Baby Lili Fa'alili

A quick update for you on developments regarding our Lizzie and her brave little Warrior Princess, Lili, who is the most amazing little battler Ifve ever encountered!! When I visited them yesterday, I asked about sending out an update, and they were very happy for me to do that on their behalf. In the week following her dramatic arrival into the world, Lili developed a condition called Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC), which basically means that the intestinal tract began to die ? itfs a common condition in premmies, and fortunately there are things that can be done in todayfs medical world to help this. It involved transferring Lili to Auckland City Hospital, where an operation was done on Boxing Day to remove 12 cm of her intestinal tract. A further 37 cm was in bad shape, but the doctors felt that to remove that as well would mean she wouldnft be able to survive. On Thursday afternoon, the family were called to say goodbye to Lili, as it was felt she wouldnft last the night. But, she rallied, bless her, and is still fighting!! Her little toes turned black and initially it was thought that theyfd have to be removed, but the toes on the right foot have slowly turned pink again, and even the left foot is gradually showing more pink, although it is still uncertain as to whether it will recover completely. At first, while she was so very critical, David and Liz were given a room just down the corridor from Lilifs ward, where they were able to stay to be near her at all times. Now, though, Lili has improved to the extent that this is no longer necessary, so they have been given a room in Starship in the Ronald McDonald Parentsf unit on level 3, where they can sleep at night, and be with Lili during the day. When I saw her yesterday afternoon, I was amazed at the progress made. Lili still has some swelling, but in spite of all the setbacks, is slowly putting on weight, and has even graduated to the next size up in nappies ? an amazing achievement!! There are also signs that her intestinal tract is gradually regenerating ? a miracle baby indeed!! In her ward there is a lovely little sign that gets updated each week, showing her actual gestational age ? so far shefs reached 27 weeks, having been ebornf at 24 weeks!! So already three weeks have passed, and shefs still determinedly hanging in there!! Liz and David and big brother DfArtagnan thank you all for your thoughts and prayers during this most challenging time of their lives. We have not yet sent any flowers, because Liz has nowhere to put them, and they would be an added complication at this stage, but she knows that wefll be sending some when all this is over. Will send out updates from time to time, but thanks again for your caring and your interest.