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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Happy Birthday to Peyton! Also to Abby and Parker. Happy Anniversary to the two of you.
Happy Birthday Parker!
Happy Birthday Abby!
Happy Birthday Peyton!
I know I am a few days early.
You and your family are always in my prayers! I love watching you grow, Peyton, and watching you enjoy the world. You will always be loved by millions of people.
Happy Birthday to ur babies-Parker,Abby ,and Peyton.
She`s adorable in the pool.
Thanks for sharing with us.
hugs jane
Happy Birthday Peyton!!
I love the Husker bib!! GO Big Red. Looking good Peyton.
Thanks Ashley! My husband is a diehard fan, growing up in Nebraska!
Happy Birthday, Princess Peyton. You are an amazing little girl. I love reading all about you. God bless you and your family.
Happy Birthday to Peyton ,Parker and Abby. Happy Anniversary to both of you. May your days only get better and better!
Also,Happy anniversary!!!
Happy early birthday to 3 of the sweetest triplets ever!! Abby, Parker and Peyton are
so blessed to have such wonderful parents! I can only imagine this first is so very painful. Remember who Abby and Parker are with. Jesus and the angels are throwing them a “heavenly bash”!! Hugs and prayers to your family. Thank you for sharing Peyton and your journey with us.
Happy Birthday Peyton, Parker, and Abby. Happy Anniversary to you and Ryan. May God Bless you all.
I am in tears by the end of each and every one of your posts. Either in sadness with you or in awe of what Peyton has achieved. Happy birthday to all of you- mom and dad included. And a happy anniversary. Thank you for sharing your journey and allowing us to send a little bit of comfort!
happy anniversary both of to the amazing couple look great together
Loved this!!! You and Ryan are very blessed!!
Happy Birthday Peyton, I will also add an extra candles to my cake to make sure I celebrate my birthday the same day with such a beautiful young lady….
Happy Anniversary Stacey and Ryan and those many more that will come…
You’re so sweet Anna! Happy Birthday to you as well—hope it is a day full of love and happiness!
Happy Birthday Peyton!!!
Happy Birthday Abby!!!
Happy Birthday Parker!!!
Happy Anniversary Stacey and Ryan!!!
Hugs, love, thoughts and prayers are always with you. ❤️Ornberg Family