Despite initial doubts about their survival, the McCaughey septuplets have defied all odds and reached a momentous milestone as they turn 16. Kenny, Kelsey, Natalie, Brandon, Alexis, Nathan, and Joel, the world's first septuplets to survive infancy, are not only celebrating their birthday but also envisioning driving lessons, college degrees, and successful careers. This remarkable occasion is being commemorated on Tuesday, November 19, at their home in Carlisle, Iowa.
Reflecting on the past 16 years, their mother, Bobbi, expressed a bittersweet sentiment to a local newspaper, remarking on how swiftly time has flown by. The McCaughey family gained international attention when Bobbi and her husband, Kenny, made the courageous decision to forgo selective reduction after discovering they were expecting seven children through fertility treatment, putting their faith in God's hands.
Against all odds, these resilient septuplets have not only survived but thrived, demonstrating the strength of their spirit and the unwavering support of their loving family. Their journey serves as an inspiration, proving that with determination and a steadfast belief in the face of adversity, anything is possible.
Celebration: The McCaughey septuplets (with their parents, Kenny and Bobbi, center, and their big sister Milayla, back left) are turning 16 on Tuesday. They are the world’s first surviving septuplets
Together: L-R, Nathan, Brandon, , Kelsey, Natalie, Brandon, Kenny (light blue shirt), Joel and Alexis (laying across laps). The septuplets generated world wide attention after they were born November 19, 1997
‘I will always remember the day we found out there were so many,’ Bobbi told the Des Moines Register. ‘It wasn’t like “yoohoo!” There were so many doubts. To a lot of people this might sound trite, but God determined the outcome.’ Learning they had septuplets on the way sparked international headlines that would chart the children’s every move.
After the babies were born nine weeks prematurely in Des Moines in 1997, joining their big sister, Mikayla Marie, news crews swarmed their modest one-floor home.
Amid the media frenzy, President Bill Clinton personally called the family to congratulate the family, Oprah welcomed them on her show and companies and strangers scrambled to help out the couple.
Early days: Bobbi McCaughey, pictured in 1998, used fertility treatment and had refused selective reduction
Babies’ day out: She prepares to take out her nine-month-old babies with the help of friends in 1998
Helping hand: Mikayla, who was nearly 2 when her siblings were born, is pictured helping her mother
Staying healthy: Bobbi takes one of her sons to the doctors. Doctors were stunned they were all healthy
Doting: Big sister Mikayla helps out her parents by caring for one of her little sisters in 1998
