Sadie girl, today you are seven.
Seven! I can't believe it. I still remember the day you were born. Waiting in that hospital room at Fort Hood, praying your daddy would make it home in time. Not sure if you were a Sadie or a Ben. The epidural didn't work and oh how it HURT. You were determined even then.
Daddy didn't make it home in time and you made your entrance into this world the way that you've lived ever since. Loudly and suddenly. When they told me you were a girl I can remember my heart feeling like it was going to explode.
I remember the cleft in your chin and the hair on your sweet head. I remember the way you felt on my chest. Just us.
Ever since that day you have tested me and challenged me. You have hugged me the tightest, fought me the hardest, and loved me the fiercest. You have been a lot of things to me,and easy has never been one of them. You make me laugh the hardest (even when you shouldn't) and you teach me the most about being a parent.
You remind me so much of your daddy. Right down to the way you smirk when I'm angry with you. You aren't impressed by much, but when I get a TRUE Sadie smile it's a rare and special gift.
You will make one hell of a woman. You will be strong, outspoken, and confident. You won't be told no and you won't back down. God help the man that breaks your heart. Because you won't stand for it. And he might not make it out alive.
On your seventh birthday I want you know that I couldn't be prouder of you. I love to see you grow. You are reading like a rock star, solving math problems like a champ. You are strong and a wonderful gymnast. You are snarky and witty and unique. I love you so much it makes my heart ache.
Happy happy birthday, beautiful girl.
xoxo
Mommy
Happy birthday, Sadie girl! Awesome job being a great reader and strong gymnast. Give your Mama a big giant hug today!
Posted by: Laura | 02/02/2015 at 09:59 AM
That was so beautifully written it made me tear up. Happy 7th Birthday, precious girl!
Posted by: Lauren Kay | 02/02/2015 at 10:28 AM
Happy Birthday to Sadie...I share a birthday with her...we February 2 people are unique that is for sure! :)
Posted by: Lisa Spiegel | 02/02/2015 at 10:36 AM
Happy Birthday Sadie.
Posted by: sherried | 02/02/2015 at 10:41 AM
Happy Birthday Sadie! I remember the day you were born like it was just yesterday.
Posted by: Deb Wisker | 02/02/2015 at 12:00 PM
So sweet!
Posted by: Christine F. | 02/02/2015 at 12:13 PM
Happy birthday, Sadie!! Steph, I just love reading about your kids. You're a wonderful mama.
Posted by: Vera W. Yates | 02/02/2015 at 12:36 PM
What a beautiful post, and a gorgeous photo. Happy birthday Sadie. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | 02/02/2015 at 01:51 PM
This post choked me up, fighting back the tears over here. I so enjoy watching her grow through your blog posts. I just adore your little Sadie! Happy Burthday sweet Sadie! Love and hugs from Canada.
Posted by: Ki Kruk | 02/02/2015 at 01:54 PM
I love your honesty and feel like I could have written this about my second child. Such truth but such love. Enjoy your day celebrating Sadie! Andrea, New Zealand.
Posted by: Andrea | 02/02/2015 at 02:22 PM
Beautiful post. Happy 7th birthday dear Sadie. You remind me so much of my granddaughter, Abby, who will be 7 in October. Steph, your words describe abby to a T. Enjoy the day!
Posted by: maryk | 02/02/2015 at 02:59 PM
Happy Birthday Sadie! We wish you the very best this year all the way from California.
Posted by: Alison | 02/02/2015 at 03:34 PM
Happy birthday to sweet Sadie girl!
Posted by: Ashley | 02/02/2015 at 04:10 PM
Happy birthday! Thank you for sharing Sadie and your family with us all....
Posted by: Kristine | 02/02/2015 at 06:38 PM
That's so sweet! I think she looks so much like you! I love the way you described her personality, probably because she is the girl version of my nephew! We always joke that if a girl every breaks his heart, she will be in big trouble! He will not stand for it either! lol! So funny that you say the exact same thing! I hope your family has a wonderful celebration! I love Feb. birthdays. A great distraction from the winter.
Posted by: Stacey | 02/02/2015 at 07:15 PM
She looks EXACTLY like your husband!! Both are gorgeous!! I also remember when she was born - can't believe she's 7!!
Happy Birthday to her!
Posted by: Janell | 02/02/2015 at 07:27 PM
SO SO SPECIAL!!! Truly! I remember waiting and refreshing the pub on twopeas waiting anxiously for the announcement that H's little sister or brother had arrived. She is unbelievably funny and so so sweet. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SADIE GIRL!!!
Posted by: Christine Campbell | 02/02/2015 at 08:22 PM
Hope y'all had a wonderful celebration!!! Every description reminds me so so very much of my four year old daughter!!
Posted by: Kimberly/Kauai17 | 02/02/2015 at 10:27 PM
I'm ready to vote for her in 2016.
Posted by: Jill Sprott | 02/02/2015 at 11:13 PM
She looks like Jimmy yet when I glanced up at your blog photo in the corner of my screen I saw how like you she is. Truly her own person! I started to write a comment which just keep sounding creepy and stalkerish! I shall just say Happy birthday bella Sadie, I adore your spirit and character and I am grateful your Mama shares you with us :) :)
Posted by: Jules | 02/02/2015 at 11:35 PM
Happy Birthday, beautiful lady! :)
Can't believe she's 7 already...and can't believe I "know" you (meaning your blog) for so long already...omg...
Posted by: Sandra Klary | 02/03/2015 at 02:51 AM
Happy Birthday cutie Sadie. And, you know, you have to be proud of the love your mother have for you! It's fantastic to see how you are nicer and nicer, awesome, funny, intelligent (your mother tell us and I believe in her) and your love for your parents and sisters is so amazing! Happy birthday so fantastic Sadie!
Posted by: StephanieGab | 02/03/2015 at 06:27 AM
Happy Birthday Sadie! You are a special little girl with a wonderful family! Stephanie, she looks so much like you, two beauties.
Posted by: Trish | 02/03/2015 at 07:41 AM
happy birthday sadie! i LOVE her dress!
Posted by: Jenni Hufford | 02/03/2015 at 09:23 AM
Happy birthday, Sadie!
Posted by: Kate | 02/03/2015 at 12:41 PM
happy happy 7th birthday sadie girl!
I remember when she was born, wow been reading here a long time steph!
she's absolutely an incredible and amazing little girl. I just love her personality
and the fact she looks most like her daddy...
I am glad you see her for who she is and that you know her so well.
you are a wonderful mama!
tara
Posted by: tara pakosta | 02/03/2015 at 02:22 PM
Beautiful post! Happy birthday Sadie!
Posted by: Stephanie | 02/03/2015 at 04:47 PM
What a wonderful gift (your letter) you have given your daughter on her birthday! This photo of her says that she is wiser than her years. Thank you for posting this.
Posted by: julie b | 02/03/2015 at 08:30 PM
Happy, Happy Birthday beautiful Sadie! You rock!
Posted by: Pat Cloud | 02/05/2015 at 05:19 PM
Happy Birthday Sadie! Seven is wonderful!!
Posted by: Kirsten J | 02/07/2015 at 12:41 AM
Awe! Happy Birthday Sadie!!
Posted by: Mariah | 02/07/2015 at 10:40 AM
Your words to your daughters always inspire me so much. Thank you for sharing. Reading your words over the years have given me a perspective on being a mother that I wouldn't have otherwise had. You are genuine, appreciative of your children's' differences and so warm. <3
Posted by: Leah Martin | 02/10/2015 at 07:07 PM