Michael and Margaret Baudinet had wanted children for years when, to their surprise, Margaret learned she was pregnant with quintuplets last year. It was a miracle — after two miscarriages and many months of trying — but also a shock. The “bundle of Baudinets,” as they’re affectionately known, were born last December, in Phoenix, Arizona, where the couple had temporarily relocated to work with a doctor who specializes in multiple births.
Now they’re back home in Goochland, Virginia, quickly figuring out what it means to be a family of seven.
“It’s a blessing and a curse because I don’t know what it’s like to diaper one bottom and put one baby to bed,” Margaret, 32 said. “I kiss five babies goodnight. I don’t know how to relate to a mom with one stroller. I don’t know what that feels like.”
The first thing they learned? Sticking to a schedule is key, although sometimes that means it feels like they’re running a business instead of a family.
“We’ve got them all on the same schedule. We make them eat at the same time, which sometimes they don’t like, but it’s required. They sleep from 12:30 in the morning until about 7:30 in the morning.”
The babies — Ava, Clara, Camille, Luke and Isabelle — are now almost 6 months old, and each is happy and healthy, their parents said — and many thanks are due to those who helped get them there.
