Crisp Fall Morning

Nothing is better than getting up and being outside on a cool morning. Today we awoke and enjoyed a cup of java while Bennett sucked down a bottle and Spencer inhaled his food. Then we went out and took a walk. It was incredibly nice out...about 60 degrees and clear blue skies, and the beautiful weather put me in a good mood for the rest of the day (Steve was in a good mood since Alabama won in the final seconds of the game against Arkansas last night)!




Bennett has moved up to the jogging stroller, probably a little sooner than she should, but she loves it! The back lies almost flat and she is much cooler in it than the other which we use with her carseat. Not to mention, we think the jogging stroller is so much easier to push and maneuver around outside.





Spencer was thrilled to go for a walk...his favorite thing to do, next to eating. He has been so good and has really come around since Shelby's passing 2.5 months ago.

Bennett's Baptism

Well our little angel has been baptized. It was a terrific day with our entire family and several friends. My parents came in town for her big day, and all of the Mizeranys were present (with the exception of Uncle Dan, who had to work in Florida). Bennett looked absolutely beautiful in her great-grandfather's christening gown. As you may recall her middle name is Clegg. Clegg (Walker) was my mother's father, and he was a wonderful person. I was lucky enough to have his first name as my middle name. However, when I married, I elected to drop it so I could keep Banta. I didn't want his unique name lost, so we decided to carry it on, and use it as Bennett's middle name. It was very special to have her honor him by wearing the gown he was christened in himself, and to share his name. The gown was surprisingly in good shape, and it fit her perfectly! She really looked like an angel in it (as you can see here).

Bennett was in great spirits all morning, so much so that she refused to take a nap. She smiled for the ministers at our meeting before the service, but she shortly thereafter fell asleep. She was so tired, that she slept throughout the entire baptism! We went up to the pulpit in front of the congregation, handed her over to Andy Wolfe, the head minister at Trinity United Methodist Church, where they blessed her and sprinkled water on her head. If that wasn't enough, they then paraded her around the church while we all sang "Jesus Loves Me." He handed her back to me, and she was still asleep. She finally awoke at the end of the service so we could take a few photos.

Afterward, we hosted everyone back at our home for lunch and cocktails. We enjoyed mimosas, wine and beer with a few appetizers, and then onto a delish beef tenderloin that Steve cooked that morning with a few sides. I think everyone enjoyed the feast, and it was certainly fun having everyone there!

John Michael, who once was the baby on the Mizerany side, has really adapted well to the arrival of Bennett. He's still a little timid about holding her, but he certainly loves her noises and faces. Steve was able to catch this sweet photo of him holding her yesterday. As you can see by her face, she loves her cousin too!

After everyone left, we got the house back in order and finally relaxed in front of the tv. It was a long day, but a great one. I know that Papa (Clegg Walker) must have been looking down on us with our other lost loved ones yesterday, and we are blessed for that.

Baby Babble

Bennett has been trying to talk for a couple of weeks now. If you talk to her, she'll look intently at you, and sometimes move her mouth in silence, as if she is mocking you without sound. Other times she is successful in making noise, and she loves the sound of her voice. Bennett and her daddy can have full "conversations." Of course we like to pretend that she is telling us all about her day, as seen in this video.

Baby Babble

Roooooll Tide!

Who would have guessed that one of the first questions I was continually asked when I moved to Birmingham was "Alabama or Auburn?" I didn't even know what they were talking about at first. However, once I learned it was about football, I just admitted that I didn't care (can you believe that I had no opinion?). Then I met my Steve and his family, and for those that don't know, they are the biggest Alabama fans. They have had season tickets for years, and even I who does not appreciate football, recognizes how wonderful their seats are (pretty close to 50 yd line seats in the lower bowl). All three boys went to school there, and then Steve had the opportunity to have his dream job of being the project manager of the football stadium expansion. He worked his tail off for the past two years, commuting daily to T-town to work on it. They finished in time for kick-off last season, and what a wonderful thing to be proud of and put your stamp on...Alabama's football stadium. Needless to say, their enthusiasm for the team and sport has only strengthened since the arrival of Coach Nick Saban!


Usually the first games of the season are givens for the good teams, so who cares to watch them, right? Well, let me tell you....the Mizeranys do! They have all been clamouring over their seats, anxious to see the first game that Saban coaches. Steve was even able to score an extra pair of tickets from work that they are using. He wanted Bennett and me to join him, and after much conversation on all of the reasons why it is a bad idea (she is only 3 mos old, she'll be asleep during most of the game, I will also be asleep during some of the game, etc.), he finally agreed to let us stay home.

However, he wants us to be there in spirit, so I promised to dress Bennett up in Alabama gear. I thought it would be her little onesie that he first bought when we found out we were pregnant. But Myra and Big Lou surprised us with a little cheerleader outfit...the cutest darn thing I have seen. I thought it was going to be big on Bennett since it was a 6 month size, but it fits her well. And if I must say so myself, she looks pretty cute in crimson!

As much as her daddy would love for her to attend Alabama and be a cheerleader there, I am not quite sure that this is her thing. Now she may just be a little young still, but she seems much more interested in her hands than any shaker (or pom pom, as I like to call it). But that is alright, as long as she prefers the Tide to the Tigers, she will be loved by the Mizeranys.

So, ROOOOOOLL TIDE!!

Happy 1st Birthday Christian!

Today we celebrated Christian's first birthday (a few days early). Shannon and Brian threw him a big party that all of his little friends attended. It was quite entertaining (and a little overwhelming) to be around so many little ones all at once. They went all out with a monkey theme, since that is what they call him. As you see here, this is the darling cake that the guests got to share. Christian had his very own little monkey cake, though he barely touched it with 30 people looking on and anticipating his next move. In fact, the poor guy was so tuckered out with all of the guests and activity, he went down for a nap halfway into the party.

However, he did get to play with a few of his new gifts, including this little red wagon. Though he isn't walking on his own, he is quite good at pushing something, or someone. This is his friend TJ, whose mommy babysits Christian twice a week, and brings TJ with her.

We had to leave before Christian woke up from his nap, but I'm sure he thought he died and went to Toys R Us heaven when he woke with all of the toys that were there. Thank goodness they plan to dedicate a room for him to play with his toys, because there were A LOT!!

Once we got home, Bennett had a bath and then went down for a nap. Recently she has discovered her hands, but several times this weekend we have caught her with a thumb in her mouth. For those that don't know, I sucked my thumb, so I am anxious to see if this is just a phase, or the beginning of a new habit. Either way, we think it is darling right now.