World’s First Surviving Septuplets – Fertility Treatment’s Miracle
How exciting is it to have a baby? I would imagine that it is very exciting. But could you ever imagine having more than one at a time? I’m not talking about having twins or even about having triplets. I am talking about having 7 babies at once! It sounds impossible but it can happen and this story will prove that. However, the chance of these babies surviving is quite low. In fact when a woman falls pregnant with this many babies, doctors usually call for a special meeting to decide if the pregnancy should continue as normal. The consultation actually brings up the subject of “selective reduction.” This means that the doctors decide which of the embryos will be kept and which will be removed in order to guarantee a chance of living to the remaining embryos. It is a difficult decision for a parent to make, but sometimes it’s the only option they have if they want to have healthy babies. Today we are blessed with the wonders of fertility treatment that assists women to fall pregnant, but when it succeeds, we need to ask just how pregnant can a woman become?
This is the incredible story of a couple who had faith and held their faith even in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Together they went through the ups and downs of early parenthood, but in the end they came out triumphant, but not without their fair share of life’s tests. Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey fell in love, and their love was like no other. Everything felt like a fairytale to them; it seemed like nothing could ever get in the way of their love. After being married, they decided that they wanted to have children, like most couples. They didn’t know what trials and tribulations stood before them. They fought to have a first child and after a long time, that’s what they got. But when they made it their goal to try have a second child, that’s when their world completely turned upside down. Their second child turned into being seven children, and even though many warned them against the dangers of having so many babies, both for themselves and for the babies, they went through with it all. According to them, it was God’s plan and it was never meant to be a mistake; it was meant to be a miracle, and it was.
It has been more than twenty years since the septuplets were born and after becoming a national sensation, everyone is asking, “Where are they now?” Well, 20 years down the line and we can see the journey they’ve taken to get to where they are now, as the first surviving septuplets.
If you’re looking for a story that will warm your heart and pull at your heart strings all at the same time, then this is the story for you. Whether you’ve had kids or not, fought for kids or not, this is a story we can all relate to on some level. Miracles do happen, and sometimes they happen more than once.
Meet The Parents
Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey became parents for the first time in 1996. Their daughter was a blessing for them since Bobbi was born with a malfunctioning pituitary gland which causes fertility issues. They named the baby, Mikayla Marie, and they started talking about trying for another child.
Meet The Parents
Fertility Treatment
After the difficulties the couple faced when trying to conceive Mikayla Marie, they decided that it would be best to look into fertility treatment. They were recommended Metrodin, which assists to stimulate ovulation which in turn helps a woman become pregnant. Things were starting to look good, and the two were hoping that a second child might be on its way.
Getting Help
One Isn’t Enough
It seemed like a regular check-up for Bobbi at the doctor’s, until the results from her scan came back. She did not have one embryo growing inside of her, she didn’t have two or three either. She had SEVEN! This was very overwhelming news, but it also posed a certain danger to Bobbi.
One Isn’t Enough
Selective Reduction
Even though fertility treatment helps a woman fall pregnant, it can also cause complications like in the case of the McCaugheys. The doctors explained the risk of such a pregnancy and took it further by telling the couple that they should consider “selective reduction”. The process protects the embryos most likely to survive and neglects those that probably won’t.
Selective Reduction
Taking The Risk
Even though Bobbi and Kenny already had a child and understood the risks involved in continuing the pregnancy, they chose to go for it. They decided that it would be too difficult for them to take the chance of losing any of their potential babies.
Taking The Risk
Lots Of Attention
When the McCaugheys decided that they wanted to take the risk and keep all the babies inside Bobbi’s tummy, their story started to spread. The public and media were interested in hearing about the small family, their choice of fertility treatment and their bold decision to keep all seven babies. Although not all of the public were supportive of their decision, the couple believed that everything would work out right.
Lots Of Attention
Helping Hands
As the news spread of their upcoming birth of seven children, many people and organizations flocked in to assist the family. Kraft donated a year’s worth of mac n’ cheese, others donated diapers, offered nanny services and even – believe it or not – a 5,000 square foot house! The couple couldn’t believe the generosity of the people around them.
Helping Hands
Another Gift
Just when the couple thought that all the donations were done, they were extremely surprised when they received a van! And then just a few days following after that, they were told that they would be given a year’s supply of groceries. They couldn’t believe how blessed they were, and their babies hadn’t even been born yet!
Another Gift
Running On Nerves
As you can understand, the time leading up to the birth was very stressful. Regardless of how excited Bobbi and Kenny were, there was also something in their minds that made them worry about what could go wrong. Counting down the days until the babies’ birth was both daunting and exciting.
Running On Nerves
Early Birds
Bobbi and Kenny were surprised when they needed to go to the hospital 9 weeks early for the cesarean birth. On November 19th, 1997, all 7 babies were born within six minutes of each-other. Their family had just grown to 10 people!
Early Birds
Meet The Babies
The babies consisted of four boys and three girls. The next difficult part was to name all of the new cuties. But it wasn’t a task they hadn’t been preparing for, and the names were given as follows: Kenny (Kenneth) Robert who was the heaviest baby, Alexis May, Natalie Sue, Kelsey Ann who was the lightest baby, Nathan Roy, Brandon James, and Joel Steven. Can you remember that?
Meet The Babies
Feeding Tubes
Two of the babies needed to eat through a tube in the beginning. Natalie suffered from bad acid reflux and had severe pain when she ate. Lexi has something else – she had a muscular disorder which made eating very difficult for her.
Feeding Tubes
The Birthing Staff
Delivering all of the babies was no easy feat. It was also a first for every single one of the many staff members that made their way to the hospital to help out. They were in the middle of making American history. Two days after the babies came to the world, all the staff members who helped that day came together for a photo.
The Birthing Staff
Camping Out
Since Bobbi went into labor early, the news crews that were waiting to cover her story were caught off guard. They flocked to the Iowa Methodist Hospital Center in Des Moines to get first coverage of the septuplets. Unfortunately for them, it would take a little longer than they thought for them to get a story.
Camping Out
Leaving The Hospital
It took three months and 10 days for all the babies to be healthy enough to go home. It was a day full of smiles and tears as Bobbi and Kenny packed their babies into the van to head home. Cameras and journalists surrounded them as they made their way out of the hospital. Everyone wanted to see the babies.
Leaving The Hospital
Extra Safe
Leading up to the family’s return, and the babies’ arrival home, security measures had to be taken to ensure that the babies would be safe. Police set up post outside of their house to ensure that they would be able to enter their house without any trouble. But it wouldn’t be long before they moved to their new house.
Extra Safe
Getting The House
When everything was ready, a ceremony was held for new family of 10 to get their new 5500 ft² (511 m²) house. Clarke Companies Chairman Lloyd Clarke handed the keys of their new home to Kenny in the garage of the house. Everyone shared in the excitement together.
Getting The House
Magazine Publicity
Originally Bobbi and Kenny thought that reporters were the only ones who wanted to meet them and hear their story, but then their story exploded. In December 1997, Time Magazine featured their story.
Magazine Publicity
ABC News
ABC News Prime Time was the first television station that managed to get an unhindered feature and interview with the family. Although there was a lot of coverage of the twins’ birth, most of it was just reporters writing their own version of what other reporters had written.
ABC News
Roses Come With Thorns
Although many news sources wanted to cover their stories, they still received some negative responses. Some accused the couple of having “too many kids” and that it could “hurt the environment”. But none of the negative remarks would or could take away the euphoria that they were experiencing.
Roses Come With Thorns
Taking A Break
After the hype that engulfed the family calmed down, the McCaugheys decided to keep their personal lives as private as possible. the only time they would make a public appearance was each year, for the babies’ birthdays. Their decision was aided by the Dionne quintuplets who warned them about being overexposed to the public.
Taking A Break
The Quintuplets
The Dionne quintuplets were born in Ontario, Canada in 1934 to Elzire Dionne. They were brought up in an unsavory environment, being used as a ‘circus-like’ attraction for tourists. They were quick to warn the parents of the septuplets of the harm that too much exposure could cause.
The Quintuplets
Load After Load
Being out of the public’s eye didn’t mean that they had time just to themselves. With so many new children in the house, there were loads to do… loads of laundry that is. On average, the couple had to do about 17 loads of laundry every week! Not only that, but they had to buy two of everything, from washing machines to dryers.
Load After Load
Babies In Bulk
In a single day, the babies were burning through (or pooping, rather) around 52 diapers! But that’s not all. The babies were consuming about 42 bottles every day too! This was surely going to turn into a costly operation, so the McCaugheys realized that they needed to make a plan.
Babies In Bulk
Pumping Milk
From the time that the babies were born, Bobbi pumped breast milk for all of them until they were 3 months old. On a weekly average following this, the family would consume about 4 to 5 gallons of milk per week.
Pumping Milk
Potty Training
The McCaughey’s first daughter, Mikayla, was potty trained in just four days. But when it came to the septuplets, the process took a lot longer and the couple knew it might take a couple of months.
Potty Training
Volunteers
It was impossible to care for all the babies alone. Usually the family had about seventy volunteers helping them every day with various tasks. This meant that there were about eight or nine volunteers changing diapers, feeding and making sure the septuplets were being cared for on a daily basis.
Volunteers
Everyone Wants To Help
Since there were so many babies and so much attention that was needed, everyone wanted to help out. The construction workers who were building the McCaughey’s house, were lucky enough to get a chance at holding the babies themselves. This heartwarming photograph is one of Bobbi’s and Kenny’s favorite.
Everyone Wants To Help
Sisters
What was most valuable to Bobbi and Kenny was not just the heaps of help coming in from the public, but the assistance they were getting from loved ones. Here you can see Bobbi’s sister, Michelle playing with one of the babies.
Sisters
The Big Sister
It turns out that it wasn’t only the adults who wanted to help out. Mikayla was now the eldest of 8 children and she wanted to take on some responsibilities of her own. Whenever she could, she would help feed the babies, play with them and help her mom and dad out in any way she could.
The Big Sister
Plan ‘B’
Their plan was first to start buying in bulk rather than on a need-to-need basis. Additionally, they set out to search for the best discounts and deals at supermarkets in their area, like the time Bobbi bought 60lb of hamburgers just because they were at a discounted price. On average, the family was spending about $300 for groceries each month – a good reduction from how they had started.
Plan ‘B’
Futuristic Strollers
Most of their neighbors knew about the septuplets. But still heads turned when Bobbi and Kenny walked through the neighborhood. Their out-of-this-world strollers were a thing that had never been seen before. It wasn’t uncommon to see twin strollers, but seeing two 4-chaired strollers, one right after the other was sure to gather most people’s attention.
Futuristic Strollers
Green Fingered
Buying in bulk wasn’t their only solution for cutting costs. They started to grow their own fresh produce so that they didn’t have to buy all the time. With fruits and vegetables growing in their own backyard, they were able to subsidize on grocery shopping. It’s too bad they couldn’t raise their own cows.
Green Fingered
Check-Ups
Aside from caring for their eating and pooping needs, the Bobbi and Kenny needed to take the babies to the doctor’s office on a regular basis to check up on their progress. Bringing up seven babies at the same time was anything but simple.
Check-Ups
Most Important Meal
Not only is breakfast the most important meal of the day, but it was the septuplets’ favorite meal too. We wonder what they ate and just how much of it.
Most Important Meal
Cryptophasia
As toddlers, the McCaughey babies created their own language that no-one else could understand. This phenomenon is called cryptophasia – the language that twins or triplets (or septuplets in this case) create that only they can understand. Don’t worry, they did learn to speak English as they grew older.
Cryptophasia
Celebrating Birthdays
Each year the children reached their birthday, it was a call for celebration. However their birthdays weren’t just celebrations, they were also an opportunity to thank God for being healthy and happy. Each year was another sign that the McCaugheys made the right decision by keeping the babies.
Celebrating Birthdays
Dressing Up
As they grew older, some of them grew faster than the others. So while their parents dressed all the boys in the same outfit and the girls in matching outfits, their feet were different sizes. This meant that they had different size shoes.
Dressing Up
Clothing For Septuplets
As you can imagine, it would be very costly for Bobbi and Kenny to buy clothing for all their children as they grew up. But then a miracle happened – a children’s clothing company by the name of Carter’s said they’d provide clothing for all the septuplets until they turned 5.
Clothing For Septuplets
Presidents
Even the president of the United States of America wanted to wish the family well. Bill Clinton called to congratulate the family. Years later the children would get to meet the next president, George W. Bush.
Presidents
Clinton’s Compliment
When Bill Clinton had Bobbi on the phone, he threw her a compliment that she will never forget. The former president said, “When those kids all go off to school you will be able to get a job running any major corporation in America. You will be the best-organized manager in the United States.”
Clinton’s Compliment
The Governor
It seemed like everyone wanted to meet the young septuplets. The governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, came to see the children, and even managed to get a little peck in little Kenny’s cheek.
The Governor
4 Candles For 7 Kids
When the kids turned four, they didn’t get 7 separate cakes, or 28 candles, instead they received one cake and four candles. It was from an early age that Bobbi and Kenny taught their septuplets that it was important to share. Having so many kids meant that each child couldn’t get exactly what he wanted.
4 Candles For 7 Kids
Different Personalities
Just like any group of children, each child has his or her own personality that makes them unique. The funniest of the lot is Kenny Junior, the ones they consider the “bookworms” are Joel and Natalie, and the bravest (and most stubborn) is Brandon.
Different Personalities
The Naughty One
It’s obvious that they all had their special personalities, but there was one child who really was the mischievous one. That child was Kenny Jr. Bobbi called him the “pint-sized explorer”.
The Naughty One
Date Night
Despite having so many children, and so much to do, Bobbi and Kenny made sure to keep one night to themselves. Friday night was their designated “date night”.
Date Night
Parents’ Perception
The parents dubbed them each by the way that they saw them – Alexis is “sweet and perceptive”. Joel is “quiet and reflective”. Kelsey is the “sporty fashionista”. Kenny Jr. is the “go-getter”. Nathan is “determined”. Brandon is “outgoing and athletic.” Natalie is the “high-achieving perfectionist”.
Parents’ Perception
A Special Trip
Even with everything going on, Bobbi and Kenny managed to take the septuplets to Disney World in Orlando. Don’t worry, they took their eldest, Mikayla with them too.
A Special Trip
On The Cover
When the kids turned 8, their parents agreed to have them feature on the cover of Ladies’ Home Journal. In addition, the parents were happy to answer questions for the feature as it was a help to other parents.
On The Cover
George W. Bush
When the children went to meet the president in 2001, they didn’t really understand exactly who they were meeting. The parents dressed them for the occasion and hoped that they would behave appropriately. When the time came, President Bush took a great interest in the kids, and spoke with them. Some of them were excited, and others were ready to go home. They were just kids after all.
George W. Bush
Too Much Attention
Many big families, especially those that have an unusual amount of sets of children, have taken to reality TV shows. The McCaugheys decided against this, as they wanted their kids to grow up as normally as possible. There were a few exceptions though.
Too Much Attention
It’s Your Birthday!
Keeping to their word of remaining under the radar apart from birthdays, Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey allowed Ann Curry from the Today Show to make a special feature when the septuplets turned 13. It truly was a special sight to behold when the 7 teenagers blew out all of their 91 candles.
It’s Your Birthday!
High School Days
The time came for the septuplets to go to high school. Together they all attended Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Iowa and understandably they were the center of attention from their first day. It’s not every day you see a set of septuplets join your grade. 2012 marked the start of very successful high school careers for the siblings.
High School Days
Band Of Brothers And Sisters
It wasn’t just a surprise for people to see the seven siblings walking together in the corridors, it was even more surprising to see them all playing in the school band together. That’s right, all of the siblings joined the school band and played during the school’s football games.
Band Of Brothers And Sisters
Each To Their Own
Playing in the band was just one of their hobbies. As every kid goes, each had his or her own hobby. Some joined the choir, some joined the wrestling team, others cross-country and even speech contests. They were a formidable team of many talents.
Each To Their Own
Buffet Style
As the kids grew out of diapers and bottles, their diets changed too. In order to adapt accordingly, Bobbi and Kenny started making buffet meals. What’s even more impressive, is that when the children were old enough, they all started to help with the preparations of the meals. Who said too many cooks spoil the broth?
Buffet Style
Not Always Easy
One of the outcomes of premature births sometimes, is that some babies aren’t entirely healthy. Two of the babies were born with cerebral palsy – Alexis and Nathan. This condition has a negative effect on a person’s co-ordination and movement, which in the children’s case meant they would have trouble walking.
Not Always Easy
Taking Steps
Due to their cerebral palsy, Nathan and Alexis were confined to using walkers in order to move around. Nathan felt that he could teach himself how to walk and every day he pushed himself just a little towards his walking goal. “I taught myself how to walk because I really wanted to learn. It’s just been getting better and better.”
Taking Steps
Making Waves
Although Alexis suffers from a more severe ailment, it doesn’t mean she hasn’t made strides elsewhere. In 2013, Alexis made her mark when she won the “Teen Miss Dreams Made True” award. And back at school she was making waves when she finished in the top 15% of her class.
Making Waves
Sweet Sixteen
Their sixteenth birthday called for a lot of public attention again. The world wanted to know how they were doing and how they had progressed so far. Turning 16 also meant that they were able to start driving which was a grand milestone in their lives. However, to provide driving lessons for all the kids would be quite costly, and that’s where their dad stepped in.
Sweet Sixteen
Job Hunting
Kenny Sr. was taught throughout his own childhood that if he wanted to get something, he needed to work for it. There was no better opportunity to pass this lesson onto his kids than their teenage years. He taught the children that if they wanted anything, they had to work hard to attain it. Kenny Jr. told NBC news, “We were taught if we want something, we have to work for it.”
Job Hunting
Just Normal Teenagers
Just before their 18th birthday, the press popped in to check how the septuplets were doing. Like most teenagers they were experiencing a lot. While some had fallen in love, others were learning how to drive or changing small-time jobs. Each one brought something special to the pack that made an inseparable bunch.
Just Normal Teenagers
18 At Last
When they eventually did turn 18, it was a pinnacle point not just in their lives, but in their parents’ lives too. Giving advice to a single teenager is difficult, but can you imagine what it must have been like giving advice to 7 of them? And how difficult it probably was seeing as they were all the same age at the same time.
18 At Last
Graduating At Last
In May 2016, a moment that seemed miles from ever happening, happened. All seven of the septuplets graduated from high school and it suddenly dawned on the couple how far they had all come together.
Graduating At Last
Coming Full Circle
Bobbi recalls the emotions she felt as she watched all seven of the kids dressed in their robes and graduation hats, “It’s sad to see things end, but there will be lots of firsts coming.” So where did they all go after their graduation?
Coming Full Circle
Keeping It Local
Alexis and Kenny wanted to stay near to home and decided to study at Des Moines, their local college. Alexis graduated at the top of her class in high school and wants to become a teacher as one of the many aspirations she has.
Keeping It Local
The Soldier
Brandon has gone on to enlist in the U.S. Army, something he has been fixated on since he was just three years old! He is an expert in pistol and carbine shooting. Even though he was offered a full scholarship to study at his hometown university, he chose to continue on his own path.
The Soldier
Serving His Country
He went on to serve in the 75th Rangers Regiment, and along the way he found some love. Brandon still serves his country and followed his heart and still continues to fulfill his heart’s desires.
Serving His Country
The Carpenter
Kenny Jr. has pursued becoming a carpenter and has been quite successful in his journey. But his passion is not just limited to work that he gets paid for.
The Carpenter
Work For Family
After his older sister, Mikayla, had a her first baby, he took it upon himself to help provide some of the furnishing for their new arrival. We’re not just talking about a simple stool, we’re talking about a kitchen table and benches to go along with it.
Work For Family
The Students
The Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri offered the septuplets scholarships when they were born. Unbelievably, the State of Iowa offered the kids full scholarships to any state university that they wanted to attend. So when the time came, Natalie, Nathan, Kelsey, and Joel took Hannibal-LaGrange’s offer and are still studying there now.
The Students
The Educator
It was always Lexi’s dream to learn and work in early childhood education. Now that she is pursuing it fully, she is loving it and frequently posts about it on her social media profiles. There is no doubt in our minds that she will do amazing things.
The Educator
The Scientist
Nathan had a passion to work with science. The exact route he wanted to go wasn’t clear, but he knew that it would revolve around science. Being a bright young man, we’re sure that he will excel.
The Scientist
The Musician
When each child found his or her calling, it was Kelsey that found her passion in music. She studies music at Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri. Stay posted, maybe she’ll release something soon.
The Musician
The Computer Guy
Joel is like his brother Nathan, in that he has a keen interest in science. The science that Joel is interested in however, is computer science. There’s great belief that he will be successful in this field.
The Computer Guy
The Teacher
Natalie in some way is similar to her sister, Alexis. Not only is she a septuplet… okay, that was a given. She is also interested in entering the education sphere. Her dream is to become an elementary school teacher.
The Teacher
Too Close To Separate
When the septuplets were interviewed after their graduation, and they revealed their different plans for life, the interviewer asked if they were worried about losing their closeness. The group laughed and answered that although it would be difficult at first, they would always be close, no matter the distance.
Too Close To Separate
Empty Nest Syndrome
When all their 8 children left the house, it was a new sensation for the parents and they needed to adjust. They were used to feeding so many kids and caring for them at every turn, so this was a new experience for them altogether. Like any parents, they worry about their kids but not to the point that they couldn’t let them go and pursue their dreams.
Empty Nest Syndrome
The Older Sister
Most people are wondering what happened to the eldest sister of the septuplets, Mikayla. She is doing great! Mikayla is married and she has a child of her own, not seven though. She studied at Des Moines too and then went on to study at Arizona State University.
The Older Sister
Bridesmaids
Mikayla’s wedding was a very special event for everyone. Many people have wondered where she fits in the picture with all her younger siblings. Well, the answer is that she is one of the gang. All of her siblings were a part of her wedding party, and all of her sisters were bridesmaids.
Bridesmaids
What About Dad?
It’s difficult to be a parent with a full house and then in a flash, have everyone move out. Kenny McCaughey on the other hand, took advantage of his free time and took on a new hobby – motorcycles. Aside from scrapping them and rebuilding them, he has ridden around the United States and plans to continue doing so.
What About Dad?
Too Big
The McCaugheys have decided that it might be their best bet to sell the huge house they were once given, due to its huge size. But this obviously begs the question – what will happen when all the grandkids start flowing in? Where will they stay? Maybe I’m getting carried away.
Too Big
Finding A Buyer
Only in February this year did the family finally find a buyer who wanted the massive 7-bedroom, 5-bathroom house. And it was a perfect change because they knew they needed something smaller.
Finding A Buyer
Giving Back
Bobbi and Kenny have decided to sell their house to Ruth Harbor which is a non-profit organization that helps young women with unplanned pregnancies. Bobbi commented on the sale, “We have been blessed to receive such a wonderful gift, and nothing would please us more than the idea of our home being used as a place of refuge to others in need.”
Giving Back
Dodging A Bullet
When Bobbi and Kenny were first approached to consider the option of selective reduction, they were against the idea. They believed that they didn’t seek fertility treatment for no reason. Years after the fact, they still look back in awe as they succeeded to have all 7 babies.
Dodging A Bullet
Advocates
They still stand behind their brave decision to have all the children and not terminate any part of the pregnancy. To anyone advocating for selective reduction, they say, “Well, come to our house, and tell me which four I shouldn’t have had!”
Advocates
Their Own Book
Soon after the babies were born, Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey wrote and released a book called “Seven from Heaven”. The book touched on many subjects, including how their undying belief in God brought them happiness and hope in a situation where the odds were against them.
Their Own Book
A Collection
Even though the parents of the septuplets didn’t want to put the kids in the public’s eye, they made a valuable agreement. The agreement was that certain photography companies would come every year to photograph the children. Starting with Gamma Press in 2001, then moving to Polaris Images thereafter. Three main photographers had the honor and privilege of taking the septuplets’ photos as they grew up.
A Collection
Photographs For Memory
Photographers, Holly McQueen, Rodney White and Andrea Melendez, all took the “normal, everyday” life pictures of the septuplets. Their pictures would not only become a memory bank for the family, but also one of the most fascinating collections in American family-life history.
Photographs For Memory
Portraits
Their portraits were photographed on a yearly basis and they served as milestones to monitor the kids’ growth and progress. Can you tell which child is which? From the top left and moving clockwise, we have: Kelsey, Kenny, Natalie, Mikayla (the big sister) Alexis, Brandon, Nathan, and Joel.
Portraits
So Much Energy
For anyone who has ever tried to take a photo of a young child, you know that it is difficult. But can you imagine how difficult it would be for the photographers to get all 7 children to be camera-ready? But it was important to let the septuplets feel and act natural.
So Much Energy
Playing Outside
Many people have asked if the children had regular childhoods. For the most part they did. They played games and were often creative, making games of their own. But sometimes they just wanted to bring their toys outside to play.
Playing Outside
Video Games Then
The children, well the boys in particular, enjoyed playing video games like most kids. Kenny and Bobbi thought that their passion for video games was limited to their childhood, but that wasn’t exactly the case.
Video Games Then
Video Games Now
This photograph was snapped of the boys hard at it again. The original picture of them was taken in 2006, and as evidence clearly tells, not much has changed since.
Video Games Now
Through The Years
The Today Show‘s Ann Curry covered the story of the kids’ birth back in 1997. All throughout their childhood, she came to the family to follow up on their progress. In 2016 Ann Curry once again joined the septuplets to check in on them and to catch the world up on their progress. There was so much to learn about them.
Through The Years
Will They Have Twins?
There’s a question that most of us are asking – will the septuplets give birth to twins, triplets, or even septuplets? Experts say probably not. Since Bobbi and Kenny used fertility treatment, they were blessed with septuplets. However, fertility treatment doesn’t influence the genetics of the babies and they will most likely have regular births.
Will They Have Twins?
A Worthwhile Journey
When Bobbi and Kenny were asked if they would have changed anything about their situation, their answer was “‘no’. We can all learn something very valuable from this couple and their large family. Not everything is easy, but when you really want something you have to go after it, no matter how difficult it is. After all, sometimes when you expect less you get more… a lot more!
A Worthwhile Journey