A letter to Willa, age 14 months

Dear darling,

You're so busy these days! You've grown out of the baby daze and into a full-fledged toddler. You love walking, er stumbling, around the house saying, "TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE!"

Another of your new favorites is playing "makeup" with Mommy. While I carefully put on eyeliner, you pretend to shade your own eyelids with a closed chapstick. We laugh and laugh!

Papa has taught you how to brush your own teeth, how to use a spoon to (not very neatly) eat yogurt and such, and how to go up and down the stairs and the slide by yourself. You have even mastered going in the potty before bath time. Big girl!

You're thriving at your new Montessori school, and you just love your teacher Miss Sofiyia. You are the only girl in her class, and she enjoys your sweet disposition and your innate knack for listening well.

You are our shining star!

We love you!

Love,

Momma and Papa

A Few of Willa's First Steps

Willa's Wild Halloween

I'm a scarecrow for Halloween!

Costume change! I'm a bear for Halloween!

Papa carved a scary pumpkin!

Papa carved a funny pumpkin too!

Momma carved a ghoulish pumpkin!

Papa and Uncle Patrick get serious about pumpkin carving. Whoa! Power tools!

Picking the perfect pumpkin out of the patch.

Drumming and drumming and drumming with Cousin Brandon

My First Drumming Lesson!

Willa has more adventures!

Tossing rings in the park by my house.

"Helping" Mommy put away the dishes.

Opening birthday gifts - this terrific soft book from Cinnia & Co.

Intrigued by the blocks that Cousins Ivan and Amelie sent.

Visiting with Cousins Michelle, James and Brandon and Great Aunt Barb.

Willa Hits the Windy City!

The Phillips Phamily under The Bean.

Bean reflection: Glenn, Wendy, Greg, Trevor and Willa.

The lil' lion tamer! (Outside of the Museum of Art.)

Glenn, Trevor, Wendy, Greg and Dexter enjoying a cookout.

Wee sailor on her boat.

On the architectural tour: Trevor, Willa, Wendy and Greg.

Boating is just so fabulous!

Sakes alive! A Tiffany's charm from Uncle Greg, my goddad.

Parents' night out on the town. That's right, we still clean up right nice.