Emma and Martin Robbins were told by their doctors to abort two of their naturally conceived quads - at odds of 750,000 to one - to save the others.
But a year after defying the advice of medical experts, the couple are celebrating the first birthdays of their four healthy boys - Samuel, Reuben, Joshua and Zachary.
The Robbins’ quadruplets turned one last week and their birthday presents (four blankets, a tent, a rocking snail and some plastic musical instruments) are arranged neatly in the family’s semi-detached home.
Routine and organisation are by-words for their parents Emma and Martin, who know that chaos would ensue if their sons’ lives were not regulated with military precision.
"Even their menu is recorded on spreadsheets" says Emma "We know what the boys will be eating in two weeks’ time, and all their food is freshly prepared and seasonal. This week they’ll have squash risotto, chicken and winter vegetables, Bolognese, fish and a Sunday roast. I cook for us all, then puree their meals"
david kingstrom
