16 years ago....

It is hard to believe that 16 years ago I packed my bag and headed to the hospital. Just the day before, after an ultrasound, the doctor told me that I would be a mother of a baby that would be anywhere between 8 pounds and 12 pounds. January 11 at 7am in the morning I checked in and was given a shot, for it was time for you to enter the world.

After 15 or so hours of labor - at 11:36pm - you were born...all 9 pounds and 2 oz...all 21 inches. We called you Robert Samuel. Robert after your daddy's uncle and Samuel came from my grandfather's middle name.

You went every where with us, for you were such an easy baby...you would go into work with me and nap on the office floor on a little bed made of blankets...you would go to fancy restaurants with Daddy & I, sitting in your little car seat on the table.

But being outdoors, exploring the world...running around and playing outside...is something that you love to.

So much so, that you have taken that love and joined the varsity track team which you lettered in last year...your freshman year.

But your passion...is hockey. At the age of 3, you tied your first pair of hockey skates have haven't looked back.

You have traveled all over the US and around Canada playing the sport you love while balancing your education, keeping up your grades to high levels.

Robert...we are proud of you! You are a hard worker, always giving at least 110% or more. You have a large heart and care about others. You love life and it shows!

Happy 16th Birthday!

PS...Robert, thank you for tolerating the Birthday breakfast tradition of the birthday hat photo.