Today you are 3.5. For the past 4+months you have been the best big brother in the whole wide world. But, before that, for 3 years, 1 month, 3 weeks and 1 day, you were all mine. My buddy, my sidekick...we went everywhere together...you and me. I think maybe I have been booted from my role as your sidekick. I think you may prefer MeiMei (Little Sis) in that role now. I love that. And I love her...wouldn't trade having her for anything, but I am so thankful for every minute I had with just you. Today you're a bit sick, so you snuggled up to me on our cab rides and on the couch. You are still pretty cuddly, but only about half the time. You are finding your independence, but it is so cute, as you run around, I see you constantly looking back to see if I'm there. I know that won't always be the case, and as much as I want to encourage you to explore and run and play, I take every opportunity to tell you, "Mommy's here."
You are cautious to the nth degree...you are careful, thoughtful, methodical, and SLOW to do anything. But once you do it, you are committed! You are loyal to the death. Daddy says that means you're like me, but I think you are far more loyal. If I'm honest, I worry that you will get your heart broken by the people you love most because you will literally give those special people the shirt off your back. I hope and pray your friends love you as much as you love them. You are going to be a good friend. The best.
You are right handed, and you have the BEST belly laugh in the world. You're SO ticklish. You are getting faster at running...you used to be more of a speed walker. You play hard. You like movies. You love cars, trains and trucks. Some of your favorite movies are Cars, all the Toy Story movies, Curious George, and more. You also like to watch PBS kids on the internet.
You have been in school about 6 weeks now for 3 mornings a week. It's all in Chinese. This week was the first time you said you wanted to go. All other times you did not want to go, but when I picked you up, you always said you had a blast. You don't speak a ton of the language, but you understand A LOT.
You are a little narrator, repeating everything we say and relaying it back to us. You are kind, tender, compassionate and sensitive. Again, sometimes I worry you're too sensitive. The things I worry the most about you are the things that are most like me. I love how God made you, and I am learning to embrace it, even if and when I see my own shortcomings in you.
About 9 months ago, your eyes turned from blue to green. Now they are more of a hazel...some days they look gray, some days green. But, all days, they are so handsome, and my heart does cartwheels when I look at you...especially when you're sleeping, or when you smile at me.
Also, about 9 months ago we started potty training you. Notice that we haven't finished yet. You can pee in the potty like no one's business, but your poop gets another post all on it's own. You have a lot of fear associated with this, and it is hard. It has been really, really hard. I have done a horrible job, and I pray I have not scarred you in this area. But, I'm proud of you...no matter what.
Whoever said the 2's were terrible never met 3 year old Harrison! Your 2's were angelic, until about 2 years, 9 months...You sure do know how to throw a tantrum, and you sure can get angry! But, you are also just as sweet and precious. You almost always understand why you have to get a consequence and you are quick to apologize...
And you're even quicker to forgive...
You have been most challenging at this age, but the MOST fun ever. I love you so, so much.
And no matter what, no matter where, whether you're looking to see if I'm there or not...
Mommy's here, buddy.
I love you to the moon and back. Always. Exactly how you are. No matter what.
