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"I think that we're all becoming very independent and finding our different talents and different skill sets." — Kelsey McCaughey on growing up as a septuplet. When Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey first found out that they were expecting, they had no idea what was in store. Before they knew it, America's first living septuplets would be born in 1997. In the wake of the momentous occasion, America was sure to tune in. Now nearly 22 years later, we check back in on the family.

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Living Life as a Miracle Family

The McCaughey septuplets shocked the world when they were born on November 19, 1997. When we say 'shocked the world', we absolutely mean it. Even though the septuplets were born premature, they managed to become the first septuplets to survive and flourish. Now over two decades later, we figure it is time to check back in on the family that was blessed with the greatest living pregnancy in human history!

When Bobby and Kenny had their first daughter in 1996, they came to realize that they would have trouble with future pregnancies. Despite learning of Bobbi's health issues, the McCaughey's would end up expecting again, thus leading to the seven children that we've remarked upon above. On November 19, 1997, Bobbi and Mackey welcomed seven children into the world. Those children, in order, are, Kenny, Alexis May, Natalie Sue, Kelsey Ann, Nathan Roy, Brandon James, and Joel. While the healthiest septuplets ever born, two children ended up afflicted with cerebral palsy, though one of the children has pursued spinal surgery to assist in his efforts walking.

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News of the birth made the rounds and their story was featured in Time Magazine in 1997. Once their story gained mainstream traction, the McCaughey's ended up receiving enormous donations from family, friends, and even the State of Iowa, where they were from. The State of Iowa offered full scholarships to the children, good for any state university in the school. President Bill Clinton, still serving at the time, even called the family to wish them his best.

While we don't know how much the family is worth nowadays, we do know that the generous outpouring of support from their community was a life-changing endeavor. During the height of support for the McCaughey family, a 5,000 sq/ft home would be gifted to them to own. After living in the home for nearly two decades, the family is now selling the property to downsize. Who said there weren't perks to finally having an empty nest? Other donations at the time included a free van, a furnished nursery, a lifetime supply of diaper supplies, $100 in groceries every week for a year, and much, much more. 

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The McCaughey family decided to turn away from life in the spotlight, successfully declining several reality television offers in lieu of a regular life. At the time of this writing, all of the children have graduated from high school and Natalie, Kelsey, Joel, and Nathan have begun attending Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri. Kenny and Alexis decided to attend Des Moines Area Community College while Brandon decided to enlist in the United States Army.

How It All Began

The idea of conceiving twins or triplets is surely on the bucket list of expecting mothers everywhere. With that being said, nobody ever plans for having seven children all at once! When Bobbi and Kenny first were married, they had decided to have a child. After visiting their doctor for an ultrasound, he had pretty exciting news! Not only was the expected embryo there, but there were seven total waiting! Kenny McCaughey laughingly said of the experience, "She goes 'Seven' and I go, 'Urghhh'. No, no, no. Are you serious?"

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While Kenny and Bobbi were rightfully scared of their suddenly very crowded future, the two locked step with one another to make it through the experience. The two leaned on each other while seeking medical help for the potentially dangerous pregnancy. After deciding to push forward with the pregnancy, the family received a huge outpouring of support from their community and from folks around the country, the many benefits of which we highlighted above.

Now two decades later, the McCaughey family is grown up and looking toward their adult future. As for mom and dad? Well, we bet that Bobbi and Kenny are all but ready to finally relax!