Baby born at 14 ounces shows amazing progress

OMAHA, Neb. (WLS) -- Nathan Ray Teply is one small miracle. The three-month-old boy weighed only about 14 ounces when he was born. This week, he reached the five pound mark.

Mary Teply, Nathan's mother, found out she had preeclampsia at 24 weeks. She and her husband, Eric, had a hard decision to make. In order to save her and their son, Mary had to have a C-section at Methodist Women's Hospital in Omaha.

Nathan was born weighing 14.99 ounces. He was only ten inches long. He is considered one of the smallest babies ever delivered in Nebraska.

"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," Eric said.

Doctors said children born this premature face many obstacles and that Nathan has shown amazing progress.

"I enjoy every little gram that we gain, every night and every change he makes every day," Mary said.

"This baby has fat on his cheeks, which is awesome - and dimples," said Dr. Dan Connealy, Methodist Perinatal Center.

But Nathan's fight is not over yet. Before he can go home with his parents, doctors said he needs to learn to eat without a feeding tube and breathe without an oxygen machine.

The Teplys hope for the best and remain in awe of their son's strength.

"It is a miracle every day," Eric said.