My girl .. is sweet 16

My Hayley ... is 16 ... and I can't believe it.

How is it that 16 years can fly by? How is it that moments in time can stand still?

I remember the day you were born my Hayley Bay... it was a good day. That was the day I discovered I could love something so much it felt like my heart would burst.

My only girl ... we have a bond - a special one. We spent many years just me and you. Sometimes I feel like you are the only one on the planet who gets me. You have always held a special place in my heart that can't ever be replaced. I love the relationship we have. I laugh with you .. cry with you .. sympathize with you ... hurt with you ... yell with you ... There are times when we can just look at each other and know exactly what the other is thinking. Some of the best times of my life are when I am laughing with you until we cry.

We sure have our differences as well. You can make me so incredibly angry ... and you are good at it .. even to the point where you tell me you know just the right buttons to push to get me over the top mad. Nice. You have this incredible stubborn streak that drives me insane. I'm finding that as you get older it's actually becoming a benefit to you. So even when you drive me to want to commit myself ... at the end of the day, you still remain my baby girl.

I love how sensitive you are. You think of others and their feelings when you make decisions. Even planning your bday party this year .. as you made your guest list I watched as you made sure everyone would be comfortable and not left out. "well, if I invite this girl I don't want her to feel uncomfortable and I know this person is her friend so I'll invite this person too". It was cute.

I also love the fact that you are so outspoken. I like to sit back and watch you work your magic when you need to. You will say things to people that I only WISH I could say. I actually rely on you to do some of my dirty work that way. You know this and still do it for me... with a smile on your face. "come on Hayley .. go ask that person if ... " and you'll do it. Love it!

So Hayley, Happy 16th Birthday!

You are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside ... thanks for being a good example to me..

May all your wishes come true ...