Two years old and counting, and their beauty seems to increase with the passing time and so does their development. The Hird quadruplets- Ruthann-Belle, Isabelle, Gabrielle and Annabelle are adorable, cute and cuddly and their intellect quite surprising.
Gabrielle is the top performer of group and has been acing scores in areas such as scribbling, copying a circle, holding crayons in an adult like manner, and playing with building blocks. But generally, all the girls get good comments from their teacher.
Reginald and Keshia Hird know their quadruplets are growing educationally and otherwise, and they have given their commitment to setting a firm foundation for them. “Most of their toys are educational and they have a lot of books that we read to them,” revealed Reginald. “We even make the sounds like animals for them.”
He adds that it is best to get the girls accustomed to books for an early age, so when the time comes they will not feel awkward reading. But while both parents try to strike a balance with the girls education Keshia is hoping that they will continue to be at the same institution through to secondary school.
“I would prefer them in the same place, not necessarily at the same class, but at a school that will make them into well rounded individuals,” she chimed. “I would like to see them become positive figures in society, we don’t want to raise them now and when they get older they don’t have anything good to contribute to society.”
Even as the first time parents adore their four daughters, they ensure that enough time is spent making their childhood memorable. Dad prepares breakfast to send to school with the girls, while mom bathes and dressed them in the morning. After that, it’s off to school with daddy as mommy leaves much earlier for work.
Between traffic, pulling over on the road to break up a fight and attending to their other issues such as puking; he knows that they can be more than a handful. And they proved just that when The Gleaner visited the Hird household in Portmore, St. Catherine recently. They laughed, screamed and climbed on their play kitchen, each childish giggle added excitement to the air for anyone watching their movements. They do not always get along though, and occasionally a tussle erupts as one tries to take two or three of the four tiny plastic chairs that are in the house.
However, with mommy and daddy monitoring them, the fight soon broke up. But it was evident that even if both parents were absent, little Gabrielle could take over. Throughout the visit she was heard issuing commands to her sisters. At times she repeated them to ensure her orders were carried out, even as she smiled.
At one point Gabrielle took the baby wipes, and as soon as daddy spotted her, he asked her to take it to him. She complied shortly afterwards, but minutes later, it was obvious that Gabrielle took what she wanted from the pack before returning it. All four girls, armed with wipes started to clean the TV, refrigerator and anything they could find.
Reginald and Keshia were obviously overjoyed as they watched the girls at play, and spoke of their preschool days which started in February, shortly after they celebrated their second birthday in January. They said the girls were fine when they were left to attend preschool on the first day as they were familiar with the surroundings.
However, when they were relocated to another school, they cried for daddy when they realised he was leaving them. Luckily though, an aunt who works at the school provided comfort and they were soon settled. “Once they are around each other they are fine,” says Reginald, “but depending on the mood, they just don’t answer when I tell them goodbye in the morning,” he added laughing.
Keshia said once the girls have food they are okay, as they find great company in each other. To add to that, they already have a “touch one touch all” mentality and are very protective of each other at school. She bragged about the girls’ development, revealing their love for singing the National Anthem, church and play songs. “Now they are even telling me what they want and what they don’t want,” said Keshia, awe and laughter in her voice.
Amidst all the excitement with the girls, the parents are anticipating the little ones returning to preschool in September, and all their school items are already in place. Keshia is looking forward to Isabelle catching up with the others, and Ruthann-Belle improving her speech.
“We want the best educational background for them so that they can make use of opportunities that come their way,” said Reginald. We won’t decide their career path but we will try our best to help them achieve their goals at the highest possible standard.”
He was as excited as Keshia when he spoke of the educational plans for the girls, but noted that one problem was bothering him. “We just need enough eyes to watch them when they are playing, because they play very rough!” he exclaimed. “But as long as they continue to be in good health we are fine.”