Homewood moms of multiples
In May we salute our mothers, and Homewood has no shortage of busy moms racing about. While every mother is special, perhaps there are some who catch our eye a bit more than others – moms of multiples. To birth two, three, four (or more) children at once is nothing short of amazing, difficult and rewarding. For this special Mother’s Day issue, we have profiled four Homewood moms of multiples. Their stories are funny, uplifting, and most of all, very unique.
Kate and Gray Garrett
Quads Virginia, Jane, Broox and Rainer
Age 3
What was your first reaction when you discovered you were having multiples?
We were in complete shock. It was the most surreal moment of my life. As we waited on the doctor after the ultrasound, our minds raced. We wondered how we were going to tell our family and friends the news, and who was actually going to believe us. Everything about my pregnancy and our lives had been changed in an instant. It took about a month for it to really sink in, and we still had no idea what to expect.
Describe your quads’ personalities/relationship.
Our children are very different but extremely close. Daily there are many squabbles over attention, toys, food…you name it! However, even though they are very competitive for our attention, they want the others to do well and act as cheerleaders. They have a great concern for one another.
What is special or unique about having multiples?
It is amazing to watch four siblings learning and discovering the world together. To witness a three-year-old’s curiosity about nature, joy from their first ice cream cone, excitement for Christmas and hysterical laughter from a ride on the swing are all wonderful, but to get to watch those milestones from four of your children simultaneously is pretty special.
What is something interesting or surprising about your quads?
Our children share such a unique bond with their grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles and nanny, due to the hours they have spent helping us raise the children. They have put in so much effort and supported us in every way to help us lead a normal life. It truly has “taken a village,” and I think that makes our children very lucky.
Katey and Scott Fuller
Triplets Khaki, Drew, and Griffin,
Age 8, Hall-Kent second grade
What was your first reaction when you discovered you were having multiples?
My initial reaction — tears! Lots of crying. I was overwhelmed and scared. All I kept thinking was, “How will we do this?” It took several weeks for excitement to set in.
Describe your triplets’ personalities.
There is an interesting dynamic between the three of them. They would do anything for each other. Naturally, the boys often pair up, and Khaki is left as the odd man out. But that just gives us more mother-daughter time. They are all three very competitive, constantly taking in who is getting more attention, who is doing better at something, who is taller, who got more of something. They have the normal sibling rivalries, but sometimes it is just easier to compare yourself to someone your same age.
What is special or unique about having multiples?
There is something so unique and sweet about their bond. They have experienced the same things in life, at the same age. And even though their life experiences have for the most part been identical, they could not be more individual in their personalities.
What is something interesting or surprising about your triplets?
As overwhelming as having triplets was in the beginning, it has been very interesting to see how in the end, it all balances out. For everything that made it harder to have three children at one time, there is always something else that has made it easier.
Louisa and Tom Jeffries
Twins Anne and Eva, Age 2
Big sister, Reed, attends Edgewood
What was your first reaction when you discovered you were having multiples?
We were absolutely thrilled! My husband said when he learned it was going to be two more girls, he considered adding a second job, but he just made an appointment with a urologist instead.
Describe your twins’ personalities/relationship.
Eva is very independent, friendly and feisty. Anne is really funny, and she’s always trying to take care of Eva. They have a lot of fun together, and they both adore their big sister.
What is special or unique about having multiples?
They are always aware of where the other one is and what she is doing. Eva is very proud of herself when she shares with Anne, and if Anne has something, she always wants to make sure Eva has one, too.
What is something people would find interesting or surprising about your twins?
People often ask which twin is “the dominant one,” but they take turns being in charge. Now that they are older, it’s easy to keep them on the same schedule, but it was really hard for most of the first year. They have always slept in the same room, and the sound of the other twin waking up (even loud crying or yelling) does not wake the other one!
Cary and Daniel Murray
Twins Grayton and Ben, Age 7, Shades Cahaba first grade
Little brother, Parks, age 3
What was your first reaction when you discovered you were having multiples?
Beyond shocked! We had just gotten used to the idea of being pregnant. We thought when the ultrasound technician said, “there are two of them,” she was referring to ovaries – but she meant two babies! Daniel and I went to lunch after the first ultrasound and could barely talk to each other. We were in such shock. Now, we can’t imagine life any differently.
Describe your twins’ personalities/relationship.
They are best friends but have very different interests and motivations. Ben plays soccer and baseball and is dying to play football and really loves running. He is the trophy collector of the two! He follows his Dad around at night asking about football plays, scores, highlights, etc. Grayton would spend all of his time camping under the stars if we let him – he loves the outdoors, especially hiking. He is our free spirit! When we go to Auburn football games, Ben is completely into the score, the plays, the players and Grayton is concerned with the health of the Eagle!
What is special or unique about having multiples?
I think what is key is to not let things that are out of your control get to you, not to let the messes and crazy days get to you and most importantly, to enjoy every stage because it goes by at twice the speed with twins. Daniel is a very hands-on dad, which is beyond helpful. I think what is particularly important as a parent of multiples is to cultivate their differences. For two children who look just alike, it can be easy for people to think they are just two versions of the same person, but they are so different in personality, interests and temperament.