We created this blog to help us document the story of Malia starting at 29 weeks in utero. There have been and continue to be struggles for Malia and for us. It is evident to us, as you will see, that the power of prayer is mighty and God does love us and hear our prayers. We welcome and invite you to follow along with us. Though lengthy, start from the bottom to get the entire story so far.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Best news yet!

Today started off with a phone call to the hospital to see how Malia fared through the night and if she tolerated her chest tubes being clamped off. We got word that 2 of them tolerated the clamps but one of them created more air to fill up around her lung (pneumothorax). Harley was a bit discouraged but I was thinking 2 out 3 isn't bad. When we arrived at the hospital later that afternoon she looked even better than she had the day before. Her swelling continues to go down and it finally looks like she is at her normal birth weight. We got word that they were able take out 2 of her chest tubes that day and now only 1 is remaining. Before leaving we were able to talk to the Dr. a bit about the remaining chest tube and other machines that she is currently on. He was very confident that the pneomothorax would heal in 48 hrs and they would be able to take the last remaining chest tube out as well as taking her off the ventilator Tues/Wed. She has been taken off both blood pressure medicines, dobutamin and dopamine, and her blood pressure has remained stable. We asked the Dr. how common chest tubes in babies were thinking this stuff happens all the time and he said he hasn't seen one in over a year. The nurse on duty said she's worked at Memorial for 3 yrs and has never seen a baby with a chest tube. Malia so far has had at least 5 or six put in over a week period b/c of wrong or shifting of placement. Hydrops is also not a common diagnosis they see and the Dr's only seen 2 other cases in his 3 yrs at Memorial. All this to say, we are extremenly thankful that Malia has survived the week and is doing so well! The Dr. told us the words today that we weren't expecting to hear for weeks. He said "she's a survivor, she's going to make" "we'll be taking her home in 5/6 weeks and she's going to be ok". I know we both couldn't believe the words coming from his mouth as he spoke them so causually but I have to tell you, they felt so good! No one has told us yet that our baby was going to survive and we were both elated. She still has a long road ahead of her in the NICU so we continue to pray for strength, healing and growth in her little body but PRAISE GOD! He has a special plan for this little fighter.

9 comments:

  1. I have been reading your posts about Baby Malia and I am just so thankful in your faith and trust in God. He is truly amazing and will walk her through her precious life one day at a time. God bless both of you and your family. He does have a BIG! plan for her!

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  2. She's so cute in the picture you have of her at the top of your blog. I think she resembles Lydia.

    We'll con't praying for you all...love to the Moore's!

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  3. I'm so glad you started this blog! Now I know even better how to pray for you and little Malia.

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  4. OMG! That is wonderful...thinking of you and happy so happy that she is doing better!

    Colleen

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  5. Harley and Alison,

    I am so happy to hear this wonderful news! I have been praying for your beautiful baby girl Malia (love the name by the way)! God is good!

    Kelli Thompson (Baumann)

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  6. Thanks for setting up this blog. Great way to keep everyone posted on new info. It was nice of you to share all you have been through so far. Makes me feel like You aren't so far away! I hope things keep looking up for that little sweetie!

    Love you all!
    ~Angie~

    P.S. God is good!!!!!

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  7. I have read the entire blog...bottom to top and am going to read it again, it's so inspiring. By the time I got to, "she's going to survive" I was almost sobbing. God bless you and your family. Love you all. Still praying!

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  8. Harley and Alison,
    Thank you for creating the blog so we can follow baby Malia Joy's amazing progess. Reading the story is all your words definitely reduced me to tears. Her most recent picture looks so good- You can see her strong spirit (and His) in her beautiful eyes. Thanks again for sharing your journey with so many friends and family. This baby is moving hearts and changing lives!
    -Laura

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  9. Hey guys, it's Kimmy (Tommy's sis)... I've been praying since I first heard you were admitted to the hospital. I'm so happy to see that Malia is doing better and we'll continue to pray. My small group prayed for you guys as well. The same power that conquered the grave, is holding your baby girl :) -Kim

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