Esther, you are one!

Oh Esther,

My poor baby, you are always going to be my baby. I always knew this but as we approach your first birthday I know it more than ever. I am struggling big time to let you grow and grow you do! You are not a baby any more but you will always be *my* baby.

You are definitely desperate to be one of the big ones. Today I watched you try to get onto the climbing frame, that's where your sisters were. I often watch you try and run after them but they are just so big! You love when you get to play with them, especially in the garden. You love that your sisters look after you. You get to be big before your time and you get to be with the people you love so much.

You don't have many words yet, you can say "mummy", "Daddy", "cuddle" and "uhhhhh" (which means "that") You can make a good bash at "banana". Don't worry though, you make yourself well understood. As a general rule you can point and grunt your way to getting what you need. You can do an impressive line in a temper tantrum if you really aren't getting your way, so if all else fails you do that. I suspect that's a being-the-fourth-child-thing, it is important to be heard at all times!

You love dancing. You do a lovely little bob along to any music, you often come and stand near my radio for a chance to have a little bop. It is beautiful and it always makes me smile.

This year I will be praying you learn gentleness, if you do it will be proof of a God of miracles, because let's face it, with so many big sisters, it's not something you experience often! I will also be praying, oh so hard, that you learn that God is near.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 

                                                       Philipians 4:5 (NIV)

You love a cuddle, when you cuddle me you stroke my arm and it makes my heart full. I hope that we are still having cuddles for years to come as they make me feel as good as they do you. Maybe my prayer for gentleness isn't so unreasonable after all.

I am so excited for this year, Esther, as we learn more about who you are and what you like and all the things you are into. We have caught a glimpse but I am sure this year you will show us so much more.

Our family became complete when you came into it and I really couldn't imagine life without you, I struggle to remember what it was like before you were here.  I'm sorry it is quite so mad but, Esther, you are so, *so* welcome. Welcome!