Leona Emery, from left, Gianna Goodrich and Emery Kelly all entered the world on Leap Day at Trinity Medical Center West’s Birthing Center.

STEUBENVILLE — Three little girls have something in common that few people do — they are among a small percentage of the population whose official birthday comes only once every four years.

The trio — Gianna Goodrich of Mingo Junction, Leona Emery of Bloomingdale and Emery Kelly of Cadiz — entered the world Thursday, which also was Leap Day.

Because Feb. 29 occurs only every four years, with the exception of years that can’t be divided by four, it is the rarest of birthdays, with a chance of 1 in 1,461 of being born on it, according to various sources.

Mallari Riley, a registered nurse at Trinity Medical Center West’s Birthing Center, said Friday the department averages two births a day.

She and other staff members don’t remember there being babies born on the last Leap Day in 2020, but some recall there being multiple infants on that day in 2016.

This year’s three leap babies — or leaplings, if you prefer — kept the department busy through much of the day.

The daughter of Brianna and Matt Emery, Leona was born at 8:39 a.m., weighing 7 pounds and 12 ounces.

The daughter of Stephen and Samantha Goodrich, Gianna arrived at 6:37 p.m., weighing 7 pounds and 13 ounces.

And Emery, the daughter of Jade Jones and Ty Kelly, brought a close to the day, making her debut at about 11:30 p.m. and weighing 7 pounds and 12 ounces.

“I didn’t think she was going to make it for Leap Day,” said Jade, who was recovering from the delivery on Friday.

She noted Emery, her first child, had been expected to arrive on Feb. 20.

Jade said it’s likely they will celebrate her birthday on Feb. 28, which may please her 9-year-old niece, who was born on that date.

Matt Emery, Leona’s father, said he had encouraged his wife to “hold out” for Leap Day, promising a cruise in return.

Asked where they plan to go, Brianna replied, “I don’t know, somewhere warm.”

Of the birth of her first child, she said, “I’m so excited. It’s the blessing I didn’t know I needed.”

The pair were not aware of any family members who share the birthday, but Brianna said she has a friend whose birthday is Feb. 29.

Asked when they plan to celebrate Leona’s birthday, she said, “Probably in February because that’s when my birthday is.”

Samantha Goodrich revealed they arranged for her labor to be induced, as Gianna’s birth had been projected for March 2.

“It’s a special day for a special girl,” she said.

“Now she can stay young forever,” said Stephen, perhaps expressing the sentiment of many parents.

But her 7-year-old brother, Stephen Goodrich II, was looking forward to days when he can play tag with his new sister.

Gianna’s father said he doesn’t know of anyone whose birthday falls on Leap Day, though his mother was born on Christmas Day.