Happy Birthday Harrison!

It seems hard to believe that we just celebrated Harrison's second birthday this past Monday. Harrison has definitely changed a lot since his last birthday, but probably most notably in the last couple months in his physical and speaking ability. Last year on his birthday, he was still very unsteady on his feet, doing a lot of wobbling around, and not really talking at all.

There has been a lot of growth this past year…physically, verbally, and emotionally. Harrison, or bunga bear, as we affectionately call him (don't ask me where that came from?!), has turned into another little wild man in our house. He has grown a lot and now has a ton of crazy blonde hair, which was cut for the first time this past year. He now runs, jumps, sings, kicks and throws balls, counts, plays instruments, talks up a storm, and has really established his own little place within our family. He is still very much like me in his personality…he's observant, opinionated, ornery, strong-willed, extremely expressive, a bit dramatic, not easily amused, and independent. He plays so well on his own and definitely enjoys his space and quiet time, but he also likes to snuggle and has such a sweet spirit. However, he also received some of my not so appealing qualities. For example, like me, he is very mellow and calm...until he is not. He is easy and go with the flow most of the time, but he can go from totally fine to complete meltdown in a millisecond! Thankfully, there is much more calm than crazy from him, at least for the moment.

Look at those ornery eyes and smile!

Some of my favorite developments of the last year include his love of hugs and kisses, his growing interest in reading books, his love for food and eating (just like his mommy), his sense of humor, his infectious laugh, his mischievous smile, his love of being chased and tickled, our growing conversations with him, his growing imagination, family music time that now includes Harrison singing at the top of his lungs, his love of all things that are big and move including, trains, cement trucks, garbage trucks, cranes, planes, etc., his little voice saying "camen", a.k.a. Cameron, the way he sucks his tongue when he's tired, and his desire to do and be everything just like his big brother.

We decided we would do a small party with family to celebrate this birthday because Cole needed to travel over Harrison's actual birthday. When we asked Harrison what he wanted to for his birthday, he told us with unashamed and complete confidence that all he all he wanted was donuts! We asked him this question at least a dozen times and the answer never changed, so donuts it was. We celebrated with a little homemade donut cake and presents. Harrison was thrilled!!

Boxes are the best!

Finished product!

On Monday, his actual birthday, we started the day with our birthday tradition…birthday pancakes! I think I need to work on my skills a little bit, but Harrison liked his pancake regardless.

The birthday boy

Trying to show me two fingers...

We settled for one finger on each hand

Harrison's birthday pancake

In the afternoon, we were excited to welcome my parents to Belgium! We met them at the train station, which is a gift in and of itself for the boys (watching trains), but hey were also very excited to see grandma and grandpa!

In the evening we enjoyed dinner that consisted of meatballs (one of Harrison's favorite foods), and another donut. Unfortunately, Harrison decided, right on cue, that he would officially welcome the terrible twos into our world by having a several hour meltdown/freak out before dinner. I tried everything from snuggles to discipline to isolation to singing and talking to reading and everything in between to calm him down, but nothing worked. It really was the worst meltdown I have ever seen from a child. Despite my dad and Cameron physically getting in the crib and being so overly silly to try to get him to laugh, it was not until his beloved meatballs were served that he finally calmed down. Thankfully, we were able to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Meatballs!!!

Harrison is such a joy and a gift. He is a unique and wonderful part of our family and we are so thankful for this precious little boy!! Happy birthday sweet bunga bear…we love you so much!