It was only after winning $250,000 on My Kitchen Rules in 2013 that MKR’s “sausage kings” dream of becoming parents finally came true.
“Here she is, our very own little princess, the gorgeous Emmy Mae Mulheron!” a beaming Steph, 32, tells Woman’s Day at their Fraser Coast family home. “You can’t get a happier ending than this!”
The popular Queenslanders, had already spent more than $25,000 of their own money on a handful of heartbreaking IVF attempts – before trying again last year, this time falling pregnant after just one round.
“She’s our miracle,” smiles Steph, who was induced eight days past her due date.
“Emmy Mae makes our hearts melt every second of the day. When she is old enough, she will know what we endured for her and be told she is loved and treasured, beyond. When it comes to our lives she’s the real icing on the cake!”
Dan and Steph admit they had almost given up on having kids when the opportunity to compete in the hit reality show came up.
“Our funds were drying up, we’d sacrificed everything, and suddenly the pot was topped up with $250,000… and here she is! Dan says. “The prize allowed us to go to the best doctor [Dr Julie Lindstrom at City Fertility Centre] without financial boundaries – we were very lucky.”
While Emmy’s arrival has changed their life in the coastal town of Hervey Bay, it certainly won’t slow the easygoing pair down. With people queuing for a spot at their cafe Eat At Dan & Steph’s, they’re already planning to expand – though baby time is the priority for now.
They’d love to give Emmy a sibling one day, and have frozen embryos in case – although they say that even if that doesn’t work out, they’ve already got their happily ever after, and want others to know the struggle is worth it. “Never give up hope!” says Steph.
Read all about Dan and Steph’s incredible journey to parenthood and see all the adorable photos of the adorable Emmy Mae, only in Woman’s Day, on sale 11th May.
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