Goodbye Hibernation

For the past two years, Peyton began her winter lock up in November. With weak lungs and a weak immune system, we knew it was best to keep Peyton away from playgrounds, stores and other places where she could easily get sick. As we learned last year, a simple cold could land us in the hospital. But, this year is different. Peyton is slowly graduating from her specialists and she’s gone more than 13 months (knock on wood) without a hospital stay. So this year we’re finally saying, Goodbye Hibernation!
This week is a huge week for us. It’s our local Children’s Miracle Network annual Radiothon. Peyton is a CMN “Miracle Child” and we love taking part in activities and supporting such a great cause. But with the event in November, she has always been stuck at home listening to us share our story on the radio. For the first time, we’ll be bringing Peyton with us to St. John’s Children’s Hospital for the fun event. Who knows, maybe she’ll even say a word or two on the radio!
It may not seem like a big deal for most parents, but this is another little milestone that makes us proud. It’s a sign that our 22 weeker is growing up and growing out of some of her preemie traits. Two years ago, Peyton was just out of the Nicu and home on oxygen. Last year, Peyton was learning how to crawl, extremely behind for a 17 month old. But this week is different. Peyton will be able to walk, even run, through the hospital entrance. She can draw and color with the other “miracle children”. She can even talk, sometimes stringing two words together. Our miracle child keeps proving every statistic wrong. This year at the radiothon, we won’t have to share what Peyton is doing at home. Instead, the DJ’s and hospital staff can see for themselves.
While our journey hasn’t been all happiness, we are grateful for the opportunities that come our way through our triplets. Peyton became a “Miracle Child” when she was just 4 months old, and since then, we’ve embraced every chance to raise money for an organization that has helped our family and the hospital that gave my triplets a chance at life. On Thursday, we’ll be sharing our story during the 10am hour (Central Time). You can tune into WDBR and The Wolf radio stations to listen to our story. I’ll also be taking over the airwaves from 11am-1pm, helping the DJ’s during the radiothon. If you’re local, feel free to stop by, say hi and drop off a donation…even a dollar or two makes a difference! I’ve posted information below on how to donate. All money raised stays at St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield.
And make sure to check out the national website for Children’s Miracle Network. I’m taking over their blog today as I share what it’s like becoming a “Miracle Mom”! Click the link: Becoming A Miracle Mom
To watch our original CMN story from 2013: The Skrysak Family

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