Doctors didn’t think baby Armani would survive. Diagnosed in the womb with a rare condition called lymphangioma, which causes fluid-filled growths in the lymphatic system, her chest and arms began to grow rapidly. Her mom, Chelsey Milby, was devastated—but Armani had other plans.
Born via C-section at just 33 weeks and weighing 12 pounds, Armani let out a loud cry that brought the entire delivery room to tears. “No one expected her to make it,” Chelsey said. “But she came out fighting.”
The condition gave Armani the appearance of a tiny bodybuilder, and Chelsey lovingly dubbed her the “Mini Hulk.” Despite the emotional rollercoaster—including pregnancy complications, postpartum depression, and an uncertain future—Chelsey calls Armani a miracle. “I cried every day when I found out,” she said. “But now, I’m just so thankful.”
Now 9 months old, Armani is thriving. She’s rolling over, trying to say “momma,” and rarely cries—unless she wants to be cuddled. Her journey isn’t over yet; she’ll need several surgeries to reduce the swelling and remove excess lymphatic tissue, followed by skin-reduction procedures as she grows.
Chelsey and Armani’s father, Blake, have stayed strong through it all. After three months in a specialized hospital in Cincinnati, the family is home, focused on recovery and celebrating small victories every day. Chelsey affectionately calls her daughter “my little squishy baby” now that some of the fluid has drained.
Armani’s story is a powerful reminder of how strong the human spirit can be—even in the tiniest of fighters.