Columbus County Leap Year baby celebrates his birthday

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — It’s a big day for anyone born today. It’s a Leap Year, which means those who were born on February 29th haven’t officially celebrated their birthday in four years.  

WWAY caught up with a Leap Year baby in Columbus County who is celebrating today. 

“I think it’s very unique to have it. I would not change a thing,” Ethan Matheson, who was born on Leap Year, said. 

Meet Ethan Matheson. He lives in Boardman and is a sophomore at West Columbus High School.  

February 29th is his birthday, making him 16-years-old. But many could argue that as a Leap Year baby, he really is only 4-years-old.  

Ethan’s father, Nathan, recalls when he and his wife, Brandy, first realized that Ethan was going to be born on a Leap Year.  

“When we found out Ethan was going to be induced on Leap Year, my wife was mortified. ‘Oh my goodness he’s only going to have a birthday every four years!’ But, ya know, it’s unique and it’s different,” Nathan Matheson said. 

Ethan thinks back on how he has celebrated in years past.  

“Any day that was closest to the weekend, whether it was March 1st or February 28th, we would celebrate it on that day. But every 4th year it just feels a lot better,” Matheson said. 

This 4th year happened to be extra special. Ethan now has his driver’s license.  

“It’s crazy that a 4-year-old is going to be driving. Which, I mean, it kind of is,” Matheson said. 

He said his family and friends have made up for the not-so ideal day to be born on over the years. But his biggest challenge is online.  

He said that social media even forgets about Leap Year. He said when he is prompted to enter his date of birth, he is left to mark a day that really isn’t his birthday because February 29th often isn’t an option.  

“So, whenever I do that, I have to put 28 and it says my birthday is on the 28th. So, when I go to school, everybody’s like ‘happy birthday’ and I’m like ‘well, ya know, it’s tomorrow but thank you,” Matheson said. 

He celebrated his special day by playing golf with his dad. But the festivities will linger into the weekend, Ethan will be attending a Coastal Carolina baseball game this weekend. 

Happy birthday, Ethan and to all Leap Year babies who are celebrating today!