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It’s Been 7 Years Since the Show About the Waldrop Family Premiered — Meet the Couple’s Nine Kids, Including the Sextuplets and Twins

Now, Eric and Courtney Waldrop’s nine children — from the eldest to the famous sextuplets — have grown up, and fans are still in awe of how far they’ve come.

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When “Sweet Home Sextuplets” aired, the show offered an intimate look inside the Waldrop family’s daily life as they navigated the challenges of raising nine young children, from round-the-clock feedings to diaper duty on a massive scale.

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Seven years later, the cameras may have stopped rolling, but the Waldrop family’s story is still unfolding — and their nine children have grown into a vibrant, dynamic bunch. Here’s a closer look at their rise to fame and where they are now.

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Meeting the Waldrop Family
Courtney and Eric Waldrop never planned on becoming a household name. But their journey from a small-town Alabama couple to the stars of a hit TLC show captured hearts across the country.

What began as a quiet life in Albertville seemingly transformed overnight when the Waldrops went from a family of five to a family of 11 thanks to one extraordinary pregnancy.

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The couple, who met as eighth graders and eventually married in 2004, always dreamed of having a big family. Their first son, Saylor Waldrop, arrived in December 2008, followed by twins Wales and Bridge Waldrop in January 2012.

The twins were born after Courtney underwent fertility treatments, a step she took after enduring several heartbreaking miscarriages. Sadly, she also suffered another miscarriage before the pregnancy that would change everything.

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In 2017, the Waldrops learned they were expecting sextuplets — three boys and three girls. The news brought a flood of emotions. As a first-grade teacher and mother of three, Courtney admitted she was terrified when doctors confirmed she was carrying six babies:

“I was scared to death. I’m a smaller-framed girl, and my first thoughts were on how I was going to successfully get six kids here without something happening to them or me. There was a lot of fear. We didn’t know what to do or think.”

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The pregnancy was high-risk and filled with uncertainty, but Courtney remained hopeful, describing the journey as one marked by “fears, excitements, worry, happiness — everything.”

On the day of delivery, the odds-defying sextuplets — Blu, Layke, Tag, Rawlings, Rayne, and Rivers Waldrop — were born just shy of 30 weeks at Huntsville Hospital.

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Despite their premature arrival, the babies were healthy, and the family breathed a collective sigh of relief. The Waldrops had officially become a family of 11, a number that quickly caught the public’s attention.

TLC soon introduced viewers to the family through “Sweet Home Sextuplets,” a reality series that followed the Waldrops’ day-to-day life as they navigated parenting nine children.

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The show offered an intimate look at their household, and fans were instantly drawn to the family’s humble faith and joyful chaos. However, Courtney and Eric made it clear from the beginning that their goal wasn’t fame. He explained:

“We didn’t go into this wanting to be — I don’t even like the word — celebrities. We want to show the world what God has done for us, and how much we’ve been blessed by this situation.”

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The strength of their marriage also became a major theme of the show. “I know that people would just say I’m just saying this, but honestly, I would say that our relationship is stronger now than ever,” Courtney said.

“We have nine kids together, and he’s my rock and he gets me through. We have to be there for one another,” she added.

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While their marriage remained the foundation, the series’ early episodes highlighted not just the logistical hurdles but the deep community support the family received.

After announcing their pregnancy, neighbors organized a 5K fundraiser to help with growing expenses. Once the babies arrived, friends and extended family pitched in to help care for them. In a touching show of gratitude, the Waldrops re-hosted the 5K the following year to benefit local organizations.

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That kind of support became especially important as the realities of life with nine children set in — including one of the series’ most unforgettable moments, when Eric and Courtney took all of their kids out in public together for the very first time.

It was a Sunday morning trip to church, and the couple had been preparing for hours. Their packing list was nothing short of military-grade — 12 pacifiers, eight bottles, multiple packs of wipes, six outfits, six blankets, and tens of diapers.

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It was a milestone moment that reflected just how far the family had come — from heartbreak and uncertainty to a noisy, love-filled home brimming with laughter, diapers, and plenty of teamwork.

Now, seven years later, the chaos has settled into a rhythm, and all nine of the Waldrop children have grown into a lively, tight-knit group, each with their own distinct personality. Here’s a glimpse of what they look like today.

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The Sextuplets
Among the sextuplets, the three girls have found their groove in the world of dance. On May 11, 2025, vibrant images captured Rawlings, Rayne, and Rivers, now seven years old, dressed in matching sprinkle-themed dance costumes with orange tutus on a porch.

A screenshot of Rawlings, Rayne, and Rivers Waldrop from a post dated May 11, 2025. | Source: Instagram/gods_divine_nine
A screenshot of Rawlings, Rayne, and Rivers Waldrop from a post dated May 11, 2025. | Source: Instagram/gods_divine_nine

The caption shared that the girls had just performed in a dance recital — their fourth year participating. Despite a packed schedule, the family managed to squeeze in the event.

The caption joked about the chaos, “In this house it blows in every direction and you better just hang on!” But the girls, it said, have mastered the art of going with the flow.

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On the boys’ side of the sextuplet crew, Blu, Layke, and Tag have all embraced baseball. The trio recently joined their older brothers on the field, bringing the total number of Waldrop boys in uniform to six.

Whether it’s running bases or gearing up in matching Dodgers jerseys, these three are growing into their own, developing both skills and confidence.

A screenshot of Blu, Layke, and Tag Waldrop from a post dated April 12, 2025. | Source: Instagram/gods_divine_nine
A screenshot of Blu, Layke, and Tag Waldrop from a post dated April 12, 2025. | Source: Instagram/gods_divine_nine

Though they’re still the “little boys” of the group, Courtney shared on Instagram that her sons have started to feel more and more like the big kids, especially since stepping up to the plate alongside their older siblings.

Earlier this year, the sextuplets celebrated their seventh birthday, marking another year of milestones and memories. A February 27 clip showed all six siblings indulging in cupcakes, surrounded by bright party decor in the background, and enjoying their special day with family.

The caption recalled how the children had begged “60 times a day” to know when their party would happen. In the end, they got their celebration and “had a blast.”

Just weeks later, on April 17, a new photo shared on Instagram showed all six kids lined up on a sunny porch, dressed in coordinating spring outfits with Courtney crouched beside them, beaming. One person commented, “Little cuties!”

“❤️❤️can’t believe how big they are…I still remember your show being on. They were so tiny …” one netizen wrote. Another added, “This is SO beautiful!!💖💙And these babies are getting BIG🎉🎉🎉.” A third echoed the sentiment, simply saying, “They are growing up!!!!”

Courtney also shared a video montage featuring the sextuplets, giving followers a closer look at just how much the kids have grown. However, viewers were quick to point out that two of the six have bright blue eyes, while the others have brown — a detail that sparked curiosity and admiration in the comments.

A screenshot of two of the Waldrop sextuplets from a post dated June 11, 2024. | Source: Instagram/gods_divine_nine
A screenshot of two of the Waldrop sextuplets from a post dated June 11, 2024. | Source: Instagram/gods_divine_nine

“I think it’s so interesting that two have blue eyes and the rest have brown,” one person wrote, while another asked, “Just two have blue eyes? What are the eye colors of your three older boys?”

Others focused on individual standouts, with one person commenting, “Rawlings’ eyes are beyond beautiful!!” and another adding, “Omg beautiful blue eyes😍😍😍.” “Wow two of them have very beautiful amazing eyes,” someone else shared.

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Saylor
Saylor, the oldest of the Waldrop crew, turned 16 in December 2024. In photos posted on December 23, he stood outdoors in a navy pullover and jeans, smiling confidently at the camera.

A screenshot of Saylor Waldrop with his parents from a post dated December 23, 2024. | Source: Instagram/gods_divine_nine
A screenshot of Saylor Waldrop with his parents from a post dated December 23, 2024. | Source: Instagram/gods_divine_nine

The caption marked his 16th birthday and reflected on how quickly he has grown. Described as “an incredible boy” and “a great role model for all the little ones,” the update captured the family’s pride in the young man he’s become.

Wales and Bridge
Now 13, the Waldrop twins are officially teenagers — a milestone that felt like it arrived overnight. A post from January 18, 2025, showed the boys standing side by side, each wearing a cozy pullover and jeans, surrounded by autumn foliage.

A screenshot of Wales and Bridge Waldrop with their parents from a post dated January 18, 2025. | Source: Instagram/gods_divine_nine
A screenshot of Wales and Bridge Waldrop with their parents from a post dated January 18, 2025. | Source: Instagram/gods_divine_nine

The caption celebrated their 13th birthday and highlighted their close bond. Courtney recalled the moment she found out they were twins, calling it a “double blessing” after a miscarriage.

She described the boys as “full of so much energy” and said their bond is “inseparable.” The post also noted how much they resemble her father and his twin brother — a touching family echo across generations.

From birthdays to baseball fields, dance recitals to teenage milestones, the Waldrop kids continue to grow — not just in size but in spirit, talent, and character. With every new stage, they remain grounded in the love and faith that have shaped their extraordinary journey from the start.

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Story

When Marcus first sees his newborn baby, his world shatters. Convinced his wife Elena has betrayed him, he’s ready to walk away. But before he can, she reveals a secret that leaves him questioning everything. Is love enough to hold them together? I was ecstatic the day my wife announced that we were going to be parents. We’d been trying for a while and couldn’t wait to welcome our first child into the world. But one day, as we were discussing the birth plan, Elena dropped a bombshell. “I don’t want you in the delivery room,” she said, her voice soft but firm. I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. “What? Why not?” Elena wouldn’t meet my eyes. “I just… I need to do this part on my own. Please understand.” I didn’t understand, not really. But I loved Elena more than anything, and I trusted her. If this was what she needed, I’d respect it. Still, a tiny seed of unease planted itself in my gut that day. As Elena’s due date approached, that seed grew. The night before she was scheduled to be induced, I tossed and turned, unable to shake the feeling that something big was about to change. The next morning, we headed to the hospital. I kissed Elena at the entrance to the maternity ward, watching as they wheeled her away. Hours ticked by. I paced the waiting room, drank too much bad coffee, and checked my phone every two minutes. Finally, a doctor emerged. One look at his face, and my heart plummeted. Something was wrong. “Mr. Johnson?” he said, his voice grave. “You’d better come with me.” I followed the doctor down the hallway as a thousand horrible scenarios raced through my mind. Was Elena okay? The baby? We reached the delivery room, and the doctor pushed open the door. I rushed in, desperate to see Elena. She was there, looking exhausted but alive. Relief washed over me for a split second before I noticed the bundle in her arms. The baby, our baby, had skin as pale as fresh snow, wisps of blonde hair, and when it opened its eyes, they were startlingly blue. “What the hell is this?” I heard myself say, my voice sounding strange and far away. Elena looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mix of love and fear. “Marcus, I can explain—” But I wasn’t listening. A red haze of anger and betrayal descended over me. “Explain what? That you cheated on me? That this isn’t my kid?” “No! Marcus, please—” I cut her off, my voice rising. “Don’t lie to me, Elena! I’m not an idiot. That is not our baby!” Nurses bustled around us, trying to calm the situation, but I was beyond reason. I felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest. How could she do this to me? To us? “Marcus!” Elena’s sharp voice cut through my rage. “Look at the baby. Really look.” Something in her tone made me pause. I glanced down as Elena gently turned the baby, pointing to its right ankle. There, clear as day, was a small crescent-shaped birthmark. Identical to the one I’d had since birth, and that other members of my family had, too. The fight drained out of me in an instant, replaced by utter confusion. “I don’t understand,” I whispered. Elena took a deep breath. “There’s something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you years ago.” As the baby quieted, Elena began to explain. During our engagement, she’d undergone some genetic testing. The results showed she carried a rare recessive gene that could cause a child to have pale skin and light features, regardless of the parents’ appearance. “I didn’t tell you because the odds were so slim,” she said, her voice trembling. “And I didn’t think it would matter. We loved each other, and that was all that counted.” I sank into a chair, my head spinning. “But how…?” “You must carry the gene too,” Elena explained. “Both parents can carry it without knowing, and then…” She gestured to our baby. Our little girl was now sleeping peacefully, oblivious to the turmoil around her. I stared at the child. The birthmark was undeniable proof, but my brain was having trouble catching up. “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you,” Elena said, tears streaming down her face. “I was scared, and then as time passed, it seemed less and less important. I never imagined this would actually happen.” I wanted to be angry. Part of me still was. But as I looked at Elena, exhausted and vulnerable, and at our tiny, perfect baby, I felt something else growing stronger. Love. Fierce, protective love. I stood up and moved to the bed, wrapping my arms around both of them. “We’ll figure this out,” I murmured into Elena’s hair. “Together.” Little did I know, our challenges were just beginning. Bringing our baby home should have been a joyous occasion. Instead, it felt like walking into a war zone. My family had been chomping at the bit to meet the newest addition. But when they laid eyes on our pale-skinned, blonde-haired bundle of joy, all hell broke loose. “What kind of joke is this?” my mother, Denise, demanded, her eyes narrowing as she looked from the baby to Elena. I stepped in front of my wife, shielding her from the accusatory glares. “It’s not a joke, Mom. This is your grandchild.” My sister Tanya scoffed. “Come on, Marcus. You can’t seriously expect us to believe that.” “It’s true,” I insisted, trying to keep my voice calm. “Elena and I both carry a rare gene. The doctor explained everything.” But they weren’t listening. My brother Jamal pulled me aside, speaking in a low voice. “Bro, I know you love her, but you gotta face facts. That ain’t your kid.” I shook him off, anger rising in my chest. “It is my kid, Jamal. Look at the birthmark on the ankle. It’s just like mine.” But no matter how many times I explained, showed them the birthmark, or pleaded for understanding, my family remained skeptical. Every visit turned into an interrogation, with Elena bearing the brunt of their suspicion. One night, about a week after we’d brought the baby home, I woke to the sound of the nursery door creaking open. Instantly alert, I crept down the hallway, only to find my mother leaning over the crib. “What are you doing?” I hissed, startling her. Mom jumped back, looking guilty. In her hand was a damp washcloth. With a sickening jolt, I realized she’d been trying to rub off the birthmark, convinced it was fake. “That’s enough,” I said, my voice shaking with rage. “Get out. Now.” “Marcus, I was just—” “Out!” I repeated, louder this time. As I ushered her towards the front door, Elena appeared in the hallway, looking worried. “What’s going on?” I explained what had happened, watching as hurt and anger flashed across Elena’s face. She’d been so patient, so understanding in the face of my family’s doubts. But this was a step too far. “I think it’s time your family left,” Elena said quietly. I nodded, turning to face my mother. “Mom, I love you, but this has to stop. Either you accept our child or you don’t get to be part of our lives. It’s that simple.” Denise’s face hardened. “You’re choosing her over your own family?” “No,” I said firmly. “I’m choosing Elena and our baby over your prejudice and suspicion.” As I closed the door behind her, I felt a mixture of relief and sadness. I loved my family, but I couldn’t let their doubts poison our happiness any longer. Elena and I relaxed on the couch, both emotionally drained. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered, pulling her close. “I should have stood up to them sooner.” She leaned into me, sighing. “It’s not your fault. I understand why they’re having trouble accepting it. I just wish…” “I know,” I said, kissing the top of her head. “Me too.” The next few weeks were a blur of sleepless nights, diaper changes, and tense phone calls from family members. One afternoon, as I was rocking the baby to sleep, Elena approached me with a determined look in her eye. “I think we should get a DNA test,” she said quietly. I felt a pang in my chest. “Elena, we don’t need to prove anything to anyone. I know this is our child.” She sat down next to me, taking my free hand in hers. “I know you believe that, Marcus. And I love you for it. But your family won’t let this go. Maybe if we have proof, they’ll finally accept us.” She was right. The constant doubt was eating away at all of us. “Okay,” I said finally. “Let’s do it.” Finally, the day arrived. We sat in the doctor’s office, Elena clutching the baby to her chest, me holding her hand so tightly I was afraid I might be hurting her. The doctor entered with a folder in his hand, his face unreadable. “Mr. and Mrs. Johnson,” he began, “I have your results here.” I held my breath, suddenly terrified. What if, by some cosmic joke, the test came back negative? How would I handle that? The doctor opened the folder and smiled. “The DNA test confirms that you, Mr. Johnson, are indeed the father of this child.” Relief washed over me like a tidal wave. I turned to Elena, who was crying silently, a mix of joy and vindication on her face. I pulled them both into a hug, feeling like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Armed with the test results, I called a family meeting. My mother, siblings, and a few aunts and uncles gathered in our living room, eyeing the baby with a mixture of curiosity and lingering doubt. I stood in front of them, test results in hand. “I know you’ve all had your doubts,” I began, my voice steady. “But it’s time to put them to rest. We’ve had a DNA test done.” I passed the results around, watching as they read the undeniable truth. Some looked shocked, others embarrassed. My mother’s hands shook as she held the paper. “I… I don’t understand,” she said weakly. ” All that recessive gene stuff was true?” “Of course it was,” I replied. One by one, my family members offered their apologies. Some were heartfelt, others awkward, but all seemed genuine. My mother was the last to speak. “I’m so sorry,” she said, tears in her eyes. “Can you ever forgive me?” Elena, always more gracious than I could ever be, stood up and hugged her. “Of course we can,” she said softly. “We’re family.” As I watched them embrace, with our baby cooing softly between them, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. Our little family might not look like what everyone expected, but it was ours. And in the end, that was all that mattered.