A Minonk native started a family tradition by giving birth to triplets last year. When Trina
Springer of Belleville, Illinois gave birth to triplets on March 29, 2003, it was the first set of
triplets in the family. Five months later,Trina's sister-in-law, Pam Springer also of Belleville, gave birth to
another set of triplets.
This unlikely scenario was the result of both couples taking in vitro fertilization at Washington University in St. Louis.
Pam and her husband Curt wanted one more child. They already had a daughter Kylie, 13, and a son, Josh, 10. Trina
and her husband Scott, who is Curt's brother, had a son, Derrik, 18.
The in vitro process involves collecting egg and sperm cells from the parents. The eggs are fertilized and transferred
back into the woman's uterus in the hopes that one will implant itself. Because both women were
over 35 the chance that the eggs would take was smaller. So doctors usually recommend putting in two or three eggs.
The chances of all embyros actually developing was slim, according to Pam.
Both Trina and Pam were suprised and at the same time scared that they would be having triplets.
Raising triplets also required multiplying everything by 3. During the first 3 months Pam and
Curt's triplets required 96 ounces of formula every other day and 18 diapers a day. According to Trina, in the
beginning there was no routine. Every day consisted of feeding and changing diapers.
Trina's triplets, Zachary, Katelyn, and Taylor can now hold their own bottle which frees up Mom and
Dad's hands. It takes some time to get each triplet in a car seat and loaded into the car. Both families
say they wouldn't change anything, despite the hardships of raising triplets. Curt says he can't wait to get
at home at night to see all five kids. He thinks the triplets recognize his voice because their eyes pop open when he walks in the door.
Both sets of parents are grateful to family members and friends who've helped out during the babies first
few months.
Trina is the daughter of Jannie Herman of Minonk and Bill Herman, Jr. of Minonk.
Scott and Trina Springer hold their triplets Katelyn, Taylor, and Zachary.