Chipmunk Cheeks

We have a foodie on our hands. I should clarify and say that Sadie's actually picky (sometimes) but has a serious case of Food Envy. If Mom is eating it, Sadie wants it. I could be eating cat food and she'll claw her way for a bite. Yesterday she was enjoying a satisfying afternoon snack of Cheerios. Large handfuls, stuffed into her mouth in quick succession.

Road Warrior

For my birthday, I treated myself to a brand new jogging stroller. I had been keeping my eye on Craigslist for a used one, but never found what I wanted or something that was worth the price. The one I chose was actually pretty cheap, and received excellent reviews. Now we just need some warmer weather.

Sadie was so excited, she was crawling all over it like a jungle gym. We have a bit of an obsession with baby-transportation in our house. We have the snap-n-go stroller, the larger one with snack tray, umbrella stroller, wagon, bike trailer and now a jogging stroller. Sadie should never complain that she has to walk anywhere.

Cat's Meow

Sadie's obsession with James continues! We had a few close calls today with some angry tail wagging, but he is a sucker for punishment - 'cause he still comes back for more. Sadie prefers the aggressive approach but is getting better about being more gentle. Just look at the joy on her face!

James is not an easy cat to live with. He's whiny, demanding and 98% annoying - however the patience he shows Sadie gives him a free pass.

Sweet As Sugar

Sadie put on her Saturday best and hosted a fun group for her 1st birthday party. Lots of grandparents, aunts and friends. It was hysterical to watch Sadie and her future-besties Lilah and Emma in all their one year old glory.

Cake time! To appease Dad's sweet tooth we had the mandatory DQ ice cream cake - but to make the birthday treat a little easier for tiny fingers I scoured the stores for the perfect cupcake. Looks like it was well worth it!

Like any diva who's studied up on My Super Sweet Sixteen, there was a mid-party outfit change. But unlike the brats on the show, it was out of necessity to get rid of the frosting mess. And then on to presents! Aiden assisted by swiftly unpackaging the boxed up baby doll. How helpful!

Super cute outfits, books, musical instruments, funky blocks, and ta-da...the Escalade of Radio Flyer wagons! Equipped with all the bells and whistles. The girls piled in, anticipating a ride!

I also asked all family members and Sadie's God parents to write a note to her and seal it in an envelope, which she'll open on her 18th birthday. They happily obliged. I just want her to know how much she's been loved from the moment she arrived and that we have amazing dreams for the person she'll become.

Birthday Baby!

Some pretty cool things have happened throughout history on January 4th.

1493 - Columbus left new world on return from 1st voyage

1790 - Pres Washington delivers 1st "State of the Union"

1847 - Samuel Colt sells his first revolver pistol to the United States government

1863 - 4 wheeled roller skates patented by James Plimpton of NY

1920 - 1st Black baseball league, National Negro Baseball League, organizes

1954 - Elvis Presley records a 10 minute demo in Nashville

1962 - New York City introduces a train that operates without a crew on-board

1999 - Former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura is sworn in as governor of Minnesota.

2004 - Britney Spears has her surprise marriage annulled less than 55 hours after tying the knot with childhood friend Jason Alexander at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas

2007 - The 110th United States Congress convenes, electing Nancy Pelosi as the first female Speaker of the House in U.S. history.

But there is nothing as spectacular or awe-inspiring as the arrival of Sadie Elizabeth in 2009. I think we can all agree that our lives have changed forever.

Enjoy the trip down the monthly memory lane.

For Auld Lang Syne, My Dear

Happy New Year! We took one last family photo on NYE, and it truly captures the essense of our year...lots of smothering.

Sadie semi-successfully dressed as the New Years Baby with what we had around the house. We will be better prepared come 2011.

New Years Resolution: Nap-training. We were told by daycare last week that Sadie is the worst napper they have ever encountered. That's our number one girl!