SEPTUPLETS: IT'S A MIRACLE

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Even after the septuplets go home, they won't be out of danger. As preemies, and especially as multiple preemies, they'll continue to run a higher risk of developmental problems. Shaw explains that the parents will be encouraged to put the babies through screenings at four months, nine months, 18 months and 30 months to assess their motor and cognitive development. Ideally, every stage--from when they sit up to when they crawl, walk and talk--should be scrutinized by experts. It may be years before their full physical and mental potential is known for sure.

As the McCaugheys negotiate the trials of parenthood, now increased sevenfold, they're determined not to let public attention get any further out of hand. They have been approached about doing a book or a movie based on their story, but they're moving carefully. "The big fear," said Kenny, "is that this could turn into a big show. This is my family...and we're not on for display."

Fertility experts are worried that all the attention being paid to the birth of seven healthy septuplets against monumental odds will convince others that such births are safer and less tragic than they so often turn out to be. Nevertheless, while she never set out to have septuplets, Bobbi has no doubt that she did the right thing.

"They're my children," she said on Friday, "and I wanted them."

--Reported by Wendy Cole/Des Moines, Kevin Fedarko/Carlisle and James L. Graff/Chicago