When Lilly Kate Robinson was born she weighed just 800g – no more than a loaf of bread.
Six months on, the once pint-sized princess is tipping the scales at 4.5kg and is ready to celebrate her first Christmas with mum Emily Kate Robinson and partner Keenan Algie.
Lilly Kate was born via an emergency caesarean at Mater Mothers’ Hospital at South Brisbane on 22 June 22, arriving 14 weeks early and spent just shy of 100 days in the Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Ms Robinson, a personal trainer who specialises in women’s health, said her daughter’s unexpected arrival came as a “complete shock”.
She said to be home for Christmas as a family was a dream come true.
“Our strong girl was such a fighter, and she came home for the first time eight weeks before Christmas,” Ms Robinson said.
“I am in awe of her strength and determination to survive.
“She came off oxygen on December 14 and that was the best Christmas present ever.”
Mater neonatologist Dr Luke Jardine said it was amazing to hear how far Lilly Kate had come in the last six months.
Dr Jardine said a baby born at 26 weeks is given about an 85 per cent chance of surviving.
Ms Robinson said Lilly Kate was a happy and healthy six-month-old, showing more of her personality every day.
“She sleeps all through the night. I love watching her reach her milestones,” she smiled.
Ms Robinson described this year as the “hardest but best year of her life”.
“Words can’t describe how hard it was when Emily Kate arrived so early – it was an emotional rollercoaster,” Ms Robinson said.
“She is honestly our beautiful miracle baby.”
Ms Robinson thanked the medical team, including the nursing and midwifery teams who helped saved her daughter’s life.
“From the bottom of my heart, we are so incredibly thankful for every single doctor, nurse and piece of equipment that helped Lilly Kate get through all the little milestones,” she said.
