chub-a-licious! A mini update...

Havilah weighed in at 10 lbs 14 oz at her doctor's appointment this morning. She's gained almost 3 lbs and has grown an inch and a half in the last five weeks. Good girl!

John has a cold, but it's on the way out; we're trying to stay healthy for our visit from Grandpa (Honeycutt) next week. John's latest trick is showing his muscles. I'll have to post a picture next time; it's very cute!

Billy is on his own at work now. It's a huge accomplishment. After a 11 month contemplation/application process, 5 months of pre-, during, and post-academy training, and over 3 months of actual job training, he feels good to finally be here.

The coolest day in the 10-day forecast is Saturday--maybe our b-day hike will actually be "cool" (lower 80s).

Both of my kids have been sleeping peacefully for the past 3 hours (wow!). All's well at the Honeycutt house--wish you were here to enjoy big smiles on little faces, warm sunshine, and the cookies John and I are going to make as soon as he's done napping. (-:

hello October!

Havilah's shirt: "got milk?"

We dedicated Havilah Joy at church yesterday. Pastor Joe prayed that she will bring life (the meaning of Hava), peace, and joy (the obvious meaning of Joy) to people through her life.

Happy daddy!

end of this week...

Today has been a good day, the right mix of productivity and relaxed time enjoying the simple things. John, Hava, and I went for a walk before dinner and ended up being outside for almost an hour--the longest time outdoors since Havilah was born. I miss being able to go outside and am so glad for cooler weather right around the corner. I'm even planning a hike for my birthday next week, something I certainly never considered a "special event" before moving to Phoenix. Shortly after we got home from our walk, the sun set in brilliant, bright colors--to the tune of football game band music at the high school across the street. The air, the colors, the feelings are all different, but I guess autumn does come even to Phoenix. Living out of my comfort zone does stretch my mind and my soul...and I'm grateful for that.

P. S. Congratulations to Jason, Elizabeth, and Cambria. And Little One, you are loved already--welcome!

slinging

Hava loves her baby sling, also known as "the sack." She can quite happily stay in there for hours while I'm taking care of John, running errands, or doing housework. Billy and I both "wore" her this morning. She stayed asleep when I transfered her to the bed--still in her sack.

Havilah cuddles with her cozy blanket from Grandma (Honeycutt).

John tries on my old glasses for fun. (-:

I'm thankful for...

• homemade bread--and the smell it leaves in the kitchen
• moments when both of my children are peacefully sleeping
• clean laundry that is also put away (sometimes it happens!)
• Billy's job and the fact that he enjoys his work
• Duplos, blocks, train tracks, balls, and all of the other toys that fill John's days with delight
• candy, ice cream, and peanut butter
• friends who understand when I'm slow to return their phone calls, and who also understand that it is no reflection of my love for them
• two healthy children with equally healthy appetites (John ate at least four banana muffins today--in addition to pounds of other food--go John!)
• my washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher; I would be one stressed out mama without their daily help
• my job which allows me to stay at home with my babes while stimulating my mind
• all the family that has already slept in our living room and the family that is still making plans to do so
• the Phoenix evening skies
• air conditioning (we've just dipped below daily 100s--hooray!)
• my shower. I love my shower.
• clean water and a full fridge
• library books
• Autumn's arrival in a couple of days
• God's patience
• that He is in control and knows the future
• a beautiful new babe

Being the second born child...

is harder than it looks. Just ask Havilah, who is contemplating all the extra love and...ahem...attention she receives as the second baby:


It's hard to relax with a unicorn on your head, especially if you can't figure out how it got there in the first place.

And then there are the tender moments when your big brother wants to hold you (never mind that it's holding by the head).

But it's just plain cruel to attempt to roll you off his lap when he's through.

Aha! Maybe this is why John is never left alone with Hava. Of course, it could also be his desire to share grapes with a three week old. (-:

beautiful

I caught Havilah smiling on camera today! Ok, so it probably wasn't an intentional smile since she's just three weeks old, but then again, she is a fairly responsive girl.

Havilah is still as sweet as can be. We are enjoying the beautiful addition to our family--and she is just that: a beautiful girl who adds to the family.