South Shields family mark milestone as triplets celebrate first birthday

Kane triplets celebrate their first birthday From left Annabelle, Joey and Grace with mother Andrea Kane

Grace, Joey and Annabelle will celebrating their milestone with their parents Andrea and Liam Kane.

The adorable trio have made quite an impact since their arrival 12 months ago, but their mum, a part-time primary teacher, says she wouldn’t change it for the world.

The Kane triplets soon after their birth with mother and father Liam and Andrea Kane

The 27-year-old, from Mortimer Road, South Shields, said: “We never in a million years expected triplets. We had a slight inkling that it may be twins as I was really poorly when I was pregnant.

“Then during the first scan the doctor confirmed it was twins, but she’d check to see if there was any more hidden and there was.

“It was a massive surprise, when we told the family everyone was so shocked.

“We went from mentally preparing for one baby to three, it was quite something.

“But I really wouldn’t change anything, they’re such happy and placid babies we’re very lucky.”

Mrs Kane went into labour at 31 weeks and the triplets were born via c-section at the University Hospital of North Tees.

Grace arrived first, at 4.55pm, weighing 3lb 11oz, then came Joey and Annabelle who were both born two minutes later and each weighing 3lb 1oz.

The babies were then transferred to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary where they stayed for another five weeks until they were allowed home.

Mrs Kane said: “They were all born fine and breathing by themselves, they just needed to be in incubators for a while until they gained more weight.

“We then realised we had to change our car and get a people carrier to fit all of the car seats in.

“When we brought them all home we didn’t have much time to think, we just had to crack on, the family came round and helped us out and then we got into a routine.

“We were going through 24 nappies a day and over 15 bottles.”

Although they all share the same birthday, Mrs Kane says each of her babies has their own individual personality.

She said: “Grace is the quiet one, while Joey is the most active and then we have Annabelle who is the chatterbox.

“In the last few weeks they’ve started to play with each other more and it’s lovely to see them all interacting and growing up together.”