8/6

Ride like the wind, Bullseye!
Lorelai, a motion blur of excitement.

8/5

Lorelai loves this App on Gigi's "book". It sings to her, which in most instances would be adorable if the song wasn't completely ridiculous and unintelligible. Her favorite is The Gingerbread Man. It goes like this: "I can run. Yes, I can. Can, can, can, can, can, can...." Lorelai loves to sing the "can" parts. Of course.

8/4

Lorelai has great taste. This is "mine's" pink Coach bag.

8/3

We always want what we cannot have. Lorelai is always after our Wii remote. While Mama and Daddy were packing up for a weekend trip to Virgina, Lorelai tippy-toed to the charging station and found the remotes. When Mama said "thank you" with her hand out (indicating that Lorelai should give Mama the remote), Lorelai started to hand over the Wii remote, realized her error, and found a nearby toy to place in Mama's hand.
Lorelai is no fool. She was so proud to have the remote in hand, waving it at the screen like Mama and Daddy would.

8/2

Daddy took this picture today. He went into the kitchen to make lunch for Lorelai. When he returned, he found that Lorelai had climbed into her rocketship all by her self-- facing the right way too!! Lorelai noticed Daddy had lunch and realized her error in getting trapped . She was most distraught.

8/1

Daddy surprised Mama by putting Lorelai in her Rapunzel dress today. Later on, Nicky came over to play with Princess Lorelai. They had so much fun playing together with books and a giant ball-- it was adorable. Lorelai has also discovered her sunglasses and has been putting them on and off all day. So sweet.

7/31

Lorelai loves to sing. Recently while trying to avoid a frustrated-kid-in-car meltdown, we found our that Lorelai likes the song "Bang Bang" by Nancy Sinatra. She especially loves to sing the "bang, bang" parts. Now, sometimes we play it to calm her down.

Bang bang, he shot me down
Bang bang, I hit the ground
Bang bang, that awful sound
Bang bang, my baby shot me down.

7/30

Happy 11th Anniversary, Mama and Daddy! What a beautiful family we have made!!

7/29

You remind me of the Babe. Babe with the Power. Power of Voodoo...
Lorelai Sassypants strut her stuff all over the restaurant while we watched Daddy and uncle Spike play hockey. Lucas, Jacob, and uncle Ron came up to help us cheer on the Gargoyles. Lorelai spent a good deal of time kissing baby Jacob and eating Lucas' snacks.

7/28

Chris wanted to take out this awesome bouncy zebra for Lorelai to play with this weekend. What a considerate cousin! Lorelai was able to climb on all by herself and bounce up and down. Bouncing is very fun!

7/27

Lorelai. Loves. Balloons.
News flash.

7/26

Mama made Lorelai a book of faces from her family. Lorelai loves the book and insists on reading it often. It turns out that she can recognize Nana, Pop pop, Gigi, Great Grandpop Raudenbush, Spike, Col, Cait, Mo, Devin, Lucas, Daddy, Mama, babies (herself, Jacob, and Nick), Chris and Dylan. Pretty impressive!

7/25

Lorelai had a new, real tooth appear in the back right side of her mouth! She is growing so big, so quickly.

7/24

Lorelai still isn't very keen on hair accessories. Mama bought her a Hello Kitty headband to try to help negotiate a blow, flower, or sparkle one day being put in her hair and actually staying there. Lorelai likes the headband... mainly because it is a portable kitty. Tonight she put the headband on herself and kept it there for a few minutes! Every time I would put away my camera, she would yell "Cheese!" indicating that she thought she was in a photo-worthy situation... which she was. Look at my pretty girl in that headband!!

7/23

Boop!
Lorelai learned this game from her Great-Grandfather Raudenbush. Whenever he sees her, typically to take her out to a buffet for dinner, he holds out his finger and makes it boop with hers.

7/22

Lorelai loves to dance. Sometimes she sings to herself to have a dance party and sometimes she waits for commercials and theme songs. Beautiful.

7/21

We spent a relaxing day in and it was nice. Mama and Lorelai had some great one on one time playing. Daddy told a story from earlier in the week where Lorelai had put her baby doll in the toy drum. She then became really upset that she herself could not fit into the drum as neatly as Baby. Mama and Lorelai played with the drum helmet again and had many, many giggles.

7/20

Despite the heat, Lorelai enjoyed a few rounds of Corn Hole at Kate and Michael's wedding shower today.   There was a dog at the party too. Lorelai slowly warmed up to her but was very excited to point out the puppy every time she came thru the room.
Everyone was very impressed with what an outstanding little girl Lorelai is-- she nearly stole the show!

7/19

Nana, Aunt Col, and Mama went to get sushi tonight for dinner with Lorelai. No raw fish for the little girl but Nana did buy her a chocolate gelato bear. Such a big girl, Lorelai insisted on feeding herself with her own spoon.

7/18

It has been so hot- a heat wave for the past week, in fact. We went to see Gigi and Grandpop tonight where Lorelai demanded some Happy Cake (and got it too- Ha!). Lorelai and Daddy had a good time playing with the wind created by the air conditioner. 

Afterwards, we went over to Uncle Spike and Aunt Erin's new home. They are almost done painting and there is even a special room for Lorelai and the kitty! Thanks, Uncle Spike!

7/17

Lorelai wanted to make musics with Mama and Daddy tonight before bed time. Shake-a shake-a, egg!

7/16

Lorelai has a very fierce hug that she sometimes shares with her family. Tonight, she was so excited to see Jacob, she kept hugging him as much and as hard as she could. She tackled him from behind, put him in head locks, and strained to hold him still all night. Such love, such love.

7/15

There are definitely two new teeth poking thru now in the top, front of Lorelai's mouth... and maybe one more right beside them on the left. The poor girl has clearly been in some pain as they have been making their way over the past few days. For long stretches of time, Lorelai seems inconsolable even with by pain reliever.
It is all part of growing up, unfortunately.

7/14

It is so nice to be home again with our rocking chair. Lorelai clearly missed some of her normal routine and toys. Last night when we were taking her up to bed, she started playing peek-a-boo with Mama down the hall to her bedroom, just like we do every night at home, without any prompting from Daddy.
She is such a fin-loving girl.

7/13

Today was the last day of our vacation at the shore. We had a great time playing with Jacob (baby), Lucas, and Chris this week. Lorelai impressed everyone with her knowledge and social skills-- such a good girl. We are still working on sharing, but hey-- she's 1!

On our way home, we went to a birthday party in Maryland. Happy cake, again! Happy 2nd Birthday, Gavin!

7/12

It is amazing how much fun a few kids can have with an empty floor-level cabinet on a rainy day at the shore.
Lorelai and Lucas entered and left the cabinet repeatedly to play peek-a-boo.

7/11

Lorelai rode without Daddy on her first Big Girl ride today!! We went to the fair at Sea Isle, NJ after dinner tonight with Lucas, Jacob, Uncle Ron, and Aunt Col.
Lorelai rode a motor boat in a circle a few times around with her big cousin Lucas. When the ride started up, it gave a jolt and Lorelai's eyes grew big and she grabbed a hold of the side of the boat. She never cried-- quite a brave little girl. Lucas was an excellent riding companion. He showed her how to use the searing wheel and how to ding the bell. Lorelai even gave it a few rings before the end of their turn!

7/10

MMMMmmmmm Frozen strawberry yogurt with granola. Lorelai is in heaven for this vacation. Every day comes with a special dessert treat. She has been singing "Happy Cake" every day (We think she believes Happy Cake is now any desserts: cake, ice cream,, frozen yogurt, cookies...)-- it's a bit of a worry thinking about what she is going to do after we go home and desserts are not in abundance.

7/9

Beach Day! We went to see the ocean with Lucas, Jacob, Aunt Col, and Uncle Ron. Lucas was a little firecracker of energy. Lorelai was not too excited about the sand touching her body. She eventually permitted some sand to touch her-- it was soft! But as soon as she realized that the sand in the shovel was the same as on the ground, Lorelai was ready to head home.
She wore her hat most of the trip and looked too cute in her Hello Kitty bikini. Mama was very proud.

7/8

Pop pop brought out the guitar this afternoon to have some tunes on the deck. Lucas was very enthusiastic about learning how to play while Lorelai shook her groove thing for the family crowd.

7/7

Today we started our vacation in Sea Isle, NJ. It was really great to have the whole family together for a while (or close enough-- we were missing Lauren and Frank). It isn't often that we get have some time together as one big family.
After dinner,  we went to have birthday ice cream for Uncle Pat and Aunt Col. Lorelai enjoyed Mama's Happy Cake ice cream and Daddy's chocolate chip cookie dough.
The Gallagher's, 2013

7/6

When Mama was a young girl, she and Nana made a Coat of Arms. Lorelai loves to drag it out and play with all the pretty buttons and ribbons.

7/5

Lorelai took a seat in her rocker and proceeded to tell Daddy a long and detailed story today. It was very intricate.
I hope she remembers it so she can retell it when she learns more words.

7/4

 Tooth #4 seems to have made an appearance! Lorelai now has a tooth in the upper back left of her mouth as well.
She did not take it well. Not at all...

7/3

Lorelai has such a creative spirit. While Mama was at work today, She demonstrated to Daddy a different way to make the rocker go.

7/30

Happy 11th Anniversary to Mama and Daddy! What a beautiful family we have created!!

7/2

We had dinner at Gigi's tonight. Lorelai unloaded all of Daddy and Uncle Spike's old toys to play with. Look at all the classic Fisher Price people. Lorelai especially loves the black and white puppy ("Woof woof") and the bald baby. There is a set of three astronauts that Lorelai yells at every time she notices them. She wants to remove their helmets but it just isn't possible. This is very frustrating to one so small.

7/1

Lucas and Jacob came to see Daddy and Uncle Spike play hockey tonight. We had so much fun! After the first period, the game was all but forgotten but the kids had a great time sharing Batman and princess guys and eating snacks. Lorelai showed off the sassy walk she recently developed-- too cute! She is all shoulders and hips.

6/30

We got to met baby Elizabeth Abigail, finally! She is almost exactly one year younger than Lorelai and had her Baptism today. Lorelai wanted to yell out every time there was a lull in the ceremony but overall was very well behaved.
Congratulations, Beth! We look forward to playing with you!!

6/29

Lorelai had a slumber party at Gigi's tonight! We sang Happy Day for Great Grandpop Raudenbush and had Happy Cake too. Lorelai was extremely enthusiastic-- it was a great plan for a great day. She was able to visit Kitty Cat several times which drove the kitty to hide all night. Kitty does not like a commotion and though she is gentle and sweet, Lorelai is always a commotion.

6/28

Lorelai really, honestly plays with her toys now. She had a very serious car chase with the Batmobile all morning. Later on, she was put two princesses into the Batcave to be protected by her classically-suited Batman in blue. He is defender of the innocent. And Disney Princesses.

6/27

Lorelai has much enthusiasm for the Mr. Bill guy Mama got Daddy for Christmas many years ago. When she sees him up on a shelf, she exclaims "Bill!" until you get him down for her. Lorelai carries Mr. Bill around like he was a baby doll, hugs and kisses him, and pats him on the back. Mr. Bill gets to play with her Batmen too-- quite the honor.

6/26

Today a year ago, Mama took the same picture of Lorelai and Daddy's feet. It was quite the struggle to get the tiny diva to play along this time around. She squirmed and streaked and scrunched up her toes to try to avoid the perfect shot. She is very headstrong, our Lorelai.

6/25

Lorelai loves her Batman. Na na na na na na na na. Na na na na na na na na. BATMAN!
She plays with her guys, putting them inside and out of the helicopter. She tries to fit in guys that are super big and the appropriate size which is adorable. the propeller is spun by hand all the while she is giggling and humming.

6/24

Oh, Lorelai Stormcloud... Tiny Dragon... 3 Shots today at her 15 month doctor's appointment. The nurses there can attest that her lungs and voice are in quite working order as well.

Weight: 23 pounds (between percentile 25% and 50%)
Height: 30.5 inches (between percentile 25% and 50%)
Head Circumference: 19.5 inches (above percentile 95%)

6/23

"Thru the tunnel, Lorelai!" After much negotiating by Chris, Daddy, and Aunt Mo, Lorelai entered into the tunnel at Nana's house. Daddy may have had to toss Aunt Mo's mini tablet (i.e. her cellphone) in there to get her going but once she was inside, she and Chris had a wonderful time.

6/22

We went to Linville Orchards today to feed the animals with Uncle Spike, Aunt Erin, and baby Sunshine. It was a good time visiting with the chicken, goats, ducks.... and there was a band so we could dance to the music!
On the way home, Mama got a flat tire near Nana's house so Daddy and Pop-pop changed it for us. Perfect time for a roadside picnic if you ask Lorelai!

6/21

Mama: Look! A thank you card from Sunshine! And her Mama dottied the "i" with a picture of a sun! So cute. Oh, now I wish we had named Lorelai something with the weather!
Daddy: Like what?
Mama and Daddy (at the same time): Stormcloud!
Daddy: Because sometimes she is sad. And can be angry like thunder.
Mama: Oh, Lorelai Stormcloud!

6/20

Today Mama took off from work and we made a trip to the Zoo. We had a very good time. Lorelai paid attention to the birds, the giraffes, and a few fish too! In the petting zoo, she walked around on her own, very independent, and attempted to pet (swat, really) two little goats. Lorelai is very brave and bold.

6/19

Tonight, Lorelai decided to start using a fork all on her own. Mama placed her fork down on her tray and Lorelai picked it up, stabbed a piece of potato, and (with a few false starts) placed it in her mouth. Such a big girl!