It’s 11pm and I’m sitting in my office, keeping an eye on the infant monitor. Mr. Skry is sound asleep and Miss Peyton is in her crib dozing before her midnight feeding. I actually feel like a real parent!! I have waited so long for this feeling. Knowing that I can hold my child at anytime, brings tears of joy to my eyes. The spit up and diaper explosions are happy occasions around this household. It’s taken four long months, but Peyton is finally home where she belongs.
The NICU nurses always told us this day would come quickly. But after more than 100 days, how do you prepare for a homecoming? With all of the tragedy we’ve encountered, we held off getting the nursery ready. We didn’t want to jinx ourselves. When September rolled around, we knew that Peyton would survive. But last week came as a complete surprise. Peyton had been doing great learning how to eat and we thought we would bring her home by Halloween. But, on Monday I got a call from the NICU wondering if I had a cars seat? Um, nope! That led to three days of complete panic as we raced around Springfield picking up the baby essentials. It’s funny–we’ve had four months to prepare for this moment, yet we we were nowhere near ready! We had quite a few things, thanks to the several baby showers I never had because of the circumstances.
On Thursday, 116 days after my triplets first arrived, we took our survivor home. It was a surreal day. We had come to love our time in the NICU; it was our comfort zone. For one third of the year, those doctors and nurses gave us a crash course in parenting. We got to know them and think of them as family. On Thursday, we packed up Peyton’s dozens of bows and hats. We took down every picture, a sentimental timeline of memories showing just how far our daughter has come. Our precious one pound miracle, was no longer a frail and sick baby…Peyton was graduating from the NICU.
The days leading up to graduation day were emotional. One of the nurses asked how I was doing and I broke down in tears. It was that moment when I realized, I don’t have to be strong. I spent so many months holding back tears. I held back the sadness and grief I felt over the deaths of Parker and Abby. I held back the tears when I saw healthier babies come and go from the NICU. I held back SO many tears, trying to stay strong for Peyton. But, last week it hit me–this chapter was coming to an end. On one hand, it’s a great thing. We were finally getting what we prayed for–our daughter in the comfort of our own home. On the other hand, I was letting go of the daily trips to the hospital…the chapter that was supposed to include bringing three healthy babies home. I thought I would feel sadness as we drove away from St. John’s. It’s a sadness I felt when I was first discharged from the hospital, knowing I only had two survivors, The same sadness I felt the day we drove away without our son Parker. But after 4 months, as we left the hospital, all I could do was stare at our daughter. I sat in the backseat with her, wondering what this next chapter will entail. After four months in the NICU, we drove awayl one last time, this time as a complete family with two angels guiding the way. It’s weird to think that between me and the triplets, we’ve spent nearly half of our year in the hospital. And while I’ll miss all of the people that have become our hospital family, I’m thrilled that I will only be back for visits…not an extended stay!
So, I’m sure you are all wondering how we are surviving at home. Of course we’re tired! But, that’s mainly because of Peyton’s monitor–I’m ready to toss it out the window! Peyton came home on oxygen. We have a big tank that we wheel around, along with a very noisy monitor. We have no idea how long she’ll be on it, but in a way, it gives us a piece of mind having her heart rate and oxygen measured at all times. She is adjusting well to life at home, even though it’s much quieter than the hospital nursery. She’s pretty much sleeps, eats, and goes through endless amounts of diapers. And the best part, we can just stare at her all day long!
As for Riley, he is still unsure of his new sister. It’s hilarious to watch him try and figure out this strange little creature. But, it didn’t take long for him to become attached. And check out his dapper outfit for the occasion. He sported a tie to meet his new sister! (You can click on any of the pictures below to open the slideshow or comment.)
Peyton turns four months old today!! And of course, we had to continue our picture tradition at home. We took a bed sheet to use as the background. As you can see, Riley wanted in on the action.
Peyton is now 5 1/2 pounds and fits great into preemie clothes. I give it another week or so until she is onto the newborn sizes. We met her pediatrician, who told us that she’s never had a “22 weeker”. She said Peyton was definitely a miracle child. As for her size, she’ll be in the 1 percentile for a few years. She was as young and small as they come, so she will take a long time to catch up to others her age. But that’s ok, we get to watch her grow in slow motion!
A couple other notes–Peyton is definitely our child. She LOVES college football! She was wide-eyed watching games over the weekend.
And as for a nursery, it is a work in progress. Here’s a sneak peak of whats to come… We had planned on grey and yellow because we wanted a gender neutral room for our two girls and one boy. We decided to keep that going and we’ll slowly work on decorating, once things calm down a bit. We are also planning on a few things to remember her brother and sister. As I’ve said before, we always want Peyton to know she is a triplet.
I hope you like the new website and blog. Mr. Skry and I feel blessed that so many people care about our family. I’ll be updating my blog more frequently and adding plenty of new pictures. Thanks for following our story–we’re so glad you are along for the ride as we embark on this new chapter!
Stacey I am so happy for you. Enjoy! I miss you on the news but I know Peyton needs you more. Will keep you in my prayers
Such a beautiful story.So glad ur enjoying being a mom.Thanks for sharing.I look forward to reading updates and seeing new pic.
Take care of yourself too.
jane
Welcome Home Peyton!! I am so happy you are home with your mommy and daddy!! Keep growing and getting stronger each day!!
Awesome!!
So glad that you are all home. Beautiful room. Love the colors!
what a beautiful family!!
She is absolute adorable and growing. Glad to see that she is thriving so well….Home always makes things so much more relaxing….Glad that you and Mr Skry are adjusting. Welcome to parenthood….Love the colors and it feels so warm…..Thanks for sharing your family with all of us.
hi Peyton and welcome home it is a wonderful day for you and family.
Yayy!! WELCOME HOME PEYTON!!! She is Beautiful! So happy for you and your family!! Continuing the thoughts and prayers!! 🙂
Welcome home Peyton!!!!!!! Blessings to all of you.
Dear Peyton, one day you will know the love that the world has for you, your siblings, and your parents. Happy first day home, happy 4 months old. Keep growing and just being Peyton.
Love from Cedar Key Fl. The Allen family
WELCOME HOME PEYTON!!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!
I think about you, Ryan and Miss P every single day. Demi continues to include your family in her prayers every single night. We can’t wait to come and visit! XOXO my friend!
Yay! Tell Demi thanks, it means so much to us. Looking forward to seeing you one of these day…and best of luck! Can’t wait to meet your new arrivals when he/she decides to arrive.
Hi Peyton, I love your room and I am so glad you are home.
Stacey we have been following since birth and are so happy for you that you were able to bring Peyton home. She has wonderful parents; enjoy every moment.
Erma Schafer Chatham
Reading today’s blog brought tears of joy to my eyes for you guys!!! Peyton truly is a miracle. Cherish every single minute with her because time does fly by. I am so glad you are able to be home with her now. We miss seeing you on the news but is much more important for you to be home with your sweet Peyton. Don’t rush coming back! Blessing to your family from our family.
Hello Skry Family!!! It’s so good to see Miss Peyton at home. Enjoy that sweet bundle of joy and make sure to give her lots of hugs and kisses for us too.
Hello Peyton..welcome home you have a very strong family that loves you and will continue to watch over you as you grow but in no time you will be a fine young lady with lots of stories to tell …congratulations on coming home !!!!
So happy that Princess Peyton is home!!! Love seeing all of the pictures and her big brother Riley!!!
Aww so happy for you guys! The nursery is precious! congrats.
Hi Peyton Happy Homecoming you are a very lucky girl lots of blessings to you and Mom and Dad
So happy your sweet girl is home. You guys are amazing. Cannot wait to watch her grow. Xoxo.
Welcome home, Peyton! She’s growing so quickly, it seems–she’s got little arm rolls now! I’ve thought about all three of your babies so often, and I wanted to offer my congratulations on your homecoming. Best of luck as you adjust to having a baby at home.
Love it! Glad she is home in your arms! Give her lots of kisses ! 😉
I’m am so happy Peyton is home. I have followed your story from the beginning and cried over the loss of Abby and Parker…Best wishes to all of you and I can’t wait to watch Peyton grow!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I’m LOVING all the pics and so continuously appreciative of your willingness to share your emotions. The pictures are adorable! I love seeing Riley so curious and its absolutely precious seeing Peyton someplace other than her hospital pad. 😉 This next chapter is going to be so so good!!!
I just got chills reading this. I’m so thrilled for you guys!!! What a lucky baby!!!
So very happy for you all !!! Tears of joy for this wonderful homecoming! I still have you all in my thoughts and prayers!!!
I’m so happy the hear you guys are adjusting so well! You’re missed in the unit though!!
Love it, my friend! Can’t wait to meet Peyton 🙂
So happy you are home Princess Peyton. You have a beautiful room, mommy and daddy. My friend has a great grandchild that was a micro preemie baby that weighed 1lb 3.5oz. She is now a healthy smart 12 year old. God bless you.
Welcome Home Peyton. You are an amazing girl with wonderful parents. Keep them hopping.
Thank you for sharing all of this with us. We DO miss you on the news, but hearing Peyton’s story and watching it along with you is so special!
So glad you finally have Peyton home with you. Tremendous answer to prayers.
So Happy to see Peyton Home with Mom and Dad. Love the pictures and the updates. You all will be in our prayers, Give Peyton a kiss from us she is so sweet.
Tears of joy for you guys! I’m going to be lost at work without Miss Pyton and her mommy and daddy to keep me entertained!! Wishing you all the best!
We miss you Nurse Mindy!!! Our days are so different without your laughter and entertaining conversations 🙂
Welcome home Peyton……God blessed you with awesome parents……enjoy your new digs.
Welcome home Peyton and am sure it will be a “go so fast” next few years of your growing up. Yes Stacey that NICU is wonderful in every way. My Grandson was in there several times he was very disabled and had surgery, they were awesome. Am so glad that she is doing well, it will be wonderful just to watch her grow and become a beautiful young lady.Thanks for the updates.
Very happy for you and all the adorable new adventures you’re about to experience. 🙂
Welcome home Peyton! So glad you are finally home.
God Bless you , your mommy and Daddy as they love you so. Take care!
welcome home little Peyton, it’s so good to know you are home with your Mom and Dad now…You are so precious, and so pretty….I know as you grow you are going to have a very happy and wonderful life, not to mention a Godly one. Your little Sister & Brother is watching you from heaven. They will guide you all through your life…It’s just so good to see you home…God Bless You little precious, you make your Mommie & Daddie very proud…And did I mention Riley ?? He will always help to protect you and love you forever and ever…Again, Welcome Home precious one….Jo Ann and family..
So Happy for all of you Welcome home Peyton and you have two awesome MOM AND DAD God biess you all
I’m so happy for you guys! I look forward to following all of Peyton’s adventures in your house! What fun! Lots of love from AZ!
So happy for Peyton and her mommy and daddy that she was able to come home. Many prayers of thanks that our Lord continues to strengthen Peyton. She truly is a miracle baby. Stacy, your blog is awesome and bless you for sharing your story with us. Prayers continue for Peyton and all the family.
she looks great so happy for you both thank you so much for keeping us all informed she is a cuite so blessed your all home your blog is wonderful love the pics
May God continue to Bless you Peyton! And your mommy and daddy too…. She is absolutely beautiful and I love the pictures! Thank you for sharing with all of us – can’t wait to read more and see new pictures!
I’ve followed your story from the beginning and I’m so happy to see your precious girl home!! It bring tears to my eyes and I wish the four of you all the best:)))))
So happy for your family!
Stacey, I could not be happier for you and your family. It was great to see you a couple of weeks ago at the dental office.Believe it or not you gave me strength in my life that day. You are a fighter!! It was good to see you smile and show Dr. Julie and I the photos of Peyton. I pray for you daily. God Bless.
Judy
Always excited to see Mondays roll around so I ca n read all the updates and see new pics. So very, very happy you are home. Can’t wait to see what the days, weeks, and years ahead have in store for you. Stacey and Ryan, I echo the above thanks for sharing your life and family with us. I have no doubt you’ve changed many people’s lives because of your openness regarding your deep pain and strong faith and such a positive outlook. May the rest of your life be filled with nothing but happiness!
So glad to see u home .have many more days to come and celebrate with family .
Welcome Home Peyton!!! I know your mom & dad are happy to be finally bringing you home. Hugs, kisses & prayers are being sent your way!
we are so happy you got to come home little miss and love all the pics and cant wait to see you grow lots of love and hugs from us to you!!!
I am so happy for you guys! Peyton is absolutely adorable! My kids love to hear about Peyton and see pictures of her too! We are continuing to pray for you all daily. Love your blog and all your pictures!
Congratulations on finally getting home. Now that you can hold her any time you want you’ll see a big change in her. Enjoy your time with her. She is a little beauty.
yes this is so true
I’m so happy that “the Princess” is HOME in her castle. Will keep you all in my prayers. Enjoy Peyton every moment.
Hi Peyton! You look amazing, such a big girl! I love your room, it is so cute. What a thrill, to finally be home with Mom and Dad. and I am sure your two angels are sharing your joy and watching over all of you.
Dear Stacy, It is indeed wonderful to see you as a family .. at home .. and adjusting as any other new family does. I think you can tell that she likes being held by her daddy! Just remember to let things happen as they come. You did well at the NICU; you’ll do fine at home, too. For decorations in her room, I would definitely use the ultrasound pictures and the feet prints. Those more than just about anything will be the best reminder that she is a triplet and an identical twin. Keep her sister’s and brother’s names in the room, too. She will feel surrounded by their love. As for Riley, he already knows what to do about keeping his little sister safe and protected. Good job, Riley! 🙂
Most of all, remember that you have the backing and support of many people, the majority of which you don’t even know; but we are there for you .. ANY time of the day or night. Call out and we’ll hear and pray for you. We don’t even need to know what you’re asking, we’ll just pray.
Thank you for sharing your highs, lows, ups, downs, and now most of all, your joys as Peyton grows and daily progresses.
Sending love from Las Vegas … <3 <3 <3
Carol Blackledge
Dear Stacey reading your story brought tears to me eyes and brought back so many memories. I too had a 1lb Baby and reading your story took me bag to the day I brought my Daughter home from St. Johns. That was back in 1968, I am now a Great Gma from her daughter. IT is the most amazing feeling and scary bringing home a child after having to visit them for so many months. May God Bless you and Your Little Family. Looking forward to watching your Blog.
I am so happy for you Stacey!!! God is truly good and He has blessed you and Mr. Skry. I love reading the updates and seeing the pictures of Miss Peyton. She is a miracle and has reached so many people around the world. Thank you Jesus for blessing this family <3
So happy being at home is going well. Love reading your blog. Peyton is a doll. Love the nursery colors. Hoping each day is filled with even more joy than the day before!!
We are so happy for you! Keep Rock ‘in in out as great parents…..you guys are doing great. For first time parents you’ve done more than most and shows the strength that your family and relationship has. Congratulations!
you are great parents and a beautiful daughter