Imagine the shock that Bobbie McCoy from Iowa, USA, experienced when an ultrasound revealed that she was pregnant with septuplets – yes, seven children at once. Few believed that all these tiny lives would make it through to birth, but they not only survived but also thrived, much to the joy of their parents. As the McCoy septuplets have now grown into adults, it’s time to revisit their incredible journey from birth to adulthood.
Kenny and Bobby McCoy’s love story began at a Baptist congregation meeting, where they first met. Just six months later, they tied the knot, and a year after that, in January 1996, they welcomed their daughter, Michaela Marie, into the world. Bobby and Kenny always dreamed of having two children close in age, so they wasted no time in expanding their family.
However, an unexpected obstacle arose. Bobby developed a hormonal disorder after her first pregnancy, making it difficult for her to conceive again. But Bobby was determined to have a second child. Following doctors’ advice, she pursued infertility treatments. Miraculously, after the first round of procedures, she saw two stripes on the pregnancy test – Bobby was pregnant again.
Their joy turned into disbelief during a routine ultrasound. The doctor said, “I see a fetus,” and then added, “So, here’s another one.” The count continued until he reached seven. The doctor congratulated them, announcing that they were expecting septuplets. The news left Bobby and Kenny stunned for days.
Coming to terms with the fact that they would be welcoming seven children into the world was a monumental challenge, but it was just the beginning of their journey. Bobby’s petite frame struggled to bear even one child, let alone seven. Her belly expanded rapidly, making it challenging for her to walk or sit comfortably. The couple grappled with questions about where and how they would raise such a large family.
News of the extraordinary pregnancy quickly spread through the media, with journalists frequently visiting the McCoys’ home. As a result, the entire nation soon knew about the woman expecting seven babies.
The McCoys received an outpouring of letters and support from well-wishers, but they also faced criticism from those who questioned their decision to keep all the children. Some accused them of exploiting their situation to receive state aid. However, Kenny and Bobby remained steadfast in their belief that they would accept all the children that God had given them.
Doctors even suggested reducing the number of embryos to ensure the remaining children’s healthy development due to the challenging pregnancy. However, the McCoys declined, respecting what they saw as God’s will.
When Bobby reached 30 weeks of pregnancy, the doctors decided it was time for an emergency cesarean section to mitigate the risks. At that point, her belly measured a staggering 140 cm, nearly twice the size of an average full-term pregnancy.
On November 19, 1997, a team of 40 doctors conducted the delivery, with the seven babies arriving one after another, approximately six minutes apart. The McCoy family now had Kenny Jr., Alexis, Natalie, Kelsey, Nathan, Brandon, and Joel. Remarkably, these little ones weighed between 1 to 1.5 kg, quite substantial considering their numbers.
It took three months and ten days before the McCoys could bring their septuplets home. Caring for seven babies was a herculean task. Each day required 42 bottles of milk and over 50 diapers. Volunteers played a crucial role in helping the family during this time, and the nation showered them with gifts and attention thanks to media coverage.
The septuplets’ birth even garnered the attention of then-US President Bill Clinton and later President George W. Bush. Universities offered free education to the children, and the family appeared on notable talk shows like Oprah Winfrey’s.
As the years passed, the septuplets matured and graduated from high school, embarking on their paths to adulthood. They pursued various interests and education. Now adults, they have forged their own futures, from attending universities to pursuing careers. Brandon even joined the US Army and got married.
With their children firmly on their own feet, Kenny and Bobby have decided to embark on a new adventure. They plan to fulfill their dream of touring the country on a motorcycle. Additionally, they no longer need such a large home and intend to convert it into a shelter for disadvantaged children.
Reflecting on their journey, Kenny and Bobby express profound gratitude for the incredible gift of their seven children. The McCoy septuplets, born against all odds, have not only survived but thrived, proving that miracles can and do happen.
