A Texas couple, Gaby and Patrick, had always dreamed of having a fourth child to complete their family. Little did they know that they were about to receive a quadruple surprise. At their 12-week scan, they were told that they were expecting quadruplets naturally. Gaby and Patrick were overjoyed, but also nervous at the prospect of caring for four newborns.
Fast forward to 34 weeks, and Gaby gave birth to four beautiful babies, Adam, Bennett, Coby, and Dane, via a planned cesarean section. The babies were born prematurely and were immediately taken to the neonatal unit for examination. Adam and Dane were able to go home after two weeks, while Coby and Bennett stayed an additional two weeks.
With the arrival of four new babies, the family’s daily routine changed dramatically. They use around 50 diapers a day, and go through 47 nappies, 32 bottles, a packet and a half of wipes, and three loads of baby laundry daily. To tell the babies apart, Gaby and Patrick came up with the clever idea of painting their toenails different colors. Bennett has a green toenail, Coby has a white toenail, Adam has a red toenail, and Dane has a blue toenail.
“It’s been a complete restructuring of everything with four babies,” Patrick says. “We’re trying to fit our existing life in with these new babies, but it’s been an honor and a joy so far.”
Due to the multiple pregnancy, Gaby was classified as high risk and carefully monitored throughout her pregnancy. She was determined to get the babies to 4lbs, so she made sure she was having enough calories to achieve that. “By the end, I could feel the fibers being ripped apart in my stomach, but I knew I just wanted to get to 34 weeks,” Gaby said.
The family’s community rallied behind them during this time, creating a GoFundMe page to help them raise money for a van to accommodate their newly expanded family. They were able to purchase the van thanks to the generosity of their friends and family.
“It’s been a big adjustment, we’re now using our retirement money,” Gaby says. “It’s been challenging but it’s been so nice to have them all home so we could cuddle with them all. Their personalities are all coming out now – Adam is the leader, Coby is very cheerful, Bennett is very chilled, and Dane is our needy and outspoken one. It’s the most challenging but the most beautiful thing.”
Despite the challenges that come with caring for four newborns, Gaby and Patrick are filled with love for their beautiful children. Their journey has been difficult, but it has also been rewarding, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
