9/22

Happy 4th birthday, Christopher! Chris had a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles party today to celebrate with all of his cousins. There was turtle cup cakes, masks, and a pinata! Mama loves a good theme and dressed Lorelai up in turtle clothes so she would fit right in. Turtle Power!

9/21

It is Johnny Appleseed Festival at Linvilla Orchards this weekend. We met the Englebach's, Aunt Maureen, Uncle Frank, and Chris there to play on the playground and snack on a few apples. There was a drum band that played by the picnic area that really caught Lorelai's ears. She wanted to stare at the musicians and dance for the better part of the day. No surprises there-- our baby loves music!

9/20

Lorelai had her18 month old doctor's appointment. She passed with flying colors, of course. Lorelai had a good time playing in the doctor's room (kids! mouse!) but was not a fan of interacting with the actual medical staff at all. Two shots. She took them like a champ.

Weight: 25 pounds
Height: 31.5 inches

9/19

Happy half birthday, baby girl! Today you are 18 months old (or 1.5 years). It is incredible to see you grow and learn every day. You make your parents so proud.

9/18

Lorelai had a great time playing with the beads she found in her toy box today. She would hold up the necklaces and exclaim "neck" to indicate that Daddy and Mama should be wearing the one in her fist.

9/17

Daddy is trying to teach Lorelai to sit on the couch when she wants to play with the "book". This is a rule at Gigi's house and it is one that would make sense everywhere. iPads are so fun to play with-- we need to make sure we are making safe decisions when we use them. Lorelai snuggles under a blankie, will lounge and sprawl across the cushion and Mama's lap, or lay on her tummy and kick her feet in the air while playing with the iPad. It is amazing how independently she uses it sometimes. Lorelai can unlock the pad, find her preferred Apps, open to play them, close them, and scroll to something new. She cannot help herself and must change her activity constantly. It worries Mama a little thinking that Lorelai is going to develop attention and concentration problems with all the switching she does.

9/16

Lorelai, Daddy, and Mama went to play at the Oasis Family Fun Center today! We had a blast playing on the slides. Daddy took Lorelai into a ball pit that shoots balls all over using vacumns. As soon as Lorelai heard the unexpected noise, she was frightened, was frozen in panic, and no longer wanted to play. Next time we go, we'll make sure Lorelai is ready for the loud noise and has plenty of her cousins there to protect her.

9/15

We made S'mores at Nana's house tonight! It was a lot of fun playing soccer with Lorelai's cousins. It was even more fun running around with a sticky, half-eaten giant marshmallow in our hand! The way to Lorelai's heart is thru her stomach, no doubt.

9/14

Gigi and Pop-pop took Lorelai to the York County Fair today! She had a great time playing with other kids, watching amusement park rides, playing in a dried corn sandbox, and dancing around everywhere. Gigi said that Lorelai never stopped dancing all day. She even got to see a piglet race and a weiner dog race while she was there. Puppies and pigs!

9/13

Lorelai got dressed in her best princess kitty cat shirt for her sleep over at Gigi's house tonight. Mama and Daddy are going to the Hayden's wedding in the mountains so Lorelai gets to spend two nights there... and maybe will get to see the kitty at Uncle Spike's house too! In preparation for her weekend with her Grandparents, Lorelai wanted to ride the elephant rocker Pop-pop made for her Daddy. She can climb on and off of it now herself and can even make it rock a little. The wood is very heavy so she does still need some help to make it go with any speed.

9/12

At dinner, Lorelai sat in a big kid seat at Lucas's table and ate her pizza. First time without a highchair and she did wonderfully. Lorelai isn't about to let something distract her from food!
Afterwards, Lorelai and Lucas were all set to go to the Fair tonight but instead it rained. Making the most of it, they went for a pony ride in the D'Orazio's living room instead. When you're a Gallagher, you can make a fair happen anywhere you want at a moment's notice.

9/11

Lorelai has a Star Trek Book of Opposites that the Caramanicos gave to her when she was first born. Today while she was reading the book, Lorelai suprised her Daddy with some of her interpretations of the pictures. There is a "suprised" picture of Kirk that Lorelai says "Peek-a-boo" to. Even more adorable, the "together" and "apart" images of Kirk and Uhura in Plato's Stepchildren for that historic inter-racial kiss is simply called "kiss!" after which Lorelia holds her face towards ours and asks for a kiss of her own.

9/10

Without any prompting from anyone, Lorelai started to try out handstands today. She has gotten as far as her head and hands on the floor with her butt in the air. We are still working on picking up her feet on her own but her Daddy was more than happy to accommodate her while she learns.

We are raising a tiny daredevil.

9/9

Lorelai and Daddy matched today! Lorelai has changed to the 18-24 month clothing size so we are working thru a whole new set of super hero shirts and tributes to Daddy's youth. This size has some pretty exciting outfits so get ready for that!
We went to play D&D at the Englebach's tonight. It was a good time. Lorelai was excited to get to play with her cup of dice again. You can see her feverishly shaking the cup of dice here in the picture with Daddy as well. Always in motion; that's our Lorelai.

9/8

Aunt Momo pulled out her Nook tonight to read a story to the cousins. Lorelai was especially excited as she loves electronic tables. She cannot help herself-- she kept scrolling before the page was done, frustrating Chris and Lucas whom wanted to hear the Car's story that was being told. When Lorelai sees a touch screen, it is game over. Oh! And buttons. She loves to press buttons-- caution to the wind!

9/7

This is something of a testament to today. Lorelai rediscovered her infant bouncer and loves to climb into it on her own. Once she gets in there, she almost immediately cries out for "halp!" to get back out. Playing with Baby doll, she thought that Baby would want to go jumping too. You can see the baby's legs hanging out the bottom of the seat. Lorelai is a very sincere Mama to her Baby. She always makes sure Baby is happy.

9/6

Ahhhh pretty girl. Lorelai spent the day playing Mama with her baby doll. She wraps the baby in her blankie and pats her back, sing songs, rocks. It is too adorable.
In pictures, Lorelai recognizes herself as "baby" and points to herself in conversation as "baby". Daddy and Mama are teaching her the concept of "Lorelai" and "me". She has always identified herself as "Daddy's little princess" as well, just for the record.

9/5

We just started this. Let's say Mama or Daddy is sitting on the couch or a chair. Lorelai will come over and sit on your foot, arms wrapped around your leg, and a big smile with beautiful, mischievous blue eyes looking up at you. "Bounce!" she exclaims. When Daddy's leg gets tired, it is time for Mama's leg. Over and over and over. She loves to bounce, the higher and wilder the better.
Our Little Daredevil.

9/4

Lorelai insisted that she wear with Hello Kitty shirt today regardless of the fact that it is in the next size. Daddy was trying to get clothes in her room, Lorelai came across the shirt, and that was that.
After dinner, Lorelai found her Hello Kitty headband and purse too to complete the ensemble. Whenever Lorelai finds a purse, she always picks it up, waves, and announces "bye-bye!" while walking towards the door. Lorelai is a girl on the go.

9/3

We went to the Philadelphia Zoo today and had a great time. Now, Lorelai is more familiar different animals from her books and the iPad so she was more interested in some of the animals we saw.

When we got to the flamingos, Lorelai took off at a run. She was desperately trying to climb the fences, yelling "Tub!" and "Mingos!" like she wanted to get in there and swim with them. She was trying to fit thru the holes in the fencing too... anything to go for a swim! We spent a good amount of time with the flamingos. Lorelai's enthusiasm was not to be missed.

9/2

Lorelai DEMANDED we call Nana this afternoon so she could chat on the phone. Lorelai showed off her dancing skills (over the phone), sang a little, and modeled some of the pretty clothes Nana bought her. Lorelai is a tiny diva.

9/1

Sundays we spend at Nana's house with family. Lorelai loves to climb all over, keeping up with the boys and surprising relatives. Peek-a-boo, Nana!!
Check out those beautiful baby thighs!

8/31

Just wanted to be as "on" Daddy as she possibly can today.
Lorelai loves to snuggle, loves to ask for hugs and kisses. Our little Monkey is a love affectionate girl.

8/30

Lorelai is a brave explorer, always interested in trying something new and being bold in her decisions. Tonight at Lauren's birthday party, Lorelai tried some meat circles, raw carrots, celery, and crackers. Thank goodness, she didn't recognize the cheese blocks on the table or no one would have been able to eat anything.
To celebrate the occasion, Lorelai wore her Troegs "Home Brewed" t-shirt and tu-tu skirt. When we put the skirt on her, Lorelai's first reaction was to shout out "dance"!

8/29

This is what compromise looks like. Lorelai wanted to empty out the drawers, flip them over, and stand on top of them. Daddy was worried that she would get hurt standing so high in the air on some thin plastic so he convinced her that being inside the drawer was quite fun too. Baby wanted to play as well and they were both most satisfied with the end result.

8/28

Lorelai was most insistent to have her way today. Mama was out late so Daddy spent most of the day alone with Lorelai. She wanted her things, her way... and a few things that were no hers needed to be her way too. At dinner, it was the first time she was not interested in eating anything that was offered. Usually Lorelai is a very strong eater.

8/27

TUB!! Gigi bought a mini pool for Lorelai's enjoyment... and there was much enjoyment had.

8/26

Ninja Lorelai! She is a princess fighting for what's right and the American way.
While Daddy was out on errands today, Lorelai raided her laundry basket and proceeded to attempt to put on every article of clothing that she has.

On a side note, when I came downstairs today, Lorelai came running for the front door to greet me. She held up the edges of her shirt and said "pretty" and "tutu" with a huge grin on her face. Oh! I do so love this girl.Thanks for the pretty pajamas, Nana!!

8/25

Busy, busy day today! Mama and Daddy came and picked up Lorelai at Nana's from the slumber party weekend (and have left over wedding cake). We went to brunch at Faye's to wish Kate and Michael a happy honeymoon and the Rastelli's a safe trip home. After brunch, we hurried to Dylan's 7th birthday party-- it was a Flyer's party! Lorelai enjoyed playing with her cousins, hugging baby Jacob, and eating popcorn and birthday cake (more happy cake!).
Daddy has been teaching Lorelai to walk holding hands too. Daddy said she is almost a pro and showed Mama on the way out of Aunt Cait's house. Brilliant.

8/24

While spending the day at Nana and Pop-pop's for a slumber party, Lorelai helped Nana with her genealogy and pointed out some things that should not be available for "babies" to find. She was gracious in giving them to Nana and quickly stating "Thank you". Smart Girl!!

8/23

Over the river and thru the woods to Nana's house for a slumber party! Mama and Daddy are going to a wedding this weekend so Lorelai is planning to spend the weekend with Nana and Pop-pop, playing with Chris's toys, and eating as many berries as possible.
Today is also the last day for Lorelai to face backwards in Mama's car! Yay!! We are getting so big!

8/22

Lorelai's dolly has a secret to share with her. Shhhhh! Listen closely, little mama.

8/21

Lorelai is... too cute sometimes. She recently learned the words "help" and "empty".
Today, she was trying to play with her toy vanity. The music had been switched off and she realized it-- she turned to Mama and Daddy and said "help!" and kept rotating the spinner until we realized what she needed assistance with.
She also is making good use of the word "empty" by loudly declaring her need for more milk as soon as the level is below acceptable. 
Our little girl is getting so big!

8/20

At dinner tonight, Lorelai jammed as many animal crackers in her mouth as she possibly could. So many, in fact, she had difficulty attempting to close her lips around them. Daddy estimates that it was more than 2 cookies which in a one year old mouth is very full.
Later, we went to Aiden and Taigh Connor's house to play! It was a lot of fun to play with some new kids.

8/19

Lorelai fully believes that the sole purpose of YouTube is to play Stay Puft videos at her whim. She recognizes the website and immediately calls out "Puft!!!" and does not stop until she gets her fix. At the end of the video clip she watches with Daddy, Stay Puft looks up at the Ghostbusters having arrived at the apartment complex. He looks up, opens his mouth and roars. Lorelai does it along with him every time!

8/18

Lorelai borrowed one of Chris's "hats" while playing at Nana's today. She ran all over with Daddy, getting dizzy by spinning in circles. She was very excited to have him home again after his guy's weekend.
Go, go, Power BatGirl!

8/17

Fun day with Gigi!
We went to Maryland to celebrate the upcoming marriage of Allison and Andrew. The party was full of sweets like marshmallows, animal crackers, popcorn, and happy cake with berries! Lorelai and Gavin collected all of the lollipop decor that they could find and played on the outside jungle gym.
Later on, we had dinner with Gigi, Pop pop, Boop! (Great Grandpop), Uncle Spike, and Aunt Erin. Uncle Spike introduced Lorelai to cornbread... which she happily declared to be happy cake as well.
The party girls had a yummy-fun time!

8/16

Cousins Lucas and Christopher were teaching Lorelai how to play with puzzles tonight. They themselves are puzzle masters, taught by their fun-loving Nana.
Lorelai just may be the next puzzle-playing Gallagher. She already knows which toy the puzzle is and can say the word!

8/15

Lorelai found a napkin today while playing. She crumpled it up quickly and attempted to blow her nose. It was adorable. You could hear actual blowing noises and see her wiping the tissue around and everything. Such a big girl!

8/14

Mama and Daddy played Monkey in the Middle today with Lorelai. Guess who was the monkey!!

Lorelai was very into her blankie today. She was dragging it around, dancing, giggling, and playing peek-a-boo all night. So sweet.

8/13

Mama had a job interview at work today. Lorelai and Daddy made make this sign to celebrate. Thank you, baby!!

Later on, Lorelai took her Batman book reading very seriously with Daddy on the floor. We take our Batman VERY seriously.

8/12

We went to watch Daddy and Uncle Spike play hockey tonight. Gigi and Pop-pop (formerly Grandpop, Lorelai's handiwork) came to watch too. Lorelai convinced them to buy her some popcorn by saying popcorn as loud as she could and pointing to the concession stand. Lorelai gets what Lorelai wants.
Oh! And the team made it into the playoffs too!

8/11

Today we helped the kitty cat move from Gigi's house to Uncle Spike's new house. It was very exciting! Lorelai was in the car with kitty and helped him learn about his new home-- where his room is, his food, and his litter box. Kitty even found a few new hiding places!
Later on, baby Sunshine came over to play with Lorelai and the kitty too! Sunshine is 4 months old now and very hug-able. Lorelai proudly said Sunshine's name for everybody and glowed in the clapping that followed.

8/10

Weekend! Mama and Lorelai spent some time, just us girls, this morning watching My Little Pony and looking pretty.

8/9

Today we said goodbye to Nana's brother, Uncle Jack. It was a very sad day for her and Lorelai was more than happy to bring her own sunshine to the day.
Lorelai is so full of sunshine, in fact, that it is bursting out of her skin. She has her very first sunburn-- on her face and arms.

8/8

We had a wonderful day with our cousins at Sesame Place today! And we got to meet Oscar, Super Grover, Bert and Ernie, and Cookie Monster!

Ground breaking news-- we also found out that Lorelai loves pools! She called them "tubs" and kept indicating she wanted to get back in them repeated. Lorelai loved the rides and playing with her cousins and Daddy. We were there all day!

8/7

Mama fell asleep on the nap couch tonight. Lorelai decided it was time to play pretend and she was going to be Mama. Mama's seat on the couch, check. Computer, check. Diet coke, check.