Going Home

Again, let me sum up the last two days before telling you our plans.

Sunday
The make-shift connection had held through the night and was perhaps even more robust than the previous connection because Zem cannot get to it as easily. I spent the morning at Adrian's place, Adrian did some work, and Sharlene looked after Zem at the hospital. Around 10am Shar had asked for a volunteer to come look after Zem for a while while we all took off to the markets. It was a quick trip, but we did come back with lots of fruit. We got back to hospital a little after 12 and lunched there. Sharlene then went home with Adrian while I took my shift with the boy.
Everything was good until evening, when it was my turn to stay overnight. About midnight, Zem started to cry and whine. He was getting very frustrated with the IV in his foot and the tangle of tubes from the lumbar drain. His foot was particularly tender when anyone touched it. Eventually, a couple of nurses decided to take the IV out and unwrap his foot. This made the situation much more bearable. But Zem was supposed to remain on antibiotics, and he was supposed to get them via IV because of the lumbar drain.

Monday
Our doctors didn't arrive until afternoon, so Shar and I spent the majority of the day watching movies and talking to other parents in the ward. Some of the things we have seen and discussed make us realise how lucky we are to have Zem without any other difficulties besides his hearing. Cathy took off the paper band aid on Zem's left ear and gave instructions for Zem to have his lumbar drain removed. This was done by the nurses a little after. Zem is now tube and needle free! If all continues well, we will be going home tomorrow - after one week and one day at the hospital one full week longer than we expected or intended (or packed for). Still, I hope that our attitude towards all the mishaps and setbacks has been a witness for God. May he bless us as we bring Zemiel home.
Once again, we express our gratitude for the multitude of prayers and wishes that have been sent skyward on our behalf. Sharlene and I believe that we have only remained upbeat over this past week because of your help. Thank you.

Finally, to Adrian...who despite having some serious deadlines for work, has dedicated significant portions of time both morning and evening to Sharlene and myself. You are a champ and we love ya (and so does Zem).
Fingers crossed all goes well for bringing Zem home tomorrow.
Check up next Monday to get the right ear looked at. (Still some swelling from Thursday night). Below are a few pictures from today. The first one is a look behind Zem's left ear after the band-aid had been removed.