'Octomom' Nadya Suleman continues tradition with octuplets' back-to-school photo
It's back to school for the Suleman octuplets!
Nadya Suleman, also known as "Octomom," shared a photo of the eight siblings this week as they gathered to mark the start of a new school year, continuing an annual tradition they've kept up on social media.
"First day of 8th grade. Be proud of yourselves kids for being kind, respectful, and helpful to all your fellow peers, teachers and staff. You are exceptional role models to the 6th and 7th graders. I love you," Suleman wrote in the caption of an Instagram post.
"Side note to critics: their older siblings did not want me to post a picture on their first day. I respect their choice, so should you," the mom of 14 added.
The 47-year-old, who also goes by Natalie Suleman, often shares photos of her large family and fans have been able to follow along as the children grew up. The older siblings Suleman referred to include Elijah, 21; Amerah, 20; Joshua, who turns 19 this month; Aidan, 17; and twins Calyssa and Caleb, 15.
Nariyah, Isaiah, Maliyah, Jeremiah, Noah, Josiah, Jonah and Makai all turned 13 this year. The kids were born Jan. 26, 2009, after Suleman underwent in vitro fertilization and were the subject of a documentary, titled "OctoMom: The Incredible Unseen Footage," released that same year. They've been under the public spotlight ever since.
Suleman has said she feels "honored" to be the kids' mother and shared a birthday tribute to her octuplets on Instagram eight months ago, writing in part, "You are all growing into some of the most kind, humble, grateful and loving human beings I have ever known. Each of you possess rare and unique characteristics, and are unlike any other child of your age, particularly in our society today."
