One in two twins believed to be the earliest to survive in Britain is at home.
Harry and Harley Crane were born at a Nottingham hospital on October 26, 2021 at the age of 22 weeks and five days.
After nearly five months in intensive care, Harry – who now weighs 6lbs – has been discharged and his sister is expected to follow this week.
Parents Jade and Steve, from Heanor, Derbyshire, said they felt “joy” and were “excited” to bring Harry home as they feared the worst.
Mr Crane said: “I imagine you would feel the same if you win the lottery.
“It’s about coming to terms with something so good happening to you that you didn’t think was going to happen.”
Harry still needs oxygen to breathe and is being monitored at home by his parents, who shared their journey on Instagram.
When they were born at Queen’s Medical Centre, Harry weighed 520 g (1.14 lb) and Harley 500 g (1.10 lb) and both were around 15 cm long.
The babies were taken to the parents’ bereavement suite because doctors expected at least one of them would not make it.
However, their mother said the twins were “little fighters” and “surprised everyone.”
The couple said they could see Harry and Harley’s personalities shining through from day one.
“Harley was extremely resolute,” said Ms. Crane. “One of the nurses said she kicked her as she put her in the incubator.
“Which is always a good sign in a premature baby if they show that fight very early.
“Whereas Harry was always Mr. Laid Back. He steps into the background. He’s just Mr. Chill.”
The twins had a total of six surgeries and 25 blood transfusions, and suffered from blood poisoning, eye problems, brain and lung hemorrhages.
The pair were warned that Harry and Harley could face developmental issues in the future.
Ms Crane and her husband Steve had been trying to have children using multiple IVFs for 11 years and spent £50,000 on fertility treatments before falling pregnant with Harry and Harley.
Brighton twins were born in 2018 at 22 weeks and six days.
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