The love of Kateri Schwandt and her husband, Jay Schwandt, began during high school when they started dating together. They eventually married in 1993 and a life of adventure began.
The West Michigan couple had been studying diligently, and while in college, they had already given birth to three sons. Little did they know that many more children were to come!
Hope almost lost
After nearly three decades, Kateri and Jay were the proud parents of Tyler, Zach, Drew, Brandon, Tommy, Vinny, Calvan, Gabe, Wesley, Charlie, Luke, Tucker, Francisco and Finley.
Although they adored their 14 sons, it wasn’t always easy. Mother Kateri lived most of her adult life in a house full of boys, and she had almost given up hope of welcoming a little girl into the world.
Her miracle baby
When Kateri was interviewed by a news agency in 2014, she said:
«If we had a girl, I think we would be in shock.»
But six years later, on attempt number 15, the couple achieved their miracle. One of their sons, Tyler, shared:
«My parents were finally blessed with the little girl they never thought they would have.»
A few hours after finding out they were going to have a sister, Tyler admitted he was still having trouble coming to terms with the news. He was almost certain there was nothing pink in their house and didn’t believe his parents had prepared girls’ names.
She was their greatest gift
The couple decided on a beautiful name. The bundle of pink joy was named Maggie Jayne. Maggie came from Kateri’s middle name, Margaret, and Jayne was a clever reference to her father’s name.
The happy couple was beside themselves with joy, thanks to their little angel. In a heartfelt online post, the proud father wrote:
«We are overjoyed and beyond excited to welcome Maggie Jayne into our family. This year has been memorable in so many ways and for so many reasons, but Maggie is the greatest gift we could imagine.»
An adjustment for the brothers
Maggie is a lucky girl because she has 14 brothers to watch over her as she grows up. A series of beautiful family photos show the close bond they share, and the unconditional love is evident.
The brothers knew they would have to make some changes to accommodate their new sibling. First, they would have to get used to putting the toilet seat down!
The family’s story had garnered a lot of media attention for many years, and people loved following their adventures through their live-streaming program, 14 Outdoorsmen. With the new addition to the family, they may have to come up with a new name for the show.
