Pearland couple brings baby home after five months in NICU

Pearland couple Ericka Burr and Ryan Johnson with their daughter Peyton.

Ericka Burr and Ryan Johnson of Pearland will be giving thanks for many things this holiday season.

After five months in the neonatal intensive care unit at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, they brought their daughter Peyton home Monday, Nov. 19, according to a press release.

Peyton was born June 21 at 24 weeks and four days gestation. She weighed just 1 pound, 8 ounces at birth. Ericka had experienced complications in the pregnancy and was transported to the hospital. Upon arrival, it was discovered that she had low amniotic fluid, and early delivery was required to save both mom and the baby.

Though extremely tiny at birth, Peyton was on a ventilator for several months while her health continued to improve.

Peyton now weighs 10 pounds and has joined her parents and an 8-year-old sister, Anease, at home.

Ericka says that she was humbled by this long journey and is thankful for the health of her daughter and for the medical staff who cared for her.