Saturday, May 16, 2009

100% Family

We decided to bring the kids up to see Olivia today. This is the first time they have seen her since March 10! She was sleeping when we got up here, but woke up within the first few minutes. She was so excited to see Jack and Brooklyn!The Family Photo

(even though Jack looks like he's rolling his eyes, he really was excited to see her;)


We started out the day going to see the new house. The kids were super excited about that, too. They loved it! They already have decided to switch rooms - Jack wanted the bigger closet, so Brooklyn ends up with the slightly bigger room. However, don't tell Jack that...he thinks his room is bigger.

It was funny to ask them their favorite parts of the house. They both liked Olivia's room the best. I think it was mainly due to the fact that she gets to be on the first floor by herself. They big fans of the "toy room," of course. Upstairs there are two smaller bedrooms and one huge bedroom above the garage, so the big room gets to become their toy room.

Brooklyn's already got plans for a pink dresser, a girly desk, and red and black paint. We're talking.

Then to the hospital! Jack originally didn't want to come up, but changed his mind, which I was glad about. They thought she looked great without her oxygen. Jack even asked to touch her nose. Neither of the kids seemed scared or bothered by anything. Jack didn't think she looked bad at all on the outside, but understood that her insides are really sick. They both got to hold her hands and she gave them little squeezes. Jack stayed up here for about 10 minutes and then was ready to head back downstairs but we didn't think we would ever get Brooklyn out of her room. I kept asking if she was ready to head down...nope. I finally said Olivia needed to take a nap, so we should let her sleep. Brooklyn agreed, but asked if she could come back again soon.

I really think it was good for Olivia. She seemed to handle the company well. It was nice to be a 100% family. That hasn't happened in a while!

On another note: check out what the other Chatterton's have been up to! http://www.ryanandjudy.blogspot.com/ I don't know how to link directly to the post, but right now it's the second post down titled "This lap is for..." They are absolutely amazing people - unbelievable! Thanks Judy, Ryan, and clan! Love you guys!
PS - I added another "interesting tidbit" to the original post from last week: Olivia's racked up over $5,000,000 in medical bills, from OSF alone, since birth! (not including routine doctors visits, anesthesia, cardiology services, Macomb doctors/labwork/hospital visits, etc...)

6 comments:

The Malcolm Family said...

Thanks so much for sharing the pictures!!! I am so glad you had such a great day!!! I am sure Olivia was very happy to see her big brother and sister. I am glad you all are excited about the house!!! I hope the rest of your weekend is just as great as today. :)

Tom and Kate Axline and family said...

It is amazing how wonderful children look at things, and by the way the kids didn't want to leave Olivia shows a lot. I think that 100% family always equals a miracle of sorts. Either a new perspective or helps us get through the minute we don't know if we can get through with out them. Just the kids seeing Olivia I am sure did huge things for all of them. And you may not know that was what all 3 needed, and maybe what Olivia really needed. You are such an amazing family,my prayers are always with you. Remember to let God hold you once in a while and take care of it. Mom's and Dad's of special needs children, I believe and have felt myself, an extra gift from God of love, a small respite when we have reached our limit. After the small respite he will help you know what to do. God Bless you all.

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you guys have been able to be a "100% Family" today. I'm sure it was something you all needed. And for the kids to get to explore their new house, what great fun!! Good day, good day. Just keep 'em coming!
Erika, RN

Sarah Joy said...

I am glad to hear you were all together! What a blessing for your amily.

Anonymous said...

So glad you all had a great day!
We're still praying for you all everyday...hope you can feel the prayers coming your way!
Jen Weber

Judy said...

It does my heart good to see you all together!! Great pictures!

I'm so glad the kids were excited about the new house. I can't wait to hear more details about it! It's cute that they like Olivia's room the best and that they've already switched rooms. It's going to be a fun adventure for them!