On July 23, 2026, my youngest grandniece made her entrance into the world in Denver, Colorado. Her parents, Lacey and Chris Killinger wanted to honor Lacey’s mom, Alena Stevens, who had passed away on April 23, 2025, but Lacey knew that while her mom liked her name, it was a name that was almost always mispronounced, so instead of spelling it Alena, they named their sweet baby girl Alayna Grace Killinger. The name is absolutely perfect for this sweet little princess of a girl. Lacey’s aunts, her mom’s sisters, Cheryl Masterson, Caryn Schulenberg, Caryl Reed, and Allyn Hadlock could not be more pleased with the name. This sweet “namesake with a twist” is such a beautiful way to honor our precious sister.
Alayna is like her grandmother in a couple of ways that are quite obvious. Alayna inherited her hair color from her grandmother, although her daddy might have had something to do with that too. Chris’ hair is definitely darker than Alena’s was. Alayna’s hair is dark and she has quite a bit of it. It is quite beautiful, and if it grows in as thick as dark hair often does, it will be lovely. Another surprise was the fact that Alayna’s nails look perfectly manicured. Just like her grandmother and her mommy she simply couldn’t go out without manicured nails…even if it is just to a hospital nursery. Her hands and nails looked just beautiful when she was born. I know that my sister is so pleased with the beautiful little hands of her granddaughter. 
Alayna is such a sweet baby girl. She hardly ever makes a fuss and absolutely loves to cuddle. There is nothing quite so sweet as a beautiful baby girl that just cuddles right up to you and goes to sleep. Her siblings, Brooklyn and Jaxon are so excited to meet her, and I know she will cuddle right up to them too. Her grandpa, Mike Stevens, Aunt Michelle and Uncle Matt, as well as Uncle Garrett and Aunt Kayla and their kids, are also excited to get to know her. Alayna knows that she is so very loved, and that goes a long way toward how comfortable a baby is. It isn’t really surprising that Alayna is such a peaceful baby, because her mom and dad are also very calm people. The reality is that very often, calm parents produce a calm baby.
Alayna has such a sweet smile, and she loves to cuddle with her parents. She is a good sleeper too, and of course, her favorite sleeping position is in her mother’s arms. Alayna enjoys bathtime, as does her mom. Alayna just relaxes and grins at the warmth and the grooming. She does have lots of hair, and her mom is a cosmetologist, so having her hair brushed and styled is going to be a big part of her future. That makes me jealous, because I love having my hair brushed, as do most of the people in our family. There is just something about having someone run a brush or their fingers through your hair. It is so 
relaxing…and Alayna loves it. Babies need that loving touch. Alayna is such a sweet baby girl, and I can’t wait to get to know her and watch her grow. Welcome to the world Alayna Grace!! We love you so much!!
