Easter 2013

Our household has finally found sleep, more of it, anyway.  Carson has gone a whole week without being fed in the middle of the night.  He continues to wake occasionally but it is becoming less frequently and more quicker for him to get back to sleep.  This is one of those exciting times in a child's life.  I am learning that each child is different; for Siena this was at 3 months, Carson, 7 months.

And then Uncle Dave joined us for Saturday morning breakfast and a joy ride around our cul-da-sac.

As if that wasn't enough excitement, Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty and the Easter Bunny came on Easter morning.  

 (Willie was our special guest at our church's Easter service and his stories were very humorous and enlightening.  So glad to hear that solid Christian families still exist out there.)

 And we all got dressed up in our lavender best to celebrate that the tomb is empty, Jesus is risen and we have hope in life eternal because our Lord and Savior paid the price and overcame the grave.  Happy Easter as it ushers in a beautiful spring!

MARCH

Life continues to keep us just busy enough to feel productive and slow enough to enjoy the precious moments we have been given.  Carson has become proficient in rolling and loves to see how far he can go.  He has broadened his horizons with baby food this month and has enjoyed everything, except squash.  His big sister wants to be apart of everything and as you can see, she is actually a pretty good helper.  God has blessed her with amazing coordination and mobility, far above her age.

Cousin Cheyenne came to visit this month (oh and her parents came too!).  Siena was so excited - we heard about the upcoming visit for weeks.  They had so much fun together; it only took 3 days of sleeping to recover from the excitement.

Siena has her little group of friends that she looks forward to seeing, and Carson has been grafted into a fantastic group of peers as well.  Our small group welcomed 6 new babies last year, giving Carson his own friends.  Although they are at different stages, we moms are taking every advantage of getting our kiddos together.  What a blessing to be there for each other and watch our kids grow up together.

And what's March without a little Madness?!?!  That's right - we LOVE the month of March around here, just like any good Jayhawk fan.  Luckily, we had other outfits to support our K-State Wildcats, MTSU Raiders and Wichita State Shockers but missed the opportunity for a picture.  We did have a few meals as a family with our TV trays while watching the games and Siena learned a few chants.  It's never too early to start cheerleading!

Little Adventures

So much of our days are filled with routine but nothing breaks the norm like play dates.  These are one of the best inventions that moms came up with.  The time is great for child-to-child interaction as well as discovering our kids' strengths and weaknesses.  We love filling our home with family and friends and welcome the chance to strength those bonds.  Carson had his first playdate with buddy, Asher, this Saturday.  Even before the age of one, the boys wanted whatever toy the other child had.  It is one of those things that we don't have to be taught. 

And the Hamrick clan (Gabriel, Kaelyn, Kinsleigh, and London) came over on a rare but beautiful afternoon and we all took turns riding in the Dune Racer.  Did you know it's possible to squeeze 4 little girls in a two seated Power Wheels?

Siena is eating better these days and is learning so much.  She knows where everything is in the house, including Mommy's things.  She DOES NOT have the Knoll gene for running late.  She is ready to go before any of us, and is usually loads herself in the car, patiently waiting on the rest of us to join her.

Carson is our joyful little boy.  I truly believe he is the happiest baby in the world with his giggles and squeals.  And if he isn't using his mouth for that, he is attacking Mommy for kisses.  He dressed up like Daddy for church this week and wowed all the ladies.   I am currently taking names and numbers of eligible ladies because I think his black book is going to fill up quick.

Story time is delivered by Daddy at our house in Siena's room with a story of her choosing and a chapter from the Bible.  Carson is usually left out because of feedings or a bath but on this rare occasion, story time was for Carson and Siena couldn't be left out (even though her lights were out).  There is nothing better than the little, ordinary things to make up this beautiful, extraordinary home.

January in Tennessee

January is typically the slowest month of the year and that's pretty true here.  But the small things are still important.  Carson started eating cereal this month.  Unfortunately, it hasn't kept him full enough to sleep through the night.  He is also enjoying his Johnny Jumper and is very quickly following in his sister's footsteps of being VERY active and on the move.

January is New Year's Series at our church which equals fun and excitement.  We have enjoyed dressing the kids up in new outfits from Aunt Cathy and Cousin Megan for service.  January is also basketball season, and though we live south of the Mason-Dixon line, we still cheer on our Kansas teams, in spirit and in attire.

Siena has been an amazing big sister and has recently started talking to Carson in a high pitched voice.   It's easy to see that she considers herself to be a grown-up and definitely not a baby anymore.

And Tennessee FINALLY got snow....two days after a tornado warning in the middle of the night.   Makes perfect sense, right?  Nothing was cuter than Siena bursting into the bathroom while I was showering to announce, "MOMMY, IT SNOWED!"  Following a warm breakfast, we headed outside to enjoy our winter wonderland, while it lasted.  (Yes, it was melted before noon)  And as always, Milo refused to be left out.

Christmas time at the Knoll house

Our house was full this December - full of love, joy, celebration and little feet.  We hosted my parents, my sister, Julie, her son, Sebastian, their two dogs along with our 5 this Noel.  We had a fantastic time watching the kids play together, explore, and discover the reason for the season.  We attended Christmas eve service and opened presents, hosted a big Christmas dinner for Uncle Dave and LaShon and our dear friends, the Hamricks, and made a birthday cake for Jesus.  Siena played Candy Land for the 1st time and caught on very quickly and she has started her prep work for driving (she only has 13 more years until a licensed is issued) with her new Power Wheels Dune Racer.  We were able to have an adult only evening since most of our time was consumed with the kids and their needs.  Each of them are growing quickly, learning new words and growing into their very own persons.

The easy thing is to move on past the season, pack it away and move into the next without reflection.  Why do we have the times of celebration if not to slow down and focus on the things that are truly important in our lives like our children, family and our Lord for whom we are celebrating.  Luke 2 in verse 11 and 12 reminds us of the angels' proclamation:

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  

As we worry about our New Year's resolutions, credit card bills, plans for summer vacation and the Jayhawks' journey to the Final Four in March, find a way to incorporate the Great News of Jesus' birth all year long.  It did happen on a winter's night but we should keep it in our hearts and minds throughout the year.  That way, when the radio stations start playing Christmas music in November, you won't be frustrated, but overjoyed thinking, 'It's about time!'.

Baby Carson Dedication

Our children are never really ours.

We have prayed for each of our children, whole-heartedly wanting to share our home, faith and experiences with the next generation.  Our prayers for Siena became much more desperate as time dragged on without a child so when she arrived, it was only natural for us to turn her back over to the Creator who gave her to us, just as Hannah did in 1st Samuel Chapter one.

And we prayed for God's timing with baby #2 as Carson arrived at God's appointed time in our lives, spacing out the kids exactly three years apart.  Now that they are both here, what kind of children will they be?  What kind of people will they become down the road?  Will they bring joy and laughter or anguish and pain?

This weekend as we dedicated Carson back to our Lord and Savior, we prayed that he would grow into a boy and some day a man of courage and integrity, displaying his kindness, faith and heart of peace to all he meets.  As Pastor Jim Weidman prayed over Carson on Sunday night, we were surrounded by great friends and a fantastic uncle because it takes a village to raise a child up right.  No one person has all the answers.  Thank you to all of you who have been involved and shared in loving our precious gifts.  They are not always angels but they are always loved unconditionally.

Halloween Fun

Autumn; my favorite time of the year!!  The leaves show off their gorgeous hues, Indian summer temperatures linger in our part of the country with a nip in the air in the evenings for bon fires and hot chocolate and there is the fun and excitement of dressing up and asking for treats!  This year was no different as we hosted our 9th annual Halloween party.  It's been interesting to see how our friends and the dynamic of the party, mainly the ending time, has changed.  We are no longer carrying on until late in the night; this year, the house was empty by 10pm.  But that doesn't change all the fun and laughs we had.

Trick-Or-Treating is always a hoot!  We have never visited the same area twice.  This year we were on the Public Square in the afternoon with some of Siena's friends.  The weather was nice and what a great parade of kid's costumes and friendly businesses to mingle with.  Carson napped the entire time but woke up in time to meet his first Ninja Turtle, aka, Uncle Dave.  He and Lashon spoiled Siena with some larger treats that will last longer than her sweet tooth (A book of poems, a light up necklace, spider rings and so much more).

In other news, Siena has taken another step and is 100% potty trained, on her own.  She decided one night that she didn't want to wear her pull-up.  We found the dry diaper and her pjs on the bathroom floor with our big girl asleep in her big girl bed and changed into big girl panties.  Her parents can take no credit; she has completed this big step on her own.  When we stopped pressuring her, she did it all herself!  And Carson must have been amused because he has began smiling at us.  He didn't want to be left out of the joke.  His cheeks are round and chubby so a smile is the perfect accent for our little man.