Formerly conjoined twins from Co Antrim are heading home from hospital in time for Christmas.
Babies Annabelle and Isabelle Bateson, who are just one in 2.5 million, were born safely back in March and were later separated in September.
They were attached from the chest to the pelvis and shared a bladder, bowel and a fused leg - but had separate hearts.
Read more: NI parents share photo of formerly conjoined twins after successful surgery
Their parents Hannah and Dan Bateson, from Toomebridge, first found out the girls were conjoined twins at a 12-week scan.
Posting on social media on Monday, mum Hannah said: "Three very happy girls, we are going home."
In a video, she added: "So we just have to figure out the logistics of getting home, but in the next day or two, we are going home. Yay."
Dad Dan, who runs a fruit and veg business also updated his customers that he would be unavailable due to travelling to collect his girls.
He posted: "These three ladies are coming home! Apologies folks for rearranging this week, but they are finally getting home! We had hoped they were coming home last week but it didn’t happen. But my flights booked tomorrow to go and get them."
In a prior Instagram post announcing the twins were separated, the family said: "Annie and Issie have been separated. It was a very long day, their surgery lasted until the early hours of Tuesday morning but our wee girlies did so well.
"There is a long recovery in front of them and we expect there to be some bumps along the way but they are strong wee ladies and are being well cared for.
"I just want to say THANK YOU, the love we have been shown has been completely overwhelming and the prayers that have been said for them have carried us through. The team that carried out the girls surgery are just amazing and we are very grateful.
"Please continue to pray for their recovery, for healing and for them to be as comfortable as possible. Thank you God for having your hand on our daughters."
They later added: "I can’t believe it’s been a whole week since the girls had their surgery.
"This week has been a complete blur, some ups and some downs, emotions all over the place but everyday is a step in the right direction.
"The staff were able to bring the girls together into the same bed for the first time today and we had our first cuddles.
"It hasn’t been easy but we hope that each day that passes the girls get more comfortable and feel less pain.
"Please continue to pray for healing and for their pain to ease."
READ NEXT:
- 'Miracle' conjoined twins separated following successful surgery
Formerly conjoined twins recovering well after separation surgery
Smyths manager on the toys expected to be the most popular for Christmas
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
