A milestone birthday, times six

STONY BROOK, N.Y. — In 1997, the six Boniello babies set a U.S. record for the longest sextuplet pregnancy: 29 weeks and one day. Each weighed barely 2 pounds.

A lot has changed in 10 years. The four sisters and two brothers are healthy, thriving fourth-graders.

On Thursday, they celebrated their March 24 birthday on the campus of Stony Brook University, where they have been promised full-ride college scholarships. The six were born at the school's University Hospital.

Six personalized cakes were presented to Trifon Robert, Olivia Fredericka, Sabrina Juliet, Gerard Martin, Sophia Betty and Stella Raquel.

"They've been blessed," said their mother, Beverly Boniello, 37.

Premature sextuplets such as the Boniellos can be at risk for developmental or neurological problems.

"The fact that these six children appear to be quite normal ... I think is really phenomenal," said Dr. Richard Fine, dean of the Stony Brook University Hospital School of Medicine. "Why this happened? I have no idea."

The kids are just like any others their age, their parents said, enjoying such activities as soccer, gymnastics and knitting.

Acting as spokesman for his siblings, Trifon stood on tiptoes at a podium to address the media. "My family and I are glad to be here, and thanks for the scholarships," he said.

When asked later what it's like to have so many siblings, he said: "It's tiring, because I don't know who to play with."