Sweet Harper,
You turned 4 last week! FOUR! 4. I cannot get over the fact that you're this old. We had such a fun time celebrating this year. They've all been fun, but this year you got it. For real. We planned and planned for this party. A cowboy theme. I came home from a work trip a couple of months ago and told you I'd reserved the ponies. You were excited and you asked me how many would be coming to your party. I told you there would be 3 ponies for you and your friends and you promptly told me that was not sufficient...you would need EIGHT ponies! You also advised me not to forget the balloons and cake. I think birthday party fever has officially been passed on to you. You take it just as seriously as I do!
And then the week of your party arrived and the weather got crazy hot and those ponies couldn't even come. Instead we got stuck with Kevo the Cowboy Klown. Who, let's be honest, was a bit cheesy. But you know what? You didn't even think to ask me that day where the ponies were. You just rolled with it and played non-stop. When you were ready for us to sing happy birthday and blow out your candles you had the biggest smile on your face and you said to me "Mama, THIS is the best birthday ever!"
That spark you have, the wonderful, fun personality is one of the million things I love about you. I swear you literally light up a room when you walk into it. Your happiness is infectious. Sometimes I wonder how I ever lived without it in my life because you honestly make every day better. And your kindness! Goodness, I don't know how we got so lucky! You are so sweet to everyone, especially younger kiddos. You love babies and seem to have quite a way with them. I know you're going to make such a great big brother someday!
Your 4th year was really fun! You became so much more independent. Not only are you potty trained, but you take yourself to the bathroom whenever you need to. Now if only you could figure out how to get re-dressed correctly! Oh well! I know someday I'll miss the times you walked out of the bathroom with both legs through one hole of your underwear and your pants on backward. You admitted to having your first girlfriend this year, Aubrey from next door. You even insisted on taking her flowers on Valentine's Day. I can tell already that some day you are going to going to make some woman very happy. We went to Disney World! Our first ride was the Snow White ride and you were terrified of the Wicked Witch. From there on out you asked before you would get on any ride if there were going to be scary witches. You played soccer and t-ball this year. Both started off a little rocky, but you're catching on! It's been so fun to watch you gain confidence as the seasons progress. We tried swimming lessons as well, but those were a disaster. You were so terrified that we finally just stopped. You would ask your swim teacher if she was sure you were going to make it when she'd ask you to put your face in the water. It was so cute and pitiful at the same time:)
You are a total mama's boy. I have created this, I know. I don't even make any excuses about it. We adore each other and while you love your daddy very much, you and I have something pretty special. My favorite part of the day is when we snuggle before you fall asleep. You tell me the best and worst parts of your day, give me about a hundred kisses and eventually coax me into giving you tickles. You remind me that tickles help you fall asleep, and if I stop, you'll wake up. So I give you tickles and we say our prayers, The Lords Prayer (you know every word,) Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, and prayers for Avery and a new brother or sister. Eventually when I hear the deep, steady breaths I know you're falling asleep and silently thank God over and over again that we have you in our life, and then when I know it's safe, I sneak out of your room.
This fall you're starting pre-school at the Montessori school. I can't wait to see how much you're going to learn and grow. Part of me wishes there was a pause button on life so I could stop time and enjoy you just like this forever but most of me is so excited to watch you grow and get to know the person you're going to become. We are so very proud of you, Harp. You are the love of our lives, the center of our universe. We are so very blessed to be your parents.
Love,
Mommy
