Raising Sextuplets: Blessings Outweigh the Challenges
By Jenny MascheFebruary 2003: I was introduced to Bryan through a very good friend. Bryan was best friends with Mike Fields -- a guy I grew up with my whole life -- in the Air Force. I received an e-mail one day from Bryan while he was stationed in Kuwait, and the rest is history! We talked for hours upon hours, both on the phone and via e-mail, and then spent seven months flying back and forth from Texas to Arizona until we were married on January 2, 2004.
Bryan and I both wanted a large family, and we even joked about having a baseball team since that was our favorite sport. After two-and-a-half years of trying to get pregnant, including two miscarriages, our ob/gyn referred us to an infertility specialist in Las Vegas to find out why I was miscarrying and why it was taking us so long to get pregnant. Fortunately, she found no major reason but recommended we do in-vitro fertilization so they could look at the embryos and make sure they were viable. That seemed like the final step in the infertility treatment process and we just weren't ready for that. So in November 2006 we decided to do intrauterine insemination (IUI), a very simple, noninvasive procedure that still allowed nature to take its course. There was no implantation; the embryos were created by themselves in the womb.
December 4, 2006: We discovered I was pregnant...and we were very excited! As we drove to Las Vegas for our first ultrasound on December 29, I was so incredibly nervous that I wasn't going to see a heartbeat. I kept praying and praying, "God, please let me see a heartbeat." I just wasn't emotionally prepared for another miscarriage. However, it was not even a thought in our wildest dreams that we would see more than one heartbeat, much less six! We were hysterical and shocked by the news. We were strongly encouraged to do selective reduction, which made me cry all the more! Bryan and I immediately said in unison, "We could never do that!" We were both incredibly depressed and overwhelmed with the news until January 11, the day we met Dr. Elliott. Dr. Elliott was the perinatologist we chose in Phoenix, Arizona. He was very honest about the risks involved in carrying sextuplets, both to the mother and to the babies, but at the same time he was very encouraging and he basically said "If you believe you can do this, you will have a good outcome." From that point forward we put everything in God"s hands and said "Your will be done."
June 11, 2007: Savannah Jane, Bailey Elizabeth, Grant William, Cole Robert, Molli Grace, and Blake Nickolas were born. It was the most surreal day of our lives. To watch six little babies be delivered and they are all yours--it is indescribable. For months to follow we both took turns with bouts of extreme depression, but the Lord has been incredibly faithful to deliver us from that and He continues to give us a new supply of Joy on a daily basis. Of course, there are many challenges in raising six kids who are all the same age, but the blessings definitely outweigh the challenges. I think the hardest thing for Bryan and I so far in raising sextuplets is our inability to take them with us to normal places we want to go. My friends with singletons can go about any day normally and go to the bank, the grocery store, shopping, etc. It is impossible for us to do any of these tasks with six children. So either one of us has to be home so the other person can go, or if Bryan is at work I have to find someone to sit with the kids while they're napping so I can run errands really fast. Luckily, we have tremendous family support. We will both be looking forward to the day when they are old enough for us to take them anywhere and everywhere and not have to leave them at home. Bryan may disagree on that! :-) We do try to take at least one if not two everywhere we go so they can have normal daily experiences in public. The great joy of raising sextuplets is definitely the six smiling faces calling out "mama, dada," the twelve little feet running toward you and the twelve little arms around your neck hugging you! Six little mouths to kiss and six little ones to cuddle... the amount of love we experience for the six of them is sometimes incomprehensible, and we feel our hearts may burst!
Filming Raising Sextuplets honestly has been a blast for all of us! Our film crew is small and has become like family, and we are truly blessed by them! They are only filming us about six days a month, so it is actually a very small amount of time and never feels overwhelming or stressful. We feel very fortunate that we are able to capture certain events and moments of our family on tape. Whatever the Lord wants to make of this show it is up to Him. We just pray that in the process, some people may be blessed and encouraged by the trials we face on a daily basis and will see how the Lord helps us overcome.
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Wow. Seriously, Mr. Bo? Are you really that unhappy?
Mr. Bo certainly doesn't represent the rest of us. We are very excited for your show and your story. Best of luck to you.
:)
This is not a natural pregnancy with multiples like this just do not happened because your ovaries spit out 6 plus eggs. The way it works is you have to take a drug like clomidia to stimulate the ovaries to spit out more than enough eggs. Considering you had six I would say you had way to much of this drug or something of the like to prepare the body for this procedure to make sure the embryos would stay. That would include the hormone progesterone. The woman must take hormone threrapy to induce the creation of many eggs. Once that is done, they are considered viable and then IUI or intrauterine insemination is proceeded. This is not a "simple" procedure.
In your posts you should not lie and should be upfront and honest on how exactly what medications you took to scientifically conceive.
The other thing is these are your children. Not your MEAL ticket.
Keep them out of the public eye and off tv.
You asked for this DEBT, because you reap what you sow.
Cherish your children, do not use them, that's why the parents work, not the kids.
Oh no.....not another JON AND KATE PLUS 8. When will it end. I agree with the previous blogger. These people continue ask for these mulitples, then whine. They never come correct to actually say they had AI. Then a network like WE ,TLC, or Disco picks them up, and turns them into movie stars with all the hand outs and freebies, teeth whiteners, hair plugs, tummy tucks, vacations, trips to the Today show, and the list goes on. These people are not special. There are many families that have multiples, and many that had no artificial insemination. What is the motive behind the show? The children are 18 months old, the family have an organized routine by now. Nothing is out of the ordinary. Can't wait to see how this is going to play out. WE channel you don't want to lose viewers like TLC has lost so many due to the circus that Jon and Kate has stirred up. TLC, could have donated all that money that the greedy Gosslin's are eating up to many other families that are in need.
Wow. Point, click, blame. Lots of negativity out there. Watch it if you want if you don't want to and you don't agree with it find something else to do with your time.
Well bryan I am proud of you and your wife. You have a blessed familiy. I remember when we were going through tech school together and now I find out you and your wife have your own show. Good luck man and I will be watching your show.
King
Your family is adorable and its so nice to watch a happy family again :)
Yep, here we go again! What is wrong with these people that think they can put their children on TV and in the public eye without repercussions? These children go from having a normal life to having their privacy stolen (by their parents) and childhoods lost. These parents need to seriously look at what they are going to do to their children and stop this. Is money that important to people? I really have a problem with these people because they have already witnessed what type of things that happened with the Gosselins. They should be ashamed of themselves. Parents are suppose to work for their children, the children are not suppose to work for their parents.
LMAO. Anonymous whatever and lisa kn27...wow! LMAO. You know I always heard ignorance is bliss...why do you guys sound angry. Leave this family alone and thank heaven that God didn't give you 6 where you really would have to make a decision like this.
Jenny if you are reading this I hope you guys have prepared yourselves for this ignorance, it will come in waves. Hope your family is doing well!
What a refreshing change (from Jon & Kate) to see a happy, normal family! Bryan and Jenny show respect for each other, no control freaks, and good Christian values. It appears they are making it on their own (both have jobs) and are not money hungry by exploiting their children for profit. I have confidence they will continue what they are doing and not let their lives spin out of control like J & K. They are not the Gosselin's, so all you negative people out there, give them a chance or don't watch the show. I look forward to watching this new series and thank WeTV and the Masche's for their good taste. Wishing you all the best and God bless.
Who is whining about having more than one? They didn't ask for six. Even though people undergo fertility treatments doesn't mean that they are asking for six babies. Even if she did have too many drugs, it is her fault? They are making the best out of having six babies and it seems like they think they are blessed. It's wonderful that there are people in the world who can deal with all six...
I grew up in Lake Havasu City, AZ and am wondering if Bryan is the son of Officer Masche who taught the D.A.R.E. program to the public schools for years. If so, and if Bryan is anything like this man, who I think is his dad, Bryan is a wonderful father and I couldn't be happier for he and Jenny. So refreshing to see a family that is normal and not "staged" like Jon and Kate.
Why even have a show at all? 6 babies IS NOT OUT OF THE ORDINARY. These people are not special. And nobody is ignorant. So for the "ignorant is bliss", stop already. These people are doing this for money. They are gettting paid by WE TV...JUST LIKE THE GOSSELINS, ARE ON TLC. A family of 6 children IS NOTHING NEW. Now she is GETTING READY TO GO UNDER THE KNIFE, JUST LIKE KATE DID. YAWNNNN. THE TUMMY TUCK. WHATS NEXT. TEETH WHITENERS?
If you are getting paid for putting your six children on display for the world to see...I hope it's A LOT!! I just started watching the show tonight. I hate TV. I LOVE your show. God bless you for showing an example of a healthy, godly family that does not have it easy. As soon as I started watching, I thought "Are they Christians?" There's just something about the way you talk to each other, the way you argue without being spiteful, the way you choose joy and laughter instead of frustration. I'm not saying that only Christians act like that (so please don't beat up on me all you people reading this comment right now), but I see a joy that only comes from above. Don't know if I'll ever watch your show again, as I'm headed back to the mission field, but I pray that for however long the show is on the air you're able to show God's character and love through your relationships...and that you earn even a fraction of what the kids' college tuition is going to cost!
These people disgust me. They exploit their children for money and do not care about the future consequences and mental health of their children. When I first saw the commercial for the show, I was thinking how dangerous it is to allow a child that age to be playing with a propane tank. The edges could really hurt the child if hit their mouth,eye, etc on it. If she isn't taking better care of them when they are in front of the cameras, their future doesn't look good. All of these TV families make me sick and I probably will not watch WE TV anymore either just on principle. It's really sad to see people care more about money than the welfare of their children. To all people who like them because they are "Christians" I think God would want them nurture and love thier children not exploit them for money. Just because they say they are Christians, doesn't mean they live like it!
In reference to:
by Anonymous Whatever on June 8, 2009 12:34 PM
snipped: ....This is not a natural pregnancy with multiples like this just do not happened because your ovaries spit out 6 plus eggs. The way it works is you have to take a drug like clomidia to stimulate the ovaries to spit out more than enough eggs.
______________
Please tell me where you received your medical knowledge. The fertility drug is "Clomid", not "clomidia"...which is a mis-spelling of an STD. I also do not believe a woman's ovaries "spit out" eggs. Yes, I am in the medical profession, and am a pediatric nurse and have a wealth of knowlege on the subject. However the Masches came to have their beautiful sextuplets, it is really none of our concern. They have agreed to allow us a peek inside their lives. If you do not agree, do not watch. It is that simple. Also, you really shoud not be posting medical advice. Maybe a class in etiquette would be beneficial.
For all the other negative-spreaders.jealousy takes all shapes and forms...take a long look in the mirror and find out why you are so unhappy. When others only want to find fault with others, more often than not, they are unhappy with their own lives.
Keep up the great work Jenny and Bryan! Your family is adorable and more close to real life than any other on tv now. God has blessed you with a wonderful family, not just the kids, but your own families and friends as well.
I can't believe all the negative comments. There are some really angry people out there. Seriously, these people are not exploiting their children for money. They are probably working towards being able to provide better for them. I have seen two episodes so far and they are doing an awesome job parenting. I couldn't even imagine being in their shoes so why don't you give them some credit for all the hard work they are doing for their kiddos and slack off on the judmental comments. Enough said, I hope the show does great! You have a BEAUTIFUL family! Keep God first and He will continue to give you the strength you need!
I found out about your family on the Kelly's Kids site - you guys are the cutest thing and I love how you obviously love the kids so much. I hope this will be a great thing for your family. Your faith is refreshing to see in the media today, and I will pray for your family and marriage to stay strong and centered around the Lord. Im so bummed to learn we dont get We!
I also just read all the other comments and oh my goodness. I hope you have thick skin because everyone is a critic! I think it is fantastic to have cameras around a few days a month to document the experience with six children, because I personally know it is hard to remember to videotape with two children 4 years apart. Of course you should get paid for your time too - I hope it helps because children are expensive. Your children will get attention wherever they go in life, regardless if it is amplified by a TV show and crew or not.
Jenny and Bryan,
Please, Please, Please GET OUT OF THIS HELL CALL REALITY TV before the fame and the media destroy your family... I know it is about making money for college and to raise these kids but remember the most important thing you can give these kids are a loving, caring, and stable home... Not a freak show for the fans and the media. The show will destroy the two of you and your family just like John & Kate plus 8 on TLC... The money, fame and the perks that comes with it, IS NOT WORTH IT!!! QUIT NOW!!!! BEFORE THE TWO OF YOU BECOME ANOTHER STATISTICS IN THE DIVORCE AND BROKEN HOME DATA... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES!!! ALMOST ALL REALITY FAMILY SHOWS END UP IN DIVORCE, REHAB, OR JAIL...
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE WITH YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY? IT IS HARD ENOUGH TO RAISE A FAMILY...DON'T PUT ADDED PRESSURE AND TENSION BY HAVING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY'S PRIVACY INVADED BY A BUNCH OF VULTURES...
What a wonderfully blessed family you have! We are so happy for all of you. You are the same beautiful person inside and out on T.V. as you were when we were growing. Keep up the great work chicka! Hugs!
God bless you!!! Congratulations you are very blessed! Just watched your show for the first time tonight and you have a very beautiful family full of smiles and love. I love how you are both very real people and very loving parents. Please dont allow the show to get your family off track. I would really hate to see you have such a tragic destiny as we're seeing in John and Kate plus 8. But who knows, you have many great qualities i didn't find in that show. You have love and respect for one another and above all God in your hearts. Watch, pray, keep your focus and know with God's help all things are possible!!!
As a triplet Mommy, I enjoy watching your show. For your little escape artist, how about a crib tent? They sell them at babies R us and they are great! My son escaped before he was a year old and we kept him in his crib until he was about 33 months with that mesh crib tent! Saved our lives. God Bless!
Jenny and Bryan
Just watched your show today for the first time. I'm a grandmother of 5 granddaughters and cherish the time I get to spend with them. I enjoyed watching the love and joy shown by everyone involved with your family. It's nice to see both sets of grandparents and extended family being so supportive and part of the children's lives. Wishing you all the best.
Jenny and Bryan
Just watched your show today for the first time. I'm a grandmother of 5 granddaughters and cherish the time I get to spend with them. I enjoyed watching the love and joy shown by everyone involved with your family. It's nice to see both sets of grandparents and extended family being so supportive and part of the children's lives. Wishing you all the best.
Jenny and Bryan
Just watched your show today for the first time. I'm a grandmother of 5 granddaughters and cherish the time I get to spend with them. I enjoyed watching the love and joy shown by everyone involved with your family. It's nice to see both sets of grandparents and extended family being so supportive and part of the children's lives. Wishing you all the best.
first of all who decited to create a show based on
the life of two ugly people, not only that but they decited to have six very ugly kids. was it hard to find good looking people to put on national tv?
I just watched this show, I know there new parents but someone needs to tell them about, Child proofing there house. The children are in the bathrm
and the children are getting into all the stuff grabing god knows what out. Stuff that can harm them.
also the husband leaves the 2 children by there self in the tub and go to hand the mom one child. I watched this happen to a friend of mine. She left her one kid in for one moment ,her other child drown
there self. Children can drown in a small amount of water. Never leave your children alone. They can fall in the tub bust there head. I also seen the father let the water run while the children were in the tub and turn his back. If that child turned the faucet and turned the cold off that baby is burned for live. It happens all the time. The stuff I seen scared me that I watched on this show. This parents need some help. Baby locks would be one
of them. I can't watch this show. these parents scare me to death I like them and all but they need to brush up on there parenting skills I wish them all well.
Jenny and Bryan
I enjoyed watching three episodes of your show. However, I can't help but think that your sextuplets speech and verbal abilities are delayed. I hardly ever hear them babbling or talking even when they held the cell phones in the one episode. According to my sister , who is a speech therapist, I was told that a general rule of thumb is "one word at one, and two words at two". Shouldn't they at least be saying at least one distinct word at their age and be pointing at objects? They should even begin to be putting two words together soon. I can't help but think they have developmental delays. Of all the shows I have seen, they have rarely said anything. Mostly , they just cry. My niece, who was very quiet, at least pointed to things when she needed something. The sextuplets just seem to cry to communicate without any hand gestures or speech. Is their speech a concern?
Cathrine on June 12, 2009 2:16 PM
Oh, no, not them! (groan)
Brian is so funny! Jenny, stop nagging him constantly!! You both seem to be good parents, but now that the kids are older, it's time for discipline. Time-outs, etc. And please stop using that sing song fun voice when you are supposed to be yelling, Jenny. Quit yelling at Bri, he's doing it right! Those kids are beating (&biting) the crap out of each other. Bite them back, I bet they will quit!
You both are really great parents. Just spending one day with six kids is so hard & exhausting. Just the sleep deprivation that you both are probably still experiencing is so difficult. Your personalities are fantastic. Both of you are smar,t funny & whitty. Don't let the media compromise your instincts on what is best for your health and emotional well-being. Your children are beautiful and your show is well done. Your families seem great. Keep them around and please do not let any money come between all of you. You are so blessed and fortunate to have such a loving family (grandparents, parents, sisters, brothers). Luv the humor. Keep it up. Your show is for real and you don't pretend that life is so tidy and perfect when it's truly not. Raising kids is so hard when you do it right. I am a mom of many and I have a great hubby who is wonderful. We love and cherish our family and wish you the best with your new show.
I love this show. I recently had a baby, and have a 3 year old, but that is nothing compared to six! I love how Jenny keeps her cool about everything. It is very inspiring for parents. PLEASE tell me this show will be back on.
I was just watching your show and always thought you looked familiar. Once you mentioned you worked at Kingman Regional I rememered. You help us when my 2 yr old hit his head. Hope to see you around Kingman
I am a 14 year-old girl and love watching your show. I am amazed at how you live your life with that many infants. Your family really makes me want to have many children when I am older. You make me want to live a healthier life so i can be happy and raise those many children. Thanks so much!