Gardnerville quads arrive

Four new residents of Gardnerville arrived on Sunday when 24-year-old Darah Shatswell gave birth to quadruplets.

According to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, the quads " identical twin girls Rory and Kaylee and fraternal twins Myleigh and Joseph Jr. " and their mother are all in good condition.

"The patients are conscious and comfortable. Indicators are favorable," the medical center said in a statement.

Spokesman Don Butterfield said the family was declining requests for photographs and interviews and requested privacy for the first few days.

The babies were born while Darah's husband, Spec. Joe Shatwell, 22, was on leave from Afghanistan. He is scheduled to return to duty at the end of the month.

Shatswell marked her 30th week of pregnancy on Oct. 21.

The Shatswells, stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, relocated to Gardnerville over the summer after they discovered multiples were on the way. At first, they thought it was triplets, but a fourth baby was discovered in July.

The quadruplets were conceived without fertility drugs.

Since the impending birth of the quadruplets became news earlier this month, people have stepped up to help the family who will live at Fredline's home while Shatswell is overseas.

Several residents have dropped by The Record-Courier with disposable diapers and baby wipes.

Amanda Dobbs, owner of Mommie and Me consignment shop in Gardnerville, donated a $100 gift certificate, and offered the Shatswells anything she had in the store.

Others have made donations to a savings account set up for the family at U. S. Bank.

Quilters and knitters in Carson City made quilts and blankets for each of the babies and Zowie.

And the Douglas County Sheriff's Office donated four car seats specially sized for tiny babies, with the promise of more.

Radio station K-Bull 98.1FM collected $3,000 in money and gifts on Oct. 22.