When Chris Pratt and his wife Anna Faris were expecting their first child together in 2012, the excited couple were preparing for an autumn baby. But when the actress’ water broke in the summer, they realized their firstborn wasn’t going to wait.

Anna Faris
Faris and Pratt welcomed their son nine weeks early, weighing 3 pounds, 12 ounces

Pratt recalled how their son Jack was born nine weeks earlier than expected, weighing in at just 3 pounds, 12 ounces, while on the stage at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 5, at the March of Dimes Celebration of Babies Hollywood Luncheon.

"I've done all kinds of cool things as an actor: I've jumped out of helicopters and done some daring stunts and played baseball in a professional stadium, but none of it means anything compared to being somebody's daddy," said the 35-year-old actor, who has been married to Faris since July, 2009.

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Pratt remembered the first time ever holding his new-born son in the NICU. "I made promises in that moment about what kind of dad I wanted to be and I just prayed that he'd live long enough that I could keep them," he recalled.

During this scary time, the new parents were informed that Jack may have special needs and will require cosmetic surgery to correct his damaged eyes. "Welcome to the club, kid," Pratt joked. Nearly one month later, they were able to take their son home. "Our Jack went from a small, helpless little squirt to a strong, smart, happy, funny, beautiful boy who loves monster trucks and Daniel Tiger, and, believe it or not, loves vegetables," he said. "Broccoli and cherry tomatoes are his favourite foods."

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"None of what we went through would be as easy even 10 years ago," the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ star told the audience, adding that in the NICU there is “a balance that's tipping towards life by cutting-edge medicines, much of which is a direct result of this wonderful organization, the March of Dimes."