Siena's 1st Christmas

Christmas held a special meaning this year to us, thinking that Jesus, our Savior, was once the size of Siena, small and fragile, new to this world. We traveled home to Kansas to be with both of our families on Christmas and once again, Siena made us proud and traveled well for us, despite the snow and blistery cold winds. She attended Christmas Eve service in her beautiful Santa dress and stayed in Grandma Gashaw's arms the whole service. Since she had 3 baby showers this year, she didn't need much but Santa did visit her and bring a KU piggy bank, a K-State jacket, two dresses and several books. We feel so very lucky to have such a beautiful, healthy girl to share our holidays with, and we look forward to many more with her as she grows.

Doctor's Appointment

Siena had her two month check up yesterday and her lovely vaccinations. She has definitely grown and is now weighing 9 lbs. 7 oz. and she has grown to 22". Though this is great, she is still on the small end of the growth charts for other two month olds. For any of you who had your doubts, I think it's safe to say that Siena has inherited her parents genes and she will be petite.

But she is healthy and developing. Her neck is strong and she can hold herself up. Her hair is coming and it is on the darker side. She is fascinated with lights and she has began to smile and babble. She is very happy and has really outgrown any colic or fussiness we were once concerned about.

Thanksgiving

Siena took her first road trip at 9 weeks old and traveled to the homeland of Osborne, Kansas for Thanksgiving. We traveled all night to get there on Wednesday and Siena slept nearly the whole way, waking only twice to eat. She got to see her grandparents again, meet her aunts & uncles and her great grandma Knoll as well as her 3 cousins. Siena was a hit and it seemed the whole town wanted to see her and I think we nearly hit everyone. She enjoyed the turkey and was a little fussy being off her regular schedule but nothing a trip home couldn't handle. It was great practice for Christmas next month!!!!

2009 has been an exciting year for the Knoll family. Kurt and I discovered in January that we would be adding to our family. We joyfully went forward with planning for our little one and got away on a "babymoon" before things got too hectic. We traveled the Caribbean Seas on a Carnival Cruise ship for a week. We spent the summer attending baby showers and preparing the nursery. One week before our due date, my water broke and we knew it was time. We stayed at home as long as possible and headed to the hospital during normal business hours. By 3 o'clock, our little girl had arrived. Siena Rose was born at 3:11pm weighing 5 lbs. 12 oz. and stretched 19 inches long. Labor & delivery went so smooth and we were swarmed by friends who were eager to meet her. We took our baby home to meet Milo, our lovable dog, on Saturday, September 26th.

Eight weeks have gone by and I think we finally have a grasp of what this is all about. Siena is learning about the daytime and sleeping better at night. Milo loves her and watches over her but never bothers her when she is sleeping. We have had lots of family in town to visit which has been a blessing and our extended family here in Tennessee has never left our side. They consider her one of their own. We consider ourselves truly blessed to have such a beautiful and healthy little girl to share with the world.