Aja Kennon’s ultrasound technician couldn’t believe what she was seeing during their appointment.
“She brings in another doctor, and I hear her counting like one, two, three, and then she says four,” Kennon, 33, tells PEOPLE.
After learning she expecting quadruplets, Aja says she couldn’t help but hope that at least one would be a girl — and sure enough, she soon learned she was pregnant with one girl and three boys.
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Aja Kennon with her new daughter, Alayha.
Of course, learning their family of three — the couple also shares an 8-year-old son — was about to become a family of seven was quite a surprise. In fact, Aja’s fiancé says he “thought it was all a joke” at first.
“I was just in shock, I couldn’t believe it,” says Emmanuel Volmar, 37.
To be fair, the news did come around April Fool’s Day.
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Dr. Joanne Bishara, Director of Neonatology at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J., where the babies were delivered, says the odds of naturally conceiving quadruplets are about 1 in 700,000.
Kennon was 34 weeks pregnant when it was time to welcome her babies into the world on Tuesday, July 1.
Although walking into the hospital room for her C-section was “nerve-wracking,” everything went well. Three of the babies were born weighing more than 4 lbs, while the fourth weighed over 5 lbs.
“They all came out spontaneously breathing and doing well,” Dr. Bishara says. “I do think this is all God’s work, for sure.”
As for their names, the proud parents found a way to share the love, naming the boys Ean, Evan and Eamon — all names that start with the letter E, just like their dad’s name — while they chose Alayha for their baby girl, a nod to the first letter of her mom’s name.
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Although there’s no shortage of love at home, the parents say there is one thing that’s been in short supply lately: sleep.
“You close your eyes and got to open them right back up,” Volmar says.
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Big brother Emmanuel Jr., 8, with his four new siblings.
Still, the quadruplets are fitting right in at home alongside their big brother Emmanuel Jr., 8, who is already attuned to their needs.
“He’s like, ‘Oh, is it time for them to eat? Or is it time to change their diaper?” Kennon says. “So he definitely wants to be involved.”
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Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
The three new baby boys with their big brother and father Emmanuel Volmar.
As for the future, the couple is just happy to have each other.
“I feel like I can take on whatever comes my way, and I’m also a big believer in God not giving you more than you can handle,” Kennon says.
Adds Volmar, “I love my babies.”
Read the original article on People
