This week the Hobbs family should have been celebrating the birth of their twins, instead they are celebrating their departure from the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney.
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Gwen Elizabeth and Eli Fraser were granted a transfer to Wollongong Hospital to be closer to their family in Mangerton, after surviving 104 days on this earth.
There's a huge amount of stress and heartache with that journey, living every day wondering if your kid is going to make it.
- Keris Hobbs
They were born by emergency caesarean on October 20, at 24 weeks gestation.
At the time, doctors advised parents Keris and Andy the tiny pair each only had a 60 per cent chance of survival.
"They have just delighted us and surprised us every step of the way," Mrs Hobbs said.
"There have been really big ups and downs, both have had periods when we didn't know if they'd make it through the night.
"It's a whole new world - people with premature or very sick babies - there's a huge amount of stress and heartache with that journey, living every day wondering if your kid is going to make it."
While the twins were conceived during lockdown last year, they were a complete surprise as Mrs Hobbs was told she wouldn't be able to have any more children in 2019.
It's been an incredibly tough road, with Mrs Hobbs spending the majority of the last three months at the homes of friends, family or hotels to be with her babies in Sydney, but that meant being away from her family in Mangerton.
"Their three big brothers are also very excited to finally have mum home again and in a few more weeks, bring their baby brother and sister home too," she said.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Callum 9, Jude 7, and Lawson, 5, have only met Gwen and Eli once, with a compassionate exemption to visitation rules when they were seven weeks old.
Mrs Hobbs was forever grateful for the help and support from the people around them (including the congregation at Salt Church) with many "chipping in" to mow lawns, clean their house, look after their boys and sending food packages.
"I feel so loved and supported by so many people," Mrs Hobbs said.
"It's times like this you really need your village."
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
