1st Birthday

Barrett,
Hello son. The last time I wrote to you, I didn't even know your name. I was so nervous about becoming a father and even more so about your mother's delivery of you. Although you DID put up quite a fight, you came into this world almost a year ago as a very healthy baby boy.
Watching you grow and learn has made this year one of the most satisfying and amazing events of my life. The way you went from learning how to roll over to top speed-crawling is a testament to who you are, I believe. I absolutely adore the various expressions you give, from a look of sheer determination to squeals of excitement. I always thought that it was when you started talking that we could really start having fun communicating with each other, but I realize that I don't needs your words to know how you're feeling.
I read recently about a new dad who had grand ideas of teaching him how to do all the things that he loves to do. What he learned though, was that all he really wanted from his son was to not loose the innocence he came with.
This has been an amazing year of growth for myself too, Barrett. I cannot imagine life without you, when a year ago, I was concerned about loosing what it was to be just your Mom and I. I know that feeling now that parents talk about when they mention the smell of their baby. I know how a smile can make a person go weak in the knees. I know the soothing feeling of a sleepy baby in your arms, and the magic of the smile you get when you walk through the front door. When you reach up to me with your arms stretched out as far as they'll go, there is not much to compare that to, other than an adults memory of doing the same as a child.
So here we are at your 1st birthday, and I just wanted to tell you how amazing the past year has been and how wonderful it is that you've made us a family.
I love you, son.
-Dad