First Wheeled Contraption

My Dad is a daredevil. Early in his life it became apparent that he had an unnatural attraction to wheels. According to family members, when he was still a toddler he was already fascinated by how things worked and wheeled contraptions. Over the course of his life he has owned and played with a mind-boggling number of cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.

This love of bicycles, along with his daredevil tendency, has led to a multitude of ER visits, hospital stays, scars, broken bones, and sleepless nights. It has also led to numerous medals, track records, and scoutings. He ultimately chose to pursue a career elsewhere, in part due to two particular little girls.

Understandably, he could not wait for the opportunity to introduce the next generation to his love of wheels. However, due to Ryann's own daredevil tendencies, Jared and I chose to put some pretty strict limitations on just how that could happen.

Just before Ryann's first birthday, we received a large box in the mail. My parents were busting to see Ryann open it. As soon as Jared got home from work, we called them up on Skype and pulled out the box. Inside was a giraffe. On wheels. Ryann got a tricycle for her first birthday.

Dad was so excited to finally see Ryann ride her new toy, but it was not to be. Although Ryann occasionally rode her giraffe, her favorite mode of travel was to run it around the house backwards. And to stand on the seat and clap.

Daddy's Little Chair

This little rocking chair was one of Ryann's favorite toys. Although she would occasionally use it herself, it was usually reserved for use as Dolly's highchair.

The chair's original owner was a wee little Jared.

The Last Bedtime Stories

Ryann was an avid reader and would regularly attempt (usually successfully) to delay bedtime by asking for book after book after book. We usually left one or two in her crib in case she woke up with an itch to read during the night. These are the books we read to her when we put her to bed for the last time, we have yet to take them out of her crib. 

In case you're wondering, the Wolf's lunch is carrots. 

Unexpected Treasure

Jared and I recently finished backing up our two decrepit computers. We've been meaning to do this for some time, but as those with children know, extra project have a way of sitting for a while.

One day, after everything was completely backed up, I sat down to look through some pictures. I was completely floored by the number of pictures that I had no memory of taking, had never posted online, and haven't seen since they were shot. I was overjoyed. I spent a good hour sitting on the bed alternately laughing and crying.

I miss my girl so much, there's no way for me to even come close to expressing it. There's a part of me that will never be healthy and whole again. But going through these pictures reminded me again of so many great times that we had. Of the heart-swelling love that we had the privilege of feeling every single day.

I hurt because of what I had, which was wonderful.

 

Noodles

Tonight I treated myself to some Thai soup and curry. Of course I then followed it up with a bowl of frozen yogurt and fruit. What did you expect?!

Let There Be Light!

We've been desperately needing a good lamp to read by in the evenings, our living room has no overhead light. Today I finally gave in and had the luck of finding this stunner.

Bath Companions

Ryann was so excited about having a tub in our new place. Up until we moved, we had only had a shower, which she also loved, but it really couldn't compare with a tub. Every time I hop in the shower, this is what I see sitting in the corner.