Identical Triplet Boys Born In Austin Brighten Pandemic Days

AUSTIN, TX — At every turn and week after week in time spans that, while brief, sometimes feel interminable, it seems there is nothing but bad news amid pandemic times. But one development coming from an Austin hospital — where identical triplet boys were just born — is nothing short of life-affirming and will likely melt your heart.

Devon Bernier welcomed identical triplet boys at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin during the coronavirus pandemic, hospital officials said on Wednesday. Just days after Austin officials issued a stay-at-home order in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic,Bernier and her husband welcomed their identical triplet boys into their family. Maverick, Colton and Jack Mullenix were born at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin on March 29.

Bernier and her husband married just a few years ago while they were both in their 40s, according to hospital officials. Soon after, doctors said, Bernier began in vitro fertilization using an egg donated by one of her sisters.

Devon and her husband, joyfully expecting their three bundles of joy. Photo courtesy of Ascension Seton Medical Center.

Soon, the hopeful parents received welcome news: During a visit with her doctor, Bernier and her husband received the news that “blew their minds,” officials said, dispatching all semblance of medical jargon to convey the reaction.

The doctor's report: There were three heart beats.

Nervous about the potential risks of being pregnant with multiples, but optimistic about the outcome, hospital officials said Bernier and her husband waited until the delivery to learn the sex of their three healthy boys. They describe the experience as a “small miracle," hospital officials said.

Devon takes a much-needed break while bonding with her newborn babies. Photo courtesy of Ascension Seton Medical Center.

While COVID-19 did affect their birthing experience some due to visitor policies and other safety measures in place at the hospital, Bernier told doctors the team of providers at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin made her feel like she was surrounded by friends. “Although I couldn’t see their faces, I felt very supported by the staff. They were warm and hands on,” she said. "I loved seeing my babies with them and knew they were taken care of.”

Maverick, Colton and Jack Mullenix, born at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin on March 29, bask in the sunshine — blissfully unaware of the challenges of living under a pandemic. Photo courtesy of Ascension Seton Medical Center.

From the darkness of pandemic, a story suffused with the light of hope — serving as reminder that life goes on, with brighter days filled with better news on the horizon for us all.