Father’s Day surprise: Queensland dad Frank Cheong’s triplet daughters arrive early

First-time Queensland dad Frank Cheong will have his hands full this Father’s Day, celebrating the surprise arrival of triplet daughters.

Father’s Day triple treat: new dad Frank Cheong with wife Kelly Lee and triplets, Hayley, Helena and Heather. Pictures: Peter Wallis

First-time Queensland dad Frank Cheong will have his hands full this Father’s Day, celebrating the surprise arrival of triplet daughters.

Born two months early, Hayley, Helena, and Heather are receiving around-the-clock care in Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit, where their dad will spend Father’s Day.

“It’s my first Father’s Day as a dad and I am so happy that I get to start this journey with my three beautiful daughters,” Mr Cheong said.

“I can’t wipe the smile from my face.”

Despite the challenge of telling them apart, Mr Cheong is already noticing distinct personalities among his tiny trio.

Triple treat: Hayley, Helena and Heather. Pictures: Peter Wallis

“I can see that Hayley and Heather are more extroverted than Helena – they cry out loudly when they are hungry, but Helena just puts her thumb in her mouth,” he said.

“Two of the girls are actually identical which will make things fun in the future.”

Hayley was the first to arrive on August 1, weighing 1.5kg, followed by Helena at 1.6kg and Heather at 1.3kg.

Mr Cheong recounted how wife Kelly Lee had been on bed rest for three weeks to minimise risks before the early delivery at 32 weeks.

“She was discharged when she was stable, and just five days later her waters broke at home,” he said.

“The girls were not supposed to be here just yet.”

The couple will spend Father’s Day with their daughters in the NCCU but are looking forward to heading home as a family soon.

Mater Neonatology director Dr Pita Birch said 70 to 80 babies will join the Cheong triplets in the NCCU on Father’s Day, with numerous dads expected to visit throughout the day.