This is a, "Why are you taking my picture holding a Barbie?" face. Raychel was 12 inches when she was born...the length of your average Barbie doll.
Raychel's head was the size of a baseball. Couldn't find a baseball, so I thought a wiffel ball would fit the bill. This was a hat she actually wore!
I just had to put the hat on the ball to show you: The hat really is that small!
This is one of my most treasured photographs. If my house were to ever burn down, this photo would be one of the few items I would grab. Of course, I took tons of pictures of Raychel. She was my first baby. I was proud of her no matter what the circumstances were. One day, I went to Costco to pick up some pictures I had printed. The lady behind the counter said to me, "This is the most depressing thing I have ever seen. What is wrong with this baby?" Of course I couldn't help but get a little defensive, "There is nothing wrong with her. She was just born 3 months early." During one of my NICU visits, I overheard one of the RT's talk about how he loved taking pictures. I asked him if he would please take some pictures of Raychel that weren't so "depressing". He gladly obliged, and this is one of the masterpieces that came from that "photo shoot". This is my Dad's wedding band on Raychel's wrist. That is my hand holding the ring in place. Her arm was so tiny, the ring slid all the way to her shoulder. I love this!
Next time you whip up some spaghetti, think of Raychel. This can of Hunts is her exact birth weight. One pound Ten ounces. 26.5 ounces. 737 grams.It's been FIVE years since Raychel joined our family. What an incredible five years it has been! I'm sure most of you know all about her birth story, so I won't bore you with the same details. If you want a refresher, you can click here and here to recall the exciting way she came into the world. I wanted to really try and put it all in perspective...just how tiny, itty bitty Raychel was at birth. As I was doing this post, it all hit home to me (yet again) just what a miracle she is. We still have a lot of celebrating to do, so stay tuned for more birthday posts!
6 comments:
I was just talking June and Sondra this morning about how small she was when she was born. I can't believe it. She's been one of the five best things that has EVER happened to me. Love my little miracle girl!
I don't think her birth pictures are depressing at all! They are so inspiring and a testimony of miracles! Even though she was so small you can totally tell that is Raychel, it's amazing that distinct features are formed even when they are that young! What a lucky family to have gotten such a great little girl!
Wow is all I have to say. She is such a miracle, such a beautiful, sweet little miracle. Happy Birthday to Raychel.
That song always makes me cry. I remember in vivid detail everything that happened leading to Raychel's birth. That was such a scary time. I was worried for my little niece but also my best friend. It was a very difficult time. But, I wouldn't change anything. That time gave us one fiesty little miracle. I am so proud of Raychel and the little girl she has become. I am also proud of her mama! I don't think anyone could have handled that with more love and patience than you. I love you Ali! Happy Birthday Raychel!!
I am glad you got defensive with the costco lady, what a *****. I am all "mind your own business woman."
I clicked "here" and the post of "And God Remembered Raychel" kills me. Plus I love the owl shirt she is wearing. She is an amazing little girl, I feel so lucky that I have gotten to see her grow these past 5 years. Thank you for letting me be apart of it! I love you guys.
I couldn't help but cry as I read her birthday post. How lucky are we to have had this experience with these little miracle babies. She is beautiful!
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