Wow! That is wonderful! Congrats to all of you! Now, if you could just run into someone from Purina for Dexter... lol.

I think it's fantastic! She is exceptionally beautiful, you know. :)

That's so exciting! Who cares what other people think as long as you guys think its right.
Please post a photo of the ad when it runs! Can't wait to see it.

I've been a lurker for a while now but I had to chime in to tell you to f*#k the haters! Anyone who reads this blog knows how much you love your little girl and if you can set her up for college even better.

Good for you! And Willa, and Dr. Torrie ... why not start saving for her future now? And besides, it cheers ME up when I see a new picture of her, think of all the smiles she'll put on people's faces!

I think its clear that you have thought about this very carefully. Your commitment to Willa's happiness and wellbeing is obvious. Why deprive the masses of her cuteness? Go for it.

I think that's fantastic! You know your kid better than anyone else. If you think it's a good idea, then it is. And screw anyone who thinks otherwise.

Don't justify yourself to the internet! As long as you are happy with your decision, who cares what the interweb thinks? You obviously have not made this decision lightly and have her best interests in mind so go for it. Get out of the house. Meet some people. Have fun. If you make some money doing it, don't feel guilty. Feel happy.

How wonderful for you! She is a stunning baby, certainly, and it sounds like fun for all of you. I'll be interested in seeing the ads (I'm already 'following' on Twitter.)

My son modeled for a bit too when he was about 6 months old, and LOVED it - he's totally friendly, and like Willa, loved meeting people. He was also a total camera hog, and hammed it up every time the thing came out! Good luck, I hope you can make some great college money out of it!

Oh, Torrie! I am so sad that your post sounds so defensive. Willa is YOUR child. You do not have to defend your decisions about her to anyone. Especially not strangers on your blog. (I know that some of your readers are friends - but I would imagine that those aren't the haters) She's beautiful. If she loves it, you should do it. It will only improve her quality of life. Some of that money could pay for music or gymnastics classes when she's a bit older and done with the modeling. Plus, she'll get out and have fun and meet people. Bravo to you! xo

I am so JEALOUS! First of all, you don't need to justify anything to anyone. This sounds like great fun and I've toyed with the idea of getting Sophie started (she's such a ham), but I never knew how!

I think it is so freaking cool. I've said it many times, but I was always completely sincere: Willa truly takes my breath away when I see photos. She is an exceptionally beautiful baby; that's just the way it is! Why not take advantage and get some money saved for her when doing some modeling will not hurt her, she enjoys it, and you are there to protect her all the way?

I think it is wonderful, and I really want to see the ads!! :-)

Another lurker, but had to come out and show support! Your daughter is adorable, and hey, someone's kid has to be featured in all those ads, so why not yours? What a cool thing for you to be able to tell her as well when she is older. Don't let any haters who might emerge get you down!

Good for your family! It sounds like a great arrangement and your heart is in the right place. I look forward to seeing the photos of her!

I think that is the best news ever and you are better than me because I would spend half, save half for her, and donate nothing. And not be ashamed to say it to the stupid internet. Dont ever let strangers make you feel like your messing up when your rockin shit sister. Aint yo' fault you made that cute baby!

I haven't read the other comments yet, but you KNOW that the very sight of that child gives people tremendous joy and pleasure. I just think it's a way of Willa sharing that gift. If she gets some money, too -- how bad is that? And the most important sentence in the whole post -- and I know you mean it -- is "The minute Willa stops having fun, we stop."
I'm just thrilled for you all. As I said when you posted this on flickr, OF COURSE the kid won the modeling contest. It's a good thing you live a few hours away and I have WTF Disease, or there could be stalking concerns...

Fck the rest of them! Willa is gorgeous and smart and amazing and pics of her will delight people always.

I think it's fantastic! It sounds like you have everything that's important to you spelled out up front and that really shows you gave it a lot of thought and aren't just going for the glitz and glamour of it all. Willa's a beautiful child (and I'm sure she's very smart and well behaved, though I've never met her!) and I think it's great that you're preparing for her future this way.

Congrats, Torrie (and Willa)!

Good for you - she loves meeting new people, it will give you guys the money to do some wonderful things for your daughter and most importantly, you stated that when she stops having fun you stop. You've got a great head on your shoulders - have fun with this!
CONGRATS!

I hate that you felt like you had to justify your actions to us or anyone else. You're a fantastic mom, Tor. Do what you think is best for Willa and nothing else matters. Love you :)

Congratulations!

You've clearly thought about this a lot and made a decision based on what you and your husband think is right for Willa and your family. Sounds like it was a tough decision but it also sounds like it was the right one!

Have fun and don't worry about what other people say! You know your child better than anyone else. :)
xo

I think it is fabulous. She is beautiful! It will help her when she is 14 and awkward and full of angst. It isn't like she is selling Meth or anything. Revel in that gorgeous baby. It is clear she gets her beauty from you. Ok, your husband may have been involved too.

YAY WILLA!

That is so cool! Happy for all of you and I can't wait to hear more about her fun. Congrats, friend! :)

I think it's a smart move--and it's great that you have such a grounded head. If baby modeling can score a decent savings for college, well, that's nothing but good. It's not like you're covering her eyelids with shadow and forcing her to parade around in a swimsuit while singing Annie tunes! (Not that there's anything wrong with that...)

Torrie, you should never feel like you need to justify what you're doing! Your daughter is gorgeous and she's having fun. She's healthy and happy. I love reading about her but you don't owe me (a reader who doesn't know you) any justification for your actions.

Dude, I am so sad that you feel the need to defend yourself. She could bring happiness and smiles into someone's day - including my own! I say go for it, and f**k the haters. It's YOUR life and you deserve to be proud of your decisions.

I'm with everybody else. You do what you feel comfortable with. Your child is stunning, you have a good head on your shoulders and know what is best for your kid and your family unit. I think it is an awesome way to help pay for schooling or whatever comes up in her life that you want to support-ballet, snowboarding, horseback riding, music lessons etc. No hating from me! I can't wait to see the ads.

I plan on being Willa's creepy drug-peddling/exploitative/Svengali manager.

It isn't like you are dressing her like a 26 year old stripper and having her enter "little miss" pageants. She is really modeling. If my little girl is ever asked to model I would jump at the chance, with the exact same stipulations as you have. Congrats, she is an unusually pretty baby!!

I think that you and your husband have agreed to go ahead with entering Willa in modeling for ALL the right reasons. She is an absolutely gorgeous little girl and if both you and she can have fun while doing the shoots and all wonderful things that come along with it, then why shouldn't you go for it!!

Congratulations! Here's to many new opportunities for the both of you :o}

That is pretty cool, hell, your kid is almost as cute as mine so I could see how that would work out. Sounds like fun. I hope they give you good snacks at the shoots.

congratulations to you and Willa :)

And as others have said - I'm sorry you feel you have to justify your decisions. When I read you plan to give some money to charity, I thought "Whoa! She's a better woman than I."

Well, it sounds to me that this is the perfect opportunity for you to get out of the house, and make you both happy. I found the hardest thing about staying home with my little ones was the isolation. Good for you, from what I've read about you in your blog, you are a wonderful mother, and know what you're doing!

I think this is wonderful! What a great way to get the both of you out of the house. And bonus points, it is something you both ENJOY!
Love every minute of it (both of you).
XOXO
Mandy

THE FIRST TIME I SAW HER PICTURE I THOUGHT TO MYSELF... THAT BABY SHOULD BE THE GERBER BABY... SHE IS A BEAUTY!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!

This sounds like an amazing opportunity for all of you! You and your husband are setting a good example for Willa by how aware of the situation you are, how well thought out the decision is, and by embracing the good (Willa LOVING it) and doing good (ie. charity and Willa's future) with your decision.

it's not like you guys sought this out; it sort of came to you. not that it should matter, as long as your intentions are good. and clearly, they are.

i agree it's too bad you felt like you needed to shield yourself with the explanation, but you know what? that's the internet, sometimes it can suck.

i'm looking forward to the updates.

xoxo

p.s. she's probably really used to a camera by now, anyway. ;)

Willa is stunning. Her beauty is more than skin deep. She radiates a quality that transcends the here and now (and I do say, like her mama). Thank you for sharing her with us (I always look forward to seeing her pictures, they lighten my heart), and now, you will be sharing her with the rest of the world. And yes, you don't need to justify it to us.

I think it is an awesome opportunity for her and you right now. Sounds like it it just what you need. I think you are being very smart about it, and I think the boundaries you set are perfect. Don't let anyone tell you that you are doing the wrong thing for YOUR family.

Another lurker feeling the need to tell you that I think it's fantastic! You're planning for her future and providing fun opportunities for today. I hope you both enjoy every minute!

re: your recent twitter about people who disappoint...
here's one of my favorite quotes:

Expectations are the death of serenity.

If you can look at it and not feel it's a downer, it's actually quite freeing... the less you expect of people, the less you're disappointed. So when they exceed the norm, then it's a lovely surprise!

As for fuckers out there who have given you grief about Willa's getting paid for being gorgeous (hey, wouldn't we all if we could???) - as Paulie Walnuts would say "Fuck'em"
;)

I'm sorry that you were reluctant to post this. The Internet sucks sometimes.

I don't know you IRL, but I don't need to to know that you are making the right decision for your family. Have fun!

hiya-delurking to tell you not to worry, you're doing the right thing. i was a child model in the early 80s, and that's how my parents were able to afford to buy us cabbage patch dolls, and we have great memories of that. you know your baby well enough to figure out what's right and wrong for her. go forth and conquer the world with willa's smile!

this is awesome. congratulations!

I think it's great. She is a beautiful child!

ditto ditto ditto! anyone who has read anything of yours knows you & dr torrie have your heads on straight & willa's interests at heart.

have fun!!

I think that's great. I was a kid like that, I LOVED doing those kinds of things and my parents wanted me to be happy, so they LET me. I think when youre watching out for your kids, you can allow them to do it without it being a negative thing, especially when you have their best interest in mind.

I modeled when I was little and then again when I was older. It is really an easy way to make money to have fun with. The only reason I stopped when I was little was because my brother was born and ruined it for me. Hahaha. I say go for it!

You know what - I think this is awesome! I am thrilled for all of y'all!

I'm almost tempted to say nasty things just 'cos no-one else seems to have... :)

You have been blessed after all that shit you went through with an extraordinarily beautiful baby. I mean, hell, people are normally kind about your baby photos, but, seriously, the best looking baby in NYC? You have the ads to prove it!

I hope you and she both enjoy it, and I hope you get some good bucks to save for College. (Maybe you need to insure her precious little smile for a couple mill...).

Just one word of warning: coming up in her development will be separation anxiety pretty soon, and that may mean an abrupt halt for a wee while, as she won't like being put down by you at all (I tell ya, it's bloody tough) but the good news is it's only temporary- about a month or so. After that, she will perk up again.

Good luck!
PS I check your twitter stuff all the time, even though I don't get time to comment here all that often; sorry to hear Dr Torrie is going through such crap with his job. We obvs have much better rules here on how much rest you need between shifts (we get 'double time' if we don't get at least 8 hours between shifts, too, so that's a huge disincentive to the hospital to do it to us!

Feel free to edit this reply, too. Sorry, I've been meaning to comment for a while

Personally, I think it's unconscionable for you to shamelessly exploit your baby for your own gain.

Now, she's already got an agent and a manager. What's left? Oh, can I be the coke-addled, smooth-talking publicist who smuggles her out the back doors of all the night clubs? That'd be fun.

I say, "You Go Girls!!!". She's a beautiful baby, and it sounds like you and her dad are pretty in tune with the possible future risks...they are greatly diminished w/ your close supervision & involvement. So for now, ENJOY IT! HAVE FUN...'cause it sounds like Willa is.

Great stuff! Congrats and have fun with it!

I just had a horrible thought. Does the fact that Willa is now a supermodel mean that we will no longer get freebies of her on flickr? Because I swear, Torrie, if it means that, I totally take back every nice thing I said before. That is all.

Many parents think their children should be models because they are THAT CUTE, but your Willa really is. :)

Congrats and good for you for preparing yourself for the big questions that come with the business.

I can't wait to see her in an ad and say "HEY! I know that baby!"
:)

Good for you Torrie!! Congrats on your beautiful baby!! Go for it!!

Stop just shy of her turning into Britney or Jamie Lynn : )

Torrie, when the universe says yes to something (and I think it has, because it all went so quickly and smoothly), the only acceptable response is to accept that gracefully and gratefully. Good luck and have fun!

She's truly a beauty... don't feel bad about it for one minute. We need more beauty in this world!!

I think its WONDERFUL!!!!

Ok so I skimmed over all the comments and all I saw was one negative! yay for the internet being kinda nice. I think it is a wonderful thing for Willa. She is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen!! Good luck and have fun. :)

That is such a good idea to save the money for her college. I can't wait to see some of the ads. She really is a stunningly beautiful baby.

I am not even sure how I stumbled over here, but it seems like you have thought it out and your baby is indeed VERY beautiful. Best of luck!

I modeled when I was little. It was a great experience.