Dear Andrew,

            Tomorrow is your first birthday.  Your mother and I marvel at how fast this year has passed.  Since we have been so busy, we have had very little time to reflect and marvel at how fast you have grown, and how smart you have become in just this first year.  There are so many ways I have thought how to write this letter to you.  I could write about the big events of the year.  ( I could write 10 pages just on the whole week you were born).  The arguments your mother and I have about me doing much and me to calm down.  My disappointment in some of your family members and my great appreciation for your Mimi.  The jealousy of your silly cousin Caleb when he comes to visit. 

            But I am going write mostly on how much my Mother (Mimi) and I love you.  How much a blessing you have been to us.  Your unconditional love for us.  How grateful we are that you finally arrived.  How we would do anything for you.  How hurt we feel when you hurt and want to fix it.  How we love it when you fall asleep in our arms.  How it warms our heart when you laugh.  How we love watching you play and try to learn your surroundings.  How excited we get when you reach a brain or physical milestone.  How much I enjoy giving you a bath.  How much we look forward to your second year.

            I promise to write you more about the early year(s) of your life and the big events of your first year.  But I am just going to tell you in this letter how much I love you and how much I look forward to writing this letter to you next year.  All my love, Daddy