May 2022

Dear Rykelan,

It’s your birthday month! You turned two on May 24th and by far your favorite present came from Uncle Cameron and Aunt Taylor - a water table that you played with outside. Mostly, this devolved into you dumping water on your head (or Penny’s) but it was a great way to keep cool as we headed into summer. I used to move the table around the yard to keep you in the shade as the sun moved across the sky.

Since Dad fractured his spine in the accident last month (which meant he couldn’t walk without pain and was banned from lifting anything, including you), you two become total cuddle buddies. I have so many pictures of the two of you lounging together.

Your birthday month also marked your growing obsession with stickers. You used to stick them all over your clothes, your head, and anything else you could get to (including the table and the floor). You also continued your new trend of putting your food into your toys. This month, ramen inside a toy truck—last month, there was a picture of you putting crackers in a toy lawnmower.

Bananas, yogurt, and ramen reign supreme as your favorite foods while playing with cars, coloring, and simply being outside were your favorite activities. (Aside from cuddling - you were such a pro cuddler.)

I could never get enough of your smile, your mischievous looks, and the way you always tugged on one ear when you were ready for bed. Your obsession with wearing shoes (and boots!) was so cute. There were mornings when the very first thing you asked me for were your shoes.

I miss you so much, love. Save a cuddle for me.

Love you,

Mom