How did this happen? Seriously, I think we just had her second birthday party. I don't even know where to begin with trying to explain Harper at three. I think instead of trying to categorize her development I'm just going to list random things about her at this moment that I want to remember when I'm old and gray!
* Harper has a sweet heart and really does care for others. Sometimes it is hard to see this because she is bossy and sassy. But she is. When a friend (or just another child) is upset she shows concern and wants to know why they are crying. She also doesn't like judgements made about people (or animals). For instance, if Toby gets into the trash and I tell him he is a bad dog Harper always stands up for him and says "he is NOT a bad dog!". It reminds me that I need to be careful about using these "judging" words around her. When she stands up for Toby I always say "you are right, he is not a bad dog, he just does bad things". Having Harper definitely helps us to try and become better people.
* Harper now can have conversations with us pretty much just like an adult. She still lives in a fairly literal world so using figurative language is still tricky. She also is bothered by things that could not happen (i.e. a commercial on tv had a real looking owl talking. After it was over she said "owls can't talk"). If something seems like it should be pretend (i.e. cartoons) then she doesn't seem confused if animals talk, etc.
*Speaking of pretend Harper has really really gotten into pretend play. She often uses stuffed animals. Usually there is a mommy and a baby and they talk to each other. Usually the baby cries about something and the mommy has to help. It is so fun to sit and listen to the 'scripts' she uses when she plays. Often we hear real life scenarios being played out but sometimes they are just her own made up stories!
* We think Harper might be a lawyer when she grows up. Or just someone who is really good at arguing. She already knows how to ask leading questions that sets us up. For instance, one day she had been asking to go swimming. We kept saying no, it was raining, we couldn't swim. While we were driving home Harper starts asking all these questions about the weather. Then she ends with "it not raining anymore?" to which we replied "you're right, the rain has stopped." Then she drops the "So we go swimming now". I mean....how can I argue with that? Actually, seriously, it is pointless to argue with her at this point....which can lead to...
*Tantrums. These still don't occur very often. And usually only when she is overly tired. However, when they do it usually involves screaming, throwing herself on the floor, and crying. A lot of times when she gets upset (instead of tantruming) she will run into her room. She usually stays in there for a minute or two then comes back out happy as can be. That strategy works for me. Back to tantrums though. Usually these are short lived. We rarely have one that lasts over a minute. Thanks behavioral classes in college and years of working with kids.
*Speaking of drama. This child is definitely full of it. Not in a bad way. Mostly it is just funny. For instance, the other morning after I woke her up we walked into the bathroom and she literally threw herself backwards screaming "the light is too bright!". Jason and I just laughed. Hopefully she will not be that dramatic at 16. That might be a problem.
*Favorites: some of Harper's favorite things include the Kookaburra song (which she pronounces "Tootaburra"), Doc McStuffins the tv show, the book Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm (as of this minute, her 'favorite' book changes from week to week...she always loves to read, though!), Harper loves to dance, especially to the "God song" (Matthew West's "More") and the "Roaring like a lion song" (God's Not Dead- Newsboys) and Mumford and Sons, she still loves to eat and lately has been eating more and more. Her favorite foods still include pasta, fruit (bananas, pears, raspberries especially), yogurt, corn dogs/hot dogs, wild game (she begged for more and more dove the other night). She likes milk and juice best but we try and limit the juice so she drinks a lot of ice water, too. She is also a pretty big foodie, I would say, and eats things like risotto and duck and thai food.
*Harper's memory is crazy good. She can pick up on the words to a song and sing the whole thing. She remembers people's names, their dog's names, the street they live on, etc. We have to be careful what we say around her. Once I was out of town and Jason took Harper to a store where they were selling bunnies. She said she wanted a bunny. Jason said when we get a bigger yard just to hold her off and get her to move on. Weeks later after never talking about it again she asks me if we will move to a house with a bigger yard. I say maybe someday. She says "then I can have a bunny". Yikes, people!
We are so so so thankful for our sweet, happy, healthy 3 year old. God definitely uses parenthood to refine us and shape us and he has sent sweet Harper to us to do just that! Harper- we love you SO much and enjoy having you in our lives! You keep us entertained, you love us so well, and we can't imagine life without you!
First year she's been able to blow out all the candles by herself!
