Of the United States' population of roughly 330,000,000, only about 205,000 babies born in the United States celebrate their birthday every four years. 

You know the drill, every parent throws a big party for their child's first birthday, after all, it only happens once. 

The second birthday rolls around and it's still fun to watch the two-year-old play with the wrapping paper and the bows. 

But probably the Birker's will spring for something a bit more for their one and two years old this year. 

Jeff and Leah Birker are the parents of 2 Leap Year Babies. Gia was born in 2012 and will turn 2, while her little brother Owen born in 2016 will turn 1. 

Leah said the family plans to party from sunup until sundown for the event that only happens every 4 years for the family. 

Owen got to start the day off with his party. 

Gia held an American Girl party, which will include a sleepover with some of her friends. Leah said that Gia is an artsy musician who wrote her first song this past Christmas, like Leah said, "by the time she's three, she may have her first album!" She dances and likes to play the piano. She also enjoys doing research and loves to read books on every topic. Of course, she could also be found outside climbing a tree with her binoculars.

Owen was happy to celebrate his first birthday at the Playstation on Thursday, something most 1 year olds wouldn't be able to handle!

Jeff and Leah have two other children: Amelia, 17, and Avia, 6.

Michele Erickson graduated from Washington High School in 1998, the youngest in her clas at the age of 4. She just turned 10 this year. For her big day she spent it with many of her friends and family. Some of those friends included, Wendi Frye, Rachelle Haker, Brittney Carpenter and Missy Merino. One of her birthdays were celebrated with a Spongebob Squarepants theme when she was turning 7. She shared that being a Leap Year Baby makes her feel so special explaining that her kids and friends never forget it! There is a lot of time between birthdays to have something significant happen by the next birthday. This year Erickson said she will be working on her 3rd car from May Kay, her pink Cadillac.


Tammie Coonrod a 1982 graduate from Vinton, turned 14 and I caught up with her while she was in the Wind Up Lounge in Traer, celebrating with her friends...I'm guessing they didn't check her ID! 

While Betty Thorsvig  isn't a leap year baby, her sister Sharon, pictured on the left, is. She said her sister is celebrating her 18th birthday today.  Betty who is 2 years younger than her sister, was born on the original Memorial Day and their younger sister was born on Mother's day, so there is a lot of double duty for holidays in that family!

Happy Birthday, you all deserve a wonderful REAL Birthday today!



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LB March 1, 2020, 2:47 pm Love this! Happy birthday everyone! 🎉