World’s only nonuplets turned four, and their parents are sharing rare look at their family life

The first surviving nonuplets in the world just celebrated their fourth birthday, and their parents marked the moment with a touching tribute to the journey that made global headlines in 2021.

Halima Cissé and Abdelkader Arby from Mali welcomed nine babies—five girls and four boys—on May 4, 2021, in Morocco.

Four years later, the children are happy, healthy, and thriving.

Their birthday was more than just a party; it was an emotional family celebration highlighting resilience, hope, and love.

Welcoming the world’s first surviving nonuplets

Born at just 30 weeks via cesarean section, the babies each weighed between 1.1 and 2.2 pounds.

The delivery occurred at a specialized clinic in Casablanca, where a team of 32 medical professionals worked together to ensure a safe arrival for all nine children.

The babies—named Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama, Oumou, Mohammed VI, Oumar, Elhadji, and Bah—quickly captured the world’s attention.

With their birth, they became the Guinness World Record nonuplets, officially recognized as the most children delivered at a single birth to survive.

After spending 19 months under medical care in Morocco, the family returned to Mali, where they were welcomed with love and support.

“A miracle of life, incredible strength, immense love. We are filled with gratitude for how far we have come and for all the support we have received since the very beginning,” the couple shared in a recent social media post, translated by Guinness World Records.

An emotional family celebration to mark their fourth year

The nonuplets turning four this year were a meaningful occasion for the family.

Their parents celebrated by sharing rare photos of the children through the years on their Instagram—from tiny newborns in incubators to confident, smiling four-year-olds dressed in matching outfits.

The post was not just a birthday tribute, but a reminder of the long road they’ve traveled together.

The images captured the siblings playing, laughing, and proudly holding up their Guinness World Records certificate, symbolizing their unique historical place.

Their older sister, six-year-old Souda, wasn’t featured in the photos but remains a beloved part of the family.

Growing up in the spotlight

Raising nine toddlers isn’t easy, but Halima and Abdelkader have embraced the challenges with love and determination.

“It’s not easy to put them to sleep all together,” Halima shared to PEOPLE. “We cuddle them so they can sleep. They really like cuddles to sleep.”

Over the past four years, the children have developed their own personalities. One of the boys is even known for making a grumpy face in every photo, bringing a smile to anyone who sees it.

The parents say their home is always busy, but filled with laughter, learning, and love.

Pride in being the first surviving nonuplets

Being the Guinness World Record nonuplets for the Arby family comes with a sense of pride and purpose.

Since their story spread worldwide, they’ve carried it with humility and strength.

“We are proud, it’s something exceptional. The family is known worldwide, it’s a great thing,” Abdelkader said.

Today, the nonuplets turning four is more than a birthday—a celebration of survival, faith, and the support of two nations.

The Moroccan and Malian governments supported the family’s journey, from medical care to housing and travel assistance.

This year’s celebration was also an emotional family celebration for the local community, who continue to stand behind the family that made history.

The story of the first surviving nonuplets is one of the most remarkable in modern medical history.

It’s also a powerful example of what can happen when love, science, and community come together for the sake of life.

As the children grow, their parents remain grateful—and hopeful—for the future ahead.

Watch the quick video of the first surviving nonuplets from Guinness World Records below: