Harlee 365

Happy birthday Harlee. You celebrate one year on the planet this week. It’s been a fast year. I have heard a lot of people say that being a grandparent is different than being a parent. I had my doubts how much more fun it could be. I love being a father. Thankfully, I was mistaken. I think it is better. Mainly, you have parents who do all of the hard work, and they are both really good at it.

When you came into this world last year you made your entrance count. An airplane ride to a different city had us all a bit freaked out. Your mom and dad had a rough introduction to parenting. I wrote you for the first time right after that flight landed. We didn’t get to meet you for around a week. There were people who literally stayed up all night praying for you on day one. We know several who still are - 365 days later. You are too young to understand these letters right now. But one day you will. You have taught me a lot in a year.

We had kids with personality. Your mom was an outright spaz when she was little – and after – and still. One of my favorite stories was one night she was at youth group at a local church playing basketball, outside on a Friday night. It was maybe 9:00 pm. Someone turned the lights on and she looked up and said “Hey look guys the sun’s coming up!” She also calls ashes fire dust and if you ask her which way is north, she points straight up. Think about that one. She makes me laugh, but don’t let that fool you. Her heart is fierce. I promise to tell you stories about her until I forget them. Then you can tell them to me.

Your dad is strong and I think there are not many things he cannot do. But he turns to jelly when he looks at you. You are a lot like him in that you seem to study things. You watch things intently, quietly. We get to pick you up in the mornings during the week. It is one of the most special things I have ever witnessed. We just get to sit in the car and watch as they finish getting you ready. He walks out talking to you like you are the only other human on earth and at those moments you are. You have never once reached for me while he is holding you.

Then there is grandma. How many women do not like being called grandma because they think it makes them sound old? She has no such wish. She wears that title proudly. You have lit a fire of love in her heart that even I had not seen before. The two of you have a bond that is so beautiful. We are blessed to get to take care of you while your parents are at work. I love seeing you. But honestly seeing her face when you are here is one of the most beautiful things I have seen.

Don’t let your uncle Korbin’s facial expression fool you. He loves you. When you first came home he didn’t really know what to do. He was too excited to hold you. But if you are upset, he is standing close by. He usually just looks at us like “Take care of her NOW!” He gives you a headbutt every morning before school. One morning you changed the routine. He bent forward but you didn’t give him your forehead. You placed a big drool filled kiss right on his lips. I thought his skin was going to crawl off of him. Yes, he takes some of your toys back into his room. We keep pulling them back out. One day soon you will be the one invading his room.

Lately your personality is growing. You like our cats but they are pretty much Korbin’s property and they let everyone know it. But you have chased Frankie every day since you started to crawl – constantly. Lately, you seem to have conquered that relationship. JJ is a different story but my money is on you there too. Our dogs turn into puppies again as soon as they see you. They lay as close to you as we will allow and you love it. It is fun to watch, but if either of them ever saw someone they don’t know picking you up, I am not sure they would tolerate it.

I mentioned Korbin headbutting you in the morning. You have this interesting habit of head butting people. It is a sign of affection. Any old person can give someone a kiss or a hug. People around you actually want the forehead smash. It is your highest form of affection right now.

You are also highly interested in people. Walking through Walmart with you is hilarious. You will twist 180 degrees to make sure you see everyone. I love that. Your mom told us that she hopes you will be brave and not afraid to try things. From what I have seen you may make her regret that wish. If I want proof of that, all we have to do is put you on the couch. You turn into a maniac. You jump, climb and just roll off of it, headfirst. It’s funny, but freaks grandpa out just a little.

Harlee I also want to thank you for something. We lost your aunt Jordyn before you were born. I have this theory that maybe your perfect little soul got to meet her big audacious soul before we could see you. I used to have a running count in my head of how many days she has been gone. I tried to stop, but my brain would not lose count. I had a little ceremony when it hit 3,650 at ten years. That didn’t stop it. I was over 4,000. Until… you were born. Now the only count in my head is how many days you have been here.

Young lady you have no pressure from us. You do not have to save us from sadness. We have peace. You do not have to take our minds to a better place. We’re already there. All you need to do is be you. You will never know anything but love in our house and we plan to soak it up, 365 and counting.

Love Grandma and Grandpa