Nathan Ray Teply is one of the smallest babies ever born in Nebraska, and he is one small miracle. Nathan was born December 18th weighing 14.99 ounces.
Methodist Women's Hospital said Nathan is the smallest, surviving baby they have ever delivered.
So far, he is beating all the odds premature babies are faced with.
His parents, Eric and Mary Teply, have watched their son fight for his life.
“His first picture, I have my pinkie right next his hand and it's bigger than his whole hand is, so it's kind of remarkable,” said his father, Eric Teply.
Mary Teply had to deliver Nathan at 24 weeks pregnant after doctors informed her she had preeclampsia, she and Eric made the hard decision to have a C-Section to possibly save her life, and Nathan’s.
“We did what we had to do, and he is still here, he is still fighting,” she said.
Nathan’s doctors at Methodist Women's Hospital said babies this tiny and this premature can face so many complications and obstacles, but so far he is staying strong.
“He is definitely the exception and not the rule for babies born that size when it comes to survival,” said Dr. Dan Connealy.
The Templys spend every minute they can with Nathan and this week he reached the five pound mark.
“I enjoy every little gram that we gain, every night and every change he makes every day,” said Mary.
Even though Nathan’s fight is far from over, his parents are hopeful for their little fighter who had made it this far.
“It is a miracle every day,” said Eric.
