In a remarkable turn of events, Aja Kennon and her fiancé, Emmanuel Volmar, from New Jersey, have welcomed quadruplets, achieving a rarity in the realm of pregnancies. This naturally conceived quartet includes three boys—Ean, Evan, and Eamon—and a girl named Alayha. The couple, already parents to an 8-year-old son named EJ, found themselves astonished when they had an ultrasound that revealed not just twins but quadruplets instead. The realization struck them unexpectedly hard, especially given that they received this news on April Fools’ Day, leading many to initially doubt their claim. However, medical professionals noted that the odds of conceiving quadruplets naturally are astonishingly low, estimated between one in 700,000 to one in a million.
The delivery itself was a remarkable occasion, necessitating the presence of over 20 medical professionals working in concert at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Each newborn had their own dedicated medical team, reflecting the high stakes involved in such a rare delivery. Kennon managed to deliver the babies with surprising ease, each arriving approximately a minute apart, starting from 10:59 a.m. Fortunately, all four babies were healthy and able to come home immediately after their birth, marking a joyous beginning to their new family dynamic.
Despite the arduous nature of raising quadruplets, Kennon and Volmar have approached their new reality with admirable calm and organization. Kennon’s previous pregnancy with EJ had been challenging, necessitating induction, so her relatively smooth experience this time was unexpected. Throughout her high-risk pregnancy, she continued to work full-time as a USPS mailwoman, believing that her active lifestyle contributed to her well-being. As they embraced the whirlwind of raising five young children, the couple reflected on how quickly their lives had changed, transitioning from a simple desire to have one more child to managing four cribs and an overwhelming increase in diapers and other baby essentials.
Facing this new terrain of parenthood, the couple has opted to delay their wedding until their children can participate in the ceremony. The immediate reality of caring for quadruplets, particularly with the demanding feeding schedule admitted by Volmar, is intense. Despite the chaos, EJ has stepped up admirably, showing affection for each of his siblings but particularly caring for Alayha. His gentle interactions with her have been a heartwarming aspect of this evolving family dynamic.
To alleviate the financial burden that comes with their new family of five, Kennon and Volmar have initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at covering medical expenses and the costs of daily child care. They have expressed their overwhelming gratitude for the love and support they’ve received from their community, acknowledging that while they feel joy, the overwhelming nature of raising quadruplets cannot be understated. The couple has been fortuitous in receiving numerous donations, allowing them to stock up on essential supplies such as diapers and wipes.
As their story has gained traction, the community has engaged significantly, with local parenting groups offering assistance. It’s a heartening reminder of how quickly communities can come together to support families. With their resourcefulness and community backing, Kennon and Volmar are tackling the new challenges of parenthood, striving to find balance amidst the extraordinary demands of raising quadruplets. Even as they navigate sleepless nights and feeding challenges, they maintain a spirit of gratitude and humor, reveling in the surprising joy that their expanded family brings.
