Summer Lovin' -- Week Seven

My thoughtful little Lorelai --

Our week started out quietly and sweetly. On Monday, you turned 18 months old, and I tried to record the moment while you played with your baby doll.

Then, a fall. We tried out swim lessons this week, and it's been an emotional ride. You shed some big tears that first day -- and also made some good steps toward gliding and kicking and floating. But as we were leaving, you slipped before I could react, and you got your first goose egg.

I felt so sad for you!

But soon, with the help of a lovey, you calmed down.

Later -- total bribery -- I decided to take you out for a cookie treat. We stopped at a fancy little bakery and had a snack, like big girls, at a table fit for tea.

I think you liked our mommy-daughter date :-)

Sweet, injured girl.

Later in the week, we tried a big trip downtown to a book store to join in a Tiny Tails petting zoo. You were a little confused, but you sat down with the other kids for a quick storytime...

And soon it was time to meet the animals. First, the Tiny Tails helpers sang a unique version of "Old McDonald" (who apparently had a tortoise and a chinchilla)

...and then they started letting groups of kiddos in to meet their little animal buddies. Besides petting the tortoise, the chinchilla, a lizard, and the cutest tiny hedgehog, you got to spend some sweet time with a bunny.

And Mommy had fun taking pics of your little friend :)

A fun outing!

Then, one of your cousins, Maya, turned 4, and we got to go to her house to play. On your daddy's side of the family, you have six girl cousins, and I laughed at how quickly a couple of these girls accessorized you:

You also made me laugh as you explored Maya's big girl stuff. You got lost in her ginormous bean bag chair...

...and got a little, um, possessive with her bouncy horse.

(Sorry, sweetie, but I love this pic!)

Finally, at week's end, we visited Daddy at work. I hope you'll always remember how much your daddy loves you. There's a bit a theme in his wall decor:

You, you, you, you (and me and Daddy). 

Sweet man, your daddy -- and a bit of a ham. You seem to have this in common:

We had a nice lunch out together as a family.

By Friday, you seemed to be over your pool tumble. Actual swim lessons are still tough, but you seem to enjoy heading out together with me. I love you, little buddy.

'Til next time, Love to my Lorelai