In a candid revelation, Josh Duhamel opened up about his initial reaction to learning that he and his wife, Audra Mari, were expecting their first child together. Despite having discussed the possibility of children, the news caught him off guard. “When Audra told me she was pregnant, I was like, ‘Whoa, I wasn’t ready!'” he admitted, expressing surprise at the prospect of returning to diaper duty after a decade. (yahoo.com)
The couple, who married in September 2022, welcomed their son, Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel, on January 11, 2024. They shared the joyful news on Instagram with a touching black-and-white photo of their newborn’s feet. (people.com, dl-online.com)
Duhamel also spoke about his 10-year-old son, Axl, from his previous marriage to singer Fergie. Initially, Axl had concerns about his place in the family, asking, “Am I still your firstborn? Will you still love me?” Duhamel reassured him, emphasizing that nothing would change their bond. (etonline.com)
Reflecting on his journey into fatherhood once more, Duhamel acknowledged the challenges of parenting at a later stage in life. “It’s different this time,” he noted. “I’m older. Slower. But maybe a little wiser.” He credited Audra for her unwavering support, recalling her words: “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up.” This perspective shift allowed him to embrace his role with renewed confidence.
Audra Mari, a former Miss World America, expressed her joy at becoming a mother. She described Shepherd as their “dream come true” and shared their aspirations for a larger family in the future.
The couple has since settled into a quieter life in the Minnesota woods, focusing on family and creating lasting memories. Duhamel emphasized the importance of this lifestyle, stating, “It’s not just about having all the amenities and all the luxuries that we become so used to. It’s really about family. It’s about legacy.”
Their journey highlights the evolving nature of family dynamics and the profound impact of embracing life’s unexpected turns with openness and love.
