 11oz.).  Up until now, there has been no reason for any concern of his health, but just cautionary measures based on Rachel's blood disorder.

Today, the doctor informed us that there is a slight problem with baby's kidney function - both a little underactive.  Still, for now, not a huge issue, but something to watch.  Would you join us in prayer that this issue would resolve itself or rather, that G-D in His infinite mercy and wisdom, would heal it.

We're still here...

Hi friends!

Yes, we are still here.  It's been a while since we posted anything here since Rachel has been a bit tied down with work, a toddler, a grandmother and a huge pregnant belly.  Al is doing well and keeping everybody sane.  :o)  Our baby boy should be here in about 5 weeks!  Please pray that the rest of the pregnancy and delivery would go smoothly.

Leites Lately...

Well, we haven't been up to too much.  Rachel's about 10 weeks pregnant and still feeling ok.  Hava just had her second birthday on Sunday.  Al is still doing pretty much everything at home until Rachel can see the doctors.  So, here are some pictures and videos to catch you up.