Favourite moments from Tuesday

The Rotary Flames House is amazing. We have spent quite a few hours swinging in the sunroom with Piper, some in the Flames game room with Peyton and many in the comfort of the suite they have given us to use for Piper's stay here. One of the most amazing experiences we have had here was one we enjoyed last night. It was magical and I am so glad we were able to share it as a family.

The night nurse suggested we take Piper down to the multi-sensory room here in the house. We decided to all go at the same time and to let Peyton "help" Piper try things out. I'm not sure who had more fun among the handful of us down there! It was so neat to see Piper's reaction to the room. At first I thought it would be too much and I was worried it would overwhelm her or compromise her health in some way with too much stimuli. After I realized she was actually settling down instead, I relaxed and began to enjoy the experience with her.

We settled her onto a heated water bed, nestled among some fiberoptic threads for her to explore with her hands. We weren't certain what her visual capabilities were until last night, but the way she was looking toward the lights and opening her eyes wider as if to take it in it seemed she might actually be registering something of what was around her. She blinked at me and almost tried to move a bit when I got in her line of vision as though I was in the way! We were able to change the colour of the lights in the tubes and threads at the roll of a large dice and it was interesting to see how her response changed based on the colour. When it was purple or blue, she opened her eyes more and moved her hand around a bit. When it was red, she calmed and nearly fell asleep. That was the opposite reaction I expected! She had been a bit fussy before we walked in, but hardly made a peep while we were in there. When we walked out, it was like she had been to a spa! Peyton on the other hand came out completely wired! He loved the experience! He loved helping Piper by changing the lights, playing some of the musical instruments in there for her, and creating waves on the waterbed with her. I was a bit uncertain of the combination of waterbed, Peyton and Piper though, especially after he asked if he waved it enough if it would launch her! I love the boy in him but it always surprises me how much of his mischief Piper willingly puts up with! I am so glad they were able to share this opportunity together and that our whole family could benefit from the creativity of some very talented individuals. I want one of these rooms in my house for those sleepless nights!