One of the world's smallest men has celebrated a birthday he wasn't expecting to see.
Nick Smith, from Commerce, Georgia in the US, is only 34 inches tall – a tiny 2ft 6in.
He has Microcephalic Osteodysplastic Primordial Dwarfism, a very rare condition which has a short life expectancy and causes illnesses often associated with old age.
Only about 100 people in the world are believed to have the condition.
Nick is about as tall as the average three-year-old and has the mental abilities of a child.
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But defying all medical expectations, he recently celebrated his 28th birthday with his nearest and dearest.
Nick's mother, Shelly, told Truly: "We didn't even know that we would have him for 28 years and we don't know if we'll have him for 29.
"Nick has done everything more than the doctors could even imagine, they didn't think Nick would ever walk or talk."
Nick's brothers Travis and Levi also attended his party. They both tower over Nick at 6 foot 5 inches.
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Travis spoke about the importance of the occasion, saying: "Celebrating Nick's birthday is always a great thing, just celebrating his life and being here with us."
Despite the happy celebrations, Shelly spoke about the emotional toll that Nick's unpredictable health can take on her.
She said: "I worry about the next future every day; I worry about a small cold that might end up with something worse."
She cherishes the time she has with her son and is able to see the positive side of his young mentality, as it has helped keep their close bond.
"It's like having that boy that never grew up, it's a beautiful child to have."
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