She wasn’t supposed to make it; her fragile body kept alive by machines. But, our surviving triplet has lived up to her miracle status, going from high needs and medically fragile, to perfectly healthy.
I remember the moment like it was yesterday; just hours after delivering our first child, Abigail, my body began to fail. Abby had taken her few breaths on earth, even letting out a squeak, before peacefully gaining her angel wings. As doctors raced to stabilize me and deliver my remaining two children, I knew something was wrong. My mind went cloudy and my body became clammy. At that moment I asked the doctor, “Do you think the other two have a chance?” Her face said it all. The concerned look and the long pause gave me my answer. She shook her head and quietly said, “no.” Yet, minutes later, Peyton and Parker arrived; their vitals promising enough to be taken to the Nicu.
Parker had the more difficult road, facing surgery at three weeks old and dipping down to 14 ounces at his smallest. Health complications were too much for his tiny body. Another piece of our hearts left us as we said goodbye to our perfect son, just shy of two months old.
Peyton faced her own challenges: an ecoli infection, a hole in her heart, a serious brain bleed, and surgery on her eyes, among many other issues. With the deaths of two of my children in less than two months, it was hard to be optimistic that our daughter would survive. It wasn’t until Peyton was close to three months old that my husband and I changed our tune, instead of discussing survival, we began talking about bringing her home.
When Peyton arrived home at nearly four months old, she was hooked up to oxygen and a monitor. The large equipment towered over her tiny five pound body. At this point, we didn’t know what her future would hold. We hoped she would grow out of many of her health issues, but only time would tell. And her delays? That was something we prepared ourselves for, knowing that a 22 weeker would most likely face a lifetime of challenges. There is very little research on a baby born at 22 weeks gestation because most hospitals don’t consider a baby viable until they reach 23 or 24 weeks. According to statistics, Peyton faced a less than 10% survival rate. If she survived, she had a high risk of developing cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
Peyton began working with therapists during her Nicu stay and we continued her aggressive treatment at home through Early Intervention, an educational program that brings therapists into the home to help with development. Over the years, our surviving triplet has done it all: occupational therapy, developmental therapy, feeding therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. She has spent hundreds of hours working with specialists, learning how to eat, how to gain balance and how to talk. Because she was born more than four months premature, she was extremely behind on developmental milestones. She didn’t begin crawling until she was 17 months old. Walking was a challenge that she didn’t conquer until she was 20 months old. And speech was her biggest challenge, using mostly sign language to communicate until she was close to 2 1/2 years old.
In the past few months, though, something clicked. Peyton began to excel at her therapies, surpassing every expectation. Her speech took off, with long sentences taking over the simple hand signals. Peyton was catching up to other kids her age. It was something we never imagined, taking us by surprise as we watched our daughter in awe.
Just this month, Peyton was tested to see whether she qualified to continue services. She passed with flying colors; there is no need for any extra help. Every therapist and educator has told me the same thing, and each time, I can’t help but break down in tears. All we wanted for our surviving triplet was for her to live a happy life. We assumed she would face a lifetime of appointments and therapies. We assumed she would be enrolled in special education. While we have always been “cautiously optimistic”, we never expected her to catch up completely.
It’s hard to grasp the reality that our miracle child has overcome every challenge she has faced. Her health is nearly perfect and her development is above average for her age. It’s hard to imagine that in a few short weeks our lives will change forever. After nearly 3 years of weekly appointments and therapies, our days will suddenly be empty. No longer will our lives revolve around Peyton’s appointments. Instead of therapy, Peyton will be heading off to preschool in the fall. While change can be scary, it can also be wonderful. Our daughter continues to prove every statistic wrong, conquering milestones that no one, including me, thought was possible. In the words of William Shakespeare, “Though she be but little, she is fierce!” God has big plans for our beautiful daughter and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.
YAY! Best post I have seen anywhere in a long time. So happy for all of you. And still miss you in Northern Michigan, especially in the morning.
Indeed! God has big plans for your miracle baby. Be blessed and may your angels guide the way. <3
What a beautiful post! Amazing little girl you have. Good for her. Hugs to you 🙂
This is wonderful, happy, exciting news. Your sweet little blessing will go on to show other little miracle blessings how it can be. So happy for you all. Enjoy all your new found, hard earned and much deserved free time.
Wow!!! That is absolutely fantastic news!! And now preschool in the fall…..oh my. 🙂
This is great news. Can’t wait to see some picture of Peyton at Pre-school. She is a little doll.
Yay for Miss Peyton!! So happy for your family. Can’t wait to see her preschool picture. Always love reading your blog and your updates of Princess P!! ❤❤
She is one special girl. So glad to hear that she is proving everyone wrong. We all know that it’s God’s will and she is a very special girl. Hugs to her and her family.
This is fantastic news!!! I am overjoyed and sitting here with happy tears rolling down my face!!! Following your family from before your triplets were born, praying for miracles and strength for you and your family, this is amazing!!! Know that you are an inspiration to so many who struggle with challenges in life!! Thank you for sharing your story!!
Our God is an Awesome God, He never leaves us and Peyton is a wonderful example of His great Love for us! I was so excited to read this post today! I, along with so many, am excited to see where Peyton’s journey leads! Can not wait for more pictures of this beautiful little girl! May God continue to Bless Peyton with good health and high achievements in all that she does! And may He also give you and Ryan the Strength, Courage and endurance that is needed in raising a perfectly healthy, normal little princess!
This is wonderful news. I just has a feeling she would continue to beat the odds.
So incredible!! Our 14 ounce 27 weeker didn’t get so lucky in the health & developmental department, but none the less she’s a miracle and pure joy! Nice to find a fellow preemie mama blog!
http://www.parentingtheateam.com
Soooo absolutely incredible! Every time I read your story, I’m completely in awe of YOU–let alone your amazing Peyton!! Love from CA!
Yay Peyton!! I have watched you grow and develop since you and your brother and sister were born. Having been an Obstetrics nurse, I prayed for you and am so happy to see you grow and succeed. You are a winner in my book and so are your parents.
Hi Peyton !! I am so proud of you!! You are a fighter for good health. You and your parents are amazing and I love hearing all you have accomplished.
Such an uplifting post on a really bad day. Thank you.
Reading your post almost made me cry. We were facing the same when our daughter was almost born at 24 weeks. Lucky enough she made it to 40 in the end. It is a miracle but you deserve it. All the best,
Doris
http://www.my-cutie-pie.com
Oh, Stacy! I am laughing and praising our Savior Lord through major tears! Peyton is held in SO MANY hearts! Thank you for this glorious post! ????
That is great news. I have a 23 weeker who just turned 4 and w got the same news. Life is good! http://www.micropreemie.net
This is a wonderful story so happy for you all. She’s beautiful
Way to beat the odds!! You have a lovely child.
Having a preemie myself and working in the world of special education, this is one of my favorite posts you have made! What an accomplishment for Miss Peyton, and a job well done for all the hard work her parents have put in to help get her here!!
PRAISE THE LORD she is just amazing and determin too conquer all love your stories love walking with you on all she does love her to the moon and back
Peyton, you are amazing! Your brother and sister are looking down on you with love and smiles helping you through every day I’m sure!