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Mother’s Day Times 5: Tate Juniors Were Florida’s First Quintuplets
May 13, 2012
Mona Baker went from no children to mother of five in about 90 seconds back in 1995. Now, on this Mother’s Day, she’s still facing the trials and the joys of being the mom of Florida’s first surviving quintuplets.
“It’s expensive,” was Baker’s first answer about being what it’s like being the mother of quintuplets. It’s also very time consuming. Our interview was scheduled at her first free time of the day — 10:30 p.m., just before she headed out from the family home near Cantonment to Walmart for a late night grocery run.
Marcus, Ian, Elizabeth, Tristan and Evan Baker were born January 30, 1995, about 10 weeks premature, at Sacred Heart Hospital. The first few weeks of life were rough for some of the quints, including Elizabeth, born at 1 pound, 12 ounces. She was the last to leave the hospital nearly six months later.
Now, the five are juniors at Tate High School, where they all just recently attended their prom. Prom costs times five — there was that expensive comment again. The five kids did raise about half the money needed for prom doing odd jobs like babysitting and yard work.
The early years were filled with all the usual expenses and parenting jobs like diapers, multiplied by five.
“But the challenges now are more intellectual, where they used to be more physical,” Baker, a single mom for the past 11 years, said. “They are at five different stages of learning.”
There’s homework most nights from five different math books and five different math courses, ranging from integrated math to calculus. There’s homework from five different courses, and the challenges of making sure each has ample driving practice time behind the wheel.
The five get along remarkably well, Baker said. And the four brothers are protective of their sister.
“Elizabeth says she is so special that God sent her four bodyguards and four servants to take care of her,” she said. “But seriously, they are all very loving, very affectionate children.”
Baker said she owes a lot of their church, Lathram Chapel in Barrineau Park. “They have really done a lot for us over the years.”
On this Mother’s Day, Baker said she is proud to be the mother of one of just few sets of quintuplets in the entire state.
She’s also facing a senior year, and the realization that her five children could fly away from the nest next year after graduating Tate. But she anticipates that she won’t be alone, with at least a couple of the children considering local college options.
Despite the challenges, Baker said she would have changed only one thing about having quintuplets — she would have wanted them all born on time and without the health problems associated with being weeks premature.
Other than that, she’s a proud mom of five.
“I’ve never known anything different,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Pictured top: All dressed up for the recent Tate High School prom are the Baker Quints — (L-R) Marcus Baker, Ian Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Tristan Baker and Evan Baker. Pictured top inset: Mom Mona Baket with the quints. Pictured bottom inset: The Bakers were the first surviving quintuplets in Florida. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
16 Responses to “Mother’s Day Times 5: Tate Juniors Were Florida’s First Quintuplets”
My daughter was born and taken there on January 24,1995. When the quints were born my daughter Heather shared the NICU with them for 3 months. Her name is Heather Davis. She was 1lb 8 ounces when she was born. Would love for her to meet them one day. Sacred Heart is the best hospital and I thank them for all their care. So good to see this on here. Thank you!!
I was in the hospital with Mona for the entire time that she was there. We had the same doctors. Glad that all is well.
I have had the priviledge to be a substitute teacher in some of Tristan’s and Elizabeth’s classes many times at Tate High School; they both are talented, happy, and always so respectful, they add joy to a teacher’s day!!! Tristen and Elizabeth love to sing, we have a wonderful time when I substitute in their music classes. I have seen the others boys around campus and they are always smiling and polite. We are blessed to have such a beautiful family of great kids in our school and community. Happy Mother’s Day Ms. Baker!
What a nice story. Sacred Heart hospital, a job well done. And a lovely, sweet baby pic.
Elizabeth is such a doll! I love having her in class. I have not had the pleasure of teaching the brothers, but I am sure, they are as sweet as she is!
Her 5th period class all love her!!!! What a treasure she is!!!
What a nice story about a REALLY nice family and an absolutely wonderful Mom!
Such a moving story. Children. Congrats on having people say great things about you & your family. Remember that your demeanor & positive attitude will take u far in life. Happy Mothers Day!
Ms. Mona has some great children here! Love them to pieces. Happy Mothers Day!
I’ve known these guys for about 2 years now and they are all just awesome! Elizabeth is especially my favorite cuz she is such a sweetheart! Love u guys and Happy Mother’s Day Mrs. Mona!
These are the sweetest kids and so respecful.
They have visited our church on special accaisions and you couldn’t ask for more well behaved children.
They a truly a gift from God.
I too remember when Mona had the quintss!I am glad your family has overcome the early health problems.It is great to see you and know you are still in the area!
Wow its nice the Baker quints…. Happy Mothers day Mona !!
The Cantonment Quints!! Wow, I remember when they were born. What a beautiful and handsome bunch they turned out to be. Happy Mother’s Day to you Mrs. Baker!!
Beautiful family!
Happy Mothers day to her! I have one daughter and I thought I was a busy parent!
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!