Restrictions have meant many new mums and dads have not been able to share those precious first hugs and kisses with family. Grandparents have not been able to hold their little bundle of joy and the baby love has been shared in pictures and video only.

We are celebrating the Babies of COVID.

This is Kari and Ben's story.

"Little Darcy arrived at 1.16am at Port Macquarie Base Hospital," Kari explained.

"My parents Robert and Rosanna Richards had always planned on being here with us from the UK to help look after our daughters Gracie and Mila while we adjusted to life as a family of five.

"Sadly my father passed away in April. The funeral was on May 1 and due to travel restrictions and the late stage of my pregnancy, unfortunately I was unable to attend his funeral and haven't been able to see any of my family since.

"And due to the travel restrictions and a rejected visa by the home office due to the pandemic, my mother was unable to be here. We have everything crossed that she will be able to join us soon.

"We have three children under three so could do with the extra support.

"We are so grateful to live in such a wonderful place like Port Macquarie with wonderful facilities for families, such friendly locals and a hospital with the most wonderful staff.

"We only moved back to the region in December, we are loving every minute.

"The week prior to Darcy's arrival our youngest daughter Gracie scared us with a prolonged seizure which saw her flown to John Hunter in Newcastle. We spent five days there with her in ICU before being discharged back to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

"We arrived home just one day prior to Darcy making his grand entrance into the world."

Darcy is a little brother to Mila and Gracie and a grandson for Rosanna and the late Robert Richards of Cambridgeshire UK; and Ian and Jeanette James of Sydney.

For Kim and Luke Pawlowsky of Port Macquarie, they waited 18 cycles with the support of Louise Harper and Dr Ray Hodgson before conceiving baby Onyx.

"Onyx ended up arriving one week early (on June 1). He's too damn cute and we're very proud parents," Kim said.

He is the couple's first child.

Grandparents are Bob and Booey Walker of Yarrahapinni; and Peter and Diane Pawlowsky of Aldavilla.

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