Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, 41, became a mother of multiples when fraternal twins Jaid Thomas (l) and Jax Joseph (r) arrived on October 18th. The picture of grace throughout her pregnancy, Garcelle, in actuality, was quite nervous -- and with good reason. Opening up about her 5-year fertility struggle for the first time, Garcelle reveals that she and husband Mike Nilon suffered through a heartbreaking three miscarriages and a failed in-vitro fertilization treatment before achieving success with the second attempt.
It's hard in every single way: emotionally, physically. Luckily, we grew stronger as a couple.
The pregnancy was not without its issues -- Garcelle ended up delivering the boys by c-section at 34 weeks gestation. The positive side of that, she jokes, has to do with baby weight -- she gained 50 lbs and has 10 more to shed.
I was more than happy to have them out early.
The boys, now 11 weeks old, are developing their own personalities, each reflective of their parents.
Jax is just like me, loud. Jaid is more like Mike, laid back.
Although she's an admitted shopaholic -- check out her favorite baby products here -- Garcelle says that she's been blown away by the gifts showered on Jax and Jaid.
They have cashmere sweaters, Uggs, Hermès shoes...You should see their closet -- they have more clothes than me! They'd have to change five times a day to wear all they have!
That's not to say mom won't be adding to that collection -- the boys' first trip out of the house other than to the pediatrician's was a stop at Barney's.
Mike said, 'I can't believe you took them to Barney's!' So he took them to Home Depot to balance it out.
Source: People, January 21st issue, p. 89
Thanks to CBB reader Sarah for the scan.
Jax wears Janie and Jack's
Hand-Embroidered stripe sweater one-piece ($18).
Your Comments
Oh they are so cute! She's so lucky. :D
Wow, those are some gorgeous infants. Too early to tell who they resemble (although for some odd reason I could immediately tell they were not identical!)
I'm happy that Garcelle and her husband finally received their little blessings.
HA! She gained only 10lbs more than I did and I had a single baby. No wonder she looked so fierce throughout her pregnancy. I can't believe she lost most of it already. Those babies are so cute too.
I really appreciate her honesty concerning her fertility struggles. The babies are so cute!
Wow, I didn't know it'd been that tough for her conceiving. That honesty of hers is something, but she got two beautiful little boys after all that hardship!
I think Jaid has some of his dad's features. I don't know why, but I look at him and think of Mike. :) Can't really say who Jax takes after. :)
Oh, they're soo adorable! Makes me want another one... almost. :)
I'm so glad that after all the obstacles she finally has her babies.
Carolyn
I love her comment that Mike had to take the boys to Home Depot to balance out the trip to Barney's. That is hilarious and so like a man. ;)
Beautiful babies!
I appreciate her being open about her fertility struggles. Every story that comes out helps other women going through the same things.
The boys are just delicious, and I cracked up at the Barneys/Home Depot story too!
Yay! We finally get to see them and boy are they cute.
Thank you so very much for sharing your infertility story. Infertility is not something discussed in the African American community. I only wish more couples would be open. I have a beautiful daughter and 3 angels in heaven. It is not a curse but my testimony to share with other couples. God Bless You! Spoil them rotten :)
OMG!!! Thoses are some cutie little babies
God bless you and your handsome babies.