It’s a term I use often, but I don’t just throw it around, it has meaning. I think many of you would agree with me when I say that Peyton is a “miracle child”. And after seeing the changes in her over the past month, I’d like to call it a Christmas miracle. As we arrive at this holiday week, I can’t help but tear up and smile as I look at how far Peyton has come.
Miss P has made strides in the past year, slowly catching up in development and reaching milestones we weren’t sure were ever possible. While she could only say “uh huh” on her 2nd birthday, it’s a completely different story today. In the past few weeks, Peyton has taken off. Not just with words, but with sentences, counting and colors. You may be reading this and thinking, “That’s not a big deal, kids do things at their own pace.” But for us, it’s a miracle! OK, maybe that’s not quite the right term, but it sure feels like a miracle after months and months of frustration. It’s so difficult watching your child try as hard as they can, only to get stuck every day in the same spot. That’s been the story of Peyton’s life. She has to work hard in everything she does, and for a micro-preemie like her, it takes a long time to reach those goals. Even just 2-3 months ago, we weren’t sure that Peyton would be ready for preschool at the age of 3 because you need to be able to communicate. And while she mastered sign language, Peyton couldn’t talk. Fast forward to today and there is no question whether she will be ready. We’ve already been in touch with a local preschool and we’re ready to take a look in the coming months!
This was the last major hurdle for P, and it was a tough one. Peyton’s speech therapists think she may have a condition called Apraxia. P’s brain knows what she wants to say, but it has trouble coordinating it with her mouth. Her words don’t always come out correctly, so it leads to many moments of us looking puzzled, trying to figure out what she wants to say. There are many other symptoms she displays, but it’s something she will overcome in time. Luckily, her therapists are helping her tremendously and we are beyond proud. It’s wonderful to ask her what she wants for breakfast and to hear Peyton say, “pancake” or “egg”. She understands so much and is picking up words that we had no idea was in her vocabulary!
As we celebrate Christmas this week, we’ll have a full house with my parents arriving from San Diego. It’s a magical time for our family since this is the first year that Peyton is beginning to understand Santa and the other holiday traditions. I can’t wait to see Peyton’s eyes light up when she sees my parents and I look forward to the giant grin as she opens presents. And I can’t help but think how blessed we are. There will always be that moment of sadness as we watch Peyton and know that her brother and sister should be sharing in her excitement. But Parker and Abby are here in spirit and we have special ways we remember them this time of year.
A viewer made three little baby booties shortly after my children passed away. The ornaments fit beautifully on our tree every year. And just today, a sign from above. Peyton clicked the mouse on our computer. A picture popped up and she looked at me and smiled as she said, “Parker”. A special moment that let me knew my triplets are here with me. Have a wonderful Christmas. I hope it’s filled with love, laughter and family and friends.
To follow Stacey, click the link and “LIKE” the page: Stacey Skrysak’s Facebook Page
You had me in tears again, tears of joy for how blessed you are with Miss P. So happy she is progressing as she should !!
Beautiful picture of Peyton in red dress!
I have always had a feeling Miss Peyton would conquer anything she tried. She truly is a miracle child, and a blessing for her family. Thanks for sharing.
So happy for you and Peyton’s progress. Have a Merry Christmas.
This is wonderful, she has grown so much in the last 6 months and get prettier by the day. Parker and Abby are watching over all of you and wants Peyton to know that he is making sure she is being good. Love to you and your family and have a Merry Christmas. I know that we will be seeing a lot of pictures….Hugs to all.
Peyton is the color of joy and love! Merry Christmas Stacey and love to your family. Give your mom a hug from me!
Tears of joy
I am so glad Peyton is progressing so well, especially with her speech. Our neighbors have a little girl who will be 3 in Feb. She was also a preemie(around 2 lbs or so I think). She is not really growing physically (probably about the size of an 18 month old or so) and has also been diagnosed with Aproxia.She and her whole family (including 2 brothers who are 6 and 4) are learning sign language now and she will start in a special preschool in Decatur in Feb. Happy to know that she may still someday be able to speak. She is such a happy, carefree little girl, but you can see her frustration when she isn’t able to successfully communicate to others. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Hello Miss P i hope you enjoy your Christmas!! You have come along way and im so proud of you. God Bless your family Stacey.
This is SOOOOOOO SPECIAL!!!!! I’ve followed your story from the time you announced your pregnancy. I’m so happy to hear this great news! Congratulations and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Princess P!! You are a very special angel. I’m just thrilled to hear all the good news about your progress. I know the going will be difficult and slow at times but you will accomplish whatever you want. I can see it in your eyes! Watch out world – – Here comes Miss P!! Have a fabulous Merry Christmas and hugs to Mommy, Daddy & Riley!! Enjoy those grandparents and let them spoil you rotten – – doesn’t hurt!!
Merry Christmas Miss Princess P! You definitely are a miracle and I am ecstatic to see the progress you continue to make! My grandson was diagnosed with Aproxia five years ago at age 2-1/2. I (grandma) taught him sign language and he began therapy. He is 7-1/2 and oh can he talk! LOL! He is still in therapy but it’s mainly for pronouncing certain letters correctly (like R’s and S’s). Losing teeth isn’t helping matters. LOL! Sending you a big hug and kiss! I know you are going to have a wonderful Christmas with your family! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season!
Christmas blessings to you and your whole family. Thank you for sharing your miracle with all of us. ???
Hi peyton
Stacey, that is incredible! I know you and Ryan are an important reason why Miss P has persisted in all her challenges! She has the best parents to cheer her on always and forever! Love, aunt Mary
Beautiful Stacey!!!! So happy for you all!
merry xmas to all and darling little peyton love the pictures growing so fast god bless you all and a blessed new year enjoy your family
Beautiful!! It’s so awesome to see and hear all the progress she’s making!! This made me tear up.. Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas to you all and a blessed New Year! Miss P is growing and so pretty!!!!!