KNYSNA NEWS - Life has been anything but ordinary for the Jacobs family since 28 January, when the cries of three newborns filled a theatre at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.
"It's been full steam ahead," smiles proud grandmother Julian Jacobs, describing the whirlwind first month of life for Knysna's newest trio.
The Jacobs triplets - two boys, Dehain and Luke, and their little sister, Julian-Grace - are now a month old and proving to be real fighters.
According to their grandmother, all three have gained weight steadily, a reassuring milestone after their early arrival.
Delian and Luke have been discharged from hospital and are staying in Cape Town with their 27-year-old mother, Isis Jacobs, who is being accommodated by family. But tiny Julian-Grace is still under observation at Groote Schuur Hospital.
Doctors are optimistic that she could be discharged early next week. Until then, Isis spends every day at her daughter's bedside.
If medical staff remain concerned about Julian-Grace's condition, she will likely be admitted to Knysna Provincial Hospital when the family returns home.
A town rallies behind three little lives
Back in Knysna, the triplets have sparked an outpouring of support. Residents have donated toiletries, blankets, baby clothes and gifts.
Friends overseas also contributed financially through a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign, which concluded at the end of February.
The funds raised will go toward building an additional room onto Julian's home - currently the family's most urgent priority.
"A safe space where the little ones can be properly cared for - that's what matters most right now," she says. A local builder is drawing up a cost estimate for the extension, including materials needed.
The family hopes the extra room will be completed before winter sets in.
Julian-Grace is still recovering in hospital. Photo: Isis Jacobs
The reality of raising three at once
While the online campaign has officially closed, the need continues. Raising triplets comes with significant daily expenses, especially essentials such as disposable nappies and baby toiletries.
"Looking after three babies at once requires a considerable amount of money," Julian says frankly. "Nappies in particular would be a tremendous help."
For now, the focus remains on getting all three babies safely home to Knysna, where a community already stands ready to help them grow.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support so far," Julian says. "But any further help will be more than welcome."
Residents who wish to assist the family with donations or baby supplies can contact Julian directly on 069 564 7336.
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