Disclaimer: This blog entry is more then likely going to be of little interest to anyone except perhaps Harrison’s parents/grandparents/Godparents. I’m circling back to why I even started this blog – ironically because I never quite found the time to record events in his baby book (plus writing is cheaper than therapy, haha!). But I feel such a great need to record for him his special little sayings, quirks and mannerisms as I daren’t not forget all these funny little foibles that make me laugh and my heart sing.
Like any good TV character, he has his renowned catchphrase – “Up a Day, Up A Day” which will be heard countless times on any given day. This could mean pick me up or put me down, get me out of bed, or a direct referral to the person he is talking to, to get up off the ground where you are no doubt sitting comfortably and follow his every rule. As a smaller bub, when he started to talk, we’d be greeted with a chorus of “Up-A-Day, UP-A-DAY!” which would become more insistent, as Harrison woke in the morning and was demanding to get out of bed. To this day, he still says this when he wants to be picked up, and even has his big cousin Logan saying it, as he knows that it’s the key to a cuddle.
I’d be writing forever if I tried to record every single word he’s said that’s taken my breath away, so I will just concentrate on the ones that have left an indelible outline in my memory.
There is the “good boy” that he will address me with, when he sees me cleaning my teeth (obviously not cottoned on to the fact there are both boys and girls in this world, thank goodness!), or the condescending pat on the head he will give me, telling me “alright now?” if he thinks I am upset. And lets not forget the congratulatory comment “lovely singing” he’ll offer up to anyone he thinks worthy (usually himself!).
He makes me melt when he seeks me out for solace after he has hurt himself “Mummy kisses, KISSES” he’ll demand, brandishing the injured body part in question towards me, and then toddle happily off, appeased that mummy’s magical lips can heal all that ails him. How I wish all his future hurts could be resolved so sweetly…
Some of the words that he has made all his own have included insisting on calling his cousin Logan “Gordan”, Crocodiles were formerly known as “Doc-e-Diles” (said complete with a grumble and roar); chickens are labelled “cock-a-GOOOOOOS!!!” (and yes, the last part is shouted for good measure); all dogs are hereby known as “woof-woofs”.
It’s the way he will announce something is “scary” in a deadly serious tone, when he hears or sees something that makes him unnerved. Or it’s the deadpan comment of “funny….” tacked on to the end of some crazy little monologue or maniacal world domination “Dr Evil” laugh… You can’t help but wonder, how can a child know something is frightening or funny??? Hope he doesn’t take after his scaredy-pants Mummy, otherwise there will be years of hiding behind fingers and cushions at sleepovers, or after his father, who’s sense of humour can at best be referred to as unique…
And finally, and perhaps most treasured of all right now, is his first ever nursery rhyme that was sung in full the other night – “Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come Again Another Day”. Quite appropriate, given the unpleasant weather of late too… There he was, splashing happily in the bath, and for once, both his Daddy and I were home. The Husband and I looked at one another in astonishment – we couldn’t believe our ears! Sure enough, once Daddy raced off to get the video camera to record this amazing event, little H clammed up. He’s chanted it a few more times since and I am pleased to report his little rain dance has worked – for now.
So to my beautiful boy, when you sit down to read this in many years from now, know that you and your little personality brought texture to our lives, enriching us in ways unimaginable. And as time continues to march on, there is no doubt to be more precious moments unfurled as we negotiate our way towards the minefield that lays in wait – the terrible two’s! “Harrison No” as you first referred to yourself, will no doubt become a commonly heard phrase…
