This article was originally published on WackoJaco
Sometimes life can be truly amazing, other times it can be so, so hard. But these inspiring pictures of premature babies prove that no matter how bad things are you should never give up. These touching pics of smiling preemie babies have warmed people's hearts and are guaranteed to make you smile and/or cry. From amazing stories of recovery to pictures of hope, each one of these cute pictures tells an amazing story of struggle and love. While these preemie babies may have been born a bit too early, their adorable grins and chubby cheeks aren't going anywhere. Grab some tissues and get ready to overload on cuteness with these precious little angels.
1. Meeting Mom And Dad For The First Time
This cheeky little munchkin may have had a difficult birth, but the minute he saw his parents for the first time he cracked a huge smile. Its pretty amazing and almost seems like the little guy recognizes them.
This happy little boy just couldn't stop smiling. It's no surprise then that after only a week in the hospital he was ready to go home with his parents.
2. Miss Mittens
Being a premature baby doesn't mean you still can't look your best. Take this little lady for example. She was the cutest little baby on the hospital ward with her little dress and matching mittens.
Despite everything going on she even had a cute little smile for the nurses. It seems this little trendsetter is almost ready to go home with mom.
3. Fist Bump
Well this baby girl may look pretty fierce now, but unfortunately, when she was born it was touch and go for a while.
After a lot of love and expert care, this little girl is all dressed up and ready to go home with her parents. How cute is that headband!
4. Day And Night
This darling little girl may have been born weighing less than three pounds, but in a matter of weeks, she was a smiling happy baby.
The differences between the picture taken on the day she was born and the day she left the hospital are like day and night! What a beautiful smile she has!
5. A Mother's Love
When this little guy was born, doctors weren't sure he was going to make it. But after just one look at him, his mom was certain her son was a fighter.
After only 4 months this little guy went from being only a few pounds to being a smiling healthy little boy. There is nothing stronger than a mother's love!
6. Happy Arrival
This little cutie pie is so happy to have arrived in this world. Despite having been born at only 33 weeks, she still had a smile on her face.
While she may have started out with a bunch of medical problems, this happy little girl didn't let it get her down. She quickly bounced back and made a full recovery.
7. Never Give Up
You wouldnt know it by looking at how happy he is, but this little fighter was born at just 27 weeks! While he has had a difficult road of recovery his parents say he never gave up.
In fact, his amazing energy and smiles were inspiring to his parents who were overwhelmed by the situation. This charming little guy is a real fighter!
8. Day Dreaming
How precious is this picture! It almost seems like this little baby is having a really good dream while having a nap in her father's arms.
According to the nurses in the NICU, this little girl was always slept with a smile on her face and was one of the best-behaved tots on the ward.
9. Stay Tough
If you are looking for some motivation then this is the picture for you. These before and after pictures show exactly what preemie babies go through.
Here you can see how much this little girl has grown in just 6 months. We must say, she has developed some great style.
10. Hi There!
Now that is a really big smile for such a small baby! If you have ever wondered what pure joy looks like then this is it.
This happy little preemie couldn't help but smile at his mom and it was so adorable! With those big eyes and smile we cannot help but be moved by this picture.
11. Peace Dad
Sometimes little babies can make the funniest gestures and this little preemie is no exception. A few days after being born prematurely this little guy flashed his dad the peace sign.
The surprised dad immediately ran to tell his wife. Even though his wife and the doctors told him that it was just a coincidence, this dad is certain his baby was trying to tell him something.
12. First Contact
Look at how happy this little munchkin is. It's no wonder because this is the first time ever that this baby has been held by anyone.
Dad was the first one to hold him and as soon as he did his son smiled and almost chuckled. This is such a beautiful moment between father and son.
13. Meeting Grandma
This little girl has just enjoyed her first feeding from her grandma and she sure seems happy about it. With her bib on she was ready for her snack.
After her meal, she gave her grandma a big smile of gratitude that just warmed everyone's hearts. This little angel has been Grandma's favorite ever since.
14. Longing Looks
Now this little one looks like she knows something we don't. While in her incubator, this little preemie was still able to look longingly at her mom.
While he mom wasnt allowed to hold her yet, mother and child still managed to connect with one another by staring into one another eyes.
15. What Big Eyes You Have
Just look at how big and beautiful those eyes are! This little girl also has the cutest chubby little cheeks we have ever seen.
Despite being born at 29 weeks, this baby girl was able to put on weight quickly and developed at record-breaking speed. We bet this little girl is going to grow up to be quite beautiful.
16. A Simple Touch
This must be one of the happiest babies in the hospital. Even though his parents cant pick him up, this cutie gets quite a kick from having his hand held.
When his mom touched his hand for the first time he immediately began to smile. It's almost as if he was letting his mom know everything was going to be okay.
17. The Passage of Time
What a difference a few months can make! When this baby was born prematurely, his entire family banded together to help.
Every family member spent time with him while he was in the hospital and made sure he knew he was loved. No wonder he was ready to go home after a month!
18. Looking Good
This little one may be stuck in the hospital until he puts on weight, but that doesn't mean he doesn't get to look good.
wearing a cute little hat and a striped onesie, this baby won the hearts of all the nurses. Look at that little face!
19. Mommy's Little Girl
This baby girl doesnt care about all the tubes and poking and proding she gets in the hospital. The second her mom holds her she always smiles sweetly.
If that wasn't cute enough she is ever poking her tongue out cutely. This little baby sure does look precious in her little pink hat!
20. Enjoying The Simple Things
He may not be able to sit up alone yet, but this baby is still enjoying life. Ever since his parents brought him home from the hospital this little guy has been having a blast.
Even the simplest things bring this baby joy and its that happy attitude that inspires us. Welcome to the world little guy!