A New Adventure!

After spending so many months in the hospital and in hibernation, it feels strange to be a so-called “normal” family. When I need to run a quick errand, I no longer think, “I have to wait for Ryan to get home, so he can watch Peyton”. Instead, I just tote her along! We are still cautious about germs and crowded places, so I just try to take her during off hours. We are enjoying this newfound freedom and taking advantage of the summer months, before we head back into hibernation in the fall.
Peyton absolutely LOVES the bath, so we thought it would be fun to enroll her in swim classes at the local YMCA. Her Nicu doctor gave us the ok and we couldn’t have been more excited for her. Check out the pictures below of her new adventure…Miss P was in heaven spending time in the pool with Mr. Skry. And for all of my sorority sisters around the world–Yes, Peyton has an anchor swimsuit. She’s a Delta Gamma in training!
 
 

Peyton seems to be getting very adventuresome lately when it comes to food. I have to share these hilarious moments of her trying avocado and greek yogurt. She doesn’t have any teeth, but tries to eat everything! Thanks to Peyton’s BFF, Leda (our nanny), for snapping these pictures. I never feel like I’m missing out since she sends pictures and videos throughout my workday. Plus, she’s a master with the camera–such wonderful photos!

A couple of quick notes before I sign off. Ryan’s first Father’s Day was quite special, but also very emotional. We’re trying to navigate through all of these “firsts”…being excited and sentimental, yet also grieving over the loss of Abby and Parker. We went for our usual breakfast at Charlie Parker’s and Miss P even tried some pancake–boy did she love it! Ryan is such a wonderful father to our children. I always knew he’d be a good dad, seeing him over the years with other children. But watching him with all three of our triplets has melted my heart over and over again. He is so nurturing and the best hands-on dad. And he’s been my rock time and time again. Men and women handle things differently and that’s been the case with this past year. While I wear my emotions on my sleeve (and my blog!), he’s much more reserved and strong in his own way. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to get through this unimaginable experience and I’m so lucky he has put up with me for more than a decade!
Our anniversary is on Friday, and while it’s taken a back seat due to Peyton and our grief, I hope he knows how much I love him. This picture was taken last year on our anniversary, two days before I went into labor. Since I was on bed rest, he brought in a romantic meal on a hospital cart, complete with candles and fake, paper, flames. This guy is a keeper! He even showed up at the hospital at 6am that morning, just to deliver me my favorite Starbucks coffee, before he went off to work. I have to pinch myself often…how did I land such a wonderful man?!?
I’ll be taking the next few days off as we celebrate Peyton and honor our triplets on their birthday. I knew this month would be difficult, but I never imagined it to be as tough and gut-wrenching as it’s been. But we’ll get through it. We’re so much stronger than I could ever have imagined and we have a beautiful daughter who guides us through this crazy journey called parenthood. Have a wonderful weekend and keep an eye on Facebook on Monday. I’ll have a special cake-filled “Monday Morning Cuteness”, that is sure to brighten everyone’s day.
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