These Calgary triplets are accustomed to doing everything together ... including generating grandchildren for their mom, Jean Cousins, second from left. The mom and her siblings were featured 30 years ago in The Albertan, which later became the Calgary Sun. From left, Doug, Heather and James are all expecting their third children this year. (Darren Makowichuk, QMI Agency)

CALGARY - The Number 3 is deeply entwined with a family of Calgary triplets, born 30 years ago -- who are all expecting their third child this year.

This fall, Gord and Jean Cousins will welcome three more grandkids from the trio born on April 15, 1980.

"The triplets will triple this year," said Gord, proud dad and grandpa. Sons Doug and James and daughter Heather are all expecting their third child.

Grandma Jean said it's just a happy coincidence and none of her kids planned it.

"I can't believe I'm going to be a grandma with nine grandchildren and the oldest one is only five years old," she said. "It's going to be bizarre," said Jean, who gave birth to the triplets seven years after her first son Jason was born.

Heather, married to Aaron Freund, said she and her brothers have a special bond.

"We shared everything, birthdays, graduation, weddings ... we don't know what it's like to do things separately," said the mom due in August.

Kelly, married to Doug, said people think it's a crazy coincidence. "My mother-in-law is going to have nine grandchildren at Christmas," said the expectant mom.

Becky, married to James, said her husband and his siblings are all close.

"We're around the same age, we all got married within a couple years of each other and we all got kids at the same time," said Becky, expecting her third child in August.

The triplets were featured in the April 17, 1980, issue of The Calgary Albertan, which on Aug. 3, 1980, became the Calgary Sun.

renato.gandia@sunmedia.ca