Just a few steps more...

The past week and a half Bennett has been taking a step or two before resorting to crawling. She is becoming a little braver and occassionally taking 3 or 4 steps, but she isn't quite there yet. We keep hoping that she'll succeed, as she has been waking every night for the past week at some point during the night (if not more than once) crying and wanting to be held. Since we just switched her to soy milk (from formula) we thought it might have something to do with that, until we read that most children wake up during the night right before they start walking. So, this has given us the added encouragement to keep going to her at 2 in the morning and helping her take more steps during the day. Here is very short clip of her taking a few steps. As you can imagine, since there are only a few involved, it is very difficult to capture on video.

Bennett's One Year Photos

Check out this link for a short collage of Bennett's most recent "photo shoot" at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

www.heatherswannerphotography.com/mizerany

Memorial Day 2008

This weekend we packed up the SUV and headed to Smith Lake where Steve's parents have a place. It is a great getaway, and only an hour away. The whole family (Spencer included) got to go, so we loaded up with all of our food, Spencer's food, our clothes and all of Bennett's gear! For a two night jaunt, we were pretty loaded down. Once we arrived on Saturday morning, we got settled and headed to the pier. Bennett stayed pack with her Mimi and Papa for a little while so we could unwind and enjoy some adult conversation with Steve's cousins Cathy and Lisa, as well as Louis and Michelle. The kids entertained themselves in the water, and it wasn't too terribly hot for us. Being one of the first weekends where people swim, the water is still pretty darn cold. So it took some time in the heat before it was tolerable.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to lather Bennett up with sunscreen and see if she still liked the water. We recently purchased a little float for her with a canopy to protect her delicate skin from the UV rays. So, we put her in her bikini and brought her down to the lake. Steve held her initially,and eased her into the water at the boat launch. She wasn't too fond at first, but once she was in I guess she got used to it. Next, we put her in the float which was a weird feeling for her (just floating while no one was holding her) because she was a little nervous. However, we stayed close and she began to relax and enjoy bobbing with the waves. After 20 minutes, Bennett had enough of the water. She was such a good sport, but we didn't want to push it, so we took her back inside.

That night the whole family (18 of us) had dinner and hung out. Some inside, some outside...or where ever you can find a seat. It is always a very laid back atmosphere up there. In fact, between the group, there are four big dogs to add to the fun. For the most part they all get along so that is good. Since Bennett just loves dogs, she enjoyed all of the activity among them. Here you can see Michelle, Bennett and Kojak (their dog) outside.

Bennett was a handful over the weekend, fighting sleep as always and making sure she wasn't missing any action. She was great about going to anyone who wanted to hold her, which was a huge help to us. But once she realized there were no baby gates to deter her from climbing the stairs, she did it every opportunity she had. Michelle tried to teach her how to go down, but my stubborn girl wanted no part of that (don't you know how much quicker it is to be carried back down?). We finally got her to sleep Saturday night, but she awoke several times. By the third time, I succumbed and brought her to bed with us (doesn't this sound like our last trip to the lake?). Though none of us slept much better, it at least allowed us to "rest our eyes" for a few more hours. However by 5am, Steve had had enough so he and Bennett got up for the day.


Bennett was great about waking up the whole house. I guess she figured if she was up, everyone else should be too. So by 7 am, everyone was stirring except the teenagers who can tune out anything! Once Uncle Dan awoke, he gave Bennett one of her birthday gifts which she enjoyed for the rest of the weekend (her first Alabama sippy cup).

We finally got ourselves organized late morning and all headed to the pier. Bennett joined us out there initially and enjoyed all of the excitement. The kids danced for us, while we just sat around and chatted. Thankfully there is a tent of sorts on half of the pier to offer shade to those of us who didn't want too much sun. However, even under it the humid air makes you want to brave the cool water. Once again we put Bennett into her float. She did real good and stayed out there for close to 30 minutes before she was ready to come out. Not wanting to push our luck, we took her back to her grandparents for a couple of hours.

Later that afternoon, our niece Maria played with her outside. All weekend Bennett kept teasing us by taking one or two steps, but then sitting down and crawling after that. She is soooo close to walking, and we kept thinking how nice it would be for her to walk on her birthday weekend (but it didn't happen). She does however like to hold your hands and walk now, something that we have been practicing for several weeks.



As you can see here, Spence loves going to the lake too. Since he is the only true house dog of the four, everyone teases him by calling him a "city dog." They are just jealous though because he is the only dog allowed in the house (thank you Myra and Big Lou!). Mimi spoils him, and though she swears that she doesn't feed him, this picture says it all...

All and all...the weather was great and we all had fun! It was nice getting away from the routine of our chores around the house, and hanging with the family for a couple of days. Thanks to Myra and Big Lou for hosting us and feeding us until we were stuffed each night! We all had fun, especially young Bennett who was doted on 24 hours a day by someone up there.

Happy 1st Birthday Bennett!!

My birthday message to my angel...I can't believe how quickly this past year has passed! It seems like just a few weeks ago that we were going in for a check-up with the doctor. Since we had been in and out of the hospital and on bedrest, we knew there was a chance that you would be making your first appearance, so we took our last "belly shot" and headed to the doctor. After the ultrasound, the doctor said that she was going to take you out that day. Of course we were shocked and couldn't believe that you were finally coming, but we had several hours to take it all in and decide on your name. We were pretty confident you were going to be a girl, though we wouldn't know for sure until later that day. Since Nene was already in town, helping me buy your last minute items, we let her and your Mimi and Papa know right away. Then we called Poppy since he wasn't in Birmingham yet, we needed to make sure that he could catch the next flight down. Uncles Louis and Brian, along with Aunt Michelle and Aunt Shannon, were in town and ready to be at the hospital for your arrival with all of your cousins...they took over the waiting room!

Since you were breech in my belly, with low amniotic fluid, our doctor had to take you via c-section, which worked out quite well with mommy! We just got all prepped and then within minutes - there you were! When they announced "it's a girl" we each said "I knew it!" You were born at 4:21 pm (and the only reason I can remember that is because we asked the doctor if we could write 4:22 on your birth certificate since that was our anniversary date...she said no). Of course you were just perfect...a full head of dark hair and huge blue eyes! You were so alert from the beginning and just as gorgeous as we could have imagined.

Daddy was excited to bring you to the window to show you off to the family, who was anxious to hear whether you were a girl or boy. There were several teary eyes that day, and the joy just continued.

Once the nurses got you all cleaned up, we headed up to our room. The family was all there ready to meet you, and you were so alert ready to meet them! Though that day will never be forgotten in my mind, I was so exhausted from the whole day and the anesthesia, that I began to get very sleepy. So we asked everyone to leave and come back the next day. Then your Daddy and I just sat there and held you in complete and utter amazement. We couldn't believe that you had finally arrived, and that you were now going to be apart of our lives forever.

We love you angel, and wish you the best birthday ever!

Okay Okay....

I wanted you all to read my last blog before posting the results of our ultrasound last week. I also wanted to see the polls regarding what you all thought (boy vs. girl). Last count, there were 11 people who cast their votes, and 7 of those people felt we were having a little girl. Those 7 people are wrong, as we are expecting a little brother for Bennett!! Steve and I couldn't be more excited! Of course the health of this baby is the most important thing, and that is all looking great! He is quite active and is kicking all of the time. In fact, Steve has already felt him kick once! The due date is still September 25th, but since he will come via c-section, we imagine he'll come at least one week prior.

Almost 1 year old...

Saturday night we honored Bennett's 1st birthday with all of our family (except Uncle Dan). Even though it is a few days before her actual birthday (May 23rd), we celebrated and she had a great time! We had gone to Do Dah Day that morning in hopes of tiring Bennett (and the dogs) out, but my dreams of her taking a 3 hour nap quickly faded when it took her over an hour to fall asleep once we got home. With less than a 2 hour nap, she still managed to hang in there with everyone, and remain in a good mood. Brian, Shannon and Christian were among the first to arrive. The kids had fun playing together, but Christian is still learning the concept of "sharing." My father had brought Christian a little toy semi-truck with a detachable trailer, that they both enjoyed. Since it broke down into two parts, they played nicely for the most part, as long as each of them had one of the pieces. As the rest of the guests began to arrive, the chaos and noise began. Since it was a gorgeous day, some people congregated outside, while others were inside. We had a slideshow of Bennett's first year playing on inside, which of course we just love. Seeing her as an infant and how much she has changed and turned into a little girl is so fun for us.

After dinner, we had everyone gather in the living room so we could thank them for coming and being apart of her life. It was at this time that we decided to share what we are having for #2. I know I caught everyone off guard, and Steve was there recording the whole thing. After Brian and Shannon found out last week, we couldn't take the suspense of another 19 weeks of not knowing. So, I apologize for lying to each of you in one of my previous blogs, and to the rest of our family. We did find out last Wednesday at our ultrasound, but decided it would be more fun to tell everyone in person at the party than over the phone. So, we spilled the beans...and everyone was VERY excited, except Michelle (my sister-in-law). She really wanted us to wait and not spoil the fun.

Anyway, Bennett didn't understand the excitement in the room, but was anxious to tear into her presents. Of course the first gift she eyed was a stuffed Minnie Mouse animal from her cousins Cathy, Brian and BJ. Since she loves her stuffed animals, she went straight for that. Then it was off to her new pink and purple car from her Mimi and Papa. Though she liked honking the horn, her legs aren't quite long enough to reach the floor yet. However, I don't imagine it will be much longer before she can scoot around on it outside. She also enjoyed taking the tissue paper out of the gift bags that contained her own baby dolls, stroller, book, puzzles and a variety of bath/swim toys, including a baby pool! I think she was quite excited, and a little overwhelmed with all of the new goods. Thank you to all of our family for the wonderful items!

We finally let Bennett enjoy her cake outside on the deck. We have been singing "Happy Birthday" to her for a couple of weeks, hoping that it would make her smile and feel comfortable even though there would be more people singing to her. However, the practice did not prove to help much. She was upset about getting strapped into her highchair, and then she didn't know what to do with the cake. She eventually stuck her fingers in it, but being the little girl that she is, she didn't know what to do after that. So I had to get a fork and feed her for her to enjoy the cake, which she did.

Overall, I think she (and the rest of us) enjoyed the night. It was fun being with all of our family and thinking back on how quickly the year has passed. We shared some different memories, but overall counted our blessings. Steve and I are so fortunate to have a happy, healthy little girl that is loved by so many!

Happy 1st Birthday Angel!