Dear Esther,
It has been an amazing year. I cannot adequately describe to you how honored I feel to be your momma. You bring joy to my soul every day. It’s a treat to see your smiling face in the morning and it feels like a stolen moment when rocking you to sleep at night. Each time I do I try to savor every minute as I know one day you’ll be too busy, or squirmy to let me even attempt to.
This past year has not always been rainbows and sunshine. There were the days when you were crabby, or I was tired. There have been days where we both struggled through teething episodes and moments of frustration(s). There have been times when I longed for my single life. A time when I could take random naps and 2 hour baths while reading my favorite magazines. There were moments when I considered trading in my left pinky to just be able to use the bathroom without your little hands banging on the door or hearing your little knees hit the hardwood floors racing me to our bedroom as I attempted to sneak away for just a few minutes alone. I have had a rough time figuring out how to balance being your momma and carving out time for me; the part of me that is just me. Then, the other night I was looking at one of the many (ok, let’s be honest, probably thousands of) photos of you I keep on my phone and I had what auntie Oprah refers to as an “ahh haa” moment. I am no longer just me. I am forever linked to you. I am defined by being your mother and wife to your father. We are a family. Our fates are sealed. And you know what; I wouldn’t wish to have it any other way. You and your dad have added color to my life. You give my life a purpose and a meaning. You found me when I was broken and needed a reason to jump into life full force.
I hope that you always will know how much we love you, adore you, and cherish you. You are our Zen, our happy place. I’m so grateful you chose us and I hope we won’t ever let you down (I’m positive there will be time when we will). I’m sure we’ll make tons of mistakes along the way- just forgive us ok? We really will always have your best interest at heart. Also, when mommy and daddy embarrass you for X reason just know that it’s payback for the time you pooped on mommy, or the time when you coughed directly into daddy’s mouth and he got sick for 3 days. Tit for tat. This is how families work. But know no matter what, we ALWAYS have your back.
Esther Irene this year has been magical. I hope that the many years to come will continue to bless us and teach us new lessons. You have taken us to school my girl! On the day you were born, we- a mommy and a daddy- were also born. We have enjoyed getting to know those 3 people this year.
Happy first birthday bear cub! Here’s to a millionbajillion more together.
Andrews Family Happenings 
Very sweet!