THE family of a premature baby girl born so small she could fit inside a sandwich bag have described their joy at celebrating the Christmas they feared she would never have.

Lexi Lacey beat all the odds to survive after she was born at 26 weeks on Sunday, June 27, weighing just 14 ounces.

But parents Chelsea Rowberry, aged 17, and Lee Lacey, 24, were given another scare three weeks ago when Lexi was taken to hospital with bronchitis.

Miss Rowberry, of Rose Avenue, Tolladine, Worcester, said: “I really panicked when she was taken into hospital the last time, more so than when she was born.

“Her saturation level [the level of oxygen in the blood] was 40 when it should have been 100. They had to give her oxygen – she was blue. But she’s a little fighter.”

Lexi, now six months, is now a happy and healthy baby girl and her parents are excited about their first Christmas with her.

“She should only be two months old, so Christmas is going to be great because she’s a little bit older,” said Miss Rowberry.

“The doctors told us she might be slow at learning things, but she’s not slow at all. She smiles and she’s aware of everything going on around her. She loves the Christmas tree.

“She’s eating solids and loves roast dinner so she’ll be having some Christmas dinner with us as well.”

The family were supposed to spend Christmas in Birmingham with Mr Lacey’s family, but are staying in Worcester because of the snow.

Miss Rowberry said: “This is Lexi’s first Christmas and it’s a white Christmas, which makes it even more special. She’ll be getting lots of clothes because she’s growing out of hers all the time. She’s so much bigger than she was when she was born, but I can’t believe how tiny she is.

“People often still think she’s newborn.”

Grandmother Gillian Rowberry said: “Lexi is my best Christmas present. The fact that she’s here and we’ll have a full house this year makes it even more special. I didn’t think she’d be here. It was touch and go. I won’t be taking my eyes off her!”