Willow - 16 months

On November 10th, Zach, the last of my three brothers, told me he and Laura were engaged. We are glad to see them so happy. They got married sometime in November, I think. This month was especially hectic; it seemed like Thanksgiving raced toward us, a holiday which we love, but that getting ready for can be stressful. Mandy was dealing with a lot of end-of-the-semester issues, such as two papers and looming exams. She also registered for the spring semester, which is always a big deal figuring out what you need to take. She is really hoping to finish school next year. Willow is very clearly saying shoe, sock, mitten, chair, and snow now. Willow has been cruising around with her push toy, and the day after Thanksgiving she finally started walking by herself. Of course, the first walking exursions are hesitant and jerky, but still exciting. We had a scare with Molly, because she was getting really sick from snow, twice. At first we thought it was from the road salt, but we discovered it was actually water poisoning, so we have been limiting her intake of snow. She really likes to eat snow when Andy is shoveling, but we think we've controlled this habit now.

Willow - 15 months

In the beginning of October, Mandy was able to go to her friend Angi's baby shower, and on November 8th, she had her daughter. It seems like everyone is having babies lately. Andy turned 30 on October 13th; he has officially entered middle age, though he still acts like a child. Willow attempted to climb the stairs this month, though only at Bob & Dorothy's house. We were able to visit Sue, Shea, and Deagon; Willow loved cruising someone else's home, toys, and books. She was able to dress up as a cow twice this Halloween. She was definitely the cutest child out there. ;) As a family, we took pictures at JCPenny's. They can never get her to smile like we can. On November 4th, Willow came with Mandy to vote at the Rutland town hall; she wasn't enthused about the booth with the curtain. Finally, the beginning of November has brought Willow's courage to begin walking a few steps on her own. We are hoping she will be cruising by Thanksgiving.

Halloween

This year we dressed Willow up as a cow for Halloween. Willow really enjoyed the evening and managed to stay awake the whole time. We decided to travel in Bob & Karen's neighborhood in Oregon, since our area is not conducive to trick-or-treating. The weather was perfect, and Willow walked part of the way with a little handholding. She quickly learned the art of taking other people's candy and putting it in your own bucket. Willow even met a new friend, a lion, and attempted to befriend all the dogs. She was extremely friendly, telling everyone hi and bye.

Trick-or-Treat at the Zoo

Andy took Willow to the Madison Zoo for trick-or-treating on the 26th of October. They didn't get any candy, but everyone got to see cute Willow. She enjoyed the animals and even petted a snake, something that probably wouldn't have happened if Mandy was there. She also got to ride on the carousel.

Willow - 14 months

Thanks partly to the walker toy Luke gave us, Willow has been learning to walk with assistance. It's amazing how unsure they are at first. This month Willow was lucky enough to spend time with Grandma Kuck and Uncle Zach. Mandy began her subbing at the New Glarus School District in late September; this has been an interesting and enlightening experience. Mandy has learned so much about her future vocation. On September 27th, Badgers began their season. The first two games, which we were lucky enough to watch as a family, they lost by 2 points. But these games did nothing to prepare us for the crushing defeat on October 11th against Penn State. We had a great Friday night hanging out with Sheryl, Sesily, and Ashton, complete with a bonfire. Willow just loves Sesily and Ashton. Willow expanded her vocabulary to include caw, cracker (a favorite of hers), squirrel, car, vroom, and "whazat." She also really likes playing with Molly, throwing the toys for her, and she is able to find Pooh in her storybooks. When we compare Willow to her past pictures, she's still chubby, but not nearly as much as she used to be.