These babies are one in 15 million — or rather, four in 15 million.
The identical quadruplet girls, conceived the old-fashioned way without use of fertility drugs or reproductive technology.
Bethani and Tim Webb of Hythe, Alberta, were totally surprised when a routine ultrasound revealed four babies back in December.
Bethani Webb was 33 weeks along when Abigail, McKayla, Grace and Emily made their grand entrance into the world on May 6 via C-section at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. There were no health issues except jaundice, which has already cleared up, she said.
“They’re all doing really well,” Bethani Webb, 22, said “They’re all good.”
Abigail is the oldest of the quadruplets by just a minute or two, while McKayla is the youngest. Abigail was also the smallest at birth, weighing 3 pounds, while Emily was the biggest, at 4 pounds 1 ounce.
“At this point, I’m not able to tell them apart,” Bethani said. “We’re going to paint their toenails and assign them each a color.”
The girls already have their own distinct personalities. Abigail is feisty, vocal and will let you know if she’s upset. Emily is very active. Grace “likes to give people looks,” her mom said, while McKayla is calm, but also very vocal.
After so many months squeezed tight together in mom’s belly, they still love each other’s company.
“They definitely miss each other when they’re apart from their sisters,” Bethani said.
The Webbs had no idea just how much bigger their family would get when they learned Bethani was pregnant last fall, three months after their wedding. They were startled when an ultrasound technician counted four babies during a routine check in December.
“It’s a little overwhelming knowing that I’m taking care of four little babies,” Bethani said. “But it’ll be good. Once they get home and I get into a routine, I’m sure it won’t be too bad.”
The family has received lots of donations, including car seats, diapers, blankets and clothes, while a community fundraiser helped them to buy a minivan.