For Hallie

Darling girl with golden curls,
Pretty face and happy twirls,
I watch you smile and talk with friends
And laugh with Sister as day ends.

I see you growing and wonder how
It's been four years from then to now.
Four years since I heard your first cry,
Saw your pink cheeks and kissed your eyes
And wondered just who you would be
(perhaps sometimes a lot like me?).

We took you home, we learned from you,
Delighted in each sigh and coo.
I sang to you and counted sheep,
Held you close and prayed you'd sleep.

But now you've grown so tall, it seems,
You need us less for little things.
You've learned to care for others, who
Are not always so kind to you.
You love with smiles and open heart,
A zeal I hope will not depart.

And as you grow, sweet daughter mine,
Your cares, your prayers are all entwined
Within my heart, where they will stay,
For too they are my cares each day.

You are a joy, a precious gift,
My girl, my first, my heart's uplift.