I’m not the type to come up with New Year’s resolutions. I tried many times in my younger days…and failed miserably! Instead, I have found that the New Year is a good time to reassess life and think about how I can be a better person, which leads me to an ambitious year ahead.
I’m not quite sure how I can top 2015. After a few years of ups and down, last year was SO amazing. Not only did I make a big career move, Ryan and I decided to plant roots in Springfield and bought a house that we absolutely adore. After four years in Springfield, we finally feel like we’re “home”. On top of that, Peyton continued to wow everyone in her path. She took off with development, catching up to many children her age. She crossed off more specialists and doctors, graduating from her cardiologist and Nicu check ups. Peyton learned how to walk and hasn’t slowed down ever since! She began talking and really showed off her spunky personality. All in all, 2015 was picture perfect.
So, how can I make 2016 even better? I came up with three goals that aren’t outrageous, they are simple things I can do to enhance an already exciting time in my life.
Be my daughter’s biggest advocate
This is something I already do, but I want to continue to look out for Peyton’s best interests. From weekly therapy sessions to keeping an eye on her health, Ryan and I want Peyton to get the best care possible. We are SO lucky to have an amazing team of therapists and a nanny that has a teaching background, but 2016 will bring a lot of changes. We plan on enrolling Peyton in preschool in the fall and her therapy sessions could change because of her age and the Early Intervention program. These next few months will be filled with plenty of meetings…and I’m sure a few tears as we watch our miracle child grow up before our eyes.
Be a better wife
I’m sure this is something so many parents can relate to: Once children come into your lives, the marriage changes. For us, it hasn’t changed in a bad way, it’s just different. I remember getting concerned texts and phone calls after Abby and Parker died. Friends and family were wondering how Ryan and I were doing. Oftentimes, the loss of a child can destroy a relationship, sometimes even leading to divorce. But for us, our bond became stronger. My husband almost lost all three of his children and his wife in one night. Thank goodness I’m here today and I thank God that Peyton is healthy and here as well. Between the normal craziness of life and raising a child with a few higher needs, our marriage has been put on the back burner. We work opposite schedules and tend to spend every waking hour with Peyton. This year, I am making it a point to concentrate on my marriage. We only get out for a date maybe once or twice a year…but that is going to change in 2016! It’s time to get back to our relationship and make it a point to spend time together without children. Ryan and I have been married for 6 1/2 years, together for over 12, and I love him more and more every day. I’m a lucky girl!
Honor our triplets through charity work
Ever since I was a child, I gave back through volunteering. So, it was a bit of a surprise after our children were born and we became one of the families I was used to helping. It’s a bit surreal, but we’ve embraced the opportunities that have come our way and are so honored to be able to share our stories through various charities. We have a big spring with Children’s Miracle Network as the students gear up for the annual Illinithon dance marathon. We can’t wait to take P to the University of Illinois to dance away the day with “Team Peyton” and raise money for such a good cause. And 2016 brings a new opportunity as we have been named this year’s Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes of Central Illinois. Peyton is the youngest baby to survive in our area, and we are honored to help raise money for an organization dedicated to giving a fighting chance to every baby. And on top of our active charity work, I have a very ambitious goal: I would like to get a non-profit up and running this year in honor of our angels, Abby and Parker. For two years now, we have donated children’s books to our local Nicu for families to take home. It’s a simple thing that brings comfort to Nicu parents while keeping our children’s memory alive. I was overwhelmed this fall with sharing our journey of child loss through television and writing, that my plans had to be put on the back burner. But, things are slowing down and I finally have time to dedicate to getting a non-profit going. I’ll be working on our mission statement and getting a board of directors put in place and hope to have exciting news about the progress in the coming months. (I still need help coming up with a name!!!)
As I wrap up this post, a huge smile has swept over my face. This past year was filled with so much happiness and positive news and I know 2016 will be great! Thank you to the thousands of new supporters who have joined our journey and to those of you who first got to know me when I was pregnant 3 years ago. I’m honored that my children have touched your lives in some way and I look forward to pouring my heart and soul into my writing, while hopefully inspiring some of you along the way.
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All the best to you and your family in the coming 2016! May God continue to Bless Miss P with good health and great strides in her little life and may He Bless you and Ryan with Love that overflows and happiness unending….. Love being allowed to be a part of your family…..thank you Stacey, Ryan and Peyton! Happy 2016 !
I just knew Peyton was going to be a very special child, and meet all her challenges. Thank you for the update, and I hope 2016 will be a wonderful year for all of you.
Stacey, I think maybe you should include butterfly or butterflies in the name of your non-profit.Butterfly kisses as a suggestion as a partial name…just thinking about the many times you’ve seen butterflies when relating to the angels.
Peyton is absolutely a precious miracle. You know that God isn’t just using her for something special. Your whole family and it’s circle are to be commended for all you do to educate about infertility and child loss and showing the world how to pay it back by paying it forward.
Thank you for sharing your family with the world. I look forward to your messages in my email every week.
All the best to you in 2016. Peyton is growing into an adorable toddler. I am so glad you all are doing well.
Wow Stacey, just wow!!!! I’m going to be thinking about that name! XO
Wishing you, Ryan and Peyton the very best in 2016! Sending good vibes your way . Keep up the good work, Can’t wait to see how things turn out!!!!
Just would like to extend my prayers and well wishes for you and your family, Thanks for sharing your precious story with us, look forward to updates God Bless You All !!!!
happy New year!!U are one amazing woman.Love the post and of course the pics
Hello:),
Our son, Sam, spent 73 days at St John’s NICU. He was discharged October 1st. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your donation of books. Reading to our Sam helped give us a sense of normalcy, provided special bonding time with our fighter especially when we could not hold him in our arms, and gave us words to speak aloud when our hearts were very heavy and we did not have words. We read our donated book everyday single day! Thank you:)
Kristin Roglis
Kristin! Your comment just made my day. We couldn’t hold our children early on, so we read to them through the isolette doors. It was a way for them to hear our voices and for us to feel like a parent. I’m so glad that a little donation like a book can mean so much for a Nicu family. Hope your Sam is doing well. St. John’s Nicu is a place full of miracles!
many blessings to you all and amazing family and beautiful may god be with you all day and night happy blessed new year love the post
Love this post. 2016 is going to be an amazing year for your family. ❤️❤️❤️
Awesome, Stacey! Can not wait to see what the New Year will bring- it’s going to be great!!:)
Thanks for this posted sounds like you have wonderful things coming for 2016 and have enjoyed your journey so far and am looking forward to more. God bless you with the ability to conquer all. Keep the stories coming about Miss P love the stories and the pictures
These are beautiful goals. I definitely think that marriage can take a backseat during child rearing years. I try not to have that happen at our house.