The World’s First Surviving Septuplets, Now They’re 20 Years Old
Every day, around 353,000 babies are brought into the world. The miracle of childbirth has become so common that sometimes we forget how incredible it really is. When a couple was faced with the hardship of battling for pregnancy, they thought they would never have their moment to rejoice in the miracle of life. Being devout believers, they trusted that whatever the reason for their battle for a baby, it must have been sent from the heavens. Then the unthinkable happened. Bobbi married Kenny McCaughey and shortly after they decided that they were ready to start a family. Bobbi knew that it might be difficult for her to fall pregnant, since she had been told that since she was a young woman. Nevertheless, the couple tried to have a baby. Their trying seemed futile and they both became discouraged. However this discouragement wasn’t enough for them to stop trying altogether. Bobbi and Kenny eventually experienced a miracle. This would become their first miracle in a series of more – but their first miracle was that Bobbi became pregnant. Nine months later the couple celebrated the birth of a little girl, and they were ecstatic. Seeing as they were devout Christians, they believed that everything that happened to and around them was in the hands of a higher power. They simply trusted that whatever they were going through was the way it was “supposed to go.” The miracle of their daughter’s birth encouraged them to believe that having more miracles was possible. They truly trusted the powers that are to grant them another pregnancy. This time however, the process wasn’t getting anywhere.
The World’s First Surviving Septuplets, Now They’re 20 Years Old
No matter how hard they tried, no matter how much time passed, Bobbi could not fall pregnant. They wanted to lead their path to pregnancy in the most natural way. But then someone suggested that they pursue fertility treatment. At first blush it seemed to go against what the couple believed in, but then a sentence resonated in their minds. “God helps those who help themselves.” And with that in mind, they went to go see a fertility treatment specialist. Even though they were skeptical and even apprehensive about pursuing fertility treatment, they knew that if they wanted to have another baby, it might be their only answer. When they decided that it was a decision they were sure about, their lives would change forever.
The McCaugheys
Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey tried for a long time to have a child. Bobbi herself was born with a malfunctioning pituitary gland which causes fertility issues.
The McCaugheys
But in 1996 they had a baby girl and they named her Mikayla Marie. They suddenly had hope that they could possibly have another baby.
Seeking Help
After all the trouble Bobbi and Kenny went through to conceive Mikayla Marie, they figured it would be best to seek help.
Seeking Help
They went to see a fertility treatment specialist who pointed them to Metrodin. This medication assists to stimulate ovulation which in turn helps a woman become pregnant. And she did.
Not Only One
On one of their trips to the doctor’s office for a check-up on the baby, something unexpected happened.
Not Only One
Bobbi and Kenny waited for the doctor to return with the results of her scan. When he did, their jaws hit the floor. The scan didn’t show just one baby. The scan showed SEVEN babies!
Selective Reduction
The couple was ecstatic and they couldn’t believe their luck. But there was something that they needed to know about the septuplets.
Selective Reduction
Giving birth to so many babies was both risky to Bobbi and to all 7 babies.
Accepting The Risk
The doctor explained the complications to the joyous couple. He explained that they had the option to terminate a number of the embryos in order to give the others a definite chance of survival.
Accepting The Risk
Bobbi and Kenny looked at each-other, and decided that they would go ahead with the full pregnancy, despite the risks.
Out In The Open
It didn’t take long for the news to spread of the couple that was risking the birth of septuplets.
Out In The Open
Both the media and the public wanted to hear about the parents who used fertility treatement to get pregnant and then became pregnant with seven babies. Most of the public was supportive, but at the same time, others were critical of their decision.
Not Alone
For those of the public who were excited and supportive of Bobbi and Kenny, action was their next move. Kraft stepped in and donated a year’s worth of mac n’ cheese.
Not Alone
Another company donated diapers, and then the unthinkable – they were given a 5,000 square foot house!
More Gifts
The house was an overwhelming gift, but the generosity didn’t stop there for the McCaugheys. A donation came through, and it was a van so that the parents would be able to drive their septuplets, and current baby, around with ease.
More Gifts
Another organization planned to donate a year’s supply of groceries for the family. Everyone jumped at the chance to help them, and their septuplets hadn’t even been born yet.
Unnerving The Nerves
As anyone could understand, the weeks and months leading up to the birth were riddled with stress.
Unnerving The Nerves
There was constant excitement for the couple, but there was also worry. No matter how excited they felt, they couldn’t shake the nervousness from their minds.
An Early Surprise
There was no better way to dive right into it than by having to go to the hospital earlier than they expected to.
An Early Surprise
Nine weeks before her due date, Kenny rushed Bobbi to the hospital to have a cesarean birth. On November 19th, 1997, all 7 babies were born within six minutes of each-other. From a family of 3, they catapulted to a family of 10!
Meet The Babies
The septuplets were made up of four boys and three girls. Can you imagine what the task of naming (and remembering) the babies was like?
Meet The Babies
These are their names: 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. Did you get that all?
Eating Problems
When the septuplets were born, two of them needed to eat through a tube.
Eating Problems
Natalie had an issue with acid reflux which resulted in terrible pain when she ate. Lexi suffered from a muscular disorder that caused her to eat with difficulty.
Hospital Staff
As anyone could imagine, giving birth to seven babies would require a little more than just one nurse.
Hospital Staff
Not only was this septuplets birth the first for the parents, but it was for the entire birthing staff too. Two days after the babies were born, each and every staff member who helped came together for this incredible photograph.
No Sleep
Even though the press was following Bobbi’s pregnancy, they were taken by surprise when she went into labor early.
No Sleep
Camera crews and reporters swarmed to the Iowa Methodist Hospital Center in Des Moines, each one hoping to get the first story back to their headquarters.
Discharging From Hospital
It was by no means a normal birth, and therefore it took a good while for the babies to be healthy enough to go home.
Discharging From Hospital
In fact, it was after 3 months and 10 days when they got the green light. As Bobbi and Kenny made their way to their new van, cameras and reporters swarmed them, trying to get the first pictures of the babies.
Police And Security
They drove home to their small house, since they still hadn’t moved to their new home.
Police And Security
Police officers stepped in to ensure that they had safe passage home, as well as to ensure that the family wouldn’t be harassed. The police even put up a post outside of the house just to make sure that they would have their privacy.
The New House
Eventually, when everything was furnished and ready for the new family of ten, a special ceremony took place.
The New House
Their brand new 5500 ft² (511 m²) house stood waiting for them to make it a home. Clarke Companies Chairman Lloyd Clarke handed the keys of their new home to Kenny in the garage of the house.
Magazine Publicity
For the start, the McCaughey’s story seemed to only circulate within their county.
Magazine Publicity
But then, when they were least expecting it, their story flooded the greater media. Time Magazine featured their story in December 1997.
ABC News
But it didn’t stop with Time Magazine, in fact their story just spread to other news networks.
ABC News
ABC News Prime Time became the first television station to cover their story. But the funny thing was that many different news networks were covering the story, simply by copying others’ reports.
Not All Good
Even though the McCaughey’s miracle story brought so much joy and attention, there were still some negative responses.
Not All Good
Some critics argued that having septuplets wouldn’t be right for the kids, or that it would hurt the environment. Despite all the love and hate mail they received, their happiness was unhindered.
Getting Away
At some point Bobbi and Kenny decided that it would be best for the family to step out of the limelight.
Getting Away
They wanted to have a normal and private experience with their new babies. They decided to only make public appearances for the babies’ birthdays. But it wasn’t a decision they made on their own, they were influenced by another family of many children who knew the hardships firsthand.
The Quintuplets
The Dionne quintuplets were born in Ontario, Canada in 1934 to Elzire Dionne.
The Quintuplets
They endured a difficult childhood, being used as a ‘circus-like’ attraction for tourists. These quintuplets rushed to warn the septuplets’ parents of the harm that too much exposure could cause.
A Serious Load
With so many babies in the house – being 7 new ones and their one-year-old – laundry was a part of every day.
A Serious Load
In fact laundry became such an important task that it occurred about 17 times a week! The family was forced to buy two of everything, including a washing machine and a dryer.
Lots Of Poop
With so many babies eating so much, they were making their way through something like 52 diapers on a daily basis!
Lots Of Poop
It makes sense, seeing as they consumed around 42 bottles every day. Everything about the septuplets was becoming costly, so the McCaugheys needed to make a plan.
Pumping Milk
Bobbi had a task that most new moms would not be prepared for.
Pumping Milk
She breastfed her babies from their birth until they were 3 months old.
Potty Training
It took Bobbi and Kenny just four days to potty train their eldest daughter.
Potty Training
But it was definitely more challenging withthe septuplets. They braced themselves because they knew it would take them a couple of months.
Volunteers Help
It wasn’t just the money that was tight, it was lack of sleep, the need to work and the care of the babies.
Volunteers Help
But the couple wasn’t on their own. In fact they were fortunate enough to have about 70 volunteers help them on a daily basis. One heck of an operation.
Everyone Wants To Help
It wasn’t that everyone just wanted to help the parents out, it was also that the septuplets were so adorable.
Everyone Wants To Help
Even the construction workers building the McCaughey’s house helped out with the babies. This is one of Bobbi’s and Kenny’s favorite photographs.
Aunts
It touched Kenny and Bobbi that so many people had come forward from their community to help.
Aunts
It was even more touching when Bobbi’s sister, Michelle came up just to help with the babies. You can see her playing with one of the babies.
The Big Sister
But it wasn’t just the adults who got to help out with the cute septuplets.
The Big Sister
Their eldest sister, Mikayla, was quick to take on the responsibilities of an older sister and swooped in to help. She may have been young, but she was tuned in.
The Plan
In order to accommodate their economic situation, Kenny and Bobbi started to buy products in bulk.
The Plan
They hunted for deals and discounts at the supermarket. One of the deals they always joke about was when Bobbi managed to buy 60 pounds of hamburgers, simply because they were at a discounted price. They reduced their monthly grocery budget to $300.
Futuristic Strollers
Even though everyone in the neighborhood knew about the septuplets, people still turned their heads every time the family went for a stroll.
Futuristic Strollers
It wasn’t an ordinary sight to see such long strollers, especially with so many kids!
Growing Their Own
Shopping in bulk was only part of their solution to cutting down costs.
Growing Their Own
The next step was to grow their own produce. We’re not talking about cows, but fruit and vegetables in their own backyard.
Septuplets Check-Ups
There was so much that needed to be done for the babies. One such thing was the regular check-up at the doctor’s office.
Septuplets Check-Ups
The doctor constantly needed to see how the septuplets were doing.
Most Important Meal
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but not everyone loves to eat it.
Most Important Meal
Luckily for the McCaugheys, it happened to be the septuplets’ favorite meal.
Cryptophasia
We all know about “goo-goo’s” and “ga-ga’s”, but the McCaughey babies had their own version of it.
Cryptophasia
They created a language that they spoke amongst themselves that no-one else understood. This phenomenon is called cryptophasia – the language that twins or triplets (or septuplets in this case) create that only they can understand.
Throwing Birthdays
Every year on their birthday, they had a party. It wasn’t just a party, it was a joyous celebration thanking God for the miracle that became the septuplets.
Throwing Birthdays
Each year was a reminder that they made the right decision to keep all seven of the babies.
Dressing Up
Dressing the kids was easy and fun. All the boys wore the same outfits, and all the girls wore the same outfits.
Dressing Up
But when it came to shoe sizes, that was where the challenge was since they didn’t all have the same sizes.
Clothing For Septuplets
Having to buy clothing for all the children as they grew up was going to cost the couple a fortune.
Clothing For Septuplets
But Carter’s, a children’s clothing company came to the rescue. They offered to provide clothing for the children until they turned 5.
The Presidents
The news of the babies’ birth spread everywhere, even to the White House.
The Presidents
The president of the United States of America, Bill Clinton, called Bobbi and Kenny just to congratulate them on the special birth. Later they would meet President George W. Bush too.
Clinton’s Compliment
President Bill Clinton didn’t just congratulate the family, he even said to Bobbi, “When those kids all go off to school you will be able to get a job running any major corporation in America.
Clinton’s Compliment
You will be the best-organized manager in the United States.”
The Governor
Presidents and even governors too. The governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, drove to the McCaughey’s house to see the children.
The Governor
He was so emotional about his visit that he even landed a little peck on little Kenny’s cheek.
4 Candles For 7 Kids
When we first think about what their fourth birthday party would look like, we imagine 7 cakes, or 28 candles.
4 Candles For 7 Kids
But this family was different. Bobbi and Kenny wanted to teach their kids that they should share. A life lesson they would take with them throughout their lives.
Each Their Own
Like all kids out there, they each have their own personality that makes him or her unique.
Each Their Own
Kenny Junior is considered the joker, Joel and Natalie are the bookworms and Brandon is the bravest, and most stubborn.
The Naughty One
Although they were all different in their own way, one child will always be remembered for his mischievousness.
The Naughty One
That would be Kenny Jr. and his parents always said he was a “pint-sized explorer”.
Date Night
It’s incredible to know that even with so many children and so many responsibilities, the McCaughey parents found time to do something special together once a week.
Date Night
Bobbi and Kenny made Friday nights their date night. Heck, they’re lucky that were even able to get some alone time!
Parents’ Perception
Bobbi and Kenny summarized how they saw each child – Alexis is “sweet and perceptive”. Joel is “quiet and reflective”.
Parents’ Perception
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”.
A Special Trip
Bobbi and Kenny managed to even treat their children to a special trip to Disney World in Orlando.
A Special Trip
All the septuplets, plus Mikayla, their eldest, enjoyed the wonderful experience.
Ladies’ Home Journal
On the children’s eighth birthday, their parents gave Ladies’ Home Journal consent to have the kids feature on their magazine’s cover.
Ladies’ Home Journal
They even answered questions in an interview with the answers being published in the magazine, hoping to be a help for other parents.
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’s Your Birthday!
It truly was a special sight to behold when the 7 teenagers blew out all of their 91 candles.
Starting High School
When high school came around, all of the septuplets attended Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Iowa.
Starting High School
As you would have guessed, they were the center of attention from day one. 2012 was a milestone in their lives.
Band Of Brothers And Sisters
It must have been quite a sight to behold when the septuplets walked down the school corridor together.
Band Of Brothers And Sisters
But it was surely more exciting when they all joinedthe band together… and played together.
Buffet Dinners
Having dinner buffet style seems kind of fun and interesting. Well, the McCaughey family decided to make this their default dinner plan because it was easier and more convenient.
Buffet Dinners
As the kids grew up, they all started helping with preparing the food and cleaning up afterwards.
Difficult Conditions
When a child is born prematurely, the baby can sometimes face difficult health issues. Two of the septuplets were born with cerebral palsy – Alexis and Nathan.
Difficult Conditions
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.
Staying Determined
For a big part of their childhoods, Nathan and Alexis needed walkers to move around. But Nathan didn’t want to settle for that kind of mobility, so he started to push himself.
Staying Determined
Every day he tried more and more to walk without an aid. “I taught myself how to walk because I really wanted to learn. It’s just been getting better and better.”
Moving Forward
Alexis unfortunately suffers to a slightly worse degree than her brother. But despite this, she excels greatly.
Moving Forward
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.
Sweet Sixteen
Having one child turn 16 is quite an operation, now think of 7 of them.
Sweet Sixteen
But turning sixteen brought about new challenges, like the kids having to take driving lessons. It was going to be a costly exercise, so dad stepped in and made a plan.
Looking For Jobs
Kenny Sr. himself had been taught that in order to get what he wanted, he needed to work for it.
Looking For Jobs
He passed on this valuable lesson to his children at this moment in their lives. Kenny Jr. told of the lesson he and his siblings learned from their dad, “We were taught if we want something, we have to work for it.”
Normal Teenagers
With the days leading up to their 18th birthday, the press was interested to know what the septuplets were up to.
Normal Teenagers
The reports they came back with were quite normal. Some of the septuplets had found love, others were driving and working part-time jobs. They were like most teens.
Graduation
When the special day came in May 2016, Bobbi and Kenny couldn’t believe that their seven “babies” were actually graduating from high school.
Graduation
This marked a major milestone in all of their lives. The septuplets were over the moon and ready to take on the next stage of their lives.
18 At Last
When the septuplets eventually turned 18, it was a major point in theirs and their parents’ lives.
18 At Last
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.
Mommy’s Feelings
Bobbi looks back at the septuplets’ graduation and recalls how she felt at that moment when she saw them dressed up.
Mommy’s Feelings
“It’s sad to see things end, but there will be lots of firsts coming.” So where did they all go after their graduation?
Staying In Town
Alexis and Kenny decided to study at Des Moines, their local college because it was close to their home.
Staying In Town
Alexis graduated at the top of her class in high school and wants to become a teacher.
The Soldier
Ever since Brandon was a three-year-old, he wanted to become a soldier.
The Soldier
His dream eventually came true and he enlisted into the Army Rangers. He is now an expert in pistol and carbine shooting. talk about becoming a star in his trade!
The Carpenter
Kenny Jr. was always a hands-on child, and that really showed when he became a carpenter.
The Carpenter
When the septuplets’ older sister gave birth, he made it his job to build them a kitchen table and two benches to accompany it.
The Students
When it was time to go to school, the Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri offered the septuplets scholarships.
The Students
Additionally, the State of Iowa offered the kids full scholarships to any state university that they wished to attend. Natalie, Nathan, Kelsey, and Joel took Hannibal-LaGrange’s offer and continue to study there now.
The Educator
Lexi always had a dream to get involved in early childhood education.
The Educator
For her that dream became a reality when she started studying, and she takes no time off from showing that off on her social media pages.
The Scientist
Nathan isn’t a nerd, but he is a scientist… or maybe he’s both.
The Scientist
Just like his siblings, he has always known what he wants to do and science is just that. Even though he hasn’t chosen an exact path yet, we’re sure he’ll excel and succeed in whatever he does.
The Musician
It’s true that every child has his or her calling and Kelsey was no different.
The Musician
She was the musically-inclined child. Today she is studying music at Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri. Maybe we’ll get to hear a release of hers soon.
The Computer Guy
Like Nathan, Joel has a clear interest in science, but his interest has a slightly different direction.
The Computer Guy
Joel finds his passion in computer science. No-one has any doubts about how he will find success in this field.
The Teacher
Perhaps it’s not surprising when one septuplet is like another. Natalie is like her sister Alexis, in that she wants to become a teacher too.
The Teacher
She is studying towards becoming an elementary school teacher.
Inseparable
Everybody wondered how the septuplets would deal with the distance that would grow between them when they all went their separate ways.
Inseparable
The septuplets had a good giggle at the question, and reassured the public that they weren’t worried at all. They expressed that they were happy to each have their own space, but of course they would miss each-other.
Empty Nest Syndrome
As any parent could imagine, it was difficult for Bobbi to see the kids all leave the house and grow into adults.
Empty Nest Syndrome
The difference for her and Kenny was that for them it all happened at the same time. It wasn’t like any family when gradually, one by one, each child grows up and leaves the house.
Where’s Their Older Sister?
While we’re all hyping around the septuplets, some are still wondering what happened to their eldest sister, Mikayla.
Where’s Their Older Sister?
Well, she is happily married with a child of her own. She graduated from Des Moines and then moved to Arizona State University to continue her studies.
Her Bridesmaids
Many people have wondered how Mikayla fit in with the septuplets.
Her Bridesmaids
Well, if her wedding was anything to go off, then seeing her sisters as her bridesmaids should be enough. She is definitely one of the gang, and they all feel that way.
And Dad?
It’s difficult to be a parent with a full house and then in a flash, have everyone move out.
And Dad?
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.
Too Much House
After spending years together in the big house that they received as a gift, it’s time for them to move.
Too Much House
Bobbi and Kenny have decided that without all the kids in the house, it doesn’t make sense to keep up such a huge house. It’s not going to be easy parting from the house and the memories it has been a part of.
Finding A Buyer
In February 2018 the McCaughey family found a buyer for their huge house.
Finding A Buyer
They needed to downsize, so leaving the 7-bedroom and 5-bathroom house was a blessing for them.
Giving Back
Ruth Harbor was the one who came forward to make the purchase. The non-profit organization gives support to young women who are riddled with unplanned pregnancy.
Giving Back
Bobbi was so pleased with the idea and she said, “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.”
Writing A Book
After the babies were born, Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey wrote a book called “Seven from Heaven”.
Writing A Book
The book included many subjects, like how their unwavering belief in God brought them happiness and hope in a situation where the odds were against them.
The Collection
Despite not wanting to have the kids in the public’s vision at every moment, Kenny and Bobbi still wanted a photography collection of the kids.
The Collection
The parents gave permission to a few companies like Gamma Press and Polaris Images to photograph the children. Three main photographers had the honor and privilege of taking the septuplets’ photos as they grew up.
Making Memories
Holly McQueen, Rodney White and Andrea Melendez, were the lucky photographers to take “normal, everyday” life pictures of the septuplets.
Making Memories
The photographs they snapped would become the vivid memories that both the septuplets and their parents could share for years to come. It has become one of the most beautiful “American life” collections of all time.
Perfect Portraits
beautiful portraits became an annual project.
Perfect Portraits
Here they are, from the top left and moving clockwise, we have: Kelsey, Kenny, Natalie, Mikayla (the big sister) Alexis, Brandon, Nathan, and Joel.
Energetic Bunch
Let’s take a moment to appreciate a photographer who has enough patience to photograph one child.
Energetic Bunch
Now imagine what it must be like to do the same with 7! These skilled photographers wanted the septuplets to behave as naturally as possible.
Playing Outside
It has been many people’s question whether the children had a regular childhood. In most ways they did.
Playing Outside
The children often found creative games of their own, and other times they just played with whatever toys they had.
Video Games Then
Like most boys, the McCaughey boys loved playing video games.
Video Games Then
Bobbi and Kenny believed that their boys would outgrow their love for video games… but they were wrong.
Video Games Now
Who would have guessed that the boys would be at it, exactly as they were as kids.
Video Games Now
This picture comes years later and as we now see, they’re pretty much the exact same.
As Time Goes On
The Today Show‘s Ann Curry took the McCaugheys story on back in 1997.
As Time Goes On
She made it her job and personal goal to check up on the kids throughout their growth and childhood. In 2016 she caught up with the crew once again, and it was a very emotional meeting.
Against All The Odds
Bobbi and Kenny constantly flash back to that day when they decided they were not going to do selective reduction.
Against All The Odds
It was a difficult decision, but when they look at the risk they took and at the faith they had, they know that keeping all 7 babies was the right decision.
Speaking Up
Even after they faced criticism for potentially putting their babies at risk, Bobbi and Kenny feel content with their decision.
Speaking Up
To anyone advocating for selective reduction, they say, “Well, come to our house, and tell me which four I shouldn’t have had!”
Will They Have Twins?
So many people are asking the question of whether the septuplets will have multiple births themselves.
Will They Have Twins?
Most experts agree that they probably will not. The reason being that Bobbi fell pregnant because of the use of fertility treatments.
It’s All Worth It
Every time Bobbi and Kenny get the question of whether they would ever change their situation, “no” is the answer.
It’s All Worth It
They can teach us all something important about life and faith. When you expect little, sometimes you receive more… a lot more.