Melissa Gilbert Shares Rare Photos of Her Son in Sweet Birthday Tribute

The "Little House on the Prairie" alum took to social media to celebrate her youngest child's special day. The actress welcomed her sons in her first two marriages.

Melissa Gilbert is feeling nostalgic. The longtime actress marked her son Michael Boxleitner's birthday on Monday, October 6, with a heartwarming birthday tribute. She took a walk down memory lane with a series of Michael's childhood photos.

"You arrived before the world was ready, a breath so small I held it in my hands," Melissa began in the caption. "Every hour was a prayer, every day a promise. Now you stand, whole and shining, time folded around your strength.

"Thirty years of quiet triumph—each one a testament to how fiercely you were meant to be. Happy 30th birtday @michaelgarrett95 !! Being your mom my greatest gift. I love you beyond all measure….xoxo," the proud mom wrote.

Michael is Melissa's second child with her second husband, Bruce Boxleitner. He has an older brother, Dakota Paul Brinkman, 36, born during Melissaaca's first marriage to director Bo Brinkman. The now-30-year-old was born prematurely at 28 weeks.

Melissa revealed in a 2016 Instagram post that he struggled to breathe on his own and needed to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She shared that she had been afraid for him at the time, but knew he would pull through.

"He was only 3 lbs and had the courage of a lion. He'll be 21 soon but he will always, always be my Peeker McSqueek," she wrote at the time. Michael has followed in his mother's footsteps, pursuing both acting and voice acting. According to his Instagram bio, he also works as a bartender.