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