I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to welcome a new year! No need to dwell on the past, but as you can imagine, I’m ready for a better year. 2014 started out perfectly. Peyton actually slept for a 5 hour stretch, leaving me well rested. Of course that was short lived–she was up at 1am, 2am, 5am, 6am, etc., this morning! I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big New Year’s Eve fan. Ryan and I were in bed by 10pm, watching college football…my idea of perfect festivities. Speaking of sports, the holiday season is full of bowl games and we have tailored our days around watching the last of college football (I go into depression mode in January. I’m stuck waiting 8 months for football to return!). Princess P got in on the action, but wasn’t too keen on the Oregon Ducks stuffed animal…maybe because it’s twice the size of her. Her facial expressions are priceless!
Our Christmas was a memorable first for Peyton. Ryan’s parents came to town, and thanks to technology, we were able to “Facetime” with my parents through the iPad. I really thought the holidays would be difficult. For the last year, we expected to be wrapping presents for three babies and ringing in a new year with our trio. I had some moments of sadness, but overall, it was a joyous time. We know Parker and Abby were there in spirit and we enjoyed every moment with Peyton, opening presents and seeing what Santa brought our miracle child. This girl has everything you can imagine!!! Check the pictures below of our first Christmas. I think my favorite gift was a tutu tote that Peyton could probably fit into. Thanks Grandma Skrysak!
After a week break for the holidays, Peyton is back to the daily grind of doctor’s appointments and therapy. Boy, it’s difficult bundling up a tiny baby for the winter elements! Did you know they make little wool socks for babies? Peyton had to get more vaccines this week, everything from the flu to RSV. And with that came a weight check–she’s clocking in at 9lbs!!! As her pediatrician says, “She looks like a healthy newborn”. Just look at those band-aid covered thighs–I can’t get over the chunky rolls! We’ve been waiting months for Peyton to get some meat on those bones. Many of you have asked about her oxygen situation. We head back to the Nicu clinic in two weeks and should know more. She is doing fantastic and we have slowly been weaning her oxygen. So, I’m hoping the days of lugging around a tank will be down to only a matter of weeks now. It will be a big celebration!
As we head into the new year, it’s easy to reflect on the past. I did that in my last post, so I’m only looking forward. My family had a rough go in 2013, so we are thrilled to see what 2014 brings. We are hoping for a year of good health, happiness and healing. I look forward to getting back to my career as a news anchor and getting into our daily routine as new parents. And while I don’t really do resolutions, my goal is to write back each one of you who has contacted me over the last several months!
So many of you have reached out to me and my family and many have said we are an inspiration to others. Well, I want to thank you. I look at the thousands of people who are cheering on our family and each one of you has inspired me. You have given my family strength when we needed it the most and you have cried with us as we endured heartache and uncertainty. You have taught me that it’s OK to wear my heart on my sleeve and to be open with the grief and sadness I’ve experienced. As we head into this new year, I know I’m a better person because of your encouragement. So here’s to the new year…I think good things are on the horizon!
PS–Thank you to all of my Facebook fans. We reached 10,000 fans on New Year’s Day! I know that probably 9,000 of you are much more interested in Peyton than me…and I think that’s great! If you don’t follow along, head to my Facebook page and “Like”.
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[…] the time from friends, family, even many of you who know Peyton through my writing and pictures. A year ago, Peyton was attached to oxygen and I was still home on a leave of absence from my career. […]
So happy that you had great holiday and that good things are happening!
she is such a doll love the outfits and pictures your also interesting to hear how your doing also hope and pray this year is a better year for all of us its defiantly ok to cry sometimes
So glad Peyton is getting bigger, and praying that development continues to progress. Praying for you and Ryan as well. Love reading your blog. Thanks for sharing every step with us, as you are truly an inspiration. Although you had to say goodbye to 2 of your beautiful children, you weren’t alone in those days. We all felt your pain. We are now sharing your joy as we watch Peyton grow. Praying that you can get back to us through the news team as well. God is the only one with those answers, but I believe He is with you.
Love. Your blog. God is good all the time. All the time. God. Is good.
I love reading your updates.Peyton is a doll,love her expressions.
to 2014 and many new memories.
Hugs
jane
I always end up smiling when I view pictures of Peyton. I have said it before and I will say it again. God has a purpose for this little miracle child. I look forward to video posts of her pulling up and toddling around. May God continue to bless all four of you (You, Ryan, Peyton and we can’t forget Riley).
Love, love, love this blog entry!!!
So happy to see her doing so well. You all deserve all the happiness you can get in watching her grow after all you have been through. God Bless All of You. She is Adorable!!
Peyton’s face in that pic with the Oregon Duck cracks me up! She’s so cute. Happy New Year! 🙂
She is adorable in all of her outfits. That poor little girl doesn’t have a thing…..Glad to hear that se is getting chubby little legs….Love to you all
Hi Peton. You God’s little miracle and your sister and brother are watching over YOU and nudging you onward. As you will know one day, you have many people who love you as do your parents. We all which a blessed 2014!!!!! We presumes are a tough breed. <3
may 2014 be full of happy days and memorable moments to cherish!
Peyton is darling but Mom’s sharing of this journey is what brings me back each week to see what is happening, how all are coping, I feel you inspire others thru your sharing and wish only the best for you and yours in 2014
P.S. I miss you on the news!
love reading and watching her grow. 2014 is gonna be your year.
Hope you have an awesomely blessed and healthy new year…baby steps are all you can take…apreciate every breath Peyton takes ((which i know you both do ) God Bless you all !!
LOVE Peyton’s smile in her Santa suit! Happy NewYear.
I absolutely love Peyton’s outfits! She has grown so much over the last few months and I feel as though I have become a part of your family! Thank you for including us all in your journey this last year……..God has certainly watched over Peyton and He will continue to Bless your family in 2014! God gives us those tears – tears of sadness AND tears of JOY! And Joy is what Peyton has brought into your lives and into all of ours! Thanks Stacey for making us apart of Peyton’s little life! God Bless you all!
Peyton is adorable….. Happy Happy New Year to you and Ryan. May the New Year bring your family the blessings you deserve. Let the past be memories in your heart…….Glad to hear you will be back on the air in 2014….
Glad you all had a awesome holiday…sooo glad Peyton continues to gain weight. ..God continues to answer prayers…..I think of your family often and will keep you in my daily prayers….stay strong. ..hugs. 🙂
So happy that Peyton is doing good. I look forward every week to hear about her and see all the cute faces she makes. She is truly a very strong little girl with a fighter spirit. She is absolutely beautiful! Happy 2014 hope a better year full of good health and great memories with Peyton lays ahead!
Tell Peyton that I said hi. She just keeps growing and getting more beautiful all the time. I love her outfits! Good to know you all are doing well and I send nothing but warmest wishes for the year ahead. God bless.
So glad you had a wonderful holiday. I love the pics. Peyton is changing looks every week. She is beautiful. I love the Peyton bag! Keep your chin up!
Such a joy to read your blog and share your amazing story. Peyton is adorable. Thanks for sharing your family with all of us. Hugs to all and God bless you.
So glad you all had a great Christmas and 2014 will be a wonderful year for you. Blessings are in store for your family.
Stacey, it will be nice to have you back on the air! But enjoy all your time with your precious Peyton!! What a sweetheart–her smiles and outfits gives everyone a smile. Great things are in store for you all.
Hi Stacey, I really enjoy reading your facebook and the blog both. You have been such an encouragement to me watching all that you have gone though the past year. I live in Springfield but I am from Decatur. So you are really special from both places. You are in my thoughts and prays for you, your husband, and Miss Peyton. Wishing you all the best for 2014.
Wishing you all the best in bright and beautiful 2014. Lots of Boise love your way! 🙂
Thanks Robin! We miss Boise!
This will be a better year for you and Peyton! I think she will grow and be a beautiful little girl… Keep up the faith and take care of that little princess. She is adorable….
Happy New Year Peyton!!! 2014 will be a terrific year – – I just really believe that you will have a memorable coming year and it will be filled with your accomplishments!! Wishing you and your Mommy & Daddy a wonderful blessed New Year!! Hugs & Kisses!!
Hello Happy 2014 I just know this will be a wonderful year for your family. God is watching over all of you. God bless you all. Love the blog and look forward to all the news and pictures.
Peyton truly is looking better every day! It’s so nice to see her different expressions. 🙂 It’ll be nice to see you back on the news again – seems like forever. I just know you’re going to have a terrific 2014!
I look forward to this every week. Can not wait to see how Peyton has grown and wearing. Happy New Year to all of you!
Beautifully written post! I’m a little concerned Peyton looks more comfortable in Huskersgear than Oregon colors… 😉 Happy new year!!!!!
Peyton is so cute. I wish you and your family the best year ever, you so deserve it. The first thing I look for on your blog is Peyton’s head bands and hats. She is such a doll. Happy New Year Peyton.
Hi Peyton your such a sweet and pretty little girl
I just love having the opportunity to follow your story. Peyton is absolutely adorable and beginning to show some of her personality in her pics. Thanks for sharing!!!
Good for you! Looking to the future is wonderful! You don’t gain anything by looking backward, you aren’t going that way. Peyton is a doll! Growing and thriving. So very happy for you and Ryan and your families. Enjoy these days, they have a way of growing and changing so quickly. We continue to keep you in our prayers. May 2014 shower you with many wonderfully special blessings.
I so look forward to each update! Peyton is the cutest & best dressed baby I’ve ever seen! What fun it must be! Prayers to your family always & I love hearing how you & your husband are doing too!
Hello Peyton!!! You look so adorable and are growing so fast!! I am sooooo very happy for you and your Mommy and Daddy. Hope all of you had a great Holiday season and am looking forward to seeing you in some pretty spring dresses. It’ll be a while but if I know your Mommy, she’ll be ready as well as all of the followers and your family will be. Please tell Mommy that in mid November I go into a depression as NASCAR ends!! Luckily I only have to wait until mid February for it to start again. Take care and stay warm there in IL., Mommy and Daddy too. I wish you all the very best!! ;-))