Moms Welcomed Quadruplets at 29 Weeks. Now, They Are ‘Counting Down the Days’ Until Babies Can Come Home

Moms Welcome Preemie Quadruplets: Anticipation Grows for Homecoming

A couple from Michigan were overjoyed to discover they were pregnant, but little did they know that their family was about to grow fourfold. Gabby and Bobbijean Gidley were surprised to learn during an ultrasound appointment that they were expecting quadruplets. On July 28, Gabby, at just under 29 weeks pregnant, gave birth to four babies — daughters Rozelia, Lillette, and Icelynn, and son Miller — through a C-section in just three minutes, as reported by Essentia Health.

The Gidleys, both teachers, met while playing softball in college and got married two years ago. Their journey to parenthood began with intrauterine insemination. The realization that they were expecting quadruplets came as a shock during one of their early ultrasounds. Gabby’s seven-week ultrasound initially showed two sacs, leading to the assumption of twins. However, the technician revealed the incredible news of four babies, prompting the couple to quickly adjust their plans to accommodate their growing family.

The pregnancy progressed well under regular monitoring until, unexpectedly, Gabby’s water broke just shy of 29 weeks while visiting Bobbijean’s parents in Grand Rapids. Rushed to Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, the timely birth of the quadruplets was a rare occurrence, with odds of a quadruplet pregnancy being one in 700,000 according to Essentia Health. The last quadruplet birth at the hospital took place 26 years ago, making this delivery a special event for the staff, who had meticulously prepared for any scenario.

Now in the NICU, the preemie quadruplets are showing promising progress in meeting their health milestones. Expected to stay until late September or early October, the babies are constantly growing stronger, eagerly awaited by their parents. Gabby, planning to take a year off from teaching to care for the babies, set up a GoFundMe to support the family. Bobbijean will continue working as they both eagerly prepare for the babies’ homecoming.

The couple expressed their gratitude for learning about the quadruplets early in the pregnancy, allowing them time to adapt and plan for their expanding family. Finding space for four cribs and choosing a suitable car became the immediate focus as they embraced the unexpected but joyful news. Amidst the challenges and adjustments, the Gidleys remain optimistic and eager to welcome their babies home, counting down the days until they can all be together as a family.

In an interview with ABC affiliate WDIO, Bobbijean mentioned how plans quickly changed upon discovering they were expecting quadruplets. The couple’s initial preparations for one child had to be reconsidered, leading them to embrace the upcoming changes with excitement and readiness for the journey ahead. Despite the uncertainties and complexities that come with a multiple birth, the Gidleys are steadfast in their commitment to providing the best care and love for their four little miracles.

With each passing day in the NICU, the family’s bond grows stronger as they look forward to the day when they can finally bring their babies home. The hospital staff at Essentia Health, well-versed in handling such unique cases, continue to support and care for the quadruplets, ensuring their well-being as they progress towards the much-anticipated homecoming. The Gidley quadruplets’ story is one of hope, resilience, and unwavering love as they navigate this extraordinary journey of welcoming four new members into their loving family.