Working parents: How do you do it?!?! I returned to my television station last week after a 10 month hiatus and the first week back was a complete blur. For the last several months, my days have consisted of changing diapers, doing laundry and feeding my daughter. Most days I would shower, but rarely did I get all “done up”, since we were confined to the house. Talk about a complete change! My days now require a shower, high heels, a business suit and a ton of hair spray and make up. Not that I’m complaining though…It is great to be back into my new normal.
Everyone told me to grab my tissues, I would be crying the first day back to work. But when I left Peyton, I didn’t shed a tear. I think it was a sign that I was ready to get back to work. I had so many months where my life was at a stand still. I didn’t have a routine and my days were consumed by doctor’s appointments, grieving and replaying my pregnancy in my head. Last week, the tears arrived during my 40 mile commute to work. I was overcome with emotion as I realized how symbolic this first day back to work would be. I thought about the last time I went to work, 10 months ago, when I left on a Friday and never returned on Monday. As I drove along the interstate, memories flashed before me. During that daily drive, I called my parents to share the news that we were expecting triplets. That same stretch of interstate is where I would call my co-anchor, Dawn, to tell her about my weekly ultrasound. It’s hard to explain how I felt on that first drive back to work…I guess a mix of emotions. On one hand, I was crying because life didn’t turn out how it was supposed to. I should be returning to work with three children at home. Instead, I have to look at pictures and wonder how two of my children are spending their days in Heaven. On the other hand, I was crying tears of joy as I realized how far I have come. A return to work means Peyton is doing well and I am emotionally ready to start moving forward with life.
As I got closer to work, I was giddy with excitement. It felt like the first day at school; a first day on a new job. My coworkers had decorated my desk and friends and viewers had sent flowers and gifts. Even my co-anchor’s daughter had colored a picture for my desk! It felt like I was coming home, visiting with family I hadn’t seen in ages. Before I returned, I sent out an email to the entire staff at the station. I know that people can feel awkward with me because of my situation, so I wanted to clear the air. I shared how excited I was to get back to work. But most importantly, I talked about my children. People get scared to bring up my pregnancy or my children, since Abby and Parker passed away. But I reminded them how much I love to talk about ALL of my kids, not just Peyton. When my coworkers ask me about my triplets, it helps to keep their memories alive. As I said in the email, I’m the same old Stacey, just with a few more tears.
There were plenty of tears my first week, as I tried to find my place in the working world. I was gone for so long, that I knew the tv station wouldn’t be the same as when I left in May. Some of my favorite coworkers have moved on and new faces have taken over the newsroom. It’s been a challenge to figure out where I fit in. Even though my life was at a standstill, life goes on for everyone else. My job duties have shifted and I’m trying to re-learn how to do some parts of my job. So was this the right decision for me? Without a doubt, YES! Over the last week, I have felt like my old self. That bubbly, career driven girl, has returned and I haven’t felt like this since I left that Friday back in May. Turns out, going back to my job is just what the doctor ordered.
As for Peyton, she has transitioned perfectly. She loves her nanny and hasn’t skipped a beat from her normal routine. She’s up to 11 1/2lbs (Yay!) and she has really started to babble. Many of you have mentioned her smile–and yes, she sure loves to pose for the camera! She is quite the ham and I doubt she will ever be a shy girl.
Over the weekend, we took advantage of the first nice day since being home. We loaded her up in the stroller and took a walk. Other than a quick jaunt to the doctor, Peyton has never seen the outside world. Her Nicu doctor gave us the OK to start taking her for walks. She was all eyes, checking out the trees and blue sky. As you can see in the picture, she was quite confused with this new activity! Even Riley tried to get in on the action, “photobombing” in the background.
Thanks for all of the well wishes as I returned to work. I say it all the time–every single comment and email has helped me more than you will ever know. The simple comments on Peyton’s pictures and my blogs, give me a confidence boost. Knowing so many people care, makes me happy that I’ve been an open book with my journey. I’ll leave you with one last snapshot. Ryan and I finally went out on our first date since having children! It was a much needed date night filled with good wine, good chatter…and a very good looking husband!
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Stacey, it will get easier. Chad and I both work and have commutes. Don’t get me wrong, it is hard. There are days where I wish that I could just stay home with the kids. Sometimes I even take PTO just to spend more time with them. But I love my job and we LOVE our daycare. The kids are so happy to arrive everyday so it makes it so much easier. You will find your routine and that will make it easier. When I am not working and don’t have our normal routine I go CRAZY! 🙂
great post! So glad to hear you’re back to work and it’s going well! Peyton is just so adorable!
I’ve been catching you on the noon news this week and I’d say your return was seamless, even if it didn’t feel like it to you. Having followed your story the past 10 months, I really felt so happy for you getting back to your “new normal”. 🙂 P.S. LOVE the cozy ear-flap winter hat.
HI!Im glad you are getting back into a work routine.I love reading your blogs and look forward to new pics.
loving this blog and all the adorable pictures,she certainly has lots of love and enough to share when she is older with her siblings because of their kindred spirit, God is so GOOD
So glad you are back to work Stacey! Wonderful that things work out. Love the blog and the pictures!
So happy you are getting more n more back to normal. …Your Princess looks like she is doing just fine…her smile is so adorable. ..Keep on doing what your doing..and don’t forget while you and Ryan are busy working. ..Peyton is home with the nanny and her 2 guardian angels. ..Parker and Abby. …hugs♡♡♡
thanks for all the updates and stories you have shared with us on this 10 month journey,you are a brave and loving person for let us walk with you each week. Iam so happy to see you back at work always love watching you and Dawn. God has blessed you with so many memories thast will last a life time. Looking forward to more picture of beautiful Peyton as she grows and learn someday of her brother and sister who are her guarding angels now. May God always be with you and your family
Pat
Stacey,
So glad you are enjoying being back at WAND. Looks like Peyton is doing fine and also glad to hear you and Ryan went out for a date. This is VERY important!
Hi Peyton, love the hat you had on for your walk. Love the blog and new pictures. Stacey you did a great job on your first week back. I certainly enjoyed seeing you give the news. It is a change for you, but you will get use to the new routine It will get easier. God Bless you all.
Great blog! So glad to see you back on the news! You look fantastic! Peyton is just growing like crazy! She is such a sweetheart! So glad life is going great for you!
Glad all is going great for you. I do not know how working parents keep up either. Of course I look back on my life and wonder how I did what I did when I was working. Guess being young and full of energy has alot to do with it. Great Blog and things will get better and easier for you. She is growing so fast. How cute! Have a great week!
so glad work is going good for you and Peyton is doing well. I am trying to catch when you are on TV haven’t yet when are you on? thanks
shes adorable as usual love the hair on her welcome back to work great to see you again on tv beautiful as usual and looking good also keep the posts coming when you have time and pics
Hi Peyton, you are precious. Stacey, when I saw you on the news I started crying. I was so glad to see you back and I am glad Peyton is doing well with you going to work. I had to do it for many years and I know how hard it is to be Mom, working, and cooking and cleaning. I wish you all the best.
Love seeing you back on the news. Missed seeing your big smile. Peyton is growing so fast. She is the most adorable little girl I have seen. Love all of her outfits and her hair. Yay for you and Ryan going out on a date. You both deserve it. Hugs for all of you. Parker and Abby are watching over all of you especially Peyton.
These latest photos are just so cute, Stacey! The molly bears are a wonderful idea! The picture of Peyton trying to eat her cupcake shirt is adorable. All are great photos. I am glad you were pampered for your birthday by the two loves of your life. Hope all of you had a great week and everyone is adjusting well to the different days. Love all the outfits pretty Peyton gets to model for us all. Love you all, Aunt Mary and uncle Mitch