Nelson’s triple triplets
In a symphony of cries, gurgles, coos and chuckles, two sets of triplets bounce, crawl, stare and smile in Nelson.
And over in Blenheim, a third set is growing by the day.
Nelson Hospital had been host to three sets of triplets over the past year. Two sets were born there, and a third transferred from Christchurch.
Dylan, Ryder and Indie are 11 months old, their mother Shelley King chases after them as they crawl around their play area, and picks them up for hugs as each demands them.
Zelia Boyd’s Harper, Xavier and Zander, four months, alternate between breastfeeding and dozing in their bouncers.
In Blenheim, Nelson woman Shayla Cochrane has identical boys, Leo, Kyren, Malakai, also four months.
All three mums cried when they heard they were having triplets.
On Cochrane’s first scan she found out she was having twins, but at 13 weeks triplets were revealed.
They were born in Christchurch, and then moved to Nelson Hospital.
Currently living in Blenheim with them, she planned to move back to Nelson later in the year.
She was ‘‘very excited, they are an amazing gift to have.’’
The three mums say each of their babies have very different personalities.
King’s Ryder is a ‘‘deep thinker’’ and likes his own space.
Dylan is ‘‘just a bull, head down, crash bang get into whatever everyone else is doing and Indie is a bit precious, she’s the wild child really.’’
For Boyd, Xavier is ‘‘cheeky and smiley’’ identical with Zander, also ‘‘a bull, he doesn’t do much he just eats, I think he’s going to be the one that crashes and bangs, rough and tumble’’ while Harper is a ‘‘wee diva’’.
Cochrane’s Kyren is ‘‘very stubborn and very cute. Leo is mellow and chill, he goes with the flow and Malakai is a screamer. He’s very demanding, if he doesn’t get something he screams.’’
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board service manager for Women, Child and Youth, Clinical Services Jane Kinsey said the birth of the triplets was quite uncommon and an ‘‘exciting event for all concerned’’.