A baby born on a cruise ship four months before his due date is now one step closer to going home.

By Melissa Willets

Utah parents Emily and Chase Morgan are grateful to have their baby back in their home state after a harrowing journey that started when little Haiden was born four months early on a cruise ship.

Emily's doctor had approved the late August, seven-day Carribbean cruise, since she wasn't due until December 19. But unthinkably, Emily went into labor while aboard the ship. The cause is unknown, but it may have been due to dehydration.

At the time, medical staff advised Emily to hold back her labor, as they were 14 hours away from the nearest port in Puerto Rico. But Haiden wasn't waiting, and came into the world weighing just a pound and a half. Clinging to life, the miracle baby made it to a hospital in Puerto Rico, and then Miami. That's where he has been for the past two months as his family, including his 3-year-old sister, wait for him to be strong enough to come home to Utah.

Finally, this weekend they were given the green light. Haiden was flown to Utah with his medical equipment, including an incubator. A crowd of well-wishers awaited his arrival. The happiest greeters among them were his parents.

"Even a week ago we weren't sure if we were all going to be together," Chase said.

Haiden's treatment will continue at a hospital near the family's home in Ogden. They hope to spend Christmas at home as a family of four.



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December 4, 2018