Siena's First Birthday

The first year of a baby's life is full of joy, love and wonder. So much hope filled with so many firsts of new life experiences. But as so many times in our life, it must come to a close. Our baby's first year is gone. It can only be found in the photo album, scrapbooks and our fond memories, but it flew by just as everyone predicted. As a typical celebration in the United States, we gathered with friends and family to join baby Siena in her first bite of birthday cake and ice cream. Afterwards, as most children, she was overwhelmed with wonderful presents and hugs from loved ones. No sugar rush was noted but a good time was had by all.

Camping over Labor Day Weekend

Siena embarked on her first camping trip this past weekend at 11 months. We headed to Fall Creek Falls in Middle Tennessee with about 12 friends from church and their kids and dogs. We camped old school with tents, lanterns, cast iron skillets, camp fires and smores. Siena did amazing, never complained, slept by the campfire and had fun with everyone with both 2 and 4 legs. Our friend's 17 month old, Sam, kept Siena entertained with her toys and company. We enjoyed hiking and games around the fire at all hours. We hope to go again since our little girl was such a trooper. So far, there is nothing she hasn't been able to conquer. And her walk has speed up to a quick walk. Watch out, Siena will run you down!!!

The Exploration Continues

Siena is nearing the 11 month mark and nothing is stopping her. She spends her days wandering around the house, opening doors, picking up shoes, staring out the windows and playing tug of war with the dogs. She doesn't cause too much trouble and is learning to turn around when she hears the word, "No." Her smile is infectious, especially as her top and bottom teeth are starting to peek through. Siena has even enjoyed her new toothbrush and that nightly routine. Books are taking on a whole new excitement now that she has learned to turn the pages and to pull the books off the bookshelf. Siena has enjoyed a summer full of swimming, family, chasing after the dogs, and playing in the grass.

Walking Captured

Here is proof caught on video of Siena walking on her own. And with this new found freedom, come more joys around our home. And the dogs love to help or hinder her from exploring. Stay tuned!

Siena Walks

We are so proud to share that Siena has started walking. She took her first steps last week to Mommy before she turned 10 months old. And she is not content to just walk, she wants to carry things with her like bowls, spoons and more.
She continues to explore the house and find new things every day. She is fascinated by the refrigerator and the dishwasher. Bath time is a blast since she now loves to play with her toys in the tub. She is paying more attention to the books that we read her and flipping the pages. No words besides "da-da" to report but she love to squeal in delight.

9 Month Milestone

Siena is a super active little girl who is into everything. I don't know if we can still call her a baby. She loves getting into every place that we prefer her not to be; in the refrigerator, around the toilet, close to the one step we have in the house. She enjoys playing with Milo and his cow, and he can always bring a smile to her face, even first thing in the morning.

She has been swimming three times this season and she loves the water and splashing the top of the water. I think we have another fish in the family.

She is a petite little girl and she has gotten some great use out of her clothes because of it. She is growing but at her own rate. Enjoy the pictures!

A New Baby

Since Siena started crawling on May 26th, we have had a new baby on our hands. She is not content to sit in her exersaucer or her Johnny Jumper. She enjoys playing on the floor with anything and everything from paper to Milo. Nothing is safe and my work load has been cut in half. Her last weigh in had her at 15 lbs although she is still wearing 3-6 months clothes. She is growing but at the "Knoll" rate.

Siena got to travel to Kansas to see her grandparents over Memorial Day weekend. I think she enjoyed herself; I know they enjoyed her. Then we took a weekend trip to the Smoky Mountains and enjoyed some downtime with just the family and a few friends. She has also learned to pull up so she was showing off for the other babies on our trip. She is still a VERY happy baby and sleeps through the night. We couldn't ask for a better little girl and we consider ourselves very blessed to have a healthy, happy, beautiful girl.