A Love Of Cinnamon Totes

Will has always liked food, but as a toddler, his appetite has gone a little more finicky. No longer can I give him the same banana, waffle, sausage every morning. He likes variety now.

One of his favorite meals, sure to gain a big smile, is cinnamon toast. He used to ask for a "wawa" (waffle) when he first got out of bed in the morning. Now, he asks for "totes."

Here is he with his cinnamon "totes."

Monkeying Around

Will was (what else, of course?!) a monkey for Halloween!

We had a wonderful time on the big day! We went to the mall for their indoor trick-or-treating (since it was pouring buckets outside). Will was quite intrigued.

"You mean, there's candy?"

"Look, Daddy, over there! More free candy!"

"Ava, which way should we go?"

"Stop making me pose for pictures and let's get this candy thing going!"

"Ah, finally. CANDY. Put it right here in my Elmo bucket, thankyouverymuch. "

Will even learned to say "Trick Or Treat" - though it sounded more like Tee oh Tee - oh, and he didn't learn it until the day after Halloween!

After trick or treating, we went out to dinner with Mike, Courtney, and Ava. We went to a BBQ restaurant and the kiddos really enjoyed their dinner - and by the amount of BBQ sauce on our face and hands, the moms and dads liked it, too.

But Will's favorite part of Halloween had to be answering the door for the trick or treaters at home. He would come running to answer the door and we let him hand out the candy. Here he comes!

He then wanted our new "friends" to come on in and explore his playroom. You could see the confusion on his face as he would walk out on the porch, wondering why our visitors weren't coming to stay and play.

I am pretty sure Halloween was a huge hit for our little Monkey! I do know that he slept great that night. He was tired after all the running and playing.

Pumpkin Patch Tour '09

My mommy LOVES pumpkin patches. I love them, too. This year, I went to the patch THREE times.

The first time was with Mommy and Daddy. I got to see pumpkins and a really loud turkey.

I had my picture taken in front of this sign last year. . .

See how much I have grown?!?!



Next was a trip with Courtney and Ava. We saw more animals, which I was pretty excited about!

I quacked at the ducks!

Mommy tried to make me take a picture with the pumpkins. She can make me sit with them, but she cannot make me smile.

Finally, we went to a different patch with Cody and Cheryl. I got to wear my giraffe costume.

And see a goat.

And a plane!

I love pumpkin patches!

Yes, Folks, We Have A Walker

One Year Tomorrow

My Dearest Baby Will,

On the eve of your first birthday, there is so much that I want to say to you.

Looking back over the course of the past year, it amazes me to see how much you have changed. From that tiny little baby that was first placed in my arms, to the squirming toddler that now barely sits still in them, you have grown into such a little person. And though there have definitely been challenging moments of sleepless nights, first tantrums, and occasions when I feared I was failing you, I have loved every single second of you.

Each stage of your life so far has brought us so much joy. When you were a newborn, and nestled so sweetly in my arms, I thought, "It can't get better than this."

And then it did.

When you were six weeks old and gave me your first smile, I thought, "It can't get better than this."

And then it did.

When you were three months old and started laughing your deep, baby laughs, I thought, "It can't get better than this."

And then it did.

When you were six months old and started eating solids with great zeal and taking two naps a day, I thought, "It can't get better than this."

And then it did.

When you were nine months old and saying Dada and smiling your outrageous toothy grin, I thought, "It can't get better than this."

And then it did.

Now, I cannot imagine that life with you could be any better or any sweeter. You fill each day of my life with your smiles and laughter, each moment of my life with greater meaning than I ever thought possible. I am so proud of the little boy you are becoming. You have the biggest heart, the sweetest little soul, and the kindest spirit. Yet you have determination, know what you want, and aren't afraid to let us know about it!

I know so many things will change. I am wistful to leave behind your babyhood and yet so excited to see you continue to grow into a toddler. There are so many wonderful things in store for us as a family and for you. I really don't think it can get any better than this.

But I know it will.

Happy, Happy Birthday, my Little Monkey. May all your dreams come true.

Love always,
Mommy

I Love Peas

Photo Session

We were fortunate enough to have Will's one year photo session taken by a generous friend. Thanks, Kerry!

If you want to view more pictures, here is a link!