268 days.

It’s been 268 days since Oliver Fox Payton entered this world as a little miraculous warrior.

And yesterday, he got to see the world outside of the hospital walls. 🌳☀️

Because yesterday, OLLIE GOT DISCHARGED!!! 🎉

We are absolutely praising the Lord and our hearts are full of joy (and many other emotions!)

It feels absolutely crazy that it’s been 9 months already.

9 months of heartache.

9 months of stress.

But also 9 months of the joy of getting to know Oliver and watch him fight for life.

And yet, we are only just beginning this journey.

I spent 9 months growing him.

And a whole tribe of literally thousands of people spent 9 months helping him survive. 🤍

And one incredibly generous, selfless, amazing family chose to give him that gift of life through their own loss. ❤️

Words will honestly never be able to explain everything we’ve felt and been through these last 268 days.

But we will keep trying to express it as best we can.

Because this story — Ollie’s story — is one of love, hope, perseverance, community, and the grace of God. 🙌🏼

We know throughout his life we have had thousands and thousands of people across the globe praying for us, sharing our story, and lifting us up.

We thank each and every single one of you for that. 🙏🏼

Every one of you who has donated even a dime, offered even one prayer, offered a minute of your time…you are angels walking this earth and we are so so incredibly grateful for you. 🫶🏼

I will try to write more in these coming weeks and share pictures and stories as Ollie explores the world with us.

But just know for now, as we walked out of the hospital yesterday welling up with tears, every single one of you were on our minds.

We couldn’t have done it without you.

Ollie couldn’t have done it without you.

May God bless you and your family for generations to come! 🙏🏼

With so much love,

– The Paytons ❤️

P.S. A Very Happy 2026 to you all!!!