We know it’s been a while but wanted to give an update on how little Mia has been and where she is heading. 

Mia was discharged just after Thanksgiving and enjoyed Christmas at home in TN with mom, dad and all of her siblings. She, Rachel and Gabby came back to MI so that Mia could be around her doctors until second surgery (more on that in a moment). 

Overall Mia has been doing well. She is still on a feeding tube since bottle feedings tire her quickly. The hope is after the second surgery she’ll be able to do a full feed without the tube. She did have a little over a week hospital stay in February due to a cold. But she recovered well. 

Now here is the big news! On March 18th, Mia will be having her second open heart surgery. This surgery will help reroute the flow of blood throughout her body. 

Please pray for a successful surgery, protection over Mia, for God to direct the surgical staffs hands and peace for Rachel, Tyler and the family. Also for financial support. We would love to see them financially blessed so that Tyler can be here for the surgery and the recovery. It’s difficult to be off of work for a couple weeks while also trying to support the family. 

We will keep you updated on the surgery and Mia’s recovery. 

Again, thank you all for the prayers & financial support!!!

We have a prayer request for Mia! Since our last update, Mia has been removed from all oxygen support, praise the Lord! She has started feedings and is doing well for the most part. Last week Rachel was told that Mia could possibly have been discharged this past Monday. But that was delayed for an additional test. Then tentatively for this past Wednesday. But on Sunday evening Mia had blood in her stool and it continued overnight. Monday they stopped her feedings to allow her gut to heal. Yesterday they started her feedings again but again blood showed up in her stool. So she is now on no feedings for 7 days. This has been very discouraging for Rachel and Tyler. Tyler was going to come up for her discharge but delayed his travel so that he can continue to work to support the family. Please be praying for Mia so that the bleeding stops and the feedings can start again. Pray for Rachel and Tyler as well. The distance is difficult and they could really use each others support right now. Thank you for your continued prayers! 

Mia has been extubated!! Her breathing tube was removed over the weekend. She is still in the ICU to receive respiratory support but she is doing well. Everyday doctors are reducing meds and her support. Hopefully soon she’ll be moved down to the step down unit. Tyler went back to TN over the weekend as well. Rachel is very thankful for the support from her mom and sister while he is away. 

Continued prayers that Mia will continue to move in the right direction. 

Rachel and Tyler are so grateful for all of your prayers and support! 

Mia Grace was born Monday, October 14! She is a 7lbs 4oz and 17in bundle of joy! Mom and dad were able hold and snuggle with her for a few days before her surgery that took place on Wednesday.

Mia completed her surgery, and it went well! After the surgery, she developed some swelling in her chest cavity, which is not abnormal after surgery. She's receiving IV fluid plus making her own post-op inflammation, and sometimes it collects, and it pushes on her lungs and heart. To help this drain, they placed a chest tube, which is just as it sounds - basically a straw that sucks out fluid. This is not an unusual outcome after chest/heart surgery.  

As of right now, Mia's numbers are about where they want them to be at this point! She's peacefully recovering in the cardiac ICU, where she'll be healing over the next few days until the chest tube and her intubation tube are removed.    

Let's continue to pray that she's a fast healer and recovers well!