February 2022

Dear Rykelan,

Look how much you’re growing! You’ve become a professional chill guy and a pro mischief maker. I could always tell when you were getting tired because you’d tug on your little ear and get all cozy with a blanket.

You also started getting into all sorts of mischief in the mornings. I came into your room (more than once!) to find you’d pulled diapers into your crib and put one on your head like a hat.

You were such a helpful little guy. While I shoveled the deck for the dogs, you used a metal spatula to help. You’d bring me the remote when I needed it, and you’d go find your sippy cup in your bedroom so I could fill it.

It’s interesting, how some things you did no problem when you were little but then you wouldn’t do them when you were older. When you were older, you wouldn’t go to your bedroom alone to find your cup anymore. When you were three, you always asked me to go with you in case there were monsters, ghosts, or dinosaurs in your room. I loved your imagination, and I think you just wanted the company more than actually being scared.

Look how cute you are in your checkered shirt. How focused you are while you’re coloring with markers. The way you stand like a little old man in your overalls, hands tucked into your back pockets.

I’d give anything to hug you and kiss those sweet chubby cheeks one more time. I hope you’re having fun wherever you are now, love. Up there in your little house in outer space. I hope it’s full of books and toys and lots of good memories.

Love you,

Mom

PS - I love your giggle in this video.