Posted on 03/05/2005 3:19:49 AM PST by beaversmom
MOBILE, Ala. - A medical team at the University of South Alabama's Children's & Women's Hospital have closely monitored the progress of a newborn who weighed only 10 ounces at birth on Feb. 15.
His parents, Phillip and Monica Whitlock, said tiny Malachi Andreas Whitlock is so far holding his own.
"I feel he's got 100 percent chance of survival," his father said.
They said they chose the name Malachi because it's one of the smallest books of the Bible, and Malachi means "messenger of God."
"He's so small, and he's sent a message to us of what love is," the father said.
Dr. Fabien Eyal, the director of USA's neonatal intensive care unit, said, "Everybody's pulling for him, but we know they're in for a very tough time."
Monica Whitlock had an emergency cesarean section after developing high blood pressure.
Malachi, at 10 ounces, weighed about 290 grams at birth. Most babies placed in the unit, Eyal said, weigh around 400 grams. One baby, born at 350 grams, did survive and went home this week.
Eyal attributed the "incredibly low birth weight" to the fact that Malachi stopped growing before his birth. He put Malachi's actual development at 20 weeks at the time of birth.
The normal gestation period is 40 weeks.
Eyal said babies born at 22 to 24 weeks are at "the limit of viability."
More prayers for Malachi's valiant little soul. I'll always remember your precious little angel and his heroic struggle.
Love ya, kiddo....big time.
Dearest Phillip and Monica,
You are in our thoughts and prayers today on the anniversary of your precious Malachi being welcomed as an angel into God's kingdom.
I hope you both are doing well.
Love,
Donna
And you know we love you big time too!!!
Precious little one....We remember your valiant fight and the lives you touched. Now you are safe....one of God's little angels forever watching over your Mommy and Daddy.
Thank You God for allowing this baby into our lives to again remind us of our love for each other .. such a tiny one to do such a big job.
We celebrate your life Malachi... you touched so many so deeply.
Our love,
"TT", Beth & Nana
Thank you! I miss ya'll so much.
"Thank you! I miss ya'll so much."
It is we who thank you for sharing your beautiful baby with us. We were humbled by his fight and the love you had/have for him.
No need to miss us......join in the threads! You became one of our favorite people. There's always an opinion to state or a prayer to be uttered.
A special hug to a dear friend... Malachis'Mom :)
"TT", Beth & Nana
Thinking of Little Malachi's birth 2 years ago today..
Sending hugs to your family...and prayers that the day was as gentle as it could be.
Much love today and always..
Mosby
Thanks, M0sby. Monica, I think of you two often, very often, and pray that you're well!!
Love you,
BG
Happy Birthday to a little angel. We're thinking of you and Phillip Monica.....and will always remember your precious Malachi forever.
Hugs to all.......
"TT", Beth & Nana
Thank you. It is so hard for me to believe that it has already been 2 years!! The time has really flown for us. I am so glad that we found FR. You all just don't know how much it helped us get through it all just knowing you all were here praying and giving us encouraging words!! We both are very thankful!
Happy 2nd Heavenly Birthday Malachi!!! Mommy loves you and misses you big boy.
So are we, Monica. :)
A note from our friend..
Precious child.......he will be forever in our hearts and in our memories.
Hugs to you......
Nana
Sweet little soul will be in our thoughts forever. I recently ran across a teddy bear graphic that I had made while he was still on Earth.
He WILL be in our hearts and thoughts forever...
And Phillip and Monica too...
Thanks!!! We love you guys. ((HUGS))
We love you too!
(((HUGS)))
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