After welcoming octuplets back in 2009, Nadya Suleman became known worldwide as ‘ Octomom.’ Before giving birth to her eight babies who were the first surviving octuplets in history, Nadya was already a mom of six children.
Following the birth that caught the attention of millions, Nadya, who was unemployed at the time, faced financial challenges and sought various ways to support her large family. She embarked on unconventional ventures such as a nude photo shoot, a brief stint in the adult entertainment industry, participating in celebrity boxing matches, and attempting to trademark the nickname “Octomom” for commercial purposes.
Many questioned her motives and choices, but at the end of the day, everyone agreed that she did all in her power to provide for her big family.
As of 2013, Nadya decided to step away from the spotlight.
“There was definitely a catalyst — my girls, particularly my oldest daughter Amerah,” Suleman told People in 2016. “She was about 10, and she started integrating my traits and behaviors.”
She continued, “After I had observed my daughter beginning to emulate me, I saw her going down that same potentially destructive path, and I realized at that moment I’d rather be homeless in my van with all 14 kids than continuing down this path. It was not what I wanted for my children.”
This year, the octuplets, Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Josiah, and Makai, celebrated their 15th birthday and their super mom congratulated them with a throwback photo of the siblings celebrating their first birthday.
Nadya rarely shares photos of her kids, but she does posts updates every now and then.
When they started eight grade, the proud mom posted a photo of her octuplets and wrote, “Be proud of yourselves kids for being kind, respectful, and helpful to all your fellow peers, teachers, and staff,” stating that her teenagers “are exceptional role models to the 6th and 7th graders.”
She included a single red heart emoji and said, “I love you,” before ending her tweet with a “side note to critics.”
“Their older siblings did not want me to post a picture on their first day. I respect their choice, so should you,” she wrote.
Nadya had also commemorated her octuplets’ teen transition last year on Instagram with a tribute post.
“You are all growing into some of the most kind, humble, grateful and loving human beings I have ever known. Each of you possess rare and unique characteristics, and are unlike any other child of your age, particularly in our society today,” she wrote at the time.
She described her kids as “selfless, altruistic, nonmaterialistic, and loving, fearing, followers of God.” She added: “I have never seen children who love and want to serve others, (particularly those less fortunate), so boldly and confidently like each and every one of you do.”
“You are not followers of this shallow world, but of a God that created and loves you unconditionally. I do not know what I could possibly have done to deserve being blessed so bountifully,” she added. “I love you ❤️.”
Aren’t they a loving family?