Leap Year Twins Celebrate Milestone Birthday: A Story of Resilience and Gratitude

The Erickson family from Oakland commemorated a remarkable milestone as their twin boys, Miles and Walter, celebrated their fifth birthday since being born on Leap Day. The twins, part of the bustling Erickson household, entered the world just 11 minutes apart on the cusp of February 28 and the beginning of Leap Day in 2016.

Each morning in the Erickson household brings a whirlwind of activity, with three boys eagerly preparing for the day ahead under the watchful eyes of their devoted mother, Summer Erickson. As the older twin, Miles, turned a year older, the family’s routine was marked by the familiar chaos of wrangling energetic kids, morning basketball matches in the kitchen, and outdoor trampoline sessions in the backyard.

Miles, who was born right before the stroke of midnight on February 28, reminisced about their morning rituals which now included the playful addition of their newest family member, Bagel – a spirited puppy that had joined their clan just a week prior. Walter, the younger twin born shortly after midnight on February 29, proudly expressed his delight at turning eight but slyly noted that, owing to leap years, he was only two in birthday terms.

The joy and merriment of their fifth birthday celebration belie the turbulent beginnings the twins faced. Born prematurely at 26 weeks, the brothers spent a challenging 69 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Sutter Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley. Mrs. Erickson recalled the fear and uncertainty of those early days but also the firm promise they made to cherish and celebrate their children’s lives every four years.

In a heartwarming tradition, the Ericksons plan to host a grand celebration in honor of their twins’ journey, inviting NICU nurses, doctors, friends, and family who supported them during the twins’ precarious start in life. As part of their gratitude, they ask for donations to the NICU in place of birthday gifts for the boys, underscoring the family’s enduring appreciation.

Despite sharing a birthday and typically celebrating together on February 28 in non-leap years, the twins have a delightful tradition of choosing their own dinner and dessert spots when their birthdays fall on different days. The family revels in the unique experience of dealing with leap year birthdays, sharing in the joy of the occasion while also honoring individual preferences.