Nick Lachey’s heartbreaking news about his premature son

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The dad-of-three has shared something very personal - by Nadia Elshawarby

Nick Lachey has opened up about the terrifying moment his son was born 10 weeks premature.

The 98 Degrees singer shared a throwback picture of himself cradling son, Phoenix, now two, as part of a special post to mark Father’s Day – which was celebrated in America last Sunday.

“As I tell my kids everyday, my number one job is to protect them. Never did I feel more helpless and unable to do my job than when my son Phoenix was born,” Nick, 45 wrote.

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Thank you for the perfect day, but most of all for making me a daddy. I promise I'll always be there to catch you when you fall... even if it's because I'm dropping you. #FathersDay2019

“He came to us on Christmas Eve, the very definition of a gift from God.

“The only problem was that the gift came 10 weeks early.

“My wife Vanessa wasn’t allowed to even hold him yet, so there I sat in the NICU, holding his little 3 lb body close to mine … hoping that his daddy’s skin would provide some comfort to a little baby brought into the world just a bit too soon.

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Fatherhood is the greatest job in the world, but it isn't the easiest. This #FathersDay, we want to hear your #UnspokenStories. Here is mine.....As I tell my kids everyday, my number one job is to protect them. Never did I feel more helpless and unable to do my job than when my son Phoenix was born. He came to us on Christmas Eve, the very definition of a gift from God. The only problem was that the gift came 10 weeks early. My wife Vanessa wasn't allowed to even hold him yet, so there I sat in the NICU, holding his little 3 lb body close to mine.....hoping that his daddy's skin would provide some comfort to a little baby brought into the world just a bit too soon. I felt a vulnerability I had never known before and a fear I wasn't familiar with. I can only imagine how many fathers out there felt the same way I did in that moment. The next 6 weeks in the hospital were the toughest and yet most wonderful weeks of my life. Now, 2 and a half years later, those weeks seem like an eternity ago as I watch my happy, healthy toddler run and climb and play. As Dads, I think we often feel a pressure to be this impenetrable pillar of strength. Phoenix reminded me that the ultimate show of strength is love. The world needs more of it and Dads.....we can give it. Help me celebrate every dad and let him know that the @marchofdimes community is here for him.

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Two years ago, I got the best Christmas present a man can ever receive......a healthy, although very tiny, child. Hard to believe that two years ago, I was holding this little 3 lb guy skin to skin, just praying for his health and survival.....and now he is this vibrant, handsome, incredible 2 year old boy. I love you Phoenix Robert! Every day has been a better day with you in it!! Happy Birthday buddy.

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Looking back on another incredible year. Thank you 2018 🎞📷

“I felt a vulnerability I had never known before and a fear I wasn’t familiar with.

“I can only imagine how many fathers out there felt the same way I did in that moment.”

Nick, who is married to wife Vanessa, 38, with whom he shares two other children, Camden, six and Brooklyn Elisabeth, four, continued on, describing the next six weeks as the “toughest and yet most wonderful” time.

“Now, 2 and a half years later, those weeks seem like an eternity ago as I watch my happy, healthy toddler run and climb and play.

“As Dads, I think we often feel a pressure to be this impenetrable pillar of strength. Phoenix reminded me that the ultimate show of strength is love.

“The world needs more of it and Dads … we can give it.”