More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A birthday is always something to celebrate but for some it is extra special as it only comes around once every four years.
Ella Kaur Bahia was born on February 29, 2012, so today is only her second birthday, even though she is eight years old.
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The chances of having a leap birthday are one in 1,461. But when mum Harj was told her due date was March 4, she was convinced her new arrival would make an early appearance and be a leap year baby.
The 37-year-old said: "I just knew from the minute I got told my due date. I said it would happen. And then people couldn't believe it when it did."
Ella, a pupil at Shorne Primary School, was born at Darent Valley at 4.20am - just 20 minutes after Harj and husband Johnny arrived at the hospital.
The couple, of Vanquisher Walk, Gravesend, celebrated Ella's first leap year birthday in 2016 with a trip to Disneyland Paris.
This year they have a special trip to London planned, but the exact location has been kept under wraps from Ella herself.
The family usually celebrate their daughter's birthday on February 28.
Harj said: "So she woke up very confused on Friday. But she was very excited."
Also celebrating today is Jessie Rhoda Janes, who was also born at Darent Valley Hospital in 2012, 10 days overdue.
Her parents Sarah and Paul, from Greenhithe, are planning a special day out today. But because they usually mark Jessie's birthday on February 28, the Brent Primary School pupil also celebrated yesterday.
Sarah, 42, said: "She has been so excited, telling everyone at school about her birthday.
"She knows she is very special. She is always telling people she has two birthdays, like the Queen."
People born on a leap day are often called leaplings or leapers. According to History.com, about 4.1 million people around the world have been born on February 29.
Famous leapers include singer Dinah Shore and rapper Ja Rule.
