It’s so tough to keep certain secrets. I remember when we found out we were expecting triplets, Mr. Skry and I wanted to keep it mum. But after years of infertility, I wanted to scream it from the rooftops! Of course, I kept quiet and we eventually shared the news with the world once my belly couldn’t hide it any longer. While not on the same scale, keeping my professional secret quiet, was also a difficult one. After nearly 3 1/2 years in Illinois, I am changing channels. Beginning tomorrow, you can catch me anchoring the 6pm and 10pm newscasts, weeknights on ABC Newschannel 20.
There’s no need to go into details of why I left one station and crossed the street to another; it’s fairly common in my industry. But I will say, it was not an easy decision. Many of my former coworkers are close friends. My old co-anchor, Dawn, was my other half. We were joined at the hips, able to finish each other’s sentences on the air. So while it’s tough to leave a place where you are comfortable, I was ready for a new challenge. And after all that I’ve been through in the past two years, I was ready for a change, both professionally and personally.
In 2013, I took a hiatus from work, allowing time to grieve over my two children who passed away and time to care for my surviving triplet, who spent months in the Nicu. A year after returning to work, I realize how much I miss out on watching Peyton grow up. I was spending close to 2 hours on the road each day and this new job gives me back that time, since I live in the same town as the TV station. At Newschannel 20, I’m working the primetime shows, so my hours are adjusted. I now have mornings off to spend with P. After missing her weekly therapy sessions for over a year, I am finally able to see her in action. And my new schedule even allows me time to go home in between shows to have dinner with my family. I say that’s a win win!
As for the professional aspect, this is an exciting new journey for me! I was in a rut and ready for a new challenge and this was the perfect fit. The news team has been so welcoming this week and I think the future is looking bright for WICS. Not only will I be anchoring, but I’ll get the chance to work on some special stories and projects that are near and dear to me. Ryan and I have always lived in Springfield and now I will get to immerse myself in the community on a professional level. Central Illinois has been so good to my family and I’m thrilled that we call it home. Our triplets were born in Springfield, so you can definitely say that we planted roots in the area! And most importantly, we found a community of support that is unimaginable. Thousands of people opened their arms and their hearts to my family, not just in Illinois, but around the world. You offered a shoulder to lean on when we were faced with the worst possible scenario a parent could go through. And you continue to reach out to my family to show your support nearly two years later. I’m lucky to have you all in my life and I truly think of you as an extended family! I get so excited to share Peyton’s milestones and I’m eager to open up with my struggles, knowing that emotions I feel could help someone else.
To those of you who have watched me in the past 3 1/2 years, THANK YOU! I hope you continue to follow me, whether it be tuning in to catch me on ABC Newschannel 20, or simply following my family’s journey through this blog and my Facebook page. And to those of you who may be meeting me for the first time, Hello! Thanks for stopping by. You can read more about my family in the “Our Story” section of the blog, and you can look back at my blog posts from the past two years. I began sharing our story in 2013, when we first became pregnant with the triplets. Since then, I’ve opened up my heart (and sometimes the waterworks) and shared my raw emotions. I’ve shed light on the excitement of expecting multiples, the heartache of child loss and the day to day trials of raising an amazing miracle child. I hope you join us for the ride!
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Stacey. Thanks for the blog. We will miss you on WAND but understand the move. I hope to watch you on channel 20. Just so you keep in touch with the blog. And pictures of Peyton. So glad you will be able to spend more time with Peyton as they grow up grow up so fast. All the best
Congrats on ur new job!!Glad u get more mommy time.
Love following ur story and seeing ms P.
hugs from Channahon,Il
Very happy for you, Stacey. Will miss you on WAND, but our children come first! I live in Pana and drove to work in Springfield for years. Two hours on the road takes a lot of time out of your day when you could be spending the time with your family. Totally understand your move….Best of Luck!
I am So happy for you!!!
We will miss your smile on WAND. Happy that you will be able to spend more time with your beautiful Peyton. These are the times you will treasure most. Good luck.
good luck on the new job!!! but family means a lot too !!!
Congrats on your new job. Family comes FIRST!! You will definitely be missed on WAND. Good luck in your new adventure. Love seeing Peyton’s pictures. She is growing up so fast and love seeing her smile. She always brightens my day.
Stacey, congratulations on your new adventure. I know the extra time at home will be a blessing to both your co-workers and your family. Best of luck!
Congratulations. Perfect that you not only get hours that allow you precious time with your family, plus an opportunity to challenge yourself and doe exciting things with your career. It’s a win-win. Will miss you on WAND – but plan on catching you on WICS.
Glad to see you back in Springfield. We are in Lincoln and watch 20 news and I am sure you will be a great addition to the show. With all that have left and now to see a familiar face again will be great! Congrats to you and welcome back to Springfield. I know P will be glad to have her mommy home more. Thanks for the update!!!
Oh Stacey! What a great blessing this is for you and your family! Good luck and Blessings on your new adventure!
Best of luck to you Stacey at Channel 20. I will be watching. I know Peyton will be glad to be spending more time with her Mother too. Peyton is a little doll.
So happy for you Stacey aam looking forward to your new post on your blog and wish the best at Cha.20 looking forward to watch you but must get use to not seeing you Dawn and Jc and Shawn but know that you will all always be friends. Thanks for sharing your story with us and I fell like you inspire me to take on new challeges. Keep up the good work and sharing that beautiful miracle baby with us all . When God closes a door he always opens a window and this has done with you on your new adventure. God Bless you all.
Will miss you on WAND but will enjoy seeing you on WICS! Certainly understand why the hours in the morning will give precious time with Miss P!! Good luck with the new job!! And keep writing your blog!! Love keeping up on your new adventures with your family!!!
I am sure even though Peyton doesn’t notice yet she is very happy for the change for “mamma”, as they say if “mamma” is happy everyone is happy. Goo luck with the new station and we will watch. Peyton is so very cute now and sure have enjoyed the pictures you share, keep them coming. She is growing up to fast but it seems to happen with all of them. Again good luck with your new adventure and Peyton keep those smiles coming.
Will miss you on WAND but will be reading every new blog & enjoying every new pic !! Good luck & God bless.
Stacy, so happy you can spend more time with Miss P. They are small only once and so many new milestones for Miss P. You’ll be missed on WAND but look forward to seeing you sometimes on WICS. Being in central IL I have the option of which network to watch for the news. Blessings and the best to you with your new position. Enjoy additional family time with Miss P and Ryan to the fullest. Hugs.
Getting to spend more time with Peyton and your husband is something you will never regret! Little ones like Peyton grow up much too quickly and as Mom’s we treasure all of the memories of getting to be there with our child. Happy for your family that you will be able to enjoy your professional life and have more time for the true loves in your life too. Best of Luck to you on WICS.
Congratulations on your new position as anchor on WICS. I watch it all the time and an looking forward to see you everyday. Miss Peyton is adorable.
Stacey, I’m so happy for you and your family as you start this new adventure! Will definitely miss you on WAND but will catch you as often as possible on 20. I’m hoping you will continue with your Monday morning cuteness because those posts make my Monday! Congrats and happy “family time”!
Cherish each moment you can with that baby girl, so happy you will have that time with your new job with Chanel 20, what an asset you will be for them. Keep those photo’s coming of precious P for all to enjoy. Much luck and happiness with your new position
Congratulations on your new position. It was a no brainer! Closer to home, more time with family, a great job. Will miss you on WAND. Will have to switch back and forth to see you. Always enjoy your broadcasts and reports.
Will check in on Miss P’s progress. She is beautiful!! Best of luck to you and your family.
Best of luck at your new station. May you and your family continue to grow and God’s blessings on you all. Will watch you on channel 20 . Again, the very best of luck.