Tuesday morning update - All Praises!

Yesterday was such an unbelievably blessed day. Dillan continues to be a strong and healthy baby without any signs of having another episode or any other condition. He is truly a gift from God and so amazing to behold.

Yesterday we received a clean bill of health from the neurologist and they removed all of the probes on his head. Now we can pick up, swaddle, cuddle, bathe and otherwise perform basic parenting with our son. It is amazing to just be able to hold him skin to skin agian and see his little head (he had been wearing a skull cap of gauze for the last several days - pictures to comes when we get home).

They also determined that two of the suspected bacteria were not the cause of his episodes, allowing them to discontinue two of the antibiotics.

Luke and I were allowed to stay here in the hospital another night. Also, the couple next door departed and no one has replaced them yet. We now have a barrier of at least one empty room before we get evicted for a higher priority patient or family.

The most exciting news is that Dillan's medical team is working to transfer us back to our home hospital, CHOMP. With all of the progress Dillan has made and the fact that Dillan is now only in the hospital to complete a cycle of anti-viral medication, there are no apparent reasons for us to be at UCSF. The anti-viral can only be administered by IV, but it can be done anywhere. We don't know how long he will be on this round of medication, but are so encouraged and really hope they will be able to send us home to complete it. Most of the nurses speculate that we'll be home by the weekend one way or another.

Luke and I got to go on a lunch date where we enjoyed the absolute best sushi I have ever had (especially after 10 months without any!). We really were able to enjoy each others company and recharge and reconnect. During our date, my mom "babysat" Dillan for the first time. He was awake the whole time and she was able to really bond with him. Lucky grandma!

If you have called and not heard from us, please don't be offended. We only have about 30 minutes in the morning and in the evening to return calls and most of that time is spent on the phone with our parents. We really enjoy your messages, emails and comments on this blog - please keep it up.

We have so much to be thankful for and truly are experiencing an overwhelming response to prayers! God's hand is so obviously providing for and protecting us. We are anxious to get home but appreciate how careful and thorough the doctors are being. Your support and prayers means so much to us and it is truly awesome to experience how quickly, completely and gracoiusly the Lord answers us all.