A woman has become a mother-of-five in just three years after giving birth to spontaneous triplets.
Holly Bassler, 33, was ‘shocked’ to discover three heartbeats at an eight-week scan because multiples do not run in her family.
The homemaker, from Pennsylvania, instantly felt ‘terrified’ because she already had two children Aaralyn, then two, and Jessie, then one.
But now, 18 months on, Holly couldn’t be happier with her big family, and describes Judah, Jamie and Jack as ‘miracles’.
However, Holly admits it isn’t easy having five children under five.
She said: ‘My husband Mike, 32, who is an electrician, and I wanted to have three children who were close in age so they can grow up together.’
We never thought we would have three babies at once as none of our families has multiples.’
‘I went to the ultrasound alone and I was in total shock when they said there were three sacs.’
‘It was overwhelming and I began freaking out.’
I was worried in case I wasn’t going to be the mother I’ve always wanted to be as it was hard enough with a one and two year old.’
At 34 weeks and three days, Holly had a C-section.
She adds: ‘The pregnancy was wonderful. I wasn’t sick and I wasn’t super sore.’
‘I had no health concerns, it was fantastic and everyone was growing perfectly.’
‘At times, I was worried because Jessie was still nursing and both kids were sleeping in our bed.’
Holly has had her hands full since the tots have arrived.
She says it is difficult to spend an equal amount of time with each child.
Holly said: ‘Our lives are very busy and chaotic.’
The overstimulation and constant demands of having all the kids is the hardest part. As they are all so young, they still need me for so many things.
She is happy that they are close in age as they will be able to experience life together.
The triplets have been good for Aaralyn and Jessie as they have become considerate, helpful, sociable and friendly.
The parents were shocked to see three heartbeats on their eight week scan as multiples don’t run in their families. Pictured: Mike Bassler, 32, with triplets and Aaralyn, five !!!