A Kiwi mum is hoping to have more children after her former husband suffocated the couple's young daughter and son in their Perth home last year.
Anatoria Takiwa has told Native Affairs she always carried her slain children's teddy bears with her as she tried to overcome incredible heartache and loss.
Three-year-old Andreas and 5-year-old Zaraiyah-Lily were drugged and smothered by their father Jason Headland last October a week after separating from Takiwa. Before he took their lives Headland called his newly estranged partner to warn her she would not see her children alive again.
Headland is now serving a 31-year jail term.
A heartbroken Takiwa said she missed her children dearly and kept their cherished toys close to her.
"I have their teddy bears and they go everywhere with me. Remembering the happy memories helps me a lot," she told Native Affairs.
"What I miss the most is receiving cuddles from my children, hearing their voices and their laughs."
She was also seeking professional help and intended to join a support group to help recover from the tragedy. Friends and whanau were also playing a big role in getting back on her feet.
The 30-year-old also hoped to have more children in the future.
"Sometimes I think it might fill in the gap that I have. When the time comes and if I have another family, I'd be alright with that," she said.
Takiwa, a former Paraparaumu resident who has lived in Australia for the past decade, said her main source of strength was knowing her children were keeping watch over her.