Most people don’t think twice about traveling to see their family. It’s been 15 years since I lived in my hometown of San Diego, so it wasn’t out of the ordinary for me to hop on a plane to see my parents over the years. But, the easy travels stopped suddenly after I delivered my triplets in 2013, and ever since, it’s been a long road home.
There are many things we take for granted that I didn’t realize until my surviving triplet, Peyton, came home from the hospital. At four months old and only 5 pounds, Peyton was considered “medically fragile”. She was hooked up to an oxygen tank and monitor, unable to breath on her own. 
Our days included doctor appointments, therapy and staying locked up in our home, away from germs. The thought of traveling to California was tucked away, a tiny thought hidden deep inside me. For more than two years, I longed for the day when I could take Peyton home. Sure, a few friends and family have visited Springfield to meet our miracle child, but I wanted to reach that milestone where Peyton was healthy enough to travel by plane. That dream became a reality earlier this month.
The days leading up to our trip were chaos as I raced around packing for not only myself, but my toddler. You can’t just throw clothes into a suitcase when you’re traveling with a child. Nope. You need to remember every little detail to make sure they are comfortable away from home. That included: Peyton’s stuffed Mickey Mouse, her favorite bedtime books, snacks to tide her over on the plane, toys to prevent a meltdown on the plane, an Ipad full of Peppa Pig in hopes of curbing a meltdown on the plane, and about a dozen other random little things.
Peyton did amazing on our flight, other than refusing to nap. She peered out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the world below, and she constantly chanted, “fly on the plane”, entertaining the travelers in the rows nearby. While she squealed with excitement, I teared up as we took off on our first family vacation to San Diego. I was overcome with emotion as I realized the major milestone our family had finally reached. And while the tears were mainly joyful, there was a little tug at my heart as I thought of my two angels above. While I was pregnant, we had many conversations of how we would travel to California with triplets. My mom decided that she would fly out to us, in order to offer an extra set of hands for the first plane ride our triplets would take. As I glanced out the window, I saw our plane sitting above peaceful clouds in the sky. At that moment, it felt like we were a little closer to heaven, with Parker and Abby along for the ride.
San Diego was everything that I imagined..and more. There is something about seeing your hometown through the eyes of a child. Watching Peyton dip her toes in the Pacific Ocean, then fall in the water, was adorable (and cold). The San Diego zoo was completely different as I watched Peyton see a gorilla and panda bear for the first time. While her only requests were to see chickens and a cow (she’s a true Midwesterner!), I think she was impressed by the animals that she is familiar with only in books!
Our week was jam-packed, filled with dozens of people thrilled to meet Peyton in person. From family to friends and neighbors, this week was absolutely magical. And no trip is complete without a stop at “In-N-Out”! As we left sunny San Diego, my heart swelled with pride. Our family is loved by so many and I can’t help but get emotional thinking about how lucky we are. Peyton is a happy and healthy child, something we never knew would be possible and we can’t wait to start making more regular trips out West. As the plane took off over downtown, Peyton gave one last cheer, “fly on the plane!” Within minutes, her head was in my lap, sleeping for the duration of our flight back to the Midwest….a sign that Peyton had a wonderful trip.
So special that you finally got to take her home! And that line you wrote about being a little closer to your other two… tears. I love that you’re so open about them being a part of your family. I think many people don’t choose that route and I love that you do. Happy weekend!
I am so glad I found you and your blog! What a sweet post. Peyton is beautiful and I’m so glad you had a wonderful trip. Traveling with kiddos is no easy feat!! Your pics are so cute. Enjoy your weekend!
Enjoyed reading of your trip. Felt as though I was on the trip with you. So happy to see the excitement in Peyton’s eyes.mmcgee817
Traveling with a toddler is not for the faint of heart! It looks like you had a great time! Congrats on achieving that milestone! May you be blessed with many more:)
I am glad you all had a great time. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
What a wonderful family vacation! Loved the pictures and would love to see more…. Blessings to the entire family and a special Good Morning to Miss P !
I am so happy for you all that you could go to
San Diego, Stacey and Ryan!!! What a wonderful adventure for all of you that brought such joy to everyone! Stacey, is there any way possible you could send me the photo of your mom and dad on the stairs at their house with Peyton, and one of you with your mom and aunts? I think the one on the stairs is one of the best photos of your parents and I would love even a 4 X 6 picture to display and share with so many who prayed so hard for Peyton, Abby, Parker and you and Ryan. If you can. I am sure you hit the ground running on your return home. Thanks for sharing. Love, Aunt Mary
PS, I sent your birthday card to your old address by mistake, so don’t know if you will ever receive it. ..So Sorry, hope your birthday was sweet and perfect.
So so happy for you!!!!! And I know what you mean about feeling closer to your babies in the sky! XO
Such a great story. Glad you got to make the trip and all went so well. Memories she will never forget. Thanks so much for sharing.
Such an awesome milestone and looks like you had a great trip!
What a beautiful big girl. I agree with previous posts; being closer to heaven and your angels. Still crying for that and also for the joy that your family experienced.
awesome
That’s amazing. So glad you got to experience that. Nothing better than seeing the world through our children’s lives.
What a journey you have been on. Love your raw and inspiring post.
So awesome to read her story and have followed this miracle from day one- Thanks for sharing this story. I am so encouraged.
So happy for you and your family that you reached another milestone and got to show Peyton your hometown. The bird story is hilarious. Thanks for she’s. So happy to see your vacation pics and the big smile in your face Stacey. Hi Miss P,Stacey, Ryan and Riley !!!
Peyton is a beautiful little girl and glad she had a good time on her first long trip.
Peyton, sounds like you had a wonderful trip with mommy and daddy to visit grandma and grandpa. You got to see where mommy used to live and meet some of her friends..My goodness you had full days and got to see many animals. Bet you were tired when you left San Diego with mommy and daddy to come back to your home in the midwest. I enjoy hearing all about you and how you are growing and what you are learning each day. Bye little one. You take good care of your special parents who love you so much..