New Beginnings

There was a special prize on the front step this morning. A box of markers and a card from Nana and Papa.

Reading her card and feeling extra special.

Ready to go!

Good friends are the best! Raychel and Brookie love to dress alike. They are our little "Twins"...as in Danny DeVito/Arnold Schwarzenegger twins!

Walking hand in hand.

Our Mark Twain students.

Nana was there to greet Raychel when she got to school today. As Raychel was walking in, she was a little overwhelmed by the number of people in the classroom. She spotted her Nana, and ran right over to get a hug. Seeing her, put Raychel right at ease.

Signing in for day #1.

Some of my most treasured memories and moments with my girl were spent just like this.

I love the first day of school! New clothes, new backpacks, new supplies, new experiences. It’s an exciting time for change, learning and firsts. It’s a fresh start for everyone. Raychel started kindergarten this year, and I have had a lot of different emotions swirling around inside of me as I anticipated this day. I've been trying to identify what I was feeling, and I came to the conclusion that I feel a deep sense of gratitude.

When Raychel was in the NICU, I would go and “kangaroo” her every single day. I would usually hum one song to her during our “session”. (Too much humming/talking would stimulate her, and not in a good way, so I had to limit the noise I made.) One of my favorite choices was “I Know Heavenly Father Loves Me.”

Whenever I hear the song of a bird
or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
or the wind as it rushes by.
Whenever I touch a velvet rose or walk by a lilac tree…
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heavenly Father created for me.
He gave me my eyes that I might see
the color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears
that I might hear the magical sound of things.
He gave me my life my mind my heart;
I thank him reverently,
for all his creations,
of which I’m a part.
Yes I know Heavenly Father loves me

I remember being really emotional when I would actually think of the lyrics. Here was this incredibly fragile human being resting on my chest (not even two pounds). She couldn’t breathe on her own, she couldn’t eat on her own, she couldn’t even maintain her own body temperature. How I longed for my girl to be able to see the color of butterfly wings and feel the rain on her face. I wanted so badly for her to be able to experience all the beauty that life has to offer to the fullest. Of course all of those desires have come to pass, and I couldn't be more grateful. I'm so proud of my girl! Proud to be her mother.

During this time of the year, I get to reminisce and think about her incredible life so far. I feel grateful. Plain and simple. Grateful to a kind and merciful Father who is blessing me daily with Raychel in my life. Grateful that my “one pound wonder” is an active part of all His creations. Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me!

Click here to see the first day of school last year.