Harlee 730

Dear Harlee,

I cannot believe you are turning two years old this week.  I used 730 days in the title just because it makes it sound longer.  But either way, time is going too fast. 

You have completely changed our world.  We did not think we were missing anything, but then you added everything we now think about.  I did not know that my heart somehow contained more love, but you have taught me that love is an inexhaustible source of joy.

Prior to you being born I had people ask me what I wanted you to call me.  Your mom tried for a while to make “Grand P Paw” stick, just to be annoying.  I remember thinking I honestly did not care.  “Grandpa” sounded pretty good to me, but you did one better “Pa Pa” is the best nickname I have ever had. 

I would like to think that I am your favorite person, but I know that is not true.  I spent a couple of hours with you this afternoon and you asked for grandma about 57 times.  I also know mom and dad come first.  I’ll settle for being in your top four. 

You have taught me a lot in the last two years.  Most importantly, you taught me that I can control my mind better than I thought was possible.  I worry less.  I stress less.  I want to work less, not due to laziness but because you are here.  You are too important to miss.  None of this will matter to you until you are older, but it matters to me now.  You have made our life better. 

You have a source of energy in you that is apparently unlimited.  We have toys and supplies all over our house.  I don’t care.  One day your mom came to pick you up and just said something like “Harlee, look at all the stuff you drug out.”  You thought you might be in trouble, so you threw me under the bus by just saying “pa pa” like I did it.  You even cracked out your sad voice just for good measure.  I’ll take it.  We played hard that day.

Also, your mom told you that you could not have something or other at your house once and you looked up and asked for “Pa pa?” thinking I would give it to you.  Probably true.  I love that, but you are going to have to be careful not to get me in trouble.  Your mom might hurt me.

As we are getting ready for your second birthday party this weekend, we are waiting for your baby brother, Oliver, to get here any day now.  We can’t wait.  The idea of the two of you running around just makes my heart happy.  There is more of that inexhaustible joy I mentioned.  You are going to be a great big sister, but he will drive you crazy.  I’m a little brother to my siblings.  It’s what we do. 

One of your favorite things to do is read.  You talk quite a bit now and your brain is on and powerful.  I love that you are smart, but I love that you make me smile even if you are not in the room even more.  You love our dogs, and they love you right back.  You read to them, headbutt them and laugh at them.  You have even made progress with Korbin’s cats and that is hard to do.  The headbutt’s are more of a good forehead rub, but your head is hard enough to make our pit bull back up. 

You love to cook with grandma and let’s be honest grandma loves to cook with you.  I love watching you two.  You give the best hugs I have ever had and you are probably the most polite two year old we have had in the family.  You say “please” and “thankyou” all the time.  That is probably your mom’s influence. 

I love the goofiness that you also got from your mom.  I love the brain I think you got from your dad.  You can be as stubborn as a mule on Labor Day (Sorry, that may be a Pa Pa influence), but that will end up turning you into a determined fighter.  We had to build a railing around the only antique in our house, not to protect it, but to protect you from the razor thin glass in it.  You have made it your personal responsibility to rip the railing out of the wall, just because it is there. One of the few times I have used the word "no" was when you were shaking the railing. You just looked up and laughed, which made me laugh - trouble averted.

We are blessed to have you in our lives.  We are blessed to be able to take care of you while your parents are working.  I know some grandparents live far from grandchildren.  I am so glad that is not the case for us. 

I know it’s probably weird for me to write these, but I just want to make sure there is a body of thought for you to know just in case I ever can’t remember to tell you.  Harlee Logan you are loved.  We are so blessed by you.  Happy birthday.

Pa pa