December 2022

Dear Rykelan,

Don’t worry. This month things get better again.

I have so many photos and videos of you from this time. You were so cute. You started getting some of your words back. I have a video of you saying “cereal” except it comes out “cer-reh-reh" while you nod emphatically.

There are so many videos of you cuddling with the dogs. Pictures of you sitting in your toddler-sized armchair (we still have it, 4 years later, except now it holds the dogs’ toys). You loved building with blocks and lining up cars.

You always had a sippy cup in your hand — or, at least, very close by.

Your dinosaur obsession really started to kick in around this time, too. The stuffed dino you had with you in the hospital at the very end first shows up in photos this month.

We had our first family Christmas with three kiddos in attendance. You were the oldest—your cousin was only a couple months old and you were so good with him!

The Paw Patrol phase started around here, too! You loved those toys.

Oh, and the Cars: On the Road series on Disney was a huge favorite. I have a video of you and dad dancing to the Trucks song. It’s mostly just you bending your knees and bobbing along with the music, but it’s so cute.

This was also the Christmas you got a little doctor’s kit. One of my all-time favorite photos is you using the stethoscope to listen to Lily. Your little face is so serious as you listen to her…leg. You never did quite figure out where you were supposed to listen to the heart.

And now your heart is in a little girl’s chest, helping her live a wonderful life after yours was cut short.

You had such a sweet heart.

I’m glad it’s still beating.

Love you forever,

Mom

PS - photos coming soon!