More than 27 years after making medical history, the world’s first set of septuplets to all survive infancy are now adults with careers, marriages, and children of their own.
Born in November 1997 in Iowa, Kenneth Robert, Alexis May, Natalie Sue, Kelsey Ann, Brandon James, Nathan Roy, and Joel Steven McCaughey stunned the medical world when all seven survived premature birth. Today, their lives have moved from global headlines to quiet, ordinary adulthood.
The Miracle Birth That Captured the World
Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey of Carlisle, Iowa, turned to fertility treatment hoping to give their daughter Mikayla a sibling. Bobbi was prescribed Metrodin, a drug to stimulate ovulation. A six-week scan revealed seven fetuses, a pregnancy that carried severe risks including miscarriage, stillbirth, and life-threatening complications.
On November 19, 1997, Bobbi gave birth at 30 weeks to all seven babies. Then-President Bill Clinton personally phoned the family to offer congratulations.
After three months in hospital, the babies went home to a household that went through 42 bottles and up to 70 nappies daily at its peak. The Clark Company later gifted the family a seven-bedroom home to handle the extraordinary task of raising eight children.
Two of the septuplets, Alexis and Nathan, were diagnosed with cerebral palsy, adding another challenge to family life.
Choosing Privacy Over Fame
Despite interest from television networks, Bobbi and Kenny refused reality show offers. They were determined to give their children as normal a childhood as possible.
The family has since donated their home to Ruth Harbor, a non-profit supporting young mothers. They relocated elsewhere in Iowa as their children grew up and moved away.
Where They Are Now
Brandon joined the US Army and serves as a sergeant. He is married to his wife Alana and they have a daughter, Ellie. For security reasons, his military base location remains undisclosed.
Kenneth, often called Kenny, works as a cabinet maker at Waukee Cabinet Works. He is married to Synthia. He admits life after such a crowded childhood feels strange. “I tell people that I don’t know how they did it. That would be crazy,” he said of his parents.
Joel and Nathan both graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange University with computer information systems degrees. Joel works in IT at Emerson Electric in Marshalltown. Nathan works at Wellmark in Des Moines.
Natalie earned an exercise science degree and works as a patient care technician at a local hospital. Her responsibilities grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in athletic training at Culver-Stockton College.
Kelsey switched from music to public relations, graduating from Hannibal-LaGrange University. She worked in PR and campus news reporting. She currently serves as a medical office receptionist.
Alexis, who has cerebral palsy, earned a liberal arts degree and works with children at Altoona Kids World. She has praised her brother Nathan’s independence. “Watching him be so independent and live in his own place and drive to work and provide for himself has been really cool to watch,” she said.
Family Bonds Remain Strong
When the septuplets turned 25 in 2022, Kelsey told USA Today that family gatherings had become more precious. “When we are all together, it’s just the best time. Those times are even more sacred now,” she said.
Bobbi echoed the sentiment. “I love it when everybody gets back home. It doesn’t happen often. It’s crowded and noisy. I love seeing the driveway full of cars and grandkids riding bikes.”
The siblings maintain childhood traditions. They still sing parts from “Crazy Cat,” a band song they once performed together.
Natalie explained the tradition. “One thing we do, and it sounds ridiculous. We played a song in band, ‘Crazy Cat,’ and all had our parts. On the way home we would sing the sounds of our parts. We do that now when we get together.”
A Sister’s Tribute
Their older sister Mikayla wrote individual birthday messages to each septuplet in 2019. Bobbi later shared excerpts, saying they described her children perfectly.
Of Brandon, Mikayla wrote that he is “the most hardworking and driven person I know.”
About Kenneth, she said he is “hilarious and kind and has a servant’s heart.”
On Natalie: “She is gracious and hospitable and always has encouraging things to say.”
Of Kelsey: “She has reminded me countless times to love one another as Christ does.”
About Joel: “You are so smart and talented and gifted, and I know you will accomplish great things.”
On Alexis: “She is sweet to whoever she meets no matter who they are.”
And of Nathan: “He is funny and smart and always willing to help his not-so-tech-savvy family.”
Living Beyond the Headlines
For Bobbi and Kenny, the house is no longer full, but the connection remains strong. What once drew global attention has gradually faded into something more private. A large family, spread across different states, returns when they can. They carry shared jokes, memories, and routines that only make sense to them.
More than 25 years on, the McCaughey septuplets are no longer defined by the circumstances of their birth. They are defined by the ordinary, individual lives that followed it.
They are soldiers, IT professionals, healthcare workers, cabinet makers, and parents. They face the same challenges as any young adults building careers and families. The difference is they started life as a medical miracle that captured the world’s attention.
Today, they prefer it quieter. And by all accounts, their lives are richer for it.
Meta Title:
Meta Description:
Primary Keyword:
Slug:
