A fun blog post to write this week, full of giggles and growth for Miss P! Peyton is 19 months old (today!) and sure looks like a little toddler (with a ton hair!). She has matured so much over the past few months, I often just stare at her in awe when I think about how tiny her body was on day one. Peyton has reached the 20 lb club, that’s 19 pounds bigger than 19 months ago! These days, Peyton can be found on the move….never sitting still. She’s SO close to walking, taking a step or two at a time, then plummeting to the floor since crawling is easier for her. She’s climbing stairs quicker than mom and dad and she has no problem making it to the third floor playroom. She’s learning to mimic us, from waving non-stop (even when we are not leaving) to her newest trick of blowing a kiss. She even has mastered a few sign language skills, which is especially helpful since she doesn’t speak any words yet. A bowl of mac n’ cheese is guaranteed to get her hands feverishly signing “more”.
I think the most rewarding part of this toddler stage is seeing her work through her challenges. Peyton has always faced that uphill battle. She started off with critical health problems the moment she was born. But her strong will and determination has helped her conquer everything that comes her way. I would lie if I said that I never cried watching my child struggle. Most kids her age are running and talking and have motor skills that are much more advanced. Yet here is Peyton, working soooo hard just to put a plastic ring on a stand or drop a big shape into a bucket. Her therapists have decided to increase their sessions and her Nicu doctor has recommended that we add speech therapy to the mix. So Peyton will be quite busy in the coming months, seeing therapists multiple times a week. Peyton is mastering everything that comes her way, she just does it at her own pace. And while it can be tough to see Peyton struggle to hone these skills, we are lucky to have a team of people with a pro-active approach. From therapists and doctors to our nanny, friends and family, Peyton has the biggest cheering squad around!
We’ve had a busy few weeks, thanks to some visitors. Peyton is staying home for the winter, but we were lucky enough to sneak in a playdate with her Nicu friend, Ethan. E didn’t seem too interested in Miss P, but I say give it time! I’ve talked about my Nicu friends Brittny and Katie plenty on the blog…they have become sisters to me!
We had an eventful night this week, thanks to a visit from a production company filming our family’s story. I often talk about our experience at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, and recently, we were asked to share our story on camera for the hospital. They may be interviewing some of our doctors and nurses as well for the project. The video will be used in-house, so there’s a good chance you might not ever see it! While our experience is one of heartbreak and grief, it’s also full of heartwarming miracles. I mention it all the time–if we were at any other hospital, I don’t know if my triplets would have been given a chance at life due to their extreme prematurity. So I am always more than willing to gush about our medical team and the hospital that became a home away from home.
The production company spent close to three hours interviewing me and Ryan and capturing Peyton in her everyday setting. I was a little nervous because it was Monday night, during the prime “witching hour” for Miss P. And even though Ryan and I see her screams and lower lip drama every day at that hour, she was on her best behavior…hamming it up for the crew and telling stories through her babbling. We were completely drained by the time that they left. It happens every time we share our story. Between sharing the heartbreaking deaths of Abby and Parker to Peyton’s wonderful achievements today, our story takes an emotional toll on us. And while it’s draining, we know our story can help others, so we are always more than willing to open up. Plus, I jump at the chance to gush over Parker and Abby! I’m so proud of all three of my children. I’ll leave you with some pictures from that night. Peyton is never camera shy…I wonder where she gets that from?!?!
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God bless all your little hearts. As with every human, God has great plans for little Miss P. Thank you so much for keeping us aware of her accomplishments.
HI!Peyton!!U r such a cutie.Love hearing about you,
hugs jane
Hi Peyton. I just love looking at your pretty pictures. You have come a long way baby, and nothing will stop you now. ((((((HUGS)))))
Good Morning Miss P! Loved the pictures but especially love the way you “warm” right up to them! So precious!! So thrilled that your Mommy and Daddy decided to include us in your journey……I look forward to every picture, every blog and every update on “our” Peyton! Thanks for bringing sunshine into our days ( even when there is none ) Still sending lots of prayers, positive thoughts and love your way little Princess!
Love and hugs to all of you. She is doing amazingly well try not to worry about “lags”Peyton is so determined I have no doubt she will catch up.
She is so beautiful and it sounds like she is coming along.You and your husband are wonderful parents and it is obvious you will do everthing you can for her and your family.I send you love and prayers that all your challenges will show growth.Thank you for sharing with all your friends,viewers and family.God Bless you and your husband and not least Miss P.She is beautiful and brings sunshine in my home.
Hi Miss Peyton!! You are growing so big! I may never, ever meet you little one but you are so special in my heart and I love following your progress. You will let go one of these days and be running before Mommy and Daddy can blink an eye. You have such a special Mommy and Daddy!
Another positive aspect….Peyton does not realize she may be struggling more than others!!! She just knows that there are lots of things new things to do and see 🙂 Thank you and Ryan for sharing this journey with all of us.
What a great story. Again I thank you for sharing. She might be behind the others but just gives you more time to enjoy her learning new stuff. One day she will be so on the go. Waht a cutie.
Maybe the people in charge will let you show it online, Payton is adorable and I think it’s amazing that she’s learning sign language. When she grows up, she’ll already have a marketable skill! She will walk and talk when SHE knows she’s ready so I’m enjoying just watching what she’s doing now xoxoxo
Hi Peyton. Welcome to the 20 pound club. Love seeing your pics and hearing how well you are doing. Love all your cute outfits and hair styles.
Wonderful story that brings tears to my eyes thinking about the miracle of Miss P and her accomplishments. Also, the heartache you all experienced with Abby and Parker short life span. God has a special purpose for Miss P and one thing for sure she gives a lot of smiles that brightens the day for others who follows your posts. Thanks for being open and sharing from the heart!!! God’s blessings be upon all of you!!!!
Her legs looks much longer! How tall is she? She is a beautiful little girl!
Yes! She’s growing! Peyton is 29 inches…she’s pretty tiny for her age, so her legs look long compared to her weight!
Thanks for this post and enjoy reading each week or so on how Miss P is progressing and she becoming her own little person that I love seeing the changes each week. Thank you for your welliness to share your story for others. You are and insperation to us all to keep smiling and take each day at a time. God Bless you and your family for all you share with us.
Is Peyton’s therapy Early Intervention (Birth to Three) in the home? I work for birth to three and love seeing the progress these kiddos make! 🙂
Yes! We love all of Peyton’s therapists and we’re SO grateful that they come to the home…especailly during the winter months. This allows us to steer clear of the hospital therapy setting, where plenty of sick kids are in and out of the hospital.
such adorable big girl so blessed to have you all love the hair and pictures and updates keep them coming please
Happy to see my little doll.
she is sure getting taller love under the sofa .
Thanks for sharing about the pretty girl.
Love you pic thank you Mom and Dad love the blog it was a wonderful story that brings tears to my eyes but she put a smils she brightens my day love seeing her thank for shar
ing God Bless you all