The Barrett triplets, two boys and a girl, (from left) Dennis Jr, Tamoya and Denrique, take their nap in Southfeild, St Elizabeth. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photograp

The Hirds, parents of St Catherine quadruplets, now have company.

Tamara Barrett had always said that when she was ready to be a mother, she wanted to have twins so that she could do it once and never again. She got her wish on February 7, when she gave birth to triplets - two boys and a girl - at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew.

Tamara and her husband Dennis have been married for two years. The couple resides in Southfield, St Elizabeth, where they operate a motorcycle store. They met at a round-robin party, triggering what could be described as love at first sight. Dennis said he spotted her talking to a bunch of friends and she looked very sexy in her little outfit.

"I had to talk to her, so I asked my friend to introduce us and, from there, things took off," he said.

Hospitalised

The two lived together for six years before getting married. Dennis has four other children but Dennis Jr, Denrique and Tamoya are Tamara's first. She tried for one year, before conceiving, but when it happened, she was excited. The couple was even more excited (and somewhat shocked) when, two months into the pregnancy, they found out they were going to have triplets.

Tamara noted that her pregnancy was not difficult but, because she was very big, she was admitted to hospital three weeks before giving birth. And, on February 7 at 1:30, 1:35 and 1:36 a.m., she gave birth to Dennis Jr, Denrique and Tamoya, respectively.

Readjust lives

The Barretts told Flair that they now have to readjust their lives to meet the needs of their babies. They said the babies are not very fussy, "but it can be strenuous at times", according to Tamara.

The new parents have had to call on Tamara's mother, Lola Armstrong, for help. Feeding can be a little tricky but the new mom has worked out a routine. She breastfeeds two of the babies while her mother bottle-feeds the other. And, next feeding time, she switches them around and the one who was bottle-fed is then breastfed. The couple said the babies spend most of the time sleeping but if they do that for most of the day, they will be up most of the night. Dennis, the eldest, tends to wake the others if he is up.

The Barretts noted that despite the financial crisis that is plaguing the world, they are weathering the storm with their new additions to the family. They said they will just have to make a way and they are grateful that they have their business to help them out. The two said all they can think about now are their little ones and they are just so happy.

The babies recently received a gift basket courtesy of Huggies products (Lascelles Merchandise Limited). It contained Huggies diapers and other items.

Dennis and Tamara Barrett with their three babies - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer.

History-making parents Reginald Hird (second left) and Keshia (right) hang out with friends and family as they celebrate the first birthday of the quadruplets, Annabelle, Ruthann-Belle, Gabrielle and Isabelle, at their home in Greater Portmore last month. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/staff photographer