A 14-month-old baby boy, born prematurely at just 1lb 10oz, is set to enjoy his first Christmas dinner at home. Iarla Ace, born at 25 weeks, is now free from his feeding tube, just in time for the holiday season.
Iarla has overcome several serious health challenges, including a brain hemorrhage shortly after his birth. After spending 127 days in the hospital, he will finally return to his family’s home in Castlecaulfield, near Dungannon, County Tyrone.
His parents, Lindsay and Matthew, along with his four-year-old sister Aine, are eagerly anticipating their first Christmas together at home with their resilient son.
Lindsay, who works as a nurse at Craigavon Area Hospital, described Iarla’s birth in October 2023 as extremely traumatic. “In the beginning, we didn’t think he would survive the first few days,” she said. “But he’s such a strong little boy. Every plan the doctors had for him worked, and he kept overcoming each hurdle.”
Last Christmas was difficult for the family. Lindsay and Matthew balanced visits to Iarla in the hospital with making the holiday special for Aine. To make matters worse, Iarla became severely ill with a bowel obstruction and required emergency surgery on New Year’s Day at the Royal Maternity Hospital.
“It was a tough time, and I don’t think we really experienced Christmas last year,” Lindsay shared. “We just got through it because we had to. I would have canceled Christmas if I could, but I couldn’t do that for Aine, so we made it work.”
This year, the family is thrilled to be together at home for the holiday season. “It’s going to be amazing just to be together at home for Christmas—eating dinner, visiting family, and enjoying the day without having to go to the hospital,” Lindsay added.
Matthew expressed the overwhelming emotion of finally bringing Iarla home from the hospital. “The last four weeks before he came home felt like time slowed down. But when it happened, it was incredible.”
Lindsay said that having Iarla’s feeding tube removed was a significant milestone. “I cried tears of joy. I’m so proud of him. It was a long journey, but now he’s thriving. He’s hitting all his developmental milestones and really enjoying his food and drink. He’s such a happy, content little boy.”
The family is deeply grateful to the medical teams at the Royal Hospital in Belfast and Craigavon Hospital, as well as to the support from family, friends, and the charity TinyLife, which helps families of premature babies.
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