Something Good: Blanchard Couple Welcomes Identical Triplets

On June 2 the Norman family went from a family of three to a family of six, with the birth of identical triplets. 

“They did our ultrasound and initially they told us twins. So that’s when I freaked out because I was not expecting more than one,” said Stephanie Norman, mother of the triplets. 

Then there was a second ultrasound revealing there were actually three babies. The father of the babies, TJ Norman noticed the third baby even before the untrasound tech. 

The couple then started making modifications to their life, buying three of everything and getting a vehicle that was able to transport their growing family.  

Identical triplets are extremely rare. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, only about 10% of triplets are identical.

Tj and Stephanie were not using fertility medicine, making the odds even greater.

Aspen Kay, Kensli May and Lakyn Raye were all born one minute apart. The babies wear ankle bracelets with their initials, but mom said she can tell them apart. 

“I feel like Kensli has a little bit bigger eyes than the other two and then Aspen is the bigger of them, she’s the biggest,” said Stephanie. 

The challenge is a little more difficult for TJ.

“I cannot tell them apart. I think she lies when she says she can tell them apart,” said TJ. 

Having triplets makes everyday activities like bath time a challenge.

“Bath time is very exhausting,” said Stephanie.  

“She usually starts on one of them, gives them a bath. As soon as she is done with it, she hands it to me, and I’ll start feeding that one and she starts on another one. We just kinda rotate out,” said TJ.

The whole process takes about an hour and a half. 

The couple also have a son, 2-year-old Wyatt who has really embraced his role as big brother.