Hayden's 8th Birthday

My oh my how does the time fly by so fast!  I can't believe my first baby is 8 years old.  How is that even possible?  I just held her for the time yesterday., at least that is what it feels like.  When the doctors placed her in my arms, she was perfect.  I spent nine months picturing what she would look like...me or Mark...what color eyes would she have....would she have hair and if so what color...what would she weigh...would she recognize my voice, like all the books said...would she love me?  Words could not ever describe that moment, it was like time was standing still, it was just Mark, myself and the most beautiful, precious little baby in the world.  She was more than I ever expected...she was 6lbs 9oz...she looked like Mark...she had blue eyes like me...she had very little hair and it was strawberry blonde...she definitely recognized my voice....and I am pretty sure she loved her Daddy and I very much.   She was perfect! 

Now 8 years later she is still my sweet little girl.  Even though sometimes she might get a little bit of an attitude and maybe sometimes not tell the whole truth.  It is all part of growing up.  I just hope that Mark and I are teaching her every thing she needs to know.  On the other hand, she is one of the most caring little girls in the world.  She loves every one and is usually considered to be the peace maker at school.  She is quiet, but knows when to speak up.  She loves all sports and will try anything at least once.  With that being said...if she doesn't like it she will not do it again.  She does not like roller coasters at all!  She has so many amazing qualities and I love each and every one of them.  I always say she is the perfect mix of Mark and myself.  She is athletic like him and girly like me.  Most of all she makes me so proud that I cry at every thing she does.  Happy tears of course, but I seriously do.  When she hits a home run...I tear up!  When she is in the school play and says her part...I tear up!  When she writes me letter and makes me sweet cards and leaves them around the house for me to find...I tear up!  When she tells me that I am the best Mommy in the world...I tear up!  Are you seeing a pattern? 

Okay, so now I am crying while typing all of this and I am going to move on to the big celebration for Hayden's 8th birthday!  She wanted two of her friends to spend the night Friday night.  Kierstin and Barry Kate came home from school with us and then we went to the Georgia Softball Game for a little bit and then onto skating.  Skating is what Hayden requested, the Georgia game was a surprise.  Well, when we got to the skating place it was teen night.  Wow!  That is all I have to say!  It was kind of scary.  We let them skate for a little while and it was getting busier and louder and really not the place for three 8 year olds!  Yes, I am that person now.  I am no longer COOL, I am a Mommy!  I felt so old for the first time ever! 

Saturday, we had our family party to celebrate with her favorite people and foods.  She wanted crab legs and shrimp.  The girl has great taste!  She had so much fun and got some great gifts from every one.  She loves every one so much.  She has a great role model...Aunt Kim.  I love listening to her talk to Mimi, it reminds me of how close I am with my Mema and how we talk about every thing.  I love that she always looks at Pop, smiles and then goes over for a kiss and hug.  I love that she immediately gives Grandmama and  Linda big hugs and is so excited to see them.  She is a very loving little girl! 

Sunday, the celebration continued at the Circus.  She got all of her favorites cotton candy, popcorn and souvenirs.  She is a little bit spoiled but oh well!  We all enjoyed the circus especially Colton.  He was amazed by most of it.  After all the fun at the Circus, Mark and I surprised her by taking her to the Bass Pro and let her rock climb.  She was so excited.  She messed up the first time and got a little bit upset with herself....so her Daddy gave her more money to try again.  This time she chose a side that was more appropriate for her age and she made it to the top.  Guess what...when she rang the bell...I teared up!  She was so proud of herself and we were just as proud. 

I guess all in all...she is just one amazing little angel.

Hayden,

We are so proud of you.  You are truly amazing.  You aim high and reach for those stars baby girl.  You can do anything if you just put your mind to it.  Daddy and I are so lucky we get to be your Mommy and Daddy.  We love you to the moon and back and  infinity!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy!