Dear Peyton,
It’s hard not to tear up thinking about your life. It’s not what you chose, but life threw us a curve ball. To my child who wasn’t expected to survive, here’s my message to you.
The week leading up to your special milestone is an emotional time for me. Even though it’s been three years, I still find the grief building up on these days. It’s like a sleeping volcano; my tears are lava, slowly building, ready to erupt at any moment. The few days before the birth of you and your triplet siblings were the last days of pure bliss. Death and infant loss were not part of my vocabulary. Your dad and I chose to stay positive, expecting life to turn out how we had it planned in our minds. But my body failed me. My body failed you. My body failed Parker and Abby.
When I held you in those early days, you were frail. At just over a pound, I was afraid to even touch you. Our days weren’t marked by typical newborn activities, instead, we watched the hours pass by as we wondered if you would survive. But, that tiny little body refused to give up. Your fierce personality was dubbed, “diva”, by your nurses. It’s a trait that has held true for three years now. In that first year, you faced more challenges than many people go through in a lifetime. You were given a less than 10% chance of survival. If you did survive, there was only a slim chance you would lead a healthy and normal life. You sure are getting the last laugh today!
As I watch you over the years, I’ve witnessed a transformation. That frail, tiny body has become fierce and full of energy. The soft voice that could barely utter a word only 6 months ago, is now booming with a vocabulary that wows everyone in your path. While you’ve made major strides physically and developmentally, one thing has stayed the same: you are just as strong as the day your were born. That powerful fight you gave us in those early days continues three years later. That spunk and fiery personality is why doctors say you ultimately survived.
That same strength may drive me nuts on many occasions, but I quickly remind myself of why you are so strong-willed. Your over-the-top personality make sense to all who love you, that’s because you hold a part of Abby and Parker within you. Three perfect babies, with only one here on earth. When I look at your beautiful face, I see your identical sister. And during those sweet moments of tenderness, I’m reminded of your calm and angelic brother.
As I reflect on this eve of your birthday, the tears may be flowing, but the happiness outweighs the pain. We are so proud of all you have overcome. God has big plans for you, our sweet child. The sky’s the limit…there is no stopping you now.
Happy Birthday our beautiful miracle child.
Love,
Mom & Dad
Can’t wait to enjoy the pictures of your 3rd birthday Peyton! I feel as though I’ve become part of your family …. I’ve cried and rejoiced along with your momma! God has truly Blessed your mom and dad with a strong and powerful little girl! Will be waiting on those beautiful birthday pics ! May God continue to Bless you sweet Princess Peyton!
Happy birthday sweet Peyton.
Happy 3rd birthday Ms Peyton. You have grown so much and we have all watch as mom and dad have kept us all posted. We all feel that we know you and claim you as one of ours. Enjoy the day and be sure to blow out those 3 candles with a big huff case we will have help in blowing. Hugs and much love to you and your family.
So much love mama. Peyton is beautiful. I’m rooting for her continued success. Peyton, keep proving everyone wrong with your awesomeness. <3
What a beautiful, yet bittersweet post, Stacey. I love that you credit Abby’s and Parker’s presence in Peyton for the strength of her body, mind and will! That is such an inspiring reality.
happy birthday Peyton your such a blessing to your mom and and their miracle baby hope and pray you have a wonderful blessed day for a beautiful and dorable girl
Happy Birthday Peyton, and your two angels in heaven. God Bless you all.
Happy Birthday to a precious Gift from God
With sisters in Heaven pulling for you and loving parents here on Earth, I am sure you are bound for a wonderful life. Make the most of it and pass your blessings on to others. Happy 3rd birthday!
Hi Peyton 3 years has went by so fast. Happy Birthday you are a Blessing to many with your miracle story. Stacey Thank You for sharing this beautiful story with all if us.
Happy Birthday Peyton, you share a birthday with my husband so we will never forget yours. Enjoy your special day.
Oh my goodness, you have me in tears. What a beautiful story and what a wonderful reminder of how precious life is. Happy Birthday sweet girl. May you take on the world, with your bright smile and diva-filled personality.
Happy, happy birthday sweet girl! You have overcome so much and I just LOVE that beautiful smile of yours!
So incredibly beautiful! Love this so much! Happy Birthday Peyton!
What a wonderful story, your daughter is growing up so nice. Happy 3rd Birthday!
What a beautiful letter to Miss P!!! Happy 3rd Birthday Peyton!!! Can’t wait to see all of the birthday pictures!! Lord bless you all <3
Happy 3rd Birthday Peyton!!! Hope you have a wonderful day!!!!!????????????????????????
Happy birthday Peyton, What a special little girl you are, I am so excited for all the hurtles you have over come. Yes you are going to do many great things in your life you have the spunk and energy of all your triplets in you . God has a special place in this world for you, God bless you and keep you , Have a wonderful Birthday.
So beautiful, Stacey. What a little superhero you have in Peyton! ????????
It was because of your strength, not failings, that Peyton not only pulled through, but has defied all odds – and will continue to do so. She has brought so much joy to so many. Thank you for generously sharing her/your incredible story with all of us. Happy birthday, Princess Peyton! ????????????????????????????
Happy Birthday Peyton!!! And many many more to come!!!! Have a great one! You are a remarkable little girl.
What a beautiful miracle girl! Happy birthday sweet one! You are a strong mama that is for sure! Prayers for you and your family!
Happy Birthday, Payton! Hope you have a fantastic day with your Mommy, Daddy, and others who are special to you!
You are apecial to a lot of people : )
Happy Birthday Peyton can’t believe three already what a story your life has been and you keep smiling and melting our hearts with that smile and Thank s to mom for sharing your story with us all .