Baby Jax Schmalzriedt spent his first 561 days in the hospital

Kari and Gary Schmalzriedt pose for a photo with their son Jax. With his lungs still developing, Jax needs a ventilator to breathe through a tracheostomy tube entering his neck.

Jax smiles at his father Gary as he sits up in his baby seat.

Two of Jax Schmalzriedt's doctors at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Tara Petersen (left) and Jennifer Henningfeld, enjoy the boy's company on the 561st and final day of his hospital stay from the day he was born three months prematurely.

On the side of Jax's bed is an emergency kit with everything Kari and Gary Schmalzriedt need if anything were to happen to Jax.

Jax often watched TV when he was at the hospital and loves to watch it now that he's home.

Jax stil needs a ventilator to breathe. He wouldn't be able to be at home without the device.

Jax Schmalzriedt has a cheerful disposition. He smiles easily. He was hospitalized for 561 days after his birth. Last month, the boy finally was able to go home to Wauwatosa with his parents, Kari and Gary.

Jax Schmalzreidt with his parents Kari and Gary at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

Jax Schmalzriedt also has a tube entering his belly that is used for feeding him. This feeding pump helps with delivering the nutrition that Jax needs.