Florida Preemie Comes Home: Baby Nathaniel Celebrates First Christmas After 11 Months in the NICU

Central Florida parents Nisa Pennyfeather and Myles Wright spent the holidays reunited at last with their son, Nathaniel, after an 11-month stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), according to WESH 2 News.

Pennyfeather described the homecoming as surreal.

“Him being in the hospital for so long and then finally coming home, it's like a little dream come true.”

Wright echoed that sentiment, calling their baby's return the family’s greatest gift:

“All the gifts are great, but honestly, the best gift was just having him here, having him at home.”

Nathaniel was born on November 11, 2024, at just 1 pound, 3 ounces — nearly four months early. Today he weighs about 19 pounds and continues to receive breathing support via oxygen tubing as he grows stronger.

“He's growing wonderfully,” Pennyfeather said, noting that doctors are often surprised he's a preemie because of his current size. Wright added, “He had a rough start. Nothing gets this kid down.”

The couple remembers last Christmas spent at the hospital, where they practiced skin-to-skin care and treasured the quiet moments with their tiny son. They even made miniature foam Christmas sweaters that now hang as ornaments on the family tree — a poignant reminder of how small Nathaniel once was.

Since being discharged, Nathaniel has enjoyed family outings, including visits to four Disney theme parks and meeting Santa Claus for the first time. The parents say family traditions make the season especially meaningful as they look forward to celebrating future holidays together.

Pennyfeather and Wright hope Nathaniel’s story will bring encouragement to other families facing long neonatal hospitalizations. “Seeing Nathaniel's story and just knowing that there is hope and that one day it will end, they will come home,” Wright said. “They're going to be one of the happiest parts of your life.”

Reported by WESH 2 News and covered by PEOPLE.