Willow - 13 months

In July, we got our kitties; a few days after Willow's birthday, Curiosity went missing. We never did find him. Willow developed a love of cake, inherited from her daddy. We went with Dorothy up to Appleton and got to visit Joyce, Marnee, and Grandma Marx. Throughout the summer, Mandy was looking for stuff on craigslist. We found this baby backpack for hiking that was a great deal, along with a duplo table, and a car and slide like Mandy had as a kid. If you keep your eye out, the deals can be really good. At Willow's 12-month appointment, she had to get several shots and have her blood taken. She didn't like the needles, but the worst was when they squeezed blood out of her finger. Patches went missing on the 21st and was found dead in the garage. The same thing happened to Superstition the next week. Willow copies everything we do now. She's started hugging and kissing her baby dolls and stuffed animals. She brushes her hair and is just starting to pull herself up to standing on her own. She is also giving us hugs, which is the most awesome experience. Willow has finally learned how to take bites out of a cracker and is getting much better at chewing. She now has 12 teeth. Sue's daughter, Shea Elizabeth, was born on August 30th; she was 8lbs 12oz and 18 1/2 inches long. Mandy started classes part-time at Edgewood again, and she is also subbing at the New Glarus School District now.

Willow's 1st Birthday Party

Willow turned 1 on August 10, 2008. We decided to have her party on Saturday the 9th. We were glad so many of our close family could come. Willow had to be convinced that the presents were worth her time; she wanted to crawl around and say hi to everyone. She didn't really understand how to open the gifts, but she did have fun playing with them. She also tried to share them with her guests. Grandpa showed Willow that socks can go on your hands and feet. We made Willow a cake shaped and decorated like a car because she loves cars so much. We had to put icing in her mouth to taste before she realized that she could eat it, not just play with it. Willow managed to eat plenty of cake while she made a mess. Tami and the girls were able to come down and stayed the night. We had a nice dinner and built a bonfire. Our kittens kept coming by the fire and nosing in the marshmellows.

Willow - 12 months

On July 18th the Dali Lama visited the Buddhist Temple by Oregon; we couldn't go, but Andy visited the temple with Willow to see what it was like. Mandy went out and helped Leo find a wedding ring so that he and Andrea could be married. They had a ceremony/celebration on July 20th, though I think their official marriage date is earlier than that. The night before we had Mom & Dad and Zach over for our first family dinner in our dining room. In July, we got four kitties, Patches, Curiosity, Superstition, and Boo, to help with mice; Willow loved our kitties. Mandy spent time helping Dad paint his apartment in Milwaukee, which gave Mom time to bond with Willow. Mandy and Willow got to spend time with Vivian and Evie at the zoo and at a great restaurant called the Taste of India. Willow acquired dancing skills this month. She also started walking with a walker Luke gave us. She has now successfully said "dog," "woof," "book," "baby," "duck," and "bye bye." Lynae came by to see Willow and the house as well. In August, we were finally able to have our first date without Willow; I wonder when that'll happen again. The culmination of Willow's 12th month was her birthday party. Willow's actually a whole year old!!

Willow - 11 months

While Gavin and Aga were still in town, we spent time with Mom and Dad on Father's Day; we had dinner together at the Flat Top Grill in Hilldale. It's a little pricey, but the food is pretty good, and they accomadate for allergies. Willow started really crawling this month and finally was able to sit up from laying down on her own. On June 21st, we went on a family strawberry-picking trip at Kirschbaum's. They really do have the best strawberry selection. Last year Willow was a little less aware that we were picking strawberries. ;) In July, Willow pushed through her top two teeth. On July 5th, we invited our friends and family to see our new home. Willow learned how to clap and charmed everyone who could make it.