See What The World’s First Surviving Septuplets Are Doing Now!

Media Attention

Despite the considerable media attention both before and after the birth of their children, the McCaugheys could have easily agreed to a reality TV show based on their unique story. However, they were cautious about their family’s privacy and made sure to refrain from such a public arrangement. Granted, there were occasional moments when the children were featured on TV or in the press.

A Deal with Gamma Press

In 2001, mindful of shielding their children from public scrutiny, the McCaughey family struck a deal with Gamma Press. It permitted the company to capture a single photo of the septuplets on their birthday each year. In doing so, the family could document their progress while keeping them away from the media spotlight. Settling for an annual photo shoot was a carefully thought-out decision, as the family felt it struck a balance between sharing their story with the world and preserving their privacy.

The Yearly Portraits

Every year, the McCaughey septuplets were captured in a group photo, but that wasn’t all. Each of the septuplets was also given an individual portrait, capturing memorable moments and significant milestones. These yearly portraits became invaluable keepsakes for the entire family, documenting the growth and evolution of each child as they developed their personalities and unique traits.

An Exemption to the Rule

For the most part, the McCaugheys were not interested in having cameras follow their every move for a reality TV show. However, they made an exception when Ann Curry from the Today Show was invited to film the septuplets on their 13th birthday. On this occasion, the family allowed the cameras into their home to capture the special moment when each child blew out their own set of 13 candles.

Living with Cerebral Palsy

Despite the remarkable achievements and milestones of the septuplets, their journey was not without its challenges. Premature birth can have a negative impact on a child’s development, and it was no different for the McCaughey septuplets. As a result, two of the children were born with cerebral palsy – a condition that affects movement and coordination. Nathan and Alexis continue to face significant challenges due to their condition.

Learning to Walk

Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, both Alexis and Nathan require assistive walking devices due to their mobility difficulties. However, Nathan was determined to walk independently and didn’t want to rely on his walker anymore. With an unwavering spirit, Nathan taught himself how to walk without the aid of his walking device. “I wanted to learn to walk without my walker, so I taught myself. It’s still getting better every day,” he shared.

Going to High School

After years of homeschooling, the septuplets entered a new chapter of their lives by enrolling in Carlisle High School in Iowa. As expected, their arrival was met with widespread attention. They quickly became the talk of the town. Despite the magnitude of the attention drawn to them, the septuplets took everything in stride. Along with joining a new school, some of the septuplets pursued passions in music and joined the school band.

Exploring Each Talent and Interest

The septuplets not only captured attention by joining the school band, but they also showed their distinct talents and interests. Some of them took up cross-country and wrestling, while others pursued their interests in the choir and speech society. Despite their shared upbringing, each of the septuplets had their own unique passions and skills.

Alexis Excells In Many Areas

Alexis, like her brother, didn’t let her condition limit her potential. Despite requiring assistance to walk, she showcased her remarkable skills and talent in various areas, establishing herself as an exceptional individual. In 2013, she won the prestigious “Teens Miss Dreams Come True” award, which is a testament to her impressive accomplishments. Besides, she also excelled in academics, finishing in the top 15% of her class.

Turning 18

As the septuplets approached the landmark age of eighteen, the media was eager to capture yet another milestone. It was a significant year for them as they also graduated from high school, marking the end of their adolescence. Despite their unique upbringing as septuplets, they continued to engage in typical teenage activities.

A Remarkable Achievement

The McCaughey septuplets brought immense pride to their parents and themselves by graduating in May 2016. This remarkable achievement serves as a powerful message for anyone who ever doubted their academic capabilities. It was indeed a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of Bobbi and Kenny.

Proud Parents

Bobbi McCaughey was overcome with emotion as she watched her beautiful children grow up and graduate from high school. For her, the most precious aspect was the strong bond that they all shared with each other. “It’s bittersweet to see things end, but there will be many firsts to come,” she said.

Iowa’s Commitment to their Education

Upon the birth of the septuplets, the state of Iowa committed to supporting their college education at any university of their choice. Natalie, Nathan, Joel, and Kelsey chose to take up this offer, and they are currently studying at the Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri. Even though they are away from their family, they find solace in the fact that they are together. On the other hand, Alexis and Kenny enrolled in a local college as it kept them close to their parents.

Alexis, Great with Kids

Alexis’s unwavering passion for teaching has fueled her pursuit of this profession, one she has always longed for. Her social media channels are a testament to the effort she puts into achieving her dream, and it’s clear that she has the makings of an inspiring educator. Currently, Alexis resides with her parents in Runnells, Iowa. She earned a liberal arts degree from Hannibal-LaGrange and now works at Altoona Kids World.

Natalie, Another Teacher in the Family

Natalie is committed to continuing her sister Alexis’s legacy and is pursuing a career in early-childhood education. She is passionate about teaching and is particularly interested in elementary school education. Natalie currently resides in Hannibal, Missouri, with her husband, Shawn Geralds. At present, she is focused on pursuing a master’s degree in athletic training from Culver-Stockton College.

Brandon Pursuing His Dreams

Bobbi and Kenny felt immense pride as their son, Brandon, achieved his dream of serving in the US Army. Having completed his training with exceptional skills in pistol and carbon shooting, Brandon is now a part of the 75th Ranger Regiment. His parents are hopeful that he’ll make a positive impact while serving his country with honor and distinction. Brandon is now married to Alana, and they have a daughter named Ellie. Due to security concerns related to his military career, the family has chosen not to disclose their current whereabouts.

Kenny Jr’s Own Path

Just like every human being, each of the McCaughey septuplets has their own set of unique characteristics and preferences that shape their aspirations and life goals. Kenny Jr., in particular, found joy in the art of carpentry and is now employed at Waukee Cabinet Works. Currently, Kenny resides in Dallas Center with his wife, Synthia, and they are expecting their first child in late November.

A Project for Big Sister

Kenny Jr. proved to be a thoughtful and skilled craftsman when his big sister Mikayla welcomed her first child. In an effort to create a cherished and timeless gift for his sibling, Kenny Jr. crafted a beautiful kitchen table complete with benches. Mikayla was deeply touched by the meaningful present and felt incredibly blessed and grateful to have such a wonderful brother.

Kelsey the Singing PR Expert

Kelsey has a natural gift for music and is passionate about singing. Currently, she resides in Hannibal, Missouri, with her husband Kevin Morrison. Pursuing a career in public relations, Kelsey earned her degree in the same field from Hannibal-LaGrange University. Although she worked for some time in public relations, she has since taken up a role as a receptionist in a medical office.

Nathan, The Computer Scientist

Ever since his childhood days, Nathan had a remarkable penchant for science. Currently, he resides in Des Moines, Iowa. Nathan works at Wellmark, where he plays a crucial role in their IT department. Despite facing challenges caused by his cerebral palsy, he is known for his unyielding determination to forge ahead and succeed.

Joel, The Computer Geek

Joel’s interest in technology led him to choose computer science as his field of focus. Residing with his parents in Runnells, Joel has established a career in IT with Emerson Electric located in Marshalltown, Iowa. His natural talent for working with computers has earned him a reputation for being incredibly intelligent. Moreover, he is known for his quiet, introspective nature.

Big Sister Mikayla

We can’t forget to include big sister Mikayla, who also pursued her dreams and received constant love and support from her younger siblings. She completed her education at Des Moines College and then graduated from Arizona State University. She is now happily married and the proud mother of a beautiful child, making Bobbi and Kenny happy grandparents.

Unbreakable Bond

During a TV interview after their graduation, the septuplets showed no sign of nervousness as they are accustomed to being in front of the media. When asked about their closeness, they emphasized their unbreakable bond, and we hope they will support each other through all of life’s challenges.

All Grown Up

As the septuplets crossed the threshold into adulthood, there was a palpable sense of relief for both the children and their parents. While their parents were always there to offer guidance and support, it couldn’t have been easy to navigate the complexities of parenting eight children with unique personalities and needs.

Getting Used to the Quiet

As all of Bobbi and Kenny’s children have embarked upon their respective careers, their empty house reminds the couple of their absence. Nevertheless, they are gradually adjusting to their new normal and take solace in the fact that their children will always be with them in spirit.

Time to Give Back

Once the children left for college and started their careers, their home felt too large for Bobbi and Kenny. They eventually made the tough decision to downsize to a smaller home, which felt more manageable for them. Bobbi and Kenny made a selfless decision to donate their home to the non-profit organization named Ruth Harbor, which helps young women with unplanned pregnancies. The couple felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that their home would now serve as a meaningful sanctuary for someone who needed it the most.

Grateful All The Way

Choosing selective reduction would have meant sacrificing the chance to parent some of their septuplets. Yet, reflecting on their difficult decision, Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey express gratitude and appreciation for their choice. They consider themselves blessed to have had all their children in their lives and cherish each one of them immensely. Despite the challenges, the McCaugheys remain committed to providing the best for their children and living up to the immense responsibility of parenthood.

Would They Have Swapped the Septuplets For Twins?

Bobbi and Kenny view their septuplets as a blessing and wouldn’t change anything about their family. They have an important piece of advice for those pursuing their dreams in life: Go for it.

Recording and Sharing Their Journey

The couple decided to pen their experiences in a book, with a significant emphasis on how their unwavering faith brought them comfort and helped them raise their children. Titled “Seven From Heaven,” the book chronicles the joys and challenges of parenting seven children born simultaneously.

Creating Awareness

Having a large family can come with multiple challenges, but Bobbi and Kenny successfully raised eight children with abundant love and care. By setting an inspiring example, they hope to create more awareness about the joys and rewards of nurturing a big family.

The McCaughey family’s story is one of hope, perseverance, and determination. Despite the odds, all seven of the septuplets have gone on to live successful, fulfilling lives. Their parents’ commitment to their well-being and their own hard work and dedication have propelled them to achieve great things. The McCaughey siblings are an inspiration to us all, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll do next.