Wednesday, the 27th of June 2007 (Oh Happy Day)

Apologies for the late update, we have again experienced computer / signal problems within the confines of the hospital and could therefore not post the blog earlier today. As Bev (aka Mom, Mom in Law & Nanna) experienced a migraine today, she left early this afternoon and has subsequently again received her marching orders this evening to go get into bed and get some rest, therefore there will be no award winning piece of literature for today's blog, only our lay terminology and vivid description of events.

Today started out as any other “recent” day, Samm awoke in the hospital bed that she was given for the evening, looking for a place to bath/shower and Deqlan awoke much stronger and more awake than yesterday (he is such a soldier). The drainage of the bile was still substantial and still dark green and it seemed that it was going to be another day of waiting in anticipation for events to take a turn for the better.

Then it happened, he passed a huge "stoole", one of the largest dirty nappies (napkins as some of the nurses call them) you have ever seen, the “Chernobyl” of nappies/napkins. With this occurrence, Mom immediately jumped on the phone, nurses came running, cleaners were summoned and we as parents rejoiced, as this served as confirmation that all Deqlan’s pipes were in working order and we knew it was going to be a great day further.

The bile immediately cleared and became transparent, a good sign, as it means the bile is now filtering through the system in the so called “natural” process and not building up in the stomach waiting to be drained or projectiled. The doctor seems happy with his progress at this stage and mentioned that if this positive trend continues, Deqlan will start the process of fluid intake from tomorrow, beginning with clear fluids, then small amounts of milk until he reaches his usual intake during feeds.

Deqlan is in much less pain and in very high spirits this evening, smiling, laughing, playing and even passing the occasional “wind”. We are ecstatic that he is on the fast track to a speedy recovery. Hopefully he rests well, in order for us to also rest well.

There is a new sheriff in town. Deqlan is the oldest in ICU and spends a lot of time overlooking his premature friends in the ICU cubicles. He is quite satisfied with the care they are receiving from the sisters/nurses and seems to take a real interest in keeping a watchful eye on in his close friend in the room directly next to him.

The staff of the Paediatric and Neonatal wards have taken a real liking to Deqlan and continually check in on his progress to make sure things are going as planned (this time around). The superstar “Deqlan” (aka Short Stack), performing live at the Kloof Medi-Clinic until this weekend only.

We continually receive your inspirational e-mails, sms’, phone calls, faxes, post, telegrams, telexes, runners, messages via pigeon, etc., and we thank you all for your continued support through these very difficult and emotional times.

We really do appreciate your love, care and prayer for us and our entire family, but most of all for Deqlan. Please continue praying for our beautiful boy, God is listening. Our faith and belief in God is stronger than ever and we know God is hearing our prayers, as Deqlan is getting better every minute.

Keep your eyes peeled for the forthcoming “Blog”ttractions, but until then, Good Night and Good Luck.

Mark (Papa Bear), Samm (Mama & Tired Bear), Deqlan (Soldier Bear)