A SIX-MONTH old "little miracle" has enjoyed her first Christmas, despite warnings that she might not survive her birth.

Caitlan Myers weighed just 1lb 5oz at birth, which is less than a bag of sugar. During pregnancy, her mum Marie suffered a ruptured membrane in her womb, and was warned that Caitlan's chances of survival were slim.

Marie and husband Sean were even told that giving birth could also threaten Marie's life, but they decided to press ahead with the delivery.

Little Caitlan was born more than a month premature, but she gained strength every day and spent weeks in an incubator.

"We are just so thrilled that we've been able to enjoy Christmas with Caitlan around," said Marie.

"She is a lovely girl, and naturally, we're all spoiling her rotten!"

Caitlan now weighs a very healthy 11lbs 7oz, and received presents from Father Christmas including toys and clothes.

"She is always happy and smiling, even if we're not sure what she's smiling about," Marie added.

"Christmas hasn't really meant much to her this year, but I'm sure next year will be very different. But it has meant a lot to us. We had a lot to celebrate."

Marie says the good times the family have enjoyed since Caitlan's arrival have buried the memory of the dark day in July, when she was told that proceeding with birth posed enormous risks for both of them.

"It was Friday the Thirteenth, and we'll never really forget it," she added.

"But we always said we wanted to give her every chance, and we are obviously happy that we did.

"It proves she was meant to be."

Updated: 08:44 Thursday, January 03, 2002