Tiny Melinda Star Guido is led out of a Los Angeles hospital with her proud parents.
The tiny infant was the third smallest baby ever born, weighing just 9.5 ounces, or less than a can of soda when she arrived four months early on December 15.
Her mother is looking forward to finally bringing her little girl home and gave her heartfelt thanks to the medical staff who made it possible.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MOTHER HAYDEE IBARRA SAYING:
"I'm just happy that she's doing well and she's doing better than she was before. I'm happy that I'm finally going to take her home after four and a half months being here and just grateful.
Doctors are hopeful baby Melinda will continue to thrive.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) DR. RANGASAMY RAMANATHAN SAYING:
"This is the first time it has ever happened, to be able to discharge a baby, who weighed less than 400 grams or 300 grams. So don't expect to do miracles every day."
They will monitor her for the next six years, but it is too early yet to tell how she will develop physically.
Jessica Gray, Reuters
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