Holy Weekend

This past weekend was spent in two churches, baptizing our baby...Preston, and my niece...Henley. Saturday afternoon we all met at Brian and Shannon's church to christen Miss Henley Lynn. Steve and I were honored to be chosen to serve as her godparents, so we were apart of her service (and unable to get many photos).

Afterward, they hosted a gathering at their home for everyone. Since the weather has been unseasonably warm, much of the time was spent outdoors. Bennett especially loved playing on Christen's playset.

Sunday, the whole family came to our church to witness John Preston's baptism. It had been a chaotic morning, so his feeding schedule was off, and I knew he would be hungry during the service. Rather than risk him crying before or during the baptism, I had to feed him right when we got to the church. Of course, he didn't want to burp (not good for a child with reflux), so I was worried the entire time that he would spit up on me or one of the ministers. Right when they called us up, he started to fuss some, but he thankfully calmed down with all of the lights, and didn't mind the water blessing. However, the handoff to the other minister for the parade around the church (we sing "Jesus Loves Me" as the babies are walked around the sanctuary and introduced to the congregation) didn't go well and I ended up walking him around. It wasn't part of the tradition, but it will certainly be memorable.

Of course he looked sweet in my grandfather's old christening gown (Papa, my mom's father), but it was a little small. Bennett fit into it perfectly, but Preston's neck was way too big for the button to fasten in the back, so we had to pin it.

Following the service, we invited everyone back to our home for a big brunch and some cocktails. More fun was had with all of the cousins, and more photos were taken...

Sweet kids kissing each other through the glass door.

And the sweetest baby boy of all!!

Christmas Day 2008

All I can say is ....whew! Steve and I were looking forward to coming home Christmas Eve and putting together "Santa's toys" for the kids, but the whole process took MUCH longer than we expected. We got Bennett down to sleep without a problem, but as soon as I started putting together her art easel, Preston started crying and wanted to be held. So as I tended to him, Steve started on her outside playhouse. Neither were difficult, just time-consuming. Finally around 1am we crawled into bed, only to be awakened 5 hours later with Bennett crying. She awoke earlier than usual, so she wasn't in a great mood. We were thinking it would be a long, terrible day, but she brightened up in a hurry once she saw all that Santa left her.

It was truly magical seeing her face light up when she first saw her new kitchen, then her playhouse, then her new table and chairs from Nene and Poppy. It was so overwhelming for her that she wasn't even interested in opening up her stocking gifts.

About mid morning Brian, Shannon and the kids came over. As soon as the whole gang was here, the adults started enjoying the mimosas and the kids tore into more presents. Christian played Santa, handing out everyone's gifts (with some assistance from Brian). Bennett has certainly NEVER seen so much at one time, and was definitely over-stimulated. We held back several gifts (some of which still haven't been opened), so she could just enjoy all that she received. The kids played all morning, and then we all feasted on a deep-fried turkey and several sides. Surprisingly we were able to get both of the older kids down for naps, so we could play a game (Cranium).

Overall we had a terrific day. I know our family felt very blessed to spend the day together. And all of the children certainly entertained us! Just watching them play brought smiles to our faces. We also all stated how much they all look alike, and could pass as siblings. Check out some of my favorite photos from the day.

Christmas Eve 2008

This year we tried to implement a new tradition...going to the family service at our church. They hold two very casual services that are designed especially for families with young children. The kiddos are encouraged to dress as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels or manger animals, and become a part of the Nativity story. We figured Bennett was too young, and wouldn't be interested in going on stage (boy were we wrong). She not only felt left out, but eagerly walked up there without any coaxing. She is drawn to older children, so when she saw them going up on stage, she wanted to go as well. So Steve quickly put an angel costume on her and let her go.

At first she walked up there to get a closer look at everyone. But within a minute or two, she was up there talking to other kids and walking all over the stage with another little girl. It was so cute, and I am glad that Steve ran out to the car to grab the camera so we could capture it. Thankfully my parents were there too to witness it. My mother swears that she will become an actress (like her late great-grandmother, Docky).

After the service we headed to Steve's parents for the Mizerany gift exchange. Though this was Bennett's second Christmas, she was too young to appreciate it last year so everyone went overboard with her gifts. John Michael taught her to open presents and with a little assistance, she successfully opened her gifts. She had a big time, unwrapping a shopping cart loaded with play fruit that can be cut, kitchen utensils, and a new baby doll with accessories. She loved it and could have been happy with that for the rest of the night, but there was more. She loved it all, from the cash that she won't appreciate until she is ready to go to college, to the multiple learning toys and books, to the fancy new pink tricycle from her Mimi and Papa...it was all great!

Preston was pretty happy too....taking in all of the joy of his first Christmas! He too was fortunate to receive some stimulating toys and cash for his college fund. Of course his favorite part was being held by all of the family.

Nene and Poppy and a Sleigh Full of Goodies!

My parents drove down this past Saturday, arriving late afternoon with their car loaded down. They brought both of their dogs, Jake and Winston, a few suitcases for their week long visit, and a mountain of Christmas presents for everyone. Once they got everything in the house, we relaxed on our deck with a couple of cold ones. They left freezing rain and snow for our humid 65 degree weather....not too shabby.

However, I think the happiest to be here was Jake. He is their new Westie that is known for running away every opportunity he gets. So Steve made sure the backyard was secure so we could all relax and let him run some off of a leash. At first he circled every inch of the perimeter twice making sure he couldn't sneak out, but once he realized that he was confined, he started to just take it all in. He loves chasing the squirrels, and barks up a storm (a little too much for my blood, but then he isn't staying forever). Winston and Spence, old friends, had fun playing tug-of-war and just lying side by side. I was a little worried how Jake would be with my kids, but he been pretty tolerant. In return, Bennett has been nice to him, only telling him "no" and "get down" when he begs and jumps on her.

By far, the best part for my folks is spending time with the kids. I know they have enjoyed Bennett's blooming personality and vocabulary, but they were shocked with how much Preston has grown and changed. Though they read the blog religiously, it is hard to really understand how much he weighs and see his little personality through photos and words.

He is so different from Bennett at this age. He can entertain himself in his crib or on his playmat for upwards of 45 minutes! He just loves to kick his legs and "talk," so all of the items that make sounds or play music when he moves keep him happy. We were admiring him kicking in his crib one morning, and Bennett had to get in there too and get a piece of the action.

Pres loves it when we talk to him and is starting to laugh. Since Poppy loves to make silly noises, he just stares at him and tries to figure it all out. When he smiles at you, you can't help not to melt a little. That little guy is so adorable and loving, and I can understand now how little boys can become "mama's boys"...because we spoil them rotten!

Who's Cracking Now?

Okay moms....does anyone out there know of "low rise diapers" for our little girls (ha ha)? It appears that I recently purchased a pair of pants for Bennett that are low riders and everytime she sits or bends over, her diaper shows. Had I tried them on her before ripping the tags off and washing them, I may have returned them. However, since I can't, I just sit back and laugh because it is so funny. I know many of us girls have suffered from the same problem with our own pants, but I didn't think it would start this young for Miss Bennett.

Double Bath Duty

Typically Bennett showers with me every morning since Preston doesn't get a bath everyday. However, today was his bath day and rather than bathing the kids separately I just put them in the tub together. Bennett loves to "help" bath him when I have just him in there, but she can't quite reach over the tub. So today, I let her in the tub too. She brought her baby in with her so she could bath it while I bathed Pres. It worked out quite well.

She only splashed him in the eyes a couple of times, and there were no tears shed by either child (which is always an accomplishment). After the bath, I lathered Preston up with lotion and he was just plain tuckered...