Photo Cred: Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images
J.R Smith’s wife gave birth to their baby Dakota in the beginning of January. She was born at only 21 weeks, coming close to five months before her due date. Dakota only weighed 1 pound at birth. After a month has gone by doctors determined that Dakota’s parents can finally hold her. She is still fighting in the NICU, but she is finally strong enough to be held.
Smith posted a photo of him and his baby girl to Instagram captioning it “Today is one of the greatest days of my life. Today I get to hold my youngest for the first time! GOD is GREAT! #DakotaStrong.”
J.R.’s entire family has been by Dakota’s side at the hospital, even reading to her as she continues to battle.