The heartwarming story of New Zealand’s first quadruplets born in two decades has captured the world’s attention through a series of touching and beautiful photographs captured by photographer Cassandra English. Born to parents Kendall and Joshua MacDonald on August 15 at Christchurch Women’s Hospital, the arrival of Quad, Indie, Molly, and Hudson at 28 weeks and 4 days marked a momentous occasion. These four newborns join their 3-year-old sibling, Brooklynn, in the MacDonald family. While the twins, Quad and Indie, are identical, their conception was fraternal, making them the first quadruplets born in New Zealand since 1990.
In a country where naturally occurring quadruplets are an incredible rarity, these little miracles have brought immense joy. Despite being only three months old, Kendall Walker, 28, and Joshua MacDonald of Timaru, New Zealand, have embraced their newfound roles as parents of four with open hearts. Their journey was far from easy; after trying to conceive for three years and experiencing the pain of loss, they were overjoyed to welcome not just one more child, but four. “Having four is wonderful; you just want to cuddle them all the time,” Kendall shared.
After years of waiting and longing, the couple sought medical advice to uncover the reasons behind their struggles. It was revealed that Kendall faced numerous obstacles such as large scars, endometriosis, PCOS, and issues related to reproductive shock syndrome. Among these challenges, the fact that Kendall was not ovulating—a crucial factor for fertilization when sperm enters—proved to be the most significant. With surgery already on the horizon to address existing health concerns, Kendall was put on Clomiphene, a medication that supports those who struggle with ovulation. Despite her efforts, it was a call that finally brought news of her pregnancy. The news was prepared as a surprise for her husband, Joshua, when he returned from work, leaving him both fearful and excited. After years of trying, their dream of having one more child had finally come true.
During the first five weeks of Kendall’s pregnancy, an ultrasound indicated a single baby, leading her to believe she was facing yet another miscarriage. However, a subsequent ultrasound three weeks later revealed a set of twins and a third pouch, raising concerns about the third child’s health.
As the ultrasounds continued, the couple contemplated the changes that the trio would bring to their lives. They discussed needing a larger house, a bigger car, and wondered if they would have a girl or a boy. The moment of revelation was unforgettable. Kendall asked the sonographer if all three babies were healthy with normal heart rates. The response left her speechless, “No, all FOUR are healthy with a heart rate.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Kendall couldn’t contain her excitement, while Joshua remained silent but was equally in awe.
Despite the initial scare, the quadruplets’ progress has been remarkable. The birth weights of Quad Ruby MacDonald, Indie Grace MacDonald, Hudson Joseph MacDonald, and Molly Ella MacDonald ranged from 2.4 to 2.8 pounds. Molly was the first to achieve significant developmental milestones, followed by Hudson who breathed on his own without the need for an oxygen tube. Identical twins Indie and Quad are also making equal strides in their growth and development.
The remarkable journey of Kendall and Joshua MacDonald reminds us all of the unexpected blessings life can bring. The arrival of these quadruplets, a true rarity, is a testament to the strength of love, determination, and the miracles that can unfold when we least expect them.
