Grab a tissue, this story will have you crying tears of joy. I often talk about the generosity of others. From the cards and gifts I received during my pregnancy, to the words of encouragement as I laid in my hospital room on bed rest. I have received a couple of beautiful necklaces, all personalized for my triplets (I LOVE wearing them!). My children received hats in the Nicu, plus tutus and outfits that Peyton wears today…the list of generosity is quite long. Every single gift holds a special place in my heart. It’s overwhelming when I think about how many people have reached out to my family.
Which brings me to the tears you’ll be shedding in a few moments. After Abby and Parker died, someone mentioned an organization to me. It’s called “Molly Bears”. In short, the founders had a daughter (Molly) who passed away before she was born. She was given a weighted teddy bear and that sparked an idea. The organization creates special teddy bears with the birth weight of the baby. The waiting list is very long, 1- 2 years. That’s because they rely on donations and volunteers to create the precious gifts. Earlier this year, I signed up for Abby and Parker. As luck would have it, my name was drawn to move my children to the top of the list. A week ago I received our Molly Bears…and the tears of joy haven’t stopped since.
When the box arrived, I knew exactly what was awaiting me. But, I was still shocked when I reached in and picked up each bear. Abby and Parker were barely a pound each, yet these bears felt so heavy. These weighted teddy bears were something tangible to hold onto. Something to squeeze and hug and hold…something I long to do every day when I think about my angels. As you can see from the picture, Peyton loves her brother and sister bears as much as we do! I can’t wait for the day when she understands their meaning. I know they will hold a special place in our hearts.
The volunteer who made our bears really grasped who my children are (I try not to use past tense too often, since I know Parker and Abby are in Heaven, alive and well). She looked at this blog and took note of Peyton’s nursery. Hence, the yellow, grey and chevron theme! She emailed me a few times to get a better understanding of what Abby and Parker were like during their short time with me. She knew Parker was into football and added a little pigskin touch. And she knew that Peyton was quite the princess, so it was only fitting to give her identical sister a tutu. She even noticed that Peyton always wears a headband, so she made sure Abby was matching her twin sis. At the feet of the bears are two little hearts. They each say “Peyton’s Angels”. I’m blown away by the little details and the care and love that went into creating our teddy bears. Please check out this amazing organization. They are always looking for volunteers! I can’t say thank you enough for this beautiful gift. I can picture Peyton and I, a few years from now, having make believe tea parties with her brother and sister. Until then, they have a perfect home in the nursery; two teddy bear angels watching over Peyton as she sleeps.
Miss P is really coming into her own. That diva personality keeps getting bigger and bigger! My birthday was over the weekend and Mr. Skry and Peyton spoiled me rotten. From coffee and donuts (I’m obsessed with Dunkin’ Donuts from my days of hospital bed rest!) to a day of relaxation, it was the perfect birthday. But of course, I had my bittersweet moments. Last year at this time, I was 9 weeks pregnant. I remember turning 33 and thinking, 3 is my lucky number. Not only was I 33 years old, I was having 3 children and it was 2013…seemed like a lucky year for me. Needless to say, I was happy to turn the notch to 34! I’m crossing my fingers–I think I deserve a good year.
I’ll leave you with some entertaining pictures. We all know Peyton loves to ham it up for the camera! Now her personality is really starting to show. The cupcake onesie she sported for my birthday was hilarious. She was more into trying to eat the cupcake than take a picture. She must have my sweet tooth! Enjoy the week and good luck with your March Madness brackets–we’ll be cheering on the Oregon Ducks!!! You can find me hiding in the sports department for the next two weeks…watching game after game with the WAND boys!
**For more updates and pictures, head to my Facebook page and “LIKE” it!
Love the sunglasses! She is such a little doll.
Adorable pics.The the bear idea,how special.
Wow, those teddy bears are so awesome. The amount of thought put into each one is really amazing. I love finding worthwhile places, such as this, to make my donations to – and I will be remembering this one, for sure. What a treasure. 🙂
OMG! Love the bears! Peyton has grown so much.
Hi Peyton, your Family’s story is awazing and I love how you are growing! I am a Grammy of a 3-year old who I adore and she is our Princess!
Heart grabbing story – best wishes to you all.
I am still in awe of those wonderful bears! The attention to detail is amazing. what an amazing gift for your family and especially Peyton.
Happy spring!
Love the Molly Bears! Thanks for sharing your stories with us. Peyton is such a doll! She is really growing fast. Much love to all of you! Happy Spring!
Love the bears and
what they represent for you and your family. Love, Love Love the pictures of Peyton. She is absolutely adorable!
What an amazing organization! Thanks for Sharing and so thrilled for you and Peyton for the millions of hugs and memories those bears will be a part of. What a great tangible direct line to your babies in heaven!
Your family will treasure those adorable bears! Peyton is beautiful! Love seeing you back on WAND!
Thank you for having the courage to share your story. Peyton is a little doll!!!!
Loved your story. Peyton touch my heart. Enjoy the bear made with pure love.
The Bears are a very thoughtful and loving gift that will be a blessing for Peyton in the years ahead. I sure enjoy seeing all the progress she has made in the last few months.Thanks for sharing her with us all,
Hey miss Peyton ur nicu buddy Tyson says hi and him misses u we r also finnaly off oxygen love u and ur mommy and daddy
Congrats to Tyson! Hope you guys are doing well!
I have a Molly Bear for my son, Chase. He weighs 1 lb, 10 oz. It is a beautiful gift and perfect to snuggle. I’m glad you got bumped up to the top.
I have never heard of the Molly Bears….thanks for sharing this heart warming story of an organization that gives lots of LOVE to families that will cherish it forever! The pictures of Peyton are absolutely adorable…..she makes me smile every time you post new ones! Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Stacy thank you for sharing the story of the bears they are just precious and will hold your memories of your 2 angels forever. How does one contacted this group if you know of some one who would one of the bears? Thanks for sharing your sweet baby girl with us all and by the way Happy late Birthday God Bless you and your family
Thanks Pat! The website is mollybears.com. There is a space to sign up on the website.
The bears are adorable. Peyton is so beautiful. I love looking at the pictures you put on here.
Hi Peyton, love the picture of you with the Molly Bears. Those are a special bears that will mean so much to you as you grow older. I know how much you enj
oy them now Stacey. I had not heard of them before, but think it is a wonderful place for donations. Love all the pictures and blogs. Look forward to Monday morning for the special picture of Peyton.
The teddy bears are a wonderful gift! Peyton is getting cuter everyday! Stacey, here’s to a fabulous 2014! Enjoy every moment!
I love the pics, she is such a doll 🙂 The organization sounds amazing and the bears are beautiful!!!
I love all the pictures and the Teddy Bears are a great gift.
I have heard of Molly Bears from other moms of angels but had never saw one.
What a doll. She gets cuter every post. What a neat idea about the bears. Glad you got yours and will be a lifetime memory . thanks for sharing!
Hi Peyton, love your pictures & mom’s blog! Continue to grow strong & healthy. God Bless & keep you safe
Love it! Your strength and true expression of joy for your little ones inspires me!
The bears are adorable and Peyton is a “ham”, but we all love. Not every little Princess has a million people in love with her and her parents. Enjoy the nice weather….
What a great gift. Lost my great granddaughter before she was born. I think I’ll see if I can get one for her mom.
happy belated birthday love the bears so cute love the pictures also of peyton love the sun glasses sovcute
Happy belated Birthday! What a precious gift those Molly Bears are. Peyton will treasure them as much as you when she is older.
Peyton is just beautiful! I love seeing your updates, and those bears are amazing.
The organization is a rare treat for parents who lose a child. ….Miss P is sure blossoming and is very beautiful. ….