Just last week we collectively swooned over Gabrielle Union and her daughter, Kaavia, who starred with mom in the campaign for Kaavi James by Gabrielle Union, Union's new baby collection in collaboration with New York & Company.
And now, Union is opening up about her and Dwayne Wade's journey to having Kaavia.
The actress and designer spoke to Shondaland about her decision to pursue motherhood via surrogacy after having suffered multiple miscarriages. (Eventually, she was diagnosed with adenomyosis, a condition similar to endometriosis.)
Of her diagnosis, Union says, "I just froze. Everything was in slow motion." According to her doctor, surrogacy was her best option for having a child. At first, Union was hesitant, concerned that outsiders would judge her for not being a "real" mom. "Over time, and with therapy and communication with my husband, I made peace with getting over my fear. But that was a tough one to let go of," she admitted.
Her fears were further quelled when she met her surrogate, who initially didn't know whose baby she was carrying. "So when we met, she walked in and was like, 'Oh!' I didn’t know what that meant, and she was like, 'I have your book on hold at four different libraries.' In that first meeting, we talked about the books we love, the stacks of books we want to get through. Little Fires Everywhere, so many more. That, for me, was the sign." (Union notes that the two still communicate occasionally.)
After a healthy pregnancy and delivery, Union seems to be taking to motherhood like a fish to water. Announcing Kaavia's birth, Union wrote, “We are sleepless and delirious but so excited to share that our miracle baby arrived last night via surrogate and 11/7 will forever be etched in our hearts as the most loveliest of all the lovely days. Welcome the party sweet girl.”
A happy ending if we've ever seen one.
