Our story starts back in 2012 when after 2 years of infertility we found out we were pregnant with triplet girls. Expecting triplets was both an exciting and nerve wrecking experience. We prayed each day to make it to viability and we knew they would be born early we just didn’t know how early. Stevie, Marnie and Lainie were born June 28, 2013 at 30 weeks 6 days after my water broke and early labor ensued. It was such a bittersweet day. I was so excited to finally be a mom after years of infertility, but I was so scared when they were born early and their future was so uncertain. We spent 6 weeks in the NICU and we watched them learn to breathe, eat, and regulate their body temperature- things that come so naturally to full term babies. Throughout this journey we have learned just how strong preemies are and their fight for life inspires us. This led to us getting involved with the March of Dimes to raise awareness for prematurity and allow more families to experience just the joy and not the fear on their child's birthday. We have been supporting and participating in March of Dimes events for the past 3.5 years. After our experiences with infertility we never thought we would have more children let alone more preemies. Well last year we had a huge surprise- we got pregnant spontaneously for the first time ever and an even bigger surprise when we found out it was twins. Immediately my mind started thinking of the NICU and praying we could avoid it this time around. We did make it further along than the triplets but not far enough to avoid another NICU stay. At 34 weeks 2 days our twins Paxton and Payton came into this world. Their little lungs were premature and Paxton required life saving procedures and was rushed to Crouse NICU from St Luke’s. Both babies spent 13 days in the NICU and came home the same day from two different hospitals. We never in a million years thought we would go from not being able to have kids to someone with 5 kids and especially not 5 premature babies. We have been through 5 NICU stays. We have watched all 5 of our kids fight for life and this is why the work the March of Dimes does means so much to us. We realize how lucky we are to have 5 healthy children after overcoming premature births. We credit the doctors, nurses and the wonderful work of the March of Dimes for making this possible. Today Stevie is 3.5 yo and is a bright and beautiful girl. She is full of energy and loves to run and play with her sisters. She has a special elephant named Kibby that she just adores. She loves to play dress up, but also loves to play sports. Marnie is 3.5 yo and is our sweet and caring girl. She loves to be a big helper and loves to do the right thing. She always tried to help her sisters out. When she was a preemie she had a hard time eating her bottle, every feed was a struggle. Today she is our best eater and loves a healthy snack. Lainie is 3.5yo and is very smart and loving. She loves to cuddle and loves to read. She could sit all day on your lap with a good book. She recently got glasses so now she looks like mommy and she picked out her favorite color - purple. She knows all her letters and can count to 20+. Paxton is 2 months old and loves to smile. He loves being held and eating his bottle. He is growing so fast and is a big boy. His sisters adore having a brother now. Payton is 2 months old and is such a sweet baby girl. She has great head control and has already rolled over once. Her sisters are over the moon that they have a little sister to play dress up with.