It’s been a huge fear of mine bringing Peyton home. How do we keep her from getting sick? The easy answer is to stay in our house and only leave for appointments. We’ve done a good job at keeping her isolated, even if that means I occasionally go stir crazy. But our worst nightmare finally arrived…Ryan got sick. The funny thing–Ryan is an extremely healthy person. I have always said that I hope our children get his immune system. I get sick at least a couple of times a year, Ryan only every few years. But last week, Ryan woke up to an awful sinus infection. He contemplated going to a hotel, but ultimately stayed at the house. It has been difficult because he is such a hands on dad. But he’s done a great job of keeping the germs away, while still helping out around the house. That means constantly wearing a medical mask and washing his hands non-stop. He’s also been sleeping in the guest room and only touching Peyton when it’s a necessity. He’s been sick for a full week now and is slowly getting better. And knock on wood–Peyton and I are shockingly OK! This last week just reiterates the need for keeping our daughter sheltered. She’s been vaccinated for whooping cough and RSV, but a common cold could land her back in the hospital. It’s hard to even imagine because she look so sturdy. But being a micro-preemie, she is at an extremely elevated risk of illness.
It’s been an exciting week for Peyton. After one therapist appointment, she is now off the hook for the holidays! And that means a week filled with special visitors. We have been very careful with who we let into our home. Only a few people ever met our children while they were in the hospital. We have allowed those same people over to visit now that we are home. Everyone has gotten their shots and has been great about not coming over if they are remotely ill. It’s so exciting to watch our friends react to seeing Peyton. Some only met her and Parker when they were 1-2 pounds. Others met Peyton when she seemed so healthy at 4 pounds. Fast forward a few months and this princess looks SO good!
Peyton even had her first “date”. She hasn’t been around babies, other than in the nicu, but we made an exception. My dear friend (and fellow triplet mom) Amy brought over her 6 weeks old son. Drew is quite a bit bigger than Peyton for only being a month old! What do you think–a match made in heaven? It doesn’t look like there is much chemistry, but maybe over time! Peyton is a popular girl and has quite a few suitors (don’t worry Nurse Mindy–She is still available for Knox!). And with all of our visitors, Peyton needs to be stylish. Since we don’t venture out much, she usually wears little sleepers most of the days. But, this week has been a fun excuse to play dress up! And like some fans of hers have commented, she is going to hate me when she is older. Poor thing looks SO uninterested in getting dressed up! Check out her adorable poses (and signature “lip”) in the pictures below.
The presents keep rolling in for Miss P and we continue to be blown away by the generosity of others. It seems like UPS and FedEx have our house on speed dial. Princess Peyton mail arrives daily! So what do you get a princess who has everything? That is what the card said when a box of Ugg boots arrived at our doorstep. Yes, my daughter has pink leopard print Ugg boots, thanks to a family friend. They are the smallest size, yet probably won’t fit her until next fall. So of course we had to play dress up….and this brought on some good old belly laughs!
One other exciting note to mention about me and WAND TV. Our station holiday party was over the weekend and I ventured out to Decatur to take part. I’ve been off the air for 7 months now, which seems like an eternity in my industry. I have visited some of the news crew over time, but this was the entire station. I was SO excited to see everyone, but also a bit nervous. There is always that awkwardness that people feel when they see me for the first time since I delivered the triplets, which is completely understandable. There were lots of hugs and talk of Peyton, as well as the signature concerned look from others. It means so much to me to know that I have tremendous support from my coworkers and beyond. I left the party grinning from ear to ear. I am thrilled to get back to work in 2014 and this just gave me reassurance that I am ready to go back. So look for me on the airwaves in the next few months!
Before I sign off, a look ahead to next week. Get ready for a special post on Monday, when Peyton turns 6 months old. I can’t even type this without tears welling up in my eyes. They are tears of happiness for getting to this huge milestone, along with tears of sadness as I look back at all that has happened to my family. I can tell you that 6 months ago, we never thought we would get to this point. There are so many milestones Peyton has reached, but this one is a biggy! I can’t wait to share new pictures and talk about how far she has come. Better grab a tissue, or a box for that matter…I’m sure it will be an emotional post. Until then, have a wonderful weekend.
**I post new pictures of Peyton every week on my Facebook page. Just click the link and “like” it to see updates: Stacey’s Facebook Page
Thanks for the updates!
she looks adorable in the different outfits and all the pictures and updates cant believe she will be six months that is so great
She’s so cute! So glad you both are doing well, hope daddy feels better soon!
I absolutely love reading these updates of your baby and your family. It is wonderful even though I do not personally know you or your family, it is awesome that you share this with everyone. Have a wonderful Christmas Holiday and enjoy Peyton’s first Christmas!!
Love the pictures and the updates. Hope Ryan gets to feeling better and you guys have a very very Merry Christmas…Can’t wait until your back on the air…
LOVE the pic of smiling reaching Peyton! How awesome!!!! Really glad you’re doing so well and hoping Ryan feels better soon!
Glad to know I’m not the only paranoid premie parent out there! We’re also super protective of who touches our little ones, as we trying to keep those little lungs healthy through flu and RSV season!
looks like the two of you are doing a fine job, God bless you all and look forward to you being back on the air
I just love reading the Princess P updates. It’s so exciting to see that she is getting ready to hit 6 months already. She’s growing so much and with great parents, doing so well.
We love to read up on Peyton and your family. I look forward to it every week. I’m sure it is a stress relief for you to write about her. Peyton is truely a miracle baby. She keeps amazing us all. Keep up the good mommy work. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
I am so glad for you that you have reached such a big milestone. She is absolutely precious. Merry Christmas to you all and May the New Year be the best yet. Bless you all! Keep the posts coming!
Hi Stacey, I messaged you last week about my best friend who had a baby boy last week at 26 weeks, 3 days gestation. I just wanted to let you know that I did share you blog with my friend and she said she would read it when she’s not so busy. Right now she’s going to the hospital every day to see little Dylan who is doing wonderfully! He’s already off of his breathing tube and just using a cannula for extra oxygen. Thank you again for sharing all of your stories and pictures of Peyton!
Hello little miss Peyton! You just get bigger every day and prettier too! You are going to drive the boys crazy when you get older sweetie. XOXO
Precious Princess Peyton! She is getting more and more adorable in every photo .. I especially love the one where she is smiling really big and has her arms in the air!! Next week is an extra-incredible event in your lives: SIX MONTHS OLD!!! Woooo Hooooooo!!!
Now for Ryan .. prayers for him that the sinus infection will be cleared quickly and that you and Peyton will stay healthy.
Next .. I’m sure there are many followers who would like to see pictures of Riley with Peyton. Maybe in a future update? 🙂
Please have a wonderful Christmas, and I know you are happy to have two special little ones looking down on you …
Love from Las Vegas! <3 <3 <3 Always
Love the updates and pictures of Miss Peyton. Sorry to hear Ryan got sick, just hope you and Peyton do not. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with Miss Peyton,and
Ryan.
Oh my gosh, she gets more and more beautiful every time I see her. I Love these pictures and I love her. We have done the exact same thing as you and managed to avoid being sick, it works!
I hope Ryan gets to feeling better. Miss Peyton is one stylin diva. The pictures are so cute . The pictures with he uggs are so cute
Prayers sent your way Peyton and your family. Merry Christmas.
Good morning Peyton & Family… Wonderful to see you growing and so very adorable. Keep up the good work and have a fun Christmas. Hugs,