She has started to use her arms and talk, is breathing without assistance and relearning how to eat and drink, they said in a statement.

“Earlier this week [she] enjoyed her first sips of tea,” they said.

McShane’s prognosis remains “uncertain” but the couple hope she’ll eventually “lead a full, meaningful and independent life.”

“We’re optimistic. She’s making progress,” Sheila McShane told the Chicago Sun-Times from Natasha’s bedside as doctors arrived in the room Thursday.

The couple thanked Chicagoans who have rallied around to help pay for McShane’s hospital bills.