There are a million things that we love about Willow that don't necessarily get caught on camera or "blogged" about, but since I'm using this as my new form of scrapbooking there are many "little" things that I don't want to forget:
* Willow loves people!! We're not exactly sure where she came from considering she has two introverts as parents, but Willow will walk up to anyone with a big smile on her face to say "hello." She loves waving to people walking down the street when we're playing in the front yard. She always has a smile and usually a wave for our neighbors, Henry and George. She's even gotten an occasional smile from the ladies next door!! Lately when she's smiling she wrinkles her nose and closes her eyes - too cute!!
* Willow loves eating off of our utensils lately. She's recently started enjoying her Cheerios with milk off a spoon. She's very diligent about picking up rice, peas, etc with her fingers one at a time but has enjoyed eating a mouthful off of a fork lately. She even likes holding onto the fork to help pick up the next bite. She had us all laughing when she picked up a piece of food with her fingers and put it onto the fork to eat it.
* Willow has become more affectionate lately and will actually squeeze when giving hugs (melts my heart!!). I savor the moments when I'm singing her a song before bedtime and she lays her head on my chest and wraps her arms around me. She also makes it very clear when she wants to be held. Though it's not always very convenient (when you're trying to wash dishes, make a meal, etc.), it's sweet that she just wants to be with you.
* Willow loves Alli! She's always loved Alli but usually showed her love by grabbing fist-fulls of fur. Now Willow is able to pat Alli or touch her with one finger. When you ask, "Where's Alli?" you can tell when she sees her by the grin that lights up her face. The love is mutual, though, because Alli definitely chooses to be in the same room as Willow when she has other clear options. Alli has also been rubbing up against Willow more or coming to find which room Willow is in when she comes in from outside. We thank God for Alli on multiple occasions when Willow seems to be upset for no obvious reason, but stops crying immediately when Alli enters the room.
* Willow is an outside girl. I think if she had the choice, Willow would spend all day (and night?) outside. Coming inside usually results in objection in some form.
* Willow is a happy girl! I can't get enough of her giggle and sweet smile! Tickling results in a guaranteed giggle, as well as tossing her in the air, peek-a-boo, and dropping and picking up something (repeatedly!!). My latest favorite is playing chase/peek-a-boo around the circle created by our living room/play room/hallway.
* I love Willow's determination. There have been a few things lately (putting the lid back on the Puffs container, putting two Legos together) that Willow's tried to do and you can see the focus in her eyes. The best part is the smile on her face when we clap for her when she's able to do whatever it is. She's still in the "emptying" stage but has at least started putting things into containers now. Lately, instead of just taking off the puzzle pieces, she's tried putting them back!
At the end of a field trip recently I had a chaperone comment about how she didn't know how I could put up with the students all day then "have to" go home to my own child after school. I definitely couldn't relate to what she was saying. Coming home is by far the best part of my day. I hope that coming home to see Willow never feels like a chore - something I "have to" do.
Willow Libby - your Dada and I love you SO much and can't imagine life without you. You fill our hearts with joy and are such a blessing!
