Special Visitors for Brooks

Today has been a great day for Brooks.

Doctors have begun to challenge him by taking away some medications and breathing support. He is still intubated and on a ventilator but (fingers crossed) he will be extubated tomorrow or Tuesday. 

First, he has to prove that he can handle a few trials at different lengths of time. 

Another plus for today is that his big brother and big sister came to visit him!

Marie and Bennett started their visit with a little tour of the Castle Hospital before going to lunch.

The kids chose cheeseburgers, fries, and ice cream.

Next, Marie, Bennett, Mom, and Dad went to the Butterfly Museum. 

We got to touch starfish and sea caterpillars.

A butterfly hung out on Marie's finger. Bennett stalked and chased quail. 

Most importantly Andy & I were able to cuddle our 2 older kiddos. 

We were so thankful for our time with them. 

 After the museum, it was time to visit Brooks for the first time. 

A child life specialist assisted us with this by showing the kids pictures of Brooks and explaining why he had tubes and machines around him. 

The kids responded very well to her and before we knew it they were on their way to Brooks' room.

They each were given a stuffed animal to keep and a stuffed animal to give to Brooks.

Both kids wanted up close to Brooks right away. They kissed him and loved him up as best they could. Brooks responded positively to their voices and touch right away. His vitals and breathing got better immediately upon their arrival.

 

We enjoyed our visit even though it was over too fast. 

It was very difficult to say goodbye to the kids but Andy was able to go home with them for the night. 

Marie is so caring and tender. She expressed how much she missed me and her worries for Brooks.

Bennett is the first to ask about Brooks and wants to know why he can't be at home with them. 

Thankfully, our family has been an unbelievable support during this and our kids have so much love around them.