True life stories

We're not the grandparents... We're the parents!

GLEN WILLIAMS
Monday, May 21, 2012
Meet our black and white twins
I still can't quite believe it. I'm finally a father, times two.
I like the word 'dad'.
GLEN WILLIAMS
Topics:
In the mag
He’s 61 and she’s 50, but two of Australia’s oldest first-time parents remain young at heart with their delightful twins, writes Glen Williams

It’s no wonder first-time parents John Kemp and Jennifer Hammond say they’re “a little tired”.

“We got more than we bargained for,” laughs a somewhat shell-shocked John, who at age 61 is a new dad to identical twin boys, Dhani and Reuben.

“I still can’t quite believe it. I’m finally a father, times two. I like the word ‘dad’. It sits very well with me and it’s been a long time coming, although sometimes when I’m out with the boys, people say, ‘You’re lucky, getting to mind the grandkids!’ I take great delight in correcting them: ‘I’m not the grandfather, I’m the father!’”

There is, however, one very doting grandparent who can’t get enough of these scrumptious little twins – John’s mum, Audrey.

“At 91, I’ve just been told I’m the World’s Oldest Living First-Time Grandmother,” says a proud Audrey, scooping up her grandsons and drinking in their freshly bathed baby smell. “I’m absolutely besotted. I never thought I’d see the day. I was worried about what sort of father John would be, given his late stage in life, but he’s a natural. He’s a very good dad.”

Read more about John, Jennifer and their adorable twins in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday May 21, 2012.




Related video: More real life: Given only a five percent chance of survival these identical twins are now almost five years old. Watch their incredible journey...

Woman’s Day magazine cover
Read more in this week's Woman's Day, on sale Monday May 21, 2012.

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User comments
This is the most selfish act I have come across. Your children will be in their prime when you guys are about to pass away. You have put such a massive burden on them, I hope they forgive you. There comes a point in life when it's too late to have children and to just move on - this defiantly should have happened. You're tired now....you have another 18+ years of being tired. Sooooo unfair for these children.
These beautiful parents have been family friends of ours for several years, and I will have you know they are the most loving, caring parents you could find. I know a 21 year old with an 80 something year old dad and they are doing just fine. Everybody should have the chance to experience parenthood and to imply it is wrong or disgusting is disgraceful. Even if something were to happen to these beautiful people in future years, the babies are surrounded by love and people who adore them. Including myself, being at their house and playing with them at least once a week. "Disgusting" is babies being born unwanted into abusive environments. This is a beautiful family with two baby boys loved absolutely unconditionally. The fact that people are looking down on them for this makes me sick and rather ashamed to be of the same species.
I believe every woman deserves to concieve a child if they wish to. This woman went through various processes and many places to make her dream come true, and if she had given up or listened to every negative comment, these two beautiful boys would never have been born. They will appreciate the effort their loving mother went to to give these two boys a life. I interviewed this woman for my year 12 Personal Interest Project, she was kind enough to help me with a survey. At first I was against IVF but this lady convinced me to believe otherwise, she will make an amazing mother. Give them a break! Congratulations. x
my parents were about the same age when i was born, all i can say, i hope your kids will be strong to put up about what other kids will say, like the teasing how old my parents were,the loneliness, the understanding of the generation gap etc, i really feel for them
This is just so wrong. What happens when these parents die in 10 years and the kids have no parents? How embarassing for the children. My daughter has a friend whose parents are old and every kid says "Your grandparents are here" to the child. Nature did not intend for parents to be this old.
How fair is it on those kids to have to look after you when they are just teenagers? You are selfish and it is a disgrace that any doctor in any country allowed this to happen.
There's no reason to celebrate this. they have had kids to late in life. how is john going to be a decent father when his kids turn 16 he will be in his mid seventies? & & not to mention the kids 21 and he will be 82???? and if he drops of the perch the mother will be in her mid seventies raising teenagers....no thanks....i hope they have allot of money for there later years Big mistake
I say as a 54 year old male,this is a great outcome.most people would say,what about the boys future.If all goes to plan the plan will work.Who could have predicted that this couple would become parents at this age,only them of course.Great love for one another is the key,who knows what the future holds,only those that hold onto it can live the outcome.If you believe then any thing is possible.Who knows Grandma may live to 110+ ,adds a new excitement to ones life.
tell me when your kid is 20 and you are 81 and they have not married or had kids will you feel selfish for robing them of parents throughout their whole life... your mother is still with you when you are 60 if you could help your children to that age you would be 120...sigh your poor kids
Poor kids!

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