The Rockwell Infirmary

Hayden is ready to be folded.
Mom is catching some z's at the hospital.

The hospital crib. Hayden thinks it is baby jail!

Funeral flowers.

OK. I think it is safe to say UNCLE! Joe and I are just about overwhelmed caring for sick children. Hayden was hospitalized for RSV and recovering at home for about five days when Hannah starting getting sick. This is unusual for her because she built up her immunity when she was an infant and is now a very healthy girl. Her fever maxed out at 106 degrees and we rushed her to the clinic. As predicted it is viral (not the same one as Hayden has) and needs to run its course. This morning we woke up to Hayden having pink eyes again. His left eye was crusted shut and needed some cleaning up. Luckily we still have some medication from our last round of pink eye for him about 3 months ago.

Poor Hannah is quarantined in her room and not too happy about it. This is our social butterfly shut out from the rest of the world. Luckily the U of U gymnastics team had a meet on TV so we moved one into her room so she could watch it. She is more determined than ever to do gymnastics. Joe and I are thinking that maybe it is time for her to start. We started her in a class this past summer and they told us she has a substantial natural ability. I guess it is time to let her give it a try to see if she really likes it.

Elainea is taking it all in stride. The poor girl is caught in the middle and bored stiff. We are so busy playing nurse-maid that she is left to entertain herself inside and away from the other kids. She is being really good about it and is starting to make some progress on the potty-training front.

Overall we are hanging in there. We are still recovering from the loss of Dad and I suppose we will be for a good time to come. On a positive note. In between the crazy illnesses we were able to spend a night celebrating my Uncle and Aunt's fiftieth wedding anniversary. It was so inspiring. What a remarkable set of people that make up an incredible couple. Joe and I are determined to celebrate our own milestone anniversaries.

For Valentine's Day we gave the girls each a stuffed bear that coos like a real baby and some matching headbands. Joe and I decided to just enjoy the flower arrangement from the funeral and the excitement of our girls. Hayden needed a new bouncy seat so we decided to give it to him for Valentine's Day even though he still has no idea of what it is. Hope all is well with all of you and we hope to post soon.

Joseph Hayden Rockwell

Dad at our house for Easter in 2005.

Giving Grandpa one last hug.
Dad on his way to rest next to Genny.


The Rockwell grandchildren outside the church.

Some of the kids cleaning out Dad's trailer.

It is with a heavy heart and a joyful spirit that we announce that Joe's Dad (and mine too) passed on January 31st 2009. We will miss his laugh and most of all his hugs. I thought I would post a wish I made to him at the funeral service.

The Real Father

It is not so common anymore to have a Dad who is really there. One who is the provider for his family.
One who comes home to his family every night. The kind of father whose predictability creates a sense of stability and security in his household.
Dad your routine may not have seemed valuable to you, but it meant the world to your kids.
Those kids will be forever grateful to you because they could depend on you to always be you.
That was a real father. One who was trustworthy and a great deal of things from your example.
Your kids have learned a great deal of things from your example.
They are our living legacy in which I will be eternally grateful to you.
God speed to my father and God-father.

Love,Your other daughter Pam.