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Parents jump for joy over leap year double

Thursday, 13 March 2008

LEAP years are proving to be bountiful in baby joy for one Northside couple.
For the second time in four years Blanchardstown couple Martin McKeon and Suzanne Kelly have welcomed a ‘leapling’ to their family on February 29.
The couple beat odds of over 135,000-to-one when their second daughter, Robyn, arrived into the world on the special day. The birth came exactly four years to the day since her elder sister, Lana, was born.
“Robyn was running a little late as she was due on the 25th but once the morning of February 29 came around she was ready to go,” the proud father told Northside People.
“We thought it was a coincidence the first time around when Lana was born four years ago but we now seem to have something of a trend.”
Understandably, Lana’s first official birthday was largely overshadowed by the birth of her little sister. However, by the time the next leap year rolls around, the sisters will be able to share their birthday celebrations together.
“Lana will have her second birthday and Robyn will have her first official birthday, so in one way there is only a year between them,” Mr McKeon laughed.

“I guess I should have stuck a tenner on Robyn being a little late and arriving on the same day as her sister, but I’m not a betting man.
“In hindsight I should have, the extra few bob would put her in nappies for a while.”
He added: “Although I really couldn’t be any happier than I am now.”
Ms Kelly echoed those sentiments: “It already feels like we have won the lotto or something.”
Baby Robyn was born in the Coombe Hospital at 3.30pm weighing nine pounds, eight ounces.
“The labour was actually quite quick considering she was a big baby,” Ms Kelly recalled.
“I was in labour for 14 hours with Lana.”
Four years ago, Lana was one of around 160 children who received a special e100 gift from the State to mark the anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
Mr McKeon concluded: “I don’t know if the same gift will be awarded for this year’s leap year but we will be watching the post.”
Although, our calendars count that there are 365 days a year, it actually takes the sun 365 days and six hours to revolve. Over four years, an extra 24 hours is accumulated making an additional day which is added to that calendar year.

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