Dear My Big Little Harrison,
Gosh, I don't even know where to start. You've changed so, so much in the last year, but the things that haven't changed are the things that make you YOU: you're happy-go-lucky 'tude, your contagious laugh and enthusiasm for things you love, your willingness to try new things, your imagination. You're our expert cleaner and "picker upper" and have taken on the responsibility of being in charge of recycling each day (taking it out to the recycling bin).
You've developed quite the love for the cats and Doc in particular seems to love you. If you're laying on the couch he tries to curl up with you, he'll eagerly try to sit next to you whenever possible, and he always comes to you for treats and nibbles of your food. While you still get scared when he hisses (which is still hilarious to me....scary 12 lbs. kitty), you're pretty good buddies these days.
There's been a lot of 'memories' popping up on the ole' Facebook and most of them are of YOU as a toddler; most of them funny stories or things you have said. In the craziness of our every day life then and the challenges you laid in front of me every minute, it's only now that I can look back on those years with incredible fondness. I LOVE everything you have brought to my life. Before you I wasn't great at rolling with the punches. All that credit goes to you buddy. You taught me to just go with the flow, not everything can be planned out. You taught me to enjoy the here and now. As much as I'm trying to shape you and your siblings into decent human beings, I realize that it's you who is shaping me into a better person.
You would make your Great Grandma Ann proud with your tongue clicks (as she taught you) that you've mastered. You're a great reader and speller (you put your big brother to shame this past school year while practicing for spelling tests--you did his lists better than he did at times!). You love traveling and vacations, finding new and thrilling things to do, drinking coffee (dad and I can longer get away with only getting coffee for the two of us), chana masala (with naan to dip), playing outside for hours on end, swimming, animals, cooking, and climbing. You became quite the piano player this year and I'm trying to talk you into acting classes because, well, you're you.
Unlike your brother and sister, the older you get the easier you become. It took me awhile sadly, but I do have you figured out: you're the loudest of the three (I can pick your stomping feet out of a crowd of kids with no problem) yet the sneakiest. You're terrified of bees, but would be the first to examine a beehive. It's taken eight years for these qualities to work for you and become less nerve-racking for me.
You're spending your eighth birthday with your best friends, eating your favorites (cereal, cupcakes, mac and cheese, and Chinese food), and playing with the dress up clothes. It's fitting that you were born on the summer solstice because you bring the light to our lives.
I love you so much H Doggie! I hope your outlook on life never changes and you keep being you no matter what. I can't wait to see the adventures EIGHT takes you on.
Love you forever,
Mom