When Theresa Troia celebrated her 36th birthday this spring, she revealed in a Facebook post that she was expecting quintuplets—a “deeply emotional, full-circle moment” for the nurse consultant from El Paso, Texas, who is herself a quadruplet.

On June 3, she delivered her babies—Kyla Rose, Joseph Anthony, Jaxon Thomas, Viviana Lily, and Isabella Gianna—via cesarean section at Las Palmas Medical Center. Born just over 28 weeks, the quintuplets required intensive neonatal care. Three are already thriving at home, and the remaining two are expected to follow soon.

A rainbow after loss

Troia calls her children her “five precious rainbow babies,” honoring the child she lost before this journey began. In her birthday post, she thanked that baby “for being the beginning of this miracle,” writing:

“Your short life changed everything and transformed my life in ways I can’t truly express. I carry all of you—in my body, in my heart and in my soul, forever intertwined.”

Her words echo the experiences of many in the Motherly community. Rainbow babies symbolize hope after heartbreak, a reminder that joy and grief can coexist in motherhood.

Related: Waiting for my rainbow baby isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it

A life surrounded by siblings

Troia understands sibling bonds in a unique way. As one of four children born together, she grew up with brothers who were always by her side. That foundation shaped her perspective on family and prepared her for raising multiples herself.

Now, her children will experience that same closeness from birth—five siblings, forever sharing milestones, struggles, and memories. 

Related: Big sister tries to help dress baby brother—what happens is pure two under two chaos

Carrying her mother’s legacy

Troia’s joy is tied to a sense of loss as well. Her mother’s passing a decade ago means she can’t share this milestone with her, but becoming a mother herself has created a new bond.

“My mom passed away 10 years ago, so I haven’t been able… I can’t talk to her about it,” she told ABC News. “Now, I get to see what it was for her, which I think is a beautiful thing.”

Related: What goes through my mind as I grieve the loss of my mom

A rare pregnancy

Troia conceived the quintuplets without fertility treatments. Her doctors said this is extremely unusual, and they emphasized how carefully the team prepared for delivery. Aside from some early bleeding, she avoided many of the complications often associated with high-risk pregnancies.

Her medical team ultimately made history with the first quintuplet delivery at Las Palmas Medical Center.

“An instant family”

As she told ABC News, “It’s surreal, scary at the same time, because it’s zero to five, immediate,” she said. “It’s an instant family, but it’s beautiful.”

Her story is a reminder that families often unfold in ways we could never plan—and that love has a way of multiplying, even through heartbreak.