It seems like I only update this blog two times a year– once on August’s birthday and once on Harrison’s birthday. I think that should change. Once I can add a few more hours to my days, I’ll be sure to start posting on the regular.
Today my baby turns 3. He went from a crying, sleepless newborn to a climbing on everything one year old to a running and yelling two year old, to a spicy, stubborn three year old. While some days or moments with Harrison are exhausting, we love his spunk, charm, and charisma.
Last year around this time we were worried about Harrison’s speech development. Needless to say, his vocabulary has exploded. He still has many improper usages of pronouns and past-tense verbs, but it’s just too cute to correct. “Me want my froggy. Me wuv you, Mommy.”
Throughout this year, Harrison has made his interest in sports/physical activity apparent to us. Tennis, basketball, football, baseball, soccer– give him anything he can throw, hit or swing and he’s happy. Watching big brother play tennis and soccer this summer and fall have been a highlight.
Harrison loves riding his scooter and trying to keep up with August. He’s happiest when he is outside or snuggling with his froggy and paci. He loves his “fuzzies” (frog, paci, and blankets). He can be so sweet or full of spice. He’s stubborn, but at times so compliant. To watch him grow in his love for reading books and enjoyment of coloring has been so fun. At times he doesn’t why we don’t hit our brother over the head with magna tiles. Other times, he just adores his big brother (everyday when we pick August up from kindergarten, Harrison runs to him and gives him a big hug!).
In all honesty, I’ve babied Harrison longer than I should. My heart just isn’t quite ready to see him fully embrace his new found 3 year old status. We still need to take his paci away, potty train, and move him into his big boy bed. My motto has been, “why fix something that’s not broken”? But I do know we have some big boy tasks that need to be completed. Maybe just a few more “nuggles” with his paci and frog, first?
Harrison Siders Bohle. I pray you keep marching to the beat of your own drum. Stand up for what you believe in and fight for what is right. I pray that you always seek the Truth and know how deeply you are loved. There are so many times when I listen to the news and wish I wasn’t raising kids in today’s society. I’m often then reminded, that I can teach you (and your brother) to resist. To rise above. To respect others and to demonstrate selfless love. To know that we’re all equal and deserve a fair shot at life. Harrison–my deepest hearts desire for you is that as you grow and develop you’re able to use your charm, spunk, and stubbornness to create a piece of Heaven here on Earth. Never stop fighting, Harrison, because someday that is going to change someone’s life for the better.
You are loved (so much), little brother.