$60,000 IVF Journey Single Mum's Twin Surprise

The wait is over and it’s double joy for Sharee!

Two dog-eared black-and-white photos pinned to the fridge in Sharee Welch’s Auckland home are the realisation of a dream she’s held on to since she was a little girl.

Simply labelled “Fetus A” and “Fetus B”, the scans are precious images of the twins Sharee finally carries in her womb after six years of effort and a brave solo quest to the other side of the world.

“I’m excited, but I’m also scared,” says Sharee, 42, gently tracing a finger across the scan photos. “I don’t think I will really believe I’m a mum until I have my babies safely in my arms.”

Falling pregnant is a dream come true for Sharee and not one that came easily.

She was in her 20s when she first began to collect things for her future child or children. More than 50 little dresses have hung neatly in the wardrobe in her sunny spare room, and the nearby shelves have been stacked with lotions, nappies, books and toys. A cot stands in one corner and the quote “I love you to the moon and back” is emblazoned on one wall. For years, the top sheet has been folded down and Sharee’s favourite childhood soft toy has waited patiently on the pillow.

Until now, it has been a room earmarked for a baby, yet cruelly frozen in time. “After six years, it’s finally happened,” says Sharee, resting a hand softly on her stomach. “I thought I was ready, but now I need two of everything!”