I’ve always been a workaholic, sometimes even a perfectionist. I take pride in my job and have put in years of hard work to get where I am. I knew I wanted to be in the news business since I was a young girl. I remember being glued to the Today Show before I even hit my teenage years. So, it’s been a bit of an adjustment being away from television news. I haven’t been on TV in about 6 months, which is an eternity in this profession! I knew that I would be taking some time off when the triplets arrived, but there was no way of planning for the complications that unfolded.
After they were born, I needed time to heal. Not just over the loss of Abby and Parker, but physically as well. With everything that happened, I often forget that I almost lost my life. While I thought I would bounce back in a matter of days, it took months for me to get my energy back and to be 100% healthy again. Add in the grief factor, and there was no way I was ready to face the camera and thousands of viewers. Fast forward several months, nearly 5 months to be exact. I’m sitting in my pajamas with a cup of coffee, writing my blog. Normally I’d be commuting to Decatur, but as we all know, this year has been anything but normal for me. Peyton is sound asleep in her crib, as I try to get a little work done before the cries of hunger begin.
So, what does the future hold for me? Most women get up to 12 weeks of maternity leave. I exhausted my time off over the summer and I am now taking a leave of absence. It’s been tricky for my company because my situation is so rare. How do you save a position for someone when you have no idea of a timeline for them to come back? I’m not going to lie–there are days that are extremely difficult. I have mounting medical bills and haven’t worked in months…that leaves me with many sleepless nights trying to figure out my finances. But right now, I am exactly where I need to be–at home with Peyton. Our princess is not your typical newborn. As I’ve mentioned before, she has several extra needs and appointments that really don’t allow me to be working right now. I get messages and emails daily from viewers, wondering if I will ever be back. The short answer—YES!!! I’m actually thrilled to eventually go back to work (I still check my work email daily!). I miss the WAND news team and I truly miss the adult interaction. About 6 months of my year was spent in the hospital and Nicu. Don’t get me wrong–I love my Nicu nurses and doctors, but I miss the working world. Do I know when I will return to the news station? No. But, I can’t wait for that day to come! Right now, I’m enjoying every precious moment with my little miracle. I’m finally experiencing the cries and sleepless nights of a newborn. And with those moments, come many tears of joy and pain. On one hand, I’m in awe of my daughter and what she has overcome. She is a perfect little child and I’m so lucky to have one survivor. But, with her being home, I’ve put my grief on hold. There are moments when I stare at our nursery and picture what it would look like with three cribs, instead of one. It’s a reminder that I’m not quite emotionally ready to return to work. But I can’t wait for that day when I return to the news desk! In the coming months, I look forward to figuring out how to balance work and a baby.
I want to say a quick thank you to everyone for the well wishes. People from around the world continue to show their support. And that includes colleagues of mine from over the years. I have received so many texts and emails from people in my industry, many coming from the competition at other tv stations. It means so much to me to hear of reporters in the field asking my coworkers about Peyton and my family. The news business can be extremely brutal, but this shows how people can set aside their competitiveness and show so much compassion. Through my story, I’ve connected with people I never really knew. Maggie O’Mara, an anchor in my former market of Boise, has been a huge supporter. I never met her while working there, but she has reached out with her motherly advice (which I appreciate SO much). Other former coworkers have sent me cards and gifts to cheer me up (Thanks Bri for the Golden Girls DVDs!!).
And one other person I owe a huge thank you to–Martha Sugalski. She’s a news anchor at the NBC affiliate in Orlando (WESH) and a fellow triplet mom. She was pregnant at the same time, but was a trimester ahead. Throughout my pregnancy and beyond, she has made sure to check in on me and show her support. She ended up delivering her triplets one day before me. I think it’s pretty amazing that people take time out of their busy day to make sure I’m OK. Martha even tweeted out this picture with her co-anchors, showing the world that they are “Team Peyton”. I can’t say it enough, my experience has shown me how much good is in this world!
Ok, now onto more adorable pictures of Miss Peyton! She looks a little confused by her skull and crossbones outfit from Aunt Lisa. What do you think? I think she is more of a preppy princess! Since we never got to do a newborn announcement, Mr. Skry and I decided to send out “Welcome Home” announcements. Nurse Paige, who took beautiful pictures of Parker, came to my house to take pictures of Peyton. It was a bit or an ordeal since she is on oxygen, but I felt comfortable doing the pictures since Paige was one of Peyton’s Nicu nurses. She brought her helper, Chelsea, and they spent hours getting the perfect shots of our princess. They set up in her nursery and turned up the heat full blast. That helped Peyton get comfortable and she quickly fell asleep. Once the shot was set up, Paige took off the oxygen and went to work for a few minutes at a time. Peyton doesn’t fully rely on oxygen, it just helps her underdeveloped lungs. She was oblivious to the chaos as you can see by her adorable pictures. You can check out the gallery below to see how it worked. You might remember those converse booties. I used them to announce my pregnancy on television. I thought it was a sweet tribute to Peyton’s brother and sister. We also took a picture with Peyton holding Abby and Parker’s hospital bracelet…so sweet!
Peyton continues to get healthier and sturdier by the day. She’s now about 7 pounds and is beginning to get a few chubby rolls! She is starting to make a lot of eye contact, which is a big deal for a preemie like her. My family came to town this past weekend and it was so exciting to see their reaction to a healthy Peyton. The last time my family saw her was when Parker passed away. That was 3 months ago and she was just over 2 pounds. Boy, has she come a long way! While my brother and father had to head back to San Diego, my mom is staying for a few weeks to help out (Thank goodness!!). There is something about having your mother by your side that makes everything in the world feel perfect.
(You can check out Paige’s work by clicking this link: Paige Hampton Photography )
Amazing pictures, and such nice tributes to P & A. Has anyone considered holding a benefit to help with your medical expenses?
Love reading the updates.Enjoy the precious moments with her.
She is such a doll
Love and miss the little Diva and Princess — Peyton! Congrats and continue to be strong. Hugs and kisses sent your way.The prayers will continue also!
We miss you Nurse Carolyn! Come visit us soon!
I love your pictures Peyton! The entire world is “team Peyton”. Tell your mommy she is where she needs to be, by your side. The news world will still be there when she is ready.
You and Mr. Skry have done an amazing job! I’m so happy that God has Blessed you with this wonderful surviving triplet! She is a beautiful baby just like her mommy! I continue to pray for you Stacey for God’s wonderful Blessings to continue to rain down on your beautiful little family!
What a doll! The bills will get paid…eventually. Cherish this time at home with her as time with kids FLIES by entirely too quickly. So thankful she’s doing well. 🙂
Thanks Heather! With me being home, I have more time to watch the news on all of the stations 🙂
Good Morning, Peyton! Nurse Paige did a wonderful and amazing job taking photographs of you!! I’m glad Mom has allowed her the privilege of doing this simple little thing. The changes in your appearance are really becoming evident .. your legs are chubby and you just look – HEALTHY! YAY!! There are many people from all around the world that are following your life and story. Keep on challenging your doctors and surprise them at each visit. 🙂 As for you, Stacy, Peyton IS the #1 priority in your life right now. She will let you know when it is time for you to return to work. And, hey, maybe WAND will set up a room just for Peyton so you can take her to work with you! For Mr. Skry and Riley – you two are the background troopers!! Your love and support mean the world to Stacy .. knowing you are there at any time for whatever she needs and the watch-care for Peyton ….. 🙂
Of all the pictures I’ve seen so far, my two favorites are from this latest batch: Peyton with the booties and the bracelets. Absolutely precious!!
Keep your focus on the Lord, for He will carry you through all the days of happiness, grief, growing and love. Sending you “Best Wishes” from Las Vegas!! <3 <3 <3
Wow such a wonderful phito shoot! I am also in orlando and I follow martha as well! I pray peyton contuines to grow healthy and strong! Bless tour family!
Peyton is just beautiful.
I love Lacey’s idea! I’m sure there would be a lot of support for you and your beautiful family! People love to help, especially when it is for someone so special. I have been truly inspired by your story the last few months. Not only have you shown us all unimaginable strength, but with all the support and well wishes that have come from all over, you’ve restored my hope in humanity! I wish it didn’t have to take such trying times to bring people together, but the very fact that so many are reaching out shows me that there is so much more love in this world for the fellow man! I can’t even tell you how happy I am for you and Ryan as you now are experiencing all the joys (and nd sleepless nights!) of a newborn! Thank you again for sharing your story!
Those pictures are just too cute for words. I’m so glad to hear that you are all doing well. As much as we miss seeing you on the news we are happy to hear you are spending that much needed time with Miss Peyton. You guys are still in our prayers and as always, please give her some hugs and kisses from all of us 🙂
Paige captured beautiful moments for you to always treasure. Peyton is perfect and I am so thrilled to hear that she is doing so well! You take time for you while your mother is there. Grief is a process and we all experience it differently. I can relate, being so completely in awe on moment and struck down the next. Just know that God is with you all, as are Parker and Abby! <3
Adorable pictures!! I love the way you included Abby and Parker in the photo shoot!!
Money usually has a way of working out… you are where you should be right now… with your precious baby!!
With tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat – I am so overwhelmed by Peytons progress, and you’re an amazing mom – I wish you all the happiness that world can offer <3
I love the pictures of Peyton. The ones where she is holding the bracelets was priceless. I think this nurse should go into photography also. She is very good. Peyton is such a beautiful little angel..
Our amazing Peyton changes everytime we see a picture….stay strong..enjoy every minute you and your hubby have with her….hugs…Thanks for Sharing!!!! 🙂
The pictures are absolutely adorable!!! She is really changing and it is so exciting to hear that she has reached the 7 pound mark!!! Thank you so much for sharing her story and I look forward to reading the updates. She truly is a miracle of God and May He continue to bless Princess Peyton and your family.
You will know when it is time to return to work and they are little sucha short period of time maybe you could do a weeekly spot so we can see your smilign face.
You are just an amazing person and mom. I love your attitude and Peyton is such a lucky girl to have you for her mom, for as you said, “having your mom at your sid
e makes everything in your world perfect.” Enjoy your special time together, it goes by way too fast.
BTW, I’m Natalie’s godmother <3
Thanks Ann! Natalie has been such a wonderful friend and a great support for me!
Peyton is so, so cute! Nurse Paige did an awesome job. Hope all is going well with you & Mr Skry. Don’t worry over those medical bills, they’ll get paid sometime. Enjoy your time at home before even thinking about going back to work! Many prayers and ((Hugs))
As always, this came right at a time I needed it! I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers everyday and I get so excited when there’s something from you in my email inbox!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and basically opening your world to thousands of people you don’t know.
Much love and hugs from your friends in Blue Mound
you are a great mom she is getting cutier all the time take your time going back to work don’t rush it always be waiting for you family is not always there
She is so adorable and filling out so well, growing like a little weed. God Bless all of you.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures with us and in each new picture posted on Monday you cansee she is growing and what a beautiful little baby she is. Love the up dates on your job and will look forward to you returing when the time comes Happy Thanksgiving to all
The pictures are just awesome. She is such a beautiful little girl. The work field will wait and so will the bills. She is always first. Thanks for sharing the pics and all with us. Look forward to seeing her little face and already how much she is changing! God Bless you all!
Peyton is so precious and gorgeous! We continue to pray for her and you and your husband! Can’t wait for you to get back to WAND!
Love these updates, Stacey! And Love the pics! Especially the ones with the socks and bracelets- such a perfect tribute. Enjoy this time at home and I am so happy your mom can stay with you- moms make everything easier (:
Stacey, I continue to cry tears of both heartbreak and joy every time I read your blog. This journey – for all of you – is truly incomprehensible! I remember a friend once telling me to ‘walk a mile in her shoes.’ She was right. Until we have walked in your footsteps, we will never fully understand the depths of this experience.
Much love,
Susan
oh by the way if the hospital bills are too high do like the rest of america. go bankruptcy.