San Fran and 22 Months

 

 

I turned around and my little baby is now a little lady! I can't believe how smart she is. She amazes me, puts a smile on my face, and makes me love more and more everyday. . And there are times that her daddy and I feel like this at bed time:

But no matter how exhausted we may feel we just can't get enough of her squeezes, kisses, and "ya youuuu!"s. She is the sweetest little thing... but she is also a little spit fire. She is bossy... but can be so caring. She is a little ball of energy and still to this day has no time for snuggles. The 2 seconds we do get of a cuddle we cherish! She is very shy at first glance but when she gets to know you she is your best friend.  I love her unique personality! I love who she is! And I love that she is ours!

We truly are the luckiest two alive to have our lives changed for the better because of a little girl!

I saw this on pinterest and thought it fit our little Rayni to a 'T'

 

Last post I started keeping track of all her words. Well there are just too many to count now. After I did the last post she all the sudden had like 20 more words the next day. So instead of words here are some of the things we love about her.

 

Mama and Dada's favorite things about Rayni: her budda belly, her toushy, the way she say thank you, the way she puckers her lips when you ask her "where are you lips?", when she recognizes her friends and family members and calls them by name, when I have been gone and I come home and she is so excited to see me, the way she calls me "mama", when she says "sorry" when she knows she is in trouble, and how she asks if you are ok when you get hurt, her baby blues, And it melts my heart when she tells me she loves me, that she is a good sleeper, how smart she is, she likes to watch sports with dada, and she has a goofy personality.

 

 

 

The 2 second cuddle!

She loves her papa Ron

Loves to brush my hair. But would you look at that belly!!!!!:)

Cooking with mama.

I sent this to my mom and she said that I look like her when she was young. I get told that all the time and it is such a compliment. I want to be my mom when I grow up. If I am even a sliver of a mom to Rayni like my mom was to me I am doing pretty darn awesome!

 

 

 

Rayni L.O.V.E.S herself some pretties!

 

And last about our little Lou. I love to teach her about her Savior and how much she is loved. I also love to teach her about the temple and how one day she will be a princess in her castle. Here we are looking at one of her favorite books (my relief society book) and her pointing out her favorite things:

 

 

Zach and I had the opportunity to get away for a long weekend. We hadn't been on a trip by ourselves since we went to Mexico 3 1/2 years ago. Zach's dream has been to go to San Fran and see a 49ers game. So San Fran it was. We were going to leave at like 5 in the morning. But was too excited to sleep so on the road at 2:00. Can you see the excitement in our faces! Zach was blinded by the flash... not recommended when driving!

 

Here was our entrance into San Fran. It was so amazing to drive over that bridge... and a rush! Our first stop of many yummy eats was Bubba's Diner. We saw on Food Network's Triple D. We had the soft shell crab BLT. Amazballs!

 

That night we decided to go investigating our surroundings. And ran into this Gem. From a distance it looks like nothing. But Zach kept on insisting that we go look at it. It was seriously beautiful. It was like a piece of Europe in the middle of San Fran. We were in aw by the stone statues and carvings. It was a romantic way to start the trip.

 

 

The next day was devoted to the Game. Zach was so excited to go that he was ready to go the night before;);)

 

 

It was surprisingly HOT! We were dying! But it was so much fun... and even better that they won.

After the game we went hunting for another one of Triple Ds picks and ate at Miller's Diner. It was unanimous that that place was the bomb!!! Our favorite. And their pickles!!!!... nothing like them! I wish we had one here. I would be there all the time!

 

Our next 2 days were devoted to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Warf.

 

We went on a romantic sailboat ride at sunset.

 

Ate amazing food! And I got my Bread bowl! (A must in SF)

 

Found some classics and new surprises

 

Our last day there was bitter sweet. I was ready to get home to my baby but loved being a couple and spending time with the love of my life. We ended our wonderful trip at this amazing restaurant.

 

 

And a Sundae at Ghirardelli's. The Salted Carmel brownie was To. Die. For!

 

 It was a long ride home... and it couldn't have been slower. I wanted to get home to my Rayni so bad... I missed her guts. I cried when I left her. And I cried when I saw her. She was very confused because of my silliness but was so happy to see us! She was lucky and got to play where her Grammy Lou and Poppy for a few days. Then she got to go play with her babysitter/Grandma Teresa and Papa Mark for a couple of days. She is one lucky girl to have so many that love and adore her!

And lastbut certainly not least It was our favorite holiday. HALLOWEEN! We always go all out and have the best family to spend it with. We started off the festivities with stripping Rayni down and letting her paint her pumpkin. Of course nothing is complete without some "pretties" glitter. You would have thought that her life was ending when I made her stop and get in the tubbie. But just goes to show you that she loved it and I need to let her paint more often

 

 

We went to my Aunt Sidnee's for the traditional Halloween party. We were one of the first ones there and when we pulled up and didn't see any cars Zach said, "are you sure it is here?" and I said "It is always here... it will never not be here!" I love to spend this holiday with my silly goof family. They truly are the best.

 

 

 

 

Here are the 3 Hoffeteers Dressed as lady bugs and a bug catcher. Our dada caught 2 cute ladies;)

 

 

 

I loved mine and Rayni's matching tights!

It was so fun to take Rayni Trick-or-Treating for her first time. She was a little ball of energy! She was skipping, hopping, running, and bouncing down the side walk. We were tag teaming in trying to keep up with her. She was keeping up with the big kids!

 

 

Now that it is November I have really been trying to focus on all that I have to be grateful for. My Family both extended and my little 3 hoffeteer family are truly the greatest and biggest blessings of my life. I love My Rayni and my Hubbie! I love my life! I am truly blessed!

 

 

 

 

Summer and a 19 month old!

Last year Rayni was still so little during summer to really be able to go out and do a lot. So I was really excited to be home with her this summer! I was determined to make this summer the best for her. On our first day we went out and bought chalk, flashcards, crayons, coloring books, etc. It didn't go as planned... our first week was rough! At one point Zach came home and both Rayni and I were balling. I felt like the worst mom because Rayni wanted nothing to do with everything I had planned. I quickly realized that what I had in mind was not reality for my little girl. I learned that my little Rayni Lou is very independent and won't do anything that she doesn't want to do. So I decided to relax and stop trying to be the perfect mom. Do what makes her happy! Once I got that figured out we had a much better time.

Rayni loves going to her daycare and being with Grandma Teresa. During the summer I still took her a couple times a week to keep her familiar with going. She has so many friends there and lots of fun things to do. Way more fun than mom. And I am OK with that! She learns so much, her social skills are constantly improving, and her language and motor skills have always been advanced. I have loved having these 3 months with my baby. But glad to be getting back to a routine! And I know Rayni is too!

This summer Rayni turned 19 months old! I can't believe how fast time has flown by. I was just laying on the couch tonight with Rayni next to me and we were looking through pictures on my phone of her. We started with my belly pics, then to the hospital pics, then her milestones. And I couldn't believe just how fast it really has gone by. She is at such a fun age right now. We no longer have to guess with her anymore. She is very vocal and her words are starting to flow. When she is hungry "Numanum?" When we try to figure out what she wants she tells us "No" if she doesn't want it and "uh huh" if she does. She tells us when she poops:) She tells us when she is tired, "nigh nigh" She has many new words:
Ball: ba
apple: baple
Blankie: cacker
Her stuffed Lamby: mammy
Toast: Tose
Cheese
Outside: ousigh
Flower: snhee (not quite sure how to spell the sound she makes)
Tay Tay (her puppy),pretty, and birdie: tee tee
Grandma: mama
She says papa and poppy for her grandpas
Uncle Ray Ray: Re Re
Uncle Tate: Bubba
chips, crackers, or cookies: cacker
Water: wawa
Walk: wa
Please: peas
Sorry: ory
Ouchie: owie
Keys: cakeys
Ducks: gawk gawks
Chickens: bawk bawks
Horse: Horsieya
Bear: br
Love you: ya yao

Her favorite foods are:
toast
cheese
any kind of cracker
cherrios
any kind of fruit mostly apples and bananas
milk
any kind of nut mostly peanuts
sweet and salty peanut bars

She has many Rayni-isms" that just make us laugh! She still furrows her brow just like she did when she was first born. And when she is very serious about something she tilts her head to one side and talks so sweetly like she needs to convince you of what she is saying. She is such a girly girl like her mama. But loves to be rough and tumbly and watch "baball" (football) with her dada. She is very active with non-stop energy. Her giggles put a smile on our face. She is our joy!

 

Here are some fun pictures taken this summer!

 

 

This summer I made it a goal to exercise more. So every morning Rayni and I went on a 2 mile walk. I loved spending this time with her. Rayni loves nature and animals. The best part of our walk is that we walk by a home that has a Minnie farm. A few goats, chickens, lambys, and some horses. Whenever we would turn the corner by the house Rayni would start bocking (like a chicken) She could sit there all day and just stare at them.

We love going to 25th street in Ogden and see the horses line the street. While we were at one of our favorite restaurants "Roosters" we saw this horse out front. It was beautifully painted to look like a rooster. Rayni couldn't stop saying, "horsieya"

The 4th of July is one of my favorites! I was super excited because Rayni was old enough to know what was going on this time. I tried my hand at making her a romper. I had the pattern according to her age. However, when I was finished it was not long enough by 3 inches. I have one tall little girl. Our little super model. After all was fixed it turned out pretty cute.

Rayni and Dada watching the parade

standing on the side lines with her little buddy Kayson. He is so sweet with her... Gave her lots of candy and protected her from the other crazy kids diving for candy.

Give this girl a hose and she is happy for a very long time!

 

 

Annual fireworks at the Welch's around the 24th. I was really nervous about doing this. It was her first time seeing big fireworks. A couple of days leading up to the 4th our neighborhood was crazy with fireworks every night. On the 3rd it was out of control. They woke her up, when I went in there she was shaking and saying, "mama" over and over. Dada took her out on the porch to show her what the sound was. She got a little used to them but she starts doing this nervous goofy laugh when she gets concerned but tries to be barve. It is so sweet but sad at the same time. The next Moring I went in to get her and she had thrown up from being so scared. Poor thing! But she actually did a lot better at the big ones than we expected. Lots of fun and great memories at the Welch's!

Rayni has been obsessed with apples lately. She just L.O.V.E.S them. One day she asked for them ALL DAY LONG! I think it is because of the heat. She is a fruit-a-holic!

Rayni is always getting into my things. She found my "un-mentionable" drawer and put this on. Came out saying, "mama tee tee (pretty)" I just love her! She is always trying to be like me. Wants my jewelry, makeup, clothes, headbands, and anything else. But I can't help but love it! I love that she is girly like her mommy!

Went to the fair. If there are animals she is one HAPPY girl.

She has been obsessed lately with putting swim diapers on her feet and up her legs. She is so goofy!

 

Rayni had her first medical drama moment. She was having a problem with her knee giving out on her. She would go through stages that she could hardly walk. We hd to get an Xray. I would not wish that on anyone. It was the worst! It took 2 nurses and me to hold her down to do the Xrays. She was screaming!!!! I hope I never have to do that again! Made me really think about how blessed I am to have a healthy baby girl. There are so many sick babies out there that have to go through much worse than an Xray... and my heart goes out to them and their parents. Luckily it wasn't anything too serious. She had fluid around her growth plate above her knee which is a sign of injury. There wasn't much they could do but keep our eye on it. Luckily she hasn't had anymore episodes and we are HOPING it has passed!.

 

 

Loves to help me cook! Helping mama make banana bread

 

 

 

We love Grammy Lou. Surprised her at work. And of course Grammy has lots of treats to spoil her granddaughter with!

 

 

We love driving towards Brigham City on the old highway and stopping at the fruit stands. Rayni loves fruit so she was one happy camper taking some home. I craved watermelon throughout all of my pregnancy, it's a no wonder she loves it so much!

 

All I have ever wanted in my life was a little girl to call my own! I love this little girl so much! There are many days that she drives me crazy but every time I hear, "mama" or I get a kiss, or her arms wrapped around my neck I am reminded just how truly lucky I am to have her in my life!

 

Today was fun, today is done, tomorrow is another one!

Fun Fun Fun! That is how I can describe our lives lately. Rayni is turning into a rambunctious little thing that we are trying to find more and more things to do to keep up with her thirst for Fun! We used to just be able to get away with walks and nights sitting out on the grass. But she is getting antsy and is constantly on the go.  I love that we provide her whole world.  I love providing those memories and seeing her reaction to new adventures. I love seeing the world through her eyes. She brings a smile to my face with every squeal, with every smile, with every point, with her little run, and her laughter. She is my Joy and I can't wait to have many more "fun" days with my baby!
Here are some of our big adventures:
Mother's day is makes me so grateful for being a mother. I feel like I am constantly keeping a little prayer in my heart all day thanking my Father in Heaven for giving me the opportunity to be a mama. I wanted nothing more than to spend my day with the man that helped me become a mama and the little one that calls me mama. I also got to spend it with the lovely lady that I get the privilege of calling mama and my amazing daddy. A day at the Zoo seemed like just the thing!

Rayni Lou and Grammy too!

Grammy and Poppy with their favorite little Rayni and the bird show.

A mama and her baby bird

 

 

 

Our next big adventure didn't go according to plan... I have been wanting to take my little lou up to the duck pond by Weber State. But every time I was going to do it it would rain. So it took a couple of weeks but we finally got there. I bought some rolls to take to feed the ducks. But when we got there there was a sign that said "Please don't feed the ducks. It attracts seagulls and seagulls kill baby ducklings" Well... I decided that we were still going to feed them. I know I know, how horrible of me! But I thought that if I just put the bread in their mouth and not on the ground no seagulls would come. So we continued the path towards the rally big ducks and geese. As soon as they saw us they were headed right towards us. There was quite a few and they were BIG! We put Rayni down and littlerally they were as tall as her. She L.O.V.E.S. ducks. But after seeing the height on these things she was not too excited. We tried to do some coaxing. She did warm up sometimes but was still really worried. Well mama decided to pull out the bread. BAD IDEA!

I pulled out a roll. And they were on me like white on rice. I couldn't feed them fast enough

One actually bit me. Can't believe Zach got it on his camera.

We didn't even get through half a roll before we were done. They were not only scaring Rayni at this point but they were also freaking me out.

 

We moved along to find some smaller nicer duckies. or "gawk gawks" as Rayni calls them.

I think that we ruined it for her though. She was still pretty frightened.

We made some distance between us and the ducks. Daddy and Rayni sat on a pier and made duck noises.

This melts me Heart! She is a stinker when it comes to her daddy so catching little sweet moments like this just makes us so happy!

Eventaully she was done with the walking and just wanted to run. And whispering while she ran "hurry hurry hurry!"

We had a little picnic on the other side of the pond with no ducks around.

Until a mama and a dada duck decided to join us. Rayni got braver and got semi close to it. We would hand her a piece of bread. But instead of throwing it to the duck she would just quickly drop it at her feet then run away when it got close to it.

"Mama Gawk Gawk!"

Perfect end to a... well sorda... perfect day:)

 

Rayni loves anything that has to do with water. So we decided to pull out her pool for the very first time and she had a blast! When I told her it was time to go inside she started throwing a fit. The only way I got her inside was to tell her, "let's go get in the tubbie!" from one water activity to another. She's my little fish

Could that smile get any bigger!?

 

 

To start off our memorial day weekend we decided to take Rayni to the splash pad. I have taken Rayni there once before. But daddy has never been with us. So we got our suits on and headed out. We had such a blast and Rayni L.O.V.E.D it!!!

 

Can't believe a year has gone by so fast... Last time I take my little Lou she could barley crawl. Now she is running around trying to keep up with the big kids.

 

 

Still loved the same spot the best:)

 



OOH! I just love this little chicken butt!

 

After we got done getting wet Rayni wanted to play on the play ground.

First time in a swing

Climbing the stairs like a big girl

down the slide all by herself.

 

 

 I love spending time with this sweet girl! Bringing a smile to her face brings me the biggest amount of joy!