Identical triplets born at Texas Children's Hospital

HOUSTON – A rare occurrence at Texas Children's Hospital is generating a lot of buzz around the medical center. A set of identical triplets was recently born, and Channel 2 was invited inside the NICU for the story.

The Stokes triplets were born right after the 4th of July. Brooklyn, Harper and Kennedy are perking up in time for Halloween.

"Brooklyn was very, very sick when she was born," mother Monica Stokes said.

They've come a long way from being born at just 27 weeks.

"Brooklyn was 1 pound 10 ounces and Harper and Kennedy were 2 pounds," she said.

Dr. Georgiadis, a neonatologist at Texas Children's Hospital, tells us spontaneous triplets are becoming increasingly popular with more parents choosing fertility treatments.

Triplets make up about one in every 1,000 births. Identical triplets confirmed by DNA are even rarer, one in every 1-2 million births.

The Stokes babies were confirmed by DNA to be that unique. They were conceived without fertility drugs and proven to be identical, impressing mom and dad for multiple reasons.

"They've overcome a lot," Stokes said. "It definitely was a roller-coaster ride, but I'd like to say we're in the clear."

They're in the clear of major medical issues, but not ready to go home until they're feeding on their own. Home is a different obstacle.

"I'm very type-A, so it will be mass chaos, so it will be a learning experience for all of us," Stokes said. "My grandmother will be with me Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and my mother and stepfather will probably be moving in with us."

Dad, David Stokes, joked that he's going on vacation.

There is another family of triplets at Texas Children's Hospital, although it has not been confirmed yet if they are identical.