10-ounce newborn defying survival odds at Mobile. (Sympathy to the family on the Child's passing)

Ledger-Enquirer ^ | March 4, 2005 | AP

[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."

[Maigrey]

Checkin' back in, and offerin' my mornin' prayer.

[Miss Marple]

I am continuing in prayer for the health of your son, for the skill and wisdom of the doctors and nurses, and for strength for you both as you go through this. May God bless all of you, and especially little Malachi.

[RottiBiz]

Heartfelt prayers for you and your precious baby Malachi.

The video of your beautiful baby has tears streaming down my cheeks.

Thanks for the ping, BG.

Prayers being said for Scott and Marsha and especially for their tiny baby girl.

[kayak]

Praying with ceasing for you and Malachi!

[Prince Charles]

He's such a tiny child, but we well know that all things are possible with the Lord. Bttt.

[M Kehoe]

Thanks for the ping kay. Wow. Prayers for Malachi.

Pro choice advocates must be peeing in their collective pants.

5.56mm

[Brad’s Gramma]

This is a big ole Malachi prayer BTTT....and a notice to Mommy that she has FRmail!

:)

[duckbutt]

Amazing Video! Malachi looks like a little scrapper. He's sure an alert little guy.

Merciful Father! Please hear the longing of our hearts - - that Malachi will continue to thrive, grow and be a man for You as was his namesake.

Lord, we love life as You do. We pray in agreement that Malachi will be another amazing miracle baby --

Amen and Amen!

[GretchenM]

I don't remember if I thanked you for putting up the video link.

Prayers continue.

[SuziQ]

'Hey, I'm a baby in here, I don't need Jalapenos!'

LOL!! That must be a hoot to see! Might even make some people stop and think, "Hmmmm".

[Brad’s Gramma]

Hey y'all!!! We have a prayer request and update on Malachi!!

I received this in my FRmail today from Mommy....

He is doing good today. The doctor has said that he has a small blockage in his intestine and if it does not clear on its own, he will have to have surgery. The surgery is not until Tuesday so that is plenty of time to pray for a miracle. I believe that the blockage can disappear if enough peope pray!

I will try my best to keep you updated. It's nice to know there are others out there to talk to.

Malachi's Mommy

And now...for a Friday night treat....

CUTIE PATOOTIE MALACHI!!!!!

[Prince Charles]

Prayer bump...

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

You hang in there and fight and grow strong Malachi!

We are all praying for you!

Tell Malachi, Texas Termite, how God Loves You and healed you!

[Brad’s Gramma]

Oh yeah.....we've all been down THIS road before haven't we? :) You TELL 'em Termite!!!

[Aquamarine]

Oops, I'm in love again. :)

Prayers for this little miracle.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Oops, I'm in love again. :)

Yeppers....me too. All over again.

[Aquamarine]

Guess we're just hopeless. ;)

[Texas Termite]

Little Malachi... you and your family have one of the most powerful prayer groups in the world praying for you all, and falling in love with you as they did for and with me. All of these wonderful people, opened their hearts to me, prayed their prayers day and night and it worked! God's love and mercy was shown to our family as we pray His will be with you.

It's not an easy road, there's a lot of BIG hills to climb. But you can do it little one. I'm testament to that.

We wish you well, we love you, and we pray our prayer of thanks for the life God has given, we pray for strength for you and your family as you go through this, and we wish you well on this incredible journey.

Our love and hugs......and of course our prayers......

Logan, Beth & Nana

[rintense]

Incredible! Prayers for this beautiful little fighter.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Now you nmade your Uncle Tonkin cry.

*HUG*