Our Donovan; from none to One.

Three children was quite comfortable for us, in fact with three children in the First World you can have the typical five seater car, a two or three bedroom house or apartment even, or even a bench with three stools at breakfast time for those three children. We were content and comfortable, life may have been a little more predictable even, and whilst our eldest child was quite a responsible four year old daughter, on family outings Campbell and I could hold the hand of our other two young children and be mindful of them all in safety in public quite comfortably. Doing a trip to the grocery store it was quite doable taking them, whether holding their hands or all in the trolley.

Life with three kids was comfort zone for us, or me at least I would say.

I could feel the comfort zone boundaries of three, have the capability of being stretched a little - a fourth child perhaps? Could a fourth child possibly fit into the image above? I was 25, my husband 27 at the time the photo above was taken. It was common for people to think we were 'crazy' having children so close together; and it was also as UNcommon for people to believe we planned it this way. Perhaps not seen as often in families and this modern society. Nonetheless we wanted to be parents in our prime, and is probably the best decision I think we have made to date, apart from choosing to marry each other.

The answer to question; could another child possibly fit into that image above? Yes, indeedy. 

We fell pregnant with our fourth child around the month of April of 2011. We had decided, contrary to what we had previously done with our previous three children, that we would not find the gender of child number 4. Partly because it didn't matter the gender, and we found it a little exciting to anticipate the surprise. 

Pregnancy with baby 'x' was good, I was probably the most health conscious with this pregnancy and made effort to eat well and have a brisk walk most mornings. I felt great, pregnancy appointments all fine, what other can one expect than a good birth and healthy baby? I was grateful.

At 35 weeks into my pregnancy, a Tuesday evening while Campbell attended his Bishopric duties, I recall tidying up the dinner dishes and sitting down with my son two year old son, Bruce, and I felt strange pains from my belly. Surely not a contraction I thought,  I continued with kids night routine, bath, story time, tucking in. Fast forward to 9pm that evening, these pains became consistent, up until about 4am the next morning - and baby 'x' was born! A beautiful boy, weighing about 6 pound, a healthy weight for a baby 5 weeks premature. 

We had decided on a name be it a boy, and our babe was named Donovan Moli Walshe.

Donovan, is the name of my beautiful brother who has passed, and Moli the name of my dear father.

What a lovely surprise, and even a sigh of relief I didn't have to carry for another 5 weeks, the strains of pregnancy in the final trimester.

First photo taken of Donovan. Moment with mummy post-birth before visitors.

He was a beautiful straight-light-haired boy with features that were distinct and reminiscent of Campbell (I thought!) First 36 hours in hospital I had a swift recovery and all seemed to be going okay apart from Donovan producing dark vomits which can apparently be normal for newborns, and he also had signs of slight jaundice. He hadn't done a poo, which could also be seen as normal as some newborns don't have bowel movements up to two days since being born.

Baby Donovan, front right. With his 4 week old cousin Pu'eomanu, front left; 5 year old cousin Taumei, back left; 2 year old brother Bruce, back left

At about the 48 hour mark since been born, the immediate events following were unprecendented and a shock to us all. In short, Donovan's dark vomits had actually been bileous vomits (he was regurgitating bile - not good at all) and after he had been transported from Sunshine Hospital, to the Royal Children's Hospital Intensive Care Unit, tests were done and within about 5 hours of arriving, he had an extensive operation on his bowels. 

Surgeons had found four obstructions in his bowel, whilst also finding a coiled part of his bowel which was interestingly abnormal. These obstructions caused food (milk) unable to get through the whole of his digestive system, and as a result he would vomit up the digested milk and other acid, also known as bile. So in short, it was physiologically impossible for Donovan to do a poo!

The duration of the operation was about 3-5 hours roundabout (to be honest I can't remember exact timing, that whole time was a whirlwind) and they took out about 30% of bad bowel, separated the obstructions in the bowel and sewed them up altogether. He was in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for about 7 days, heavily sedated for about 3 of them, and doctors were hesitant about his progress following - we could only wait and see. 

Possibly the worst feeling Campbell and I have experienced in our lives - the waiting. 

The Director of NICU sat us down and told us the varying progress Donovan could have, also from his experience of infants of similar problem. We were looking at Donovan being in hospital for at least a month to a year, and that was if his operation was successful. We felt overwhelmed, but so grateful at the same time because we were at one of, if not the best hospital in the world for children. 30 minutes away from our home. I felt comfort and peace and try to prepare myself for the long haul, and also the possibilty of our son not surviving. These were the very possible outcomes. 

The following photos are of Donovan and the many medications he was on, including oxygen. He had the most wonderful nurses, and doctors. The MOST wonderful! I am amazed and grateful they do what they do so well. They were attuned to his physical and emotional needs, and to ours also. They were truly angels. They helped us understand quite well what was happening with Donvan, articulating his drugs, the purpose of them, the way they work in conjunction with each other etc. 

I was taken back to my high school Biology class and it was confirmed to myself the reason why I didn’t take up Chemistry!

Donovan, the day following his operation. Amazing technology at The Royal Children's Hospital.

Modern medications are amazing. And so is the power of Prayer and Fasting - even moreso. We had our family and friends, pray, fast, have his name on prayer rolls at various temples around the world - for his progress  and recovery to be speedy and successfully healthy.

The timeline we were given of his potential stay in hospital put us in a position where were literally had to take one minute, one hour at a time. Our children, and gratefully so, were jumping from grandparent to grandparent, aunty to aunty, so I could be in hospital with Donovan all throughout the days. And Campbell also, while he had gone to back to work. He had his own business at the time, our income dependant upon. 

Donovan was in hospital for the space of 21 days, and he was home! Home with us! His nurses and specialists were amazed at his recovery and would mention we were lucky. We knew without a doubt - it was all things combined - health facilities, health professionals and last but not least the divine and direct result of the power of prayer and fasting. Donovan is meant to be on this earth, at this time. There are no words in the English or otherwise language to explain such a blessing Donovan’s health resulted. Only a feeling of comfort, peace and profound gratitude.

Donovan's first day home from hospital

...with lovely aunty Nelia

A month following his arrival home, we were able to experience a beautiful Sunday of his blessing shared with family and friends.

And just this past week, on January 4, 2013, our precious Donovan turned one year old. A great milestone for us in so many ways. We had a little party for him and celebrated with our loved ones. It was a beautiful day. On his invite was this little poem;

When I was so little my nurses called me 'ducky'

For after my baths my hair went 'fluffy'

This is a great milestone for us you see

Come celebrate and wear some 'yellow' with me!

It was a beautiful day, weather wise, company wise, and food wise of course.

Donovan asleep for the first two hours of his party.. of course. 

Cousin Quadey and brother Brucey knocked out mid-party.. they must've felt relieved.. their parents too.

Wondering about the strange song people seem to be singing to him 

Making sure icing is of worthy tasting

Second nap on Uncle James..

An exhasuting day for certain littlies, and mums and dads, we enjoyed celebrating Donovan's first birthday. A relaxing, beautiful day. Donovan had two naps within his party. It was wonderful to be with and catch up with loved ones.

People comment on how quiet he is; not a loud baby. Which he might be, but his countenance certainly radiates aloud the innocence and perfection a child can emanate. This blog post is entitled "from none to One" - one being his first year of age. 

In hindsight his beginnings of mortality brought some unfamiliar territory. Not knowing if he would survive, to the beautiful healthy boy he is today with such a pleasant and kind nature. He bravely and successfully fought his physical battles in the first days of life, and for all we know may in the future if complications arise which is also possible. He was and is surrounded by those who love him dearly. So in essence, I would edit the title of this blog.

"Our Donovan; from none to Won."