I remember it like it was yesterday. I woke up at 3am with mild cramping. I called your Aunt Sandi and settled in the chair I would soon rock you in. By 7AM Aunt Sandi said, I think it’s time you go. So off your dad and I went. We still hadn’t picked out a name for you. I wanted the name Fox but felt it was a better middle name. As we passed a town called Evansville, your dad said “What about Evan?” And just like that in our unique Rye fashion you were Evan. The delivery was beautiful, you were beautiful. Everyone wanted to see you and snuggle you. Ta-Ta and Aunt Gwen snuck pass security to see you at 12AM!

When we brought you home it was the first blink in many blinks. Just like that you were a year old, then you were 3, and now 8. We have so many stories. I wish we could relive them over and over and over. Your laugh. The way you still say “snug snug”. Your sweet and gentle heart. Your anarchist nature. From the tips of your perfect toes to your freckle face, we love every single piece of you.

So now you are 8. You love Minecraft, your cats, the chickens, your family and reading with mom, four wheeling with dad and tuna mac. You will try any food once especially if it’s raw fish. You still love your veggies raw or frozen. You still sniff my hair before falling asleep and you give us the best hugs. You have changed a wee bit. You are tall and all legs. You can be quite serious about injustices and are very protective of your parents. The name Evan Rye is infamous in the halls at school. I say a prayer each night for your teachers sanity. You are a math and science whiz and are slowly learning the joys of reading thanks to your patient Mrs Peterson. Everyday is an adventure with you and one I never want to end.

Happy birthday Bug, Bugga, Legs Magee, Stinkbutt, Foxy, our beautiful boy. May you always see the world through your intelligent and compassionate eyes. You are the greatest gift we’ve ever received and we are so blessed. Happy birthday love.❤️