Whew...what a weekend!

Well, we finally got many of the items checked off of our "to do list" this weekend. Neither of us were looking forward to it, but we both feel better now.

We got Bennett transitioned into her new room, and it went very smoothly (if I can jinx myself). The first night she cried for about 5 minutes when we put her down, but then there was complete silence and she slept through the whole night. Though she always sleeps through the night, she is known to half wake up and cry in her sleep, and we were worried that she would do that and freak out some since she wasn't accustomed to the room. It could still happen, but I think she really likes the set up. We moved all of her things up there, and now just need to hang items on the walls to stimulate her. Since she loves pictures of people she knows (i.e. family), we plan to do a family collage in there. I also, finally, decided on the bedding that I am going to put on her "big girl bed" next Spring. Now that I know the colors, I can begin looking for curtains and other decorative items to bring it all together.

Since we cleaned out the nursery of her items, it made room for our little man's things. I hung up the clothes that I have slowly been buying him, and put away all of those neutral onesies and gowns that I had from Bennett (since I didn't know she was going to be a girl initially). I even started painting the letters of his name so we can hang them above the crib! I don't know why I got the bright idea that I would do this myself, rather than pay someone else, but they actually turned out pretty good (if I must say so myself). Overall, I am quite pleased.

In addition to these items, Bennett and I spent half the day yesterday shopping for new clothes for her and her little brother since Birmingham had a tax-free holiday. Since our 9% tax is quite ridiculous, we were happy to find some items. With the end of season sales, we loaded up on items for next spring and summer. I even got the cutest matching outfit for the two kids - Bennett's is a smocked dress, and the little guy's is a matching john-john with a crab on front....too cute! While we were slaving spending money, Steve was slaving in the 95 degree heat putting up more fence panels. I know you all must think we live on 5 acres for as long as Steve has been working on this fence, but it is a difficult job for one person. The poor guy needs some help, but who wants to help in this heat?

Thankfully we had a more relaxing day today, going to church and lunch. However, we did clean out our deep freezer. We must have had 25 birds that Steve and the guys shot last Fall in there, and I knew we weren't going to be eating them. So, we cleaned it out and made room for all of the other goodies that we are sure to make and buy as Sept 17th approaches. My goal is to have several casseroles and easy items to defrost and cook for those first couple of weeks. Between us cooking and Super Suppers, we now have plenty of room!

Nothing else exciting to report, except for our upcoming doctor's appointment on Tuesday. We officially have 6 weeks and 3 days left!!

Mizerany Family Photos

Another session with our awesome photographer, Heather Swanner, resulted in more great photos. For Myra's birthday (back in January), we gave her a session with our photographer so she could get some family photos. It took us 6 months to coordinate our calendars, but it worked out great. Since this was their 50th anniversary year, they had photos taken of just them, some with their grandchildren, and of course the whole group. Each family also had the opportunity to get some shots. It was a hot 85 degrees at 8am in the botanical gardens a couple of weeks ago, and though we were all complaining about the humidity and sweat, I think everyone was pleased with the results. So, here are a few of our favorites...

Happy 50th Anniversary Myra & Big Lou!

WOW...50 years of marriage....that is a LOOOONG time!! However, Myra and Big Lou have surpassed all of the odds and have had a long, happy and healthy marriage! Last night we celebrated by helping coordinate a big party for them with all of their friends and family. People came from near and far to offer them their well wishes for many more happy years. It was a great time, and memories were recalled in several ways.

At the entrance, we had a guest book and Myra's wedding dress and veil on display along with the receipt for their first pieces of furniture they bought as a young married couple (their mattress & box springs were only $60!). Then we had another table full of family photos through the years, as well as their wedding album. The anniversary cake even used the cake topper they used 50 years ago on their wedding cake! Lastly, we played a video of pictures taken through the years.

It was a very nice affair that started with the father of the church blessing their marriage. They didn't want to renew their vows, as they felt that they had done something right for the past 50 years, but no one can turn down a blessing for more happiness and health in their future. Then he blessed the food and the fun officially began.

Everyone ate while we played the video, and then the band started. Bennett was the first one on the dance floor...getting her groove on. She had a memorable "first dance" with her Daddy, and then she butted into her Mimi and Papa's dance (not wanting to be left out). She loves to bop to music so she enjoyed exerting her energy that way all night.

Bennett did surprisingly well throughout the night, even though she was up way past her bedtime (2 hours past). She let just about anyone hold her, and she loved the attention from all of the young girls there. Of course her cousins, Sara and Maria helped a great deal, but then there were others who wanted to help, and she didn't mind. It was nice for us too, so we could get around and mingle with everyone.

Overall, I know that Myra and Big Lou had a great time, as I believe all of the guests did. Any excuse to gather friends and family usually turns into fun, and last night was no exception. So, I thank Louis & Michelle, Dan and Steve (on behalf of Myra & Louie) for planning a great party! There is no replacement for family!

Sept 17th!!

The delivery date has been set for Sept 17th, and I couldn't be happier! I went in for another check-up this morning and since I measured a couple of weeks behind and haven't gained any weight in the past month, my doctor wanted me to have another ultrasound to make sure he was gaining weight. I explained that I snack all day, and was surprised that I hadn't gained weight, but she didn't believe me.

Thankfully this little guy hasn't suffered. In fact, he has gained an approximate 1.5 lbs from 12 days ago (recall me saying that he should be gaining 1/2 lb per week). So, in reality he is 1/2 pound over (of course who really knows because it is all estimations). Either way, he was active and looks healthy, so no worries.

So, it looks like I have 8 weeks and 2 days left to get myself organized....no more procrastinating!

Zoo Time

Yesterday morning Bennett and I went to the Birmingham Zoo again with Brian and Christian. In order to beat the heat, we went as soon as they opened at 9am. Though everyone else seemed okay, I was sweating like a pig. With this extra weight (and my normal sweating issues), I was extremely sensitive to the heat. The sweat was literally dripping from my hair, but I hung in there for a couple of hours as we explored some of new exhibits of the zoo.

Now that Bennett is walking, she is much more interested in exploring things on her own. She got a big kick out of the various bird exhibits, and loves pointing at the animals. We hurried around checking out as much as we could before our window was expired with them. Christian loves trains, so we went on a ride around the zoo. I think we all enjoyed the scenery, but I especially loved the breeze.


I also used Christian as an excuse to ride a camel (Bennett was too young). Of course Brian was too worried about stinking, and I wanted to go but needed one of kids to go with me so I didn't look like a pathetic adult riding a camel at the zoo. At first Christian was a little timid, but he ended up just loving it!

We also were lucky enough to see some of the large cats today. The lions were out sunning themselves, and the tiger was walking around his indoor-outdoor "home." Bennett loved him, and since he walked right up the window where we were standing, she got a big kick out of that.

We also fed some fish in one of the ponds and looked at some of the smaller ones in an aquarium. It was so funny because Bennett was up against the glass of this huge aquarium looking at everything when this huge snapping turtle came right up to the glass in front of her. It scared her to death and she backed up so quickly, she would have fallen down had I not caught her. The thing must have been 50+ years old, as he looked almost prehistoric. For some reason the tiger didn't scare her, but this turtle did.

No other fun adventures to report on from this weekend. It was so blazing hot that we spent the majority of our time inside while Daddy worked on the fence.

11 Weeks to Go!!

I will be officially 29 weeks tomorrow, so only 11 (hopefully 10) weeks left! Today I went in for my last monthly exam with my OB, as we have officially been moved to every 2 weeks now. Everything looked good, but since this is when I developed oligohydramnios with Bennett, she had me get an ultrasound to double check.

Fortunately, he looked great and my fluids were normal! As always he was very active so getting a good photo was difficult. They did measure his femur, which helps them approximate his weight - 3 lbs is their best estimate now. So, if he follows the path of gaining 1/2 pound a week, he should weigh in around 8 lbs at delivery. He will look so huge compared to tiny Bennett who was only 5lbs 13 oz.

Stay tuned for more updates...