Celebrating birthdays that come once every four years

On the rarest day of the calendar year, staff at Werribee Mercy Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women were kept busy with the arrivals of some extraordinary babies.

For the 14 leaplings welcomed into the world by the Mercy Health team between 12:01am and 11:59pm on Thursday 29 February 2024, it won’t be until 2028 when they can officially celebrate their first birthday.

Staff at Mercy Hospital for Women celebrated the once-in-a-four-year occurrence with eight unique deliveries.

Proud parents Emily and Corey Stivey welcomed their second child on the 2024 leap year at Mercy Hospital for Women and are planning to celebrate Penelope’s birthday on 1 March each year.

“Being born on a leap year is something special that doesn’t happen often. We can’t wait to have a big party to celebrate her real birthday every four years,” said Ms Stivey.

Across the city, lucky leapling Ryan Sharma was one of six babies born at Werribee Mercy Hospital. Ryan’s mother Ruti said they too are planning on celebrating Ryan’s birthday on 1 March each year.

Picture: Penelope with proud parents Emily and Corey

SOURCE: Mercy Health