Dear Andrew,
Happy Birthday! Just one year ago you entered this world and were welcomed into our family. I cannot even begin to explain what it feels like to have the first twelve months of your life already completed, the time slipping away so fast.
As I think back to those early hours of August 26, it's obvious to me now how much that morning resembles everything you are. The intensity of laboring with you, the delivery that happened so quickly, hearing your distinctive, tea-kettle cry. High pitched and loud, strong and demanding. Little did I realize that your entrance was a foreshadowing of things to come, even then a perfect display of your personality and behavior.
It's safe to say that you've got quite a sense of determination. A strong-willed desire to see something through to completion. While you are not a talkative little guy, you do express your wishes quite vocally when in disagreement with someone else. Namely me. At this age, I wonder if it's frustration from your inability to communicate effectively. Because as much as we try to use sign language to alleviate that problem, you just aren't interested. Your only sign? Slapping the table with two hands for "more", each hit becoming more fervent than the one before.
That resolve, however, brings with it a sense of courage and daring. From the very beginning you have been curious, diving after anything that looked appealing, even if it meant falling out of my arms to get the object. Your crawling knows no limits: carpet or tile, grass or concrete, dirt or woodchips. Over, under, around and through, you focus your sights and take off. Only occasionally have I seen you detour to munch a piece of grass, chew a stick or explore something new.
Despite your moments of boldness, Andrew, you are such a happy boy. Your eyes twinkle and little dimples hollow every time you flash a grin. Often I wonder what you will be like as a toddler, a little boy and even as a teen. Will your sense of adventure ever wane? Will you look before you leap? Will you always light up a room with your signature smile?
I'm hopeful that you'll always reserve one of those smiles for your sister. Certainly now Morgan is one of the most influential people in your life. And while she can't appreciate what that entails, I can see the way you love her. Your reaction to her affection says more than words ever could. And your trust in her is unwavering. I imagine someday that trust will go both ways. That Morgan, too, will turn to you, knowing that she can confidently rely on her brother.
While Morgan is fun, Daddy is one of your favorite playmates. He fulfills your need to get more physical, to wrestle on the floor, to rough things up a bit. And it's his strong arms that were your biggest comfort when you were a few months old. He was the one who could calm you in the middle of the night with a gentle hold and patient swaying. So many of Daddy's attributes are present in your expressions, and when the two of you are together, it's a sure thing to hear from others how much you resemble him. The last year has been filled with all sorts of change. And that's okay. Because through it all, there are still quiet moments between you and I, filled with affection. Even now as you approach naptime or bedtime, you'll ball up your hand and rub your eyes, and as I sing softly, your head moves down into the nook of my neck, resting peacefully. My baby boy, so sweet in my arms. Will you always let me love you this way?
During my pregnancy with you and even into this first year, many have shared their opinions on parenting, childhood and siblings. With each conversation, I've smiled and thought to myself, I've got this. I wasn't able to accept any of the advice or nuggets of wisdom - I needed you to show me the way, Andrew.
I love you, Andrew.
Always,
Mommy
Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
Psalm 127:3
