happy birthday sadie

Today you turned 10 months old, and I think it's a much bigger milestone for mommy and daddy than it is for you. The one-year mark looms large on the horizon. The holidays will fly by as they always do, and before we know it we'll be planning your big birthday celebration!

Ahhh, but Christmas---your enjoyment of it adds a whole new meaning and dimension to this time of year. On Saturday we endured the freezing cold and light snow to go to the tree nursery, so you could pick out your first Christmas tree. Each time daddy held one up, shook off the branches, and spun it around for you to examine, you went wild with excitement. We selected the one that garnered your most rave reviews: kicking, squirming, and laughing all at once. And wouldn't you know? It's just perfect in our living room! You've even learned what the words "christmastree" mean, turning your head in its direction any time we ask, "where's the christmastree, Sadie?"
From a mobility standpoint, you're getting around faster than ever---and not always by crawling. You've discovered that standing and pushing furniture around is just as effective as walking, and probably a lot less scary. So you navigate chairs, barstools, your little push wagon, whatever...from room to room, making lovely screeching noises on the hardwood floors as you go. But seeing you walk on your tiptoes, your tiny bottom swinging from side to side, is too cute to resist, so we don't stop you. Keep truckin', little one!

Your personality is more evident than ever before, and you clearly have some favorite things that should be noted:
Favorite Food: cheese (any kind. the sharper the better!)
Favorite Book: That's Not My Dragon
Favorite Thing To Do: pull out whatever barrette or rubber band is currently holding your hair in place

That's right---you finally discovered your clips---and take great delight in removing them in record time. We hope you'll get over it soon, so we don't have to cut your amazing hair (THAT can wait until AT LEAST your first birthday).
In the meantime, enjoy your 10-month birthday, sweet girl!