Ten week old Charles “Charlie” Robert Thomas is Meridian’s own little miracle. Born 12 weeks early, the son of Jonathan and Sarah Motes Thomas has captured the hearts of many.

    After spending more than two months in the NICU at Rush, Charlie was brought home last week for the first time. “Charlie is our miracle. He is a true fighter,” shares his mother.

    The premature birth, caused by HELLP Syndrome, a life-threatening pregnancy complication usually considered to be a variant of preeclampsia, occurs in approximately 1 out of 1,000 pregnancies.

    For Jonathan and Sarah, this serious condition put a hold on nursery preparations and a rush on the first time parents. While she was supposed to have all summer to make ready for her son, March 21st will now be known as the day that changed her and husband Jonathan’s lives forever: “I was planning on spending that day with my mother shopping for Charlie’s room,” said Sarah, whose irregular symptoms had her in the emergency room, then into labor and delivery in mere minutes.

    Delivered 12 weeks early by Dr. Nelson, Charlie’s fate was questionable, but the 1 lb. 12 oz. fighter continues to amaze people. His nurses, who cared for him at four-hour intervals, enjoyed seeing his progression. “We are more than thankful for each and every nurse and staff member who helped Charlie along the way,” said Sarah, who traveled to the hospital each day. She shares that the nurses would check in on the Thomas family often, and even spent time trying different clothes on Charlie to pick the perfect “coming home” outfit.

    Now having been home with Mom and Dad for exactly one week, baby Charlie, now at 5 lbs. 10 oz., has had a whirlwind of new and exciting experiences: “We’ve discovered that he loves his bouncy chair, but he absolutely hates his car seat,” shares father Jonathan.

    The brown-haired, blue-eyed Collinsville resident has an array of people cheering for him. From hospital staff to church family, “Team Charlie” is thankful to finally have him home.

    “He’s our fighter,” said Jonathan. When asked what he wants for his son when he grows up, he confides: “Just happy and healthy. That’s all we can ask.”

    Charlie’s grandparents, Steven and LeAnne Motes of Collinsville, and Robert and Kathy Thomas of Meridian, are also overjoyed by the early addition. Sharing stories of late-night hospital runs and unexpected diaper shopping trips, it’s safe to say Charlie is in good hands. “God has a plan for this little man,” LeAnne said.

    Mom Sarah commends her son’s stubborn nature: “He’s going to keep fighting and proving all the facts wrong. He’ll continue to surpass all the odds against him.”