Doctor: Sextuplets thriving since birth

DADE CITY, Fla., Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The sextuplets born to a Florida couple have "accomplished a lot" since being born a year ago, their doctor says.

Dr. Frank Demery of the Internal Medicine and Pediatrics of Tampa Bay medical group said Brady, Eli, Ryan, Jackson, Charlie and MacKenzie Byler celebrated their first birthdays Sunday and all appear to be in good health, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times reported.

Demery said while most babies from multiple births tend to have numerous health issues during their first year of life, Karoline and Ben Byler of Wesley Chapel have minimized their children's problems to date.

"As sextuplets, they're expected to have a lot of problems, but the Bylers have accomplished a lot in their first year," Demery said. "They are growing and gaining weight."

The family faces an uncertain future, however, as the gifts they received from companies and media groups expired when the children's first birthday.

The Times said the family, which also includes a sister who was four at the time of her siblings' birth, had been awarded free diapers, free formula, complimentary dinners and baby food vouchers following the rare births.