It was not the traditional way to ring in the New Year but it was a night to remember for Bermudians Ryan and Edonna Bean and their twin baby boys.

A month after the fraternal twins, Emyr and Esai, were born eight days apart at IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Canada, the couple welcomed the arrival of 2014 with big smiles on their faces, even if they spent the night in hospital.

At last check both Emyr and Esai Bean were making steady progress. Esai has crossed the 3lb mark at 3lb 1oz, his brother’s current weight is listed at 2lb 11oz.

And Mr Bean said the family spent New Year’s Eve together in the hospital’s Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit as “one big happy family”.

“We’re great. We had an awesome New Year’s Eve, it was definitely one to remember,” he said.

“It was lovely and felt wonderful. The nurse blessed us with a beautiful sight as she placed Esai in Emyr’s incubator, and Edonna and I got a look at what they would have looked like in her womb. It was truly an emotional and unforgettable experience.

“We enjoyed seeing them interacting as twins — definitely memories were made during 2013 with an awesome start to 2014. Edonna and I are so grateful to have such favour and blessings from God, we’re truly humbled.

“Emyr has gained more weight and is now 2lb 11oz and is still being slowly weaned off of the conventional ventilator with a goal to be put on a c-pap.

“Esai is still gaining weight as well at a staggering 3lbs 1oz and he is doing lovely breathing the same air that we are with no assistance.”

Asked how his wife is doing he replied: “Phenomenal!”

“We’ve actually had the best Christmas that we both have had in our lives,” said Ms Bean. “We had our sons with us and the staff here at IWK have spoiled all of them. We are so proud of their progress.”

She also commended the hospital’s Social Work Department for “ensuring that both parents and babies are given the best care”.

As the twins make steady progress, she said she’s hopeful they will be released to return to Bermuda late February or in March.

“Having time together has been amazing. The twins continue to progress and wrap our hearts around their little fingers,” she said. “We are so proud of them and honoured to be their parents.

“We are embracing each new day together and have so much to thank God for.”

Mr Bean is due to return to Bermuda on Friday. The couple’s next goal is to receive hospital clearance to bring their sons home.