Kimesha Walters, Gleaner Writer

The quadruplets are (from left) Gabrielle, Annabelle, Isabelle and Ruthann-Belle. - Contributed

I arrive at the home of Reginald and Keshia Hird, in Portmore, last Saturday morning and I am greeted by their adorable, bright-eyed quadruplets. Well, sort of. The girls all stare in amazement at this stranger entering their home.

I am on the inside now, and after observing Annabelle, Isabelle, Ruthann-Belle and Gabrielle for a few minutes, I thought, OK, they are a quiet and quizzical bunch. More than 10 minutes later, I am taking that back! It is enough time for them to get accustomed to me so there is a complete transformation. The girls literally go wild!

Annabelle is the most curious and it is a constant struggle to keep her away from my pen and notebook. She is joined by Ruthann-Belle and together this duo is almost uncontrollable. As I take one baby up, the other closes in on my belongings by climbing over my legs or behind me. I am constantly trying to keep them away from my book. It is a fun exercise, but it is a bit tiring as they move around quickly.

Not the usual troublemakers

Surprisingly, these two are not the usual troublemakers. It is Gabrielle and she is sleeping now, thank goodness!

Mom Keshia is used to the nimble bunch and explains as they try to seize what's mine, that they always gravitate towards things that do not belong to them, like their parents cellphone or the television remote.

I am at their home because it's at the peak of the Christmas holidays and I want to see how the little darlings are spending it and what their parents plan for them.

But unlike many other families who are immersed in the Christmas spirit and at the time are busy purchasing gifts, the Hird family is looking forward to a quiet time, free from the hustle and bustle.

Keshia says they are cutting back on spending. There are no decorations at the home, but the Hirds explain that they do not normally indulge in this activity.

We have to remember January and the bills, Keshia tells The Gleaner. Furthermore, she adds, it is the quadruplet's first Christmas and they will not understand what is taking place. Probably when they are a bit older, if we see the affordability we will celebrate. Even then, we will have to explain to them that there is more to Christmas than just giving or receiving gifts, she adds.

The parents, however, are looking forward to the girls first birthday which will be on January 24 even though no plans are in place for a party. We have no plans for a birthday party, but we might take them out so that they can have enough space to enjoy themselves for the day, Reginald says.

But did Reginald and Keshia get the quiet Christmas they had hoped for? Hardly likely, with the playful, active and fun-loving quadruplets being at home.