It's the best Christmas present the Day family will ever get.
Little Megan - who was born three months premature and weighed in at just 1lb 6oz - is home in time for the festive period.
There was a point when it was doubtful she would survive the first weeks following her birth.
Christmas present: Amanda Day back home with daughter Megan, who was born premature in September, now weighing a healthy 6lbs 1oz. Picture: STEVE BAINBRIDGE
Mum Amanda, 35, suffered pre-eclampsia and then her placenta came away from the womb, giving medical staff just minutes to deliver her daughter.
However, that was achieved successfully at Colchester General Hospital on September 8.
"It was a very scary time for both of us and very difficult," said Mrs Day.
"Megan was then transferred to Addenbrooke's in Cambridge in a special intensive care ambulance the same day."
She developed septicaemia and then a heart condition - and was only given a matter of hours to live.
Mrs Day's husband, Colin, 34, and Megan's half-sister and brother, Carrie, 14, and Ben, 11, were warned to expect the worst.
"Everyone was called in to say goodbye, but Megan proved them all wrong," added Mrs Day.
"We are all just looking forward to our Christmas together as a family."
Megan now weighs a healthy 6lbs 1oz.
Published Tuesday, December 17, 2002
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