Puppy Love

Rayna had her first date this weekend... play date that is. Fife, Chrissy and Gavin came over Saturday night for dinner and needless to say the kids were the entertainment. Gavin just LOVED "Baby Rayna" (that's what he calls her)! He wanted to kiss and hug her every chance he got ... and Rayna didn't mind one bit. I can see why Fife and Chrissy call him their little "lover boy." Rayna was totally infatuated... she couldn't keep her eyes off of him! She was so exhausted trying to keep up with Gavin that she crashed hard that night and didn't make a peep until 7:30 the next morning. Maybe we should have little Gavin over every night! But of course papa is being protective of his baby girl, saying that he's going to keep a close eye on Gavin... he doesn't trust those Peddigree boys!

Happy Trails

To celebrate Rayna's six-month birthday this past weekend, we wanted to do something special. It had been a really long time since we've done any hiking so we decided to break in Rayna's new back pack and hit the AT. It couldn't have been a more perfect day... blue skies, low humidity and mid 80s. We did one of our favorite treks along the Conodoguinet Creek a little west of Harrisburg. We all had a blast, especially Rayna. She sang and talked the entire way, except while she was sleeping. The bumpy ride on Papa's back didn't seem to bother her one bit. Whenever we're hiking, it's been tradition to call each other by our trail names. I'm Mama Cicada, Ryan is the Blue Blazer, and Sugar is Crazy Legs. But of course we can't agree on one for Rayna. I like Cricket Kicker (she rubs her legs together like a cricket when she gets excited)... he likes Drools Like Moose. Hmmmm... I really don't see any competition here, but I'll let him have his fun. Feel free to give us your ideas on a good trail name for baby girl.

Slaps and Raspberries

I made a promise early on not to rush my baby girl's milestones. While I anxiously awaited her first coo, first smile and first giggle, I tried not to wish they come any faster. Instead, I discovered it's even more fun to watch her hone the skills she needs to do the "bigger" stuff. Rayna's latest thing is slapping when she gets excited. At the sight of mama or papa she starts slapping her knees and grinning from ear to ear. If we're holding her we usually get a slap or two on the face. She's also been very focused on blowing bubbles (raspberries). She intently furrows her brow in deep concentration, and goes on for long stretches of bubble talk. I can't wait for the day when Rayna give me hugs and kisses, but in the meantime I'm just as happy with slaps and raspberries.