One mother adored her brood of boys—they were 14, to be exact! She was a blessed parent, but her heart always longed for a daughter, and after close to 30 years of raising sons, she almost gave up on the dream.
Kateri Schwandt and her husband, Jay Schwandt, were high school sweethearts who started dating while they were freshmen. They finally wed in 1993, and a lifetime of adventure began.
The western Michigan couple had studied hard in college, and by the time they graduated with their respective advanced degrees, they had already welcomed three sons. They had no idea that many more children were to come!
They Almost Lost Hope
After almost three decades, Kateri and Jay were the proud parents of Tyler, Zach, Drew, Brandon, Tommy, Vinny, Calvan, Gabe, Wesley, Charlie, Luke, Tucker, Francisco, and Finley.
They adored their 14 sons, but it wasn’t always easy, and the duo only coped by the grace of God. Mom Kateri lived in a house full of boys for most of her adult life, and she had nearly lost hope of welcoming a little girl into the world.
The brothers knew they would have to make some changes to accommodate their new sibling.
Their Miracle Baby
When a news agency interviewed Kateri in 2014, she said: “If we were to have a girl, I think we would go into shock.” However, six years later, on attempt number 15, the couple got their miracle. One of their sons, Tyler, shared:
“My parents were finally blessed with the little girl they never thought they’d end up having.”
A few hours after finding out they were getting a sister, Tyler admitted he was still struggling to wrap his mind around the news. He was almost sure there was nothing pink in their home and didn’t think his parents had any girl names prepared.
She Was Their Greatest Gift
The couple decided on a beautiful name that incorporated both of theirs. The bundle of pink joy was named Maggie Jayne. Maggie came from Kateri’s middle name, Margaret, and Jayne was a clever play on their dad’s name.
The happy couple was in awe of their little angel. In a heartfelt online post, proud dad Jay wrote:
“We are overjoyed and beyond excited to add Maggie Jayne to our family. This year has been memorable in so many ways, for so many reasons, but Maggie is the greatest gift we could ever imagine.”
An Adjustment for The Brothers
Maggie is one lucky girl because she has 14 brothers who’d be looking out for her as she grows up. Their array of beautiful family photos displays the close-knit bond they share, and the unconditional love is evident.
The brothers knew they would have to make some changes to accommodate their new sibling. For starters, they need to remember to put the toilet seat down!
The family’s story had gained widespread attention in the media for many years, and people loved following their adventures via their live-streaming program, “14 Outdoorsmen.” With the new addition to the brood, they may need to think of a new name.
The Online Response
Netizens were stunned by the family’s 15 children, and many praised the parents for their ability to raise them. Users also celebrated the couple’s long-awaited little girl:
“I’m overwhelmed at times with three. You have to run a tight ship with 14. Congrats on your beautiful family and daughter!”
– (JJ Cass) November 6, 2020
“Guess who is going to be spoiled and protected? Probably her entire life. #LoveIt.”
– (David Dave) November 6, 2020
“I’m [the] youngest in my family and we’re [nine] siblings. [I] always had this wonderful respect for my parents and the way they provided strong support. Good luck with your family and stay safe and healthy.”
– (Sharmin Afroz) November 9, 2020
Little Maggie might have trouble bringing boyfriends home when she is a teenager, but she will never have a lack of love. We wish her and her big family many happy years together.
Click here for a story of a brave mom who suffered three miscarriages. Her journey to motherhood was heartbreaking and painful, and she was about to give up on pregnancy when she received a miracle beyond her wildest dreams.