Casey, Shelby, MacKenzie and LeighannaFour times the love
For Cathy and Floyd Helgoe, the long-awaited anticipation of a baby took an unexpected turn two months into pregnancy. "When the ultrasound technician held up four fingers, we were in shock," says Cathy, who was 33 at the time. "I wanted so much to have a baby, and to reach that goal with four – it was overwhelming and surreal. We were excited, we were scared – we ran the whole gamut of emotions. But one thing was certain: We wanted to do everything possible to make sure the babies would be healthy."
On August 21, 1994, following three months of bed rest, Cathy gave birth to quadruplets – a first for MeritCare. Born 10 weeks early, the three girls and one boy each weighed between 2 pounds, 5 ounces and 3 pounds, 4.5 ounces. "Even though they were small, we were thrilled they were all very healthy. I remember the doctors were very pleased with the outcome," says Cathy. "We were lucky to have a hospital so close to home that could handle our unique situation. The staff was wonderful to us."
After several weeks of growing and gaining strength in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at MeritCare Children's Hospital, the babies were ready to go home to Cavalier, N.D. – a community eager to help.
"From the beginning, I think what surprised me most was the kindness of people. I never expected to be helped in so many ways – fundraisers, showers, babysitters scheduled around the clock, meal preparation. It was wonderful and so appreciated," says Cathy, who recalls sleep deprivation as a major challenge in those early days. "‘Never refuse help' became my motto, and with quads, it's always come in handy."
So how are the quads today? Healthy and strong, the 13-year-olds share common interests in sports, 4-H, computers and cell phones. But each is unique, too, as Cathy explains:
- "When MacKenzie was born, the nurses told me she was the feisty one – the smallest and the mightiest. It sure fit. She is outgoing, likes to meet new people and works very hard in school. She's very determined."
- "As the only boy, Casey is the ‘Lone Ranger' of the group. He's laid back and definitely a rancher at heart. He loves working on the farm with the cattle, but finds time to pick on his sisters, too. His favorite sport is golf."
- "Leighanna turned out to be the tallest of the group. When she was born, the nurses said she would be my ‘couch potato' because she loved to watch things. She turned out to be very observant. She also likes to hang out with her friends."
- "We called Shelby the mother of the group because she was always looking out for everyone – and still is. She's the quiet, shy one and more of a perfectionist. She likes to get good grades in school and loves to go shopping."
For Cathy, the experience of motherhood has exceeded her expectations. "A very fulfilling life – a lot of work, very busy and sometimes stressful. But you always get a lot of love out of it, too – four times the love," she says.