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!

6/18

Hockey night and Lorelai started a new trick. She loves running around the big, open room and giggle. Now she runs as far as she can get away from Mama, turns and yells "bye-bye" with and excited wave. She then giggles and runs off. Night, Lorelai excitedly shouted "HOCKEY" for two periods and took back to her running for the final.

6/17

Lorelai went to visit Great Pop-pop and Great Eva today with Daddy and Gigi. It was a surprise! They are just back from a several month vacation overseas.
Pop-pop and Eva were impressed with everything that she did. Lorelai is very advanced for her age.

6/16

Happy Father's day, Daddy and Pop-pop.
The family gathered at Nana's house to celebrate together. An impromptu jam band broke out in the living room, not too long after Pop-pop started singing to Lorelai. There was beautiful music throughout the house.

Coming home, Lorelai was exhausted. After being seat belted into the car, Lorelai reached for her dolly and was almost immediately asleep.

6/15

Today, we went to Tommy Connor's 3rd birthday party.Lorelai gave Tommy and hug, a kiss, and a Batman outfit to celebrate his birth. Her hug was so fierce, she knocked him right over. Lorelai is the bringer of great and mighty hugs.

6/14

Oh no! Look out, Daddy! Lorelai-Tickle-Monster is going to get you!!

6/13

Lorelai is not one for following signs. When watching Daddy and Uncle Spike play hockey, she always insists on banging on the glass.

6/12

Lorelai and Daddy spent two days this week at Aunt Cait's house to help install a fan. While Daddy was sitting down, Lorelai picked up a pillow, dragged it over to be next to him, and took a seat. Lorelai just wanted to set up camp and have a good time next to her Daddy.

6/11

Lorelai is the life of every party. Tonight she went over to Grandpop and Gigi's to play with Uncle Spike and Aunt Erin. She loves to giggle and play with Spike. He is so much fun. And he has a kitty!!

6/10

Lorelai wanted to sit on her vanity today against all of our best judgement. She is determined to sit upon anything that seems to be of the appropriate height.... regardless of stability.

6/9

Today, Lorelai had alot of fun with some really odd stuff. We played with highlighters, plastic forks and spoons, and a tube that goes around medical tape. The plastic forks were at Sunshine's baptism. We liked to take them out of the travel container by shaking it all around and then collect them back up off the floor. The highlighters were Nana's. She would take them out of the cup, run around with a few, then put them all back in the cup only to start it all again. The tube we found so many uses for! Mama and Daddy put it over their eyes as a telescope, put up to our ears to hear better and Lorelai slipped it on her arm like a bangle bracelet.

6/8

We went to the Reading Phillies double header tonight with Chris, Aunt Mo, and Uncle Frank. It was a very fun time eating as many snacks we could find and clapping our hands along with the crowd.

6/7

Tooth # 3 has made an appearance!! Next to the front right tooth, there is a new friend poking thru. This is in addition to the upper right side tooth that came in a few weeks ago. We think we can even see another tooth on the verge too. New tooth!!

6/6

Orange Wawa shirt party! It can really be quite difficult to take a family picture when there isn't anyone else around to hold the camera. Here is our best attempt-- Daddy is smiling, Lorelai is saying "oohhhhh" and making faces at herself in the camera view screen, and Mama is too close and blurry. Fantastic.

6/5

Sometimes it seems that Lorelai is so unbelievably hungry. After finishing her banana, she attempted to eat the peel right out of her Daddy's hands. Insisted, actually.

6/4

We had dinner tonight at Grandpop and Gigi's house. Lorelai and Gigi were dressed alike today quite accidentally! Both were wearing florescent pink t-shirts and jeans. Gigi and Lorelai played together after dinner with some serious attention being paid to the iPad.

6/3

Looking at pictures of herself tonight on Daddy;s lap, Lorelai came across a picture of herself last year. You can see it in the monitor, it was when Lorelai was just learning about her feet. She had it in her mind tonight to try to reenact the image, all by herself. Lorelai is extremely clever.

6/2

It turns out that Lorelai has a love of angel food cake like her Uncle Spike and Aunt Col-col. Yummy-- no hands needed! Lorelai's first instinct was to move her face (and mouth) to the cake rather than lift the cake to her mouth for sampling. Lorelai is always a very enthusiastic eater.

6/1

Lorelai started using her rocker properly now... well, somewhat properly. Now she climbs in under the overhead bar to sit in the cradle of the chair and play with the hanging toys. Sometimes she sings to herself too. She is so sweet.