CALLADINE TRIPLETS: NINE YEARS ON!
NATALIE, LINDSEY AND DEBORAH GAVE BIRTH WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF ONE ANOTHER
Nine years ago, triplets Deborah Paddock, Lindsey Crowell and Natalie Bourke became a media sensation when they all gave birth to sons within two weeks of one another.
Amazingly, two of the boys were born on the same day, April 17, making their story even more incredible.
First to arrive was Natalie’s son, Leo, then Lindsey’s son, Evan, four hours later. Deborah’s son, Ryan, was born 12 days later on April 29.
Now, nine years on, the three boys are the best of friends – and the sisters liken them to how close they are as triplets.
With a keen interest in soccer, Lego and outdoor sports, the trio are as thick as thieves, just like their triplet mothers were growing up.
“They remind me of us. We like the same things, but there are parts of us that make us different,” Deborah happily tells New Idea.
“They’re all quite sensitive. We are typical emotional, sensitive women. They have such great empathy,” Lindsey adds.
And although Lindsey has now moved to Queensland due to her husband’s work, her son, Evan, stays in touch via Facetime and when the boys get together over the holidays, it’s like nothing has changed.
“Moving to Queensland was the hardest decision, especially removing Evan from the boys; they are all such good friends and have the same interests and were so close,” admits Lindsey.
And now with the coronavirus pandemic, Deborah and Natalie are unable to see each other either. The sisters say it’s been quite hard on the family, particularly given how everyone is so close.
The triplets have had other children similar in age too, with Deborah also mum to 7-yearold son William and 4-year-old daughter Leah. Natalie has a 7-year-old daughter, Emily, and a 5-year-old son named Austin, and Lindsey has three other children: Olivia,
11, Elliot, 3, and son Owen, who was born just eight weeks ago.
“We usually celebrate the boys’ birthdays all as one big family but this year it will have to be a drive-by or a Zoom party,” says Deborah.
For Natalie it’s been a double blow, as she had planned to take her whole family to the US and celebrate Emily’s birthday in
G“THEY REMIND ME OF US. WE LIKE THE SAME THINGS BUT THERE ARE PARTS THAT MAKE US DIFFERENT”
Disneyland. “We had to tell her it was cancelled and it was a big shock,” laments Natalie.
The triplets have also been home-schooling and have spoken about the challenges of teaching their young children. “For me as a teacher it’s hard working from home and teaching at the same time,” says Deborah.
“I’m an essential worker but I’ve taken leave to home-school the kids and it’s been tough. All the events that were cancelled – the sport events, then school, then everything else. To keep the kids sane we go on really long bike rides and swims,” adds Natalie.
And despite the triplets’ similarities, they admit they all have extremely different parenting styles.
“I’m the stricter one! I say it how it is. I’m on to my kids! I want them to be the best,” admits Lindsey.
“As a teacher I’m quite firm. I’m blend of Lindsey and Natalie,” laughs Deborah. “Yeah … I’m the soft one. I let them get away with quite a lot!” adds Natalie.
The sisters say their sons have grown up to be smart and clever children.
“When we first fell pregnant with the boys, we had such great hopes and dreams and I guess we’ve managed to achieve all that. Seeing them grow up to be such beautiful boys is such a great achievement,” says Deborah.
“I agree. Evan has really developed into a smart kid with straight As. I couldn’t ask for anything more,” adds Lindsey.
“Before I had Leo I lost three children to miscarriages and I just feel so blessed to have three kids,” says Natalie.
“Leo is amazing at soccer and has been nominated as class leader, and I’m so proud of him.”