The reality star couple Kristen Doute and Luke Broderick, stars of the popular series The Valley, are getting ready to embrace the incredible journey of parenthood. Kristen and Luke, who have garnered attention both for their on-screen appearances and personal lives, have announced the gender of their first child, and it’s a moment that fans can’t get enough of. Through a creative and heartwarming reveal, they shared that they are expecting a baby girl, much to their joy and surprise.
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A Surprising and Sweet Gender Reveal
Kristen and Luke had always made it clear that they weren’t interested in having a huge, extravagant gender reveal party. Yet, despite this, they did want the gender of their baby to be revealed in a meaningful way, one that felt personal and intimate. Kristen, who has maintained close friendships with several of her The Valley co-stars, turned to her best friend Brittany Cartwright for the special moment. Brittany, along with their shared OB, played a pivotal role in organizing the surprise. And with a little help from fellow co-star Zack Wickham, the news was finally ready to be revealed.
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“It was so special,” Kristen shared with US Weekly. “Brittany and Zack kept the secret for almost a week before we got to see the big surprise. It was such a lovely, intimate moment.” The reveal, which took place in a cozy setting surrounded by close friends and family, was filled with excitement and joy. To mark the occasion, Brittany and Zack had prepared a large bag filled with pink balloons, which were kept hidden until the big moment.
“When we pulled the tie on the bag, the pink balloons floated out, and it was in that moment we saw that we were having a girl,” Kristen explained. The reveal didn’t stop there – to make it even more dramatic, they used pink smoke cannons to add a burst of color to the occasion, making it a memorable and emotional moment for everyone involved.
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Also present were Kristen’s The Valley co-stars, Nia and Danny Booko, as well as Tom Schwartz, a longtime friend of the couple. Additionally, Kristen and Luke included their extended friends and family by setting up a private Zoom link so that those who couldn’t be there in person could still join in on the celebration.
A Personal Journey to Parenthood
The journey to parenthood for Kristen and Luke has been one marked by both anticipation and challenges. Prior to their pregnancy, Kristen and Luke were unsure about the timing, and the process was not as straightforward as they had imagined. Kristen, 41, had previously voiced her concerns about conceiving at her age, as anything after 35 is often labeled as a “geriatric pregnancy” – a term that many deem to be outdated and unfair.
Despite her initial concerns, Kristen and Luke remained hopeful. After consulting with her doctor, they began by trying a more natural route first, with the hopes of conceiving without invasive medical procedures. Kristen’s doctor suggested trying intrauterine insemination (IUI) before taking more extreme steps, which is a less invasive process than IVF (in vitro fertilization). The couple ultimately found success with IUI, which led them to the exciting news they had been waiting for.
Their pregnancy wasn’t without hardship, though. Before conceiving their rainbow baby – a term used for a baby born after a miscarriage – Kristen and Luke tragically experienced the heartbreak of losing a pregnancy. This loss weighed heavily on them, but they kept faith that they would one day be parents. Now, as they prepare to welcome their baby girl, they reflect on the journey that led them here, feeling grateful and overjoyed.
“Relief, joy, and excitement are just a few of the emotions we’ve been feeling since we found out,” Kristen shared. “When I told Luke the news, he was ecstatic and couldn’t be happier. It’s just been such a rollercoaster, but we are so ready for this next chapter.” The couple’s due date is set for June, and they are counting down the days until they get to meet their little girl.
A Big Change for Luke: ‘Made to Be a Girl Dad’
Though the gender reveal was a delightful surprise for both Kristen and Luke, it’s clear that the journey to parenthood has already been a transformative experience for them. Kristen shared that Luke had initially thought they were going to have a boy but changed his mind just before the reveal. However, the moment the balloons were released, it became clear that he was thrilled to be having a girl.
“Luke always thought we were having a boy,” Kristen said with a smile. “But the day of the reveal, he changed his mind. When we found out we were having a girl, he couldn’t have been happier. I think he was made to be a girl dad.” The couple’s love for each other and their growing family is palpable, and it’s clear they can’t wait to meet their baby girl.
The couple has also been preparing for the arrival of their baby in other ways. While they had settled on a name “a while ago,” Kristen has been carefully considering the nursery design. “We wanted a neutral theme with pops of color and a cozy, boho feel,” Kristen explained. Although she hasn’t fully decided on all the details, the nursery will reflect their personal style and their excitement for their daughter’s arrival.
Looking Ahead: Family First, Then Marriage
While many couples may prioritize their wedding before having children, Kristen and Luke’s priorities are slightly different. When Luke proposed to Kristen in September, after two years of dating, they made it clear that they would not be planning a wedding until after they had started their family. “We are on the baby train,” Kristen laughed, emphasizing that their focus was on expanding their family first and foremost.
This approach reflects their shared values and long-term vision for their life together. Kristen and Luke are excited about becoming parents and starting this new chapter of their lives. They are confident that marriage will come in time, but for now, their attention is squarely on their baby and the future they are building as a family.
A Magical Moment for Kristen and Luke
As Kristen and Luke prepare for the arrival of their baby girl, the couple continues to reflect on the highs and lows of their journey to parenthood. Kristen’s experience has been a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams. From struggling with concerns about age and fertility to experiencing the heartbreak of miscarriage, Kristen and Luke have navigated the challenges of becoming parents with love and patience.
Now, as they look ahead to the future, they can’t help but feel incredibly blessed to soon be holding their little girl. “We’re just so excited,” Kristen said. “We can’t wait to meet her and start this new chapter in our lives. It’s going to be amazing.”
Fans of The Valley and the couple’s journey to parenthood can follow along as they prepare to expand their family. The first season of The Valley is currently streaming on Peacock, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the beloved cast. As Kristen and Luke’s story continues to unfold, one thing is for certain: the next chapter will be nothing short of exciting, and the best is yet to come.
