Kayleigh McEnany’s Third Pregnancy: Mom Knew First, and Blake’s Name Suggestion Steals Hearts

Kayleigh McEnany, former White House Press Secretary and Outnumbered co-host on Fox News, announced on March 17, 2025, that she is expecting her third child with husband Sean Gilmartin, due in June 2025. The joyful reveal on Outnumbered was overshadowed by a surprising twist: McEnany shared the news with her mother, Leanne McEnany, before telling her husband, a departure from their usual dynamic. Adding to the emotional wave, their five-year-old daughter Blake’s heartwarming suggestion to name the baby “Love” has left the internet in tears. This article explores the announcement, the significance of McEnany’s mom knowing first, Blake’s viral moment, and the public’s response, weaving in fan reactions and the couple’s journey for a 1000-word analysis.

The Announcement: A Family Affair

McEnany, 36, teased a “big announcement” during the March 17 episode of Outnumbered, building suspense among co-hosts Harris Faulkner and Emily Compagno. Wearing a pink blazer—clarified as not a gender hint, paired with blue pumps and a blue pacifier on screen—she revealed, “Sean and I are expecting our third child, which we’re so excited about.” The baby, due in June 2025, joins daughter Blake, 5, and son Nash, 2. McEnany shared a framed sonogram, noting she keeps similar frames for her other children, and promised an on-air gender reveal. Quoting Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you,” and Luke 12:7, she emphasized her faith, joking, “Can I unbutton my jacket now? It’s very tight,” prompting laughter.

What made this announcement unique was McEnany’s revelation that she told her mother, Leanne, about the pregnancy before Sean. In a candid moment on Outnumbered, she shared, “I couldn’t wait to tell my mom. She was the first to know this time, which is special because she’s been my rock.” This marked a shift from her second pregnancy, when she told Sean first by placing two positive pregnancy tests on his desk, as detailed in Serenity in the Storm. The decision to confide in her mother first reflects their close bond, forged through McEnany’s health challenges, including her 2018 preventive double mastectomy due to a BRCA2 mutation.

Why Mom Knew First

McEnany’s choice to tell Leanne before Sean highlights their deep mother-daughter connection. Growing up in Tampa, Florida, McEnany has often credited her parents, Leanne and Mike, for her grounded upbringing. In her book, she described her mother’s support during her struggle to conceive Nash, noting Leanne’s prayers and encouragement. This time, McEnany shared the news with Leanne during a late-night phone call, saying on air, “Mom was over the moon. She’s been through every step of my journey, from my mastectomy to my pregnancies.” The decision wasn’t a slight against Gilmartin but a nod to Leanne’s role as a confidante, especially given McEnany’s history of fertility struggles. People reported that Leanne’s excitement mirrored Blake’s, with McEnany joking, “Mom and Blake are already planning the nursery!”

Gilmartin, 34, a retired MLB pitcher, took the news in stride. Appearing via video link on Outnumbered, he was visibly emotional, his eyes tearing up as he said, “I’m just so happy.” His reaction, described by Daily Mail as “speechless and adorable,” resonated with fans, despite not being the first to know. McEnany later clarified on X, “Sean was thrilled, even if Mom got the scoop first!” The moment underscored the couple’s strong partnership, built on mutual support since their 2015 meeting via X and 2017 wedding.

Blake’s Viral Name Suggestion

The announcement’s emotional peak came when McEnany shared Blake’s suggestion to name the baby “Love.” During a May 2025 Outnumbered segment, McEnany recounted, “Blake said, ‘We should call the baby Love because we’ll love her forever.’ She kisses my stomach and says, ‘I love you, Love.’” The purity of Blake’s suggestion, paired with her excitement as a big sister, sent social media into a frenzy. The US Sun reported fans were “in tears,” with X posts like @HeartfeltMoments’ “Blake’s ‘Love’ name is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard” and @FamilyVibes4’s “I’m sobbing over this adorable kid!” Some fans, like @BabyJoy22, urged McEnany to use “Love” as a middle name, amplifying the moment’s impact.

On May 28, 2025, McEnany revealed the baby’s gender on Outnumbered, joined by Gilmartin, Blake, and Nash. The children bit into cupcakes, revealing pink frosting to confirm a girl, named Avery Grace. Blake’s joyful shout, “It’s a girl!” and Nash’s shy clap were captured by Daily Mail, with McEnany holding up a pink dress, joking, “Sean and Nash are officially outnumbered.” Blake’s continued references to “Love” during the segment cemented her as the announcement’s star, with fans praising her tenderness.

The Couple’s Journey: Faith and Resilience

McEnany and Gilmartin’s story began in 2015 when McEnany, then a Harvard Law student, messaged Gilmartin on X after finding his profile. Their first date at Southern Hospitality in New York sparked a romance that led to their 2017 wedding. They welcomed Blake in November 2019 and Nash in December 2022, after fertility struggles detailed in McEnany’s book. Her 2018 mastectomy, due to a high breast cancer risk, complicated conception, making each pregnancy a “miracle,” as she told People. The third pregnancy, announced during the holidays, felt “special,” with Blake’s daily kisses to McEnany’s stomach adding joy.

Gilmartin, who retired from baseball in 2022 after playing for the Mets, Orioles, and Rays, has been a steadfast partner. His emotional reaction to the pregnancy news, despite not knowing first, showed his devotion. McEnany’s faith, evident in her Bible verse quotes, has guided their family, with The Express Tribune noting her emphasis on “God’s love” for all. The couple’s Tampa roots keep them close to Leanne and Mike, reinforcing family support.

Public Reaction: Tears and Celebration

Blake’s “Love” suggestion and Leanne knowing first sparked a wave of support on X. @FaithAndFamily3 posted, “Kayleigh telling her mom first is so sweet—moms are everything!” while @BabyBlessings2 wrote, “Blake’s ‘Love’ idea has me crying. What a beautiful family.” The gender reveal, with Blake and Nash’s cupcake moment, further fueled excitement, with The US Sun reporting fans’ love for the “adorable” family dynamic. Some speculated about a Ginny & Georgia parallel, with @TVFanatic88 tweeting, “Kayleigh’s pregnancy news feels like a Wellsbury plot! Blake’s ‘Love’ is pure Georgia Miller energy.” The hashtag #BabyLove trended briefly, reflecting the public’s emotional investment.

Addressing Misinformation

A false report from hot.newsonline.biz claimed McEnany named her unborn son “Zionel,” citing a Fox & Friends segment. The May 28 gender reveal debunked this, confirming a girl, Avery Grace. The rumor briefly confused fans, with X posts questioning the name before McEnany clarified. This highlights the importance of verifying sources, as the “Zionel” claim lacked credibility.

Looking Ahead: A Family of Five

Avery Grace was born on July 1, 2025, with McEnany announcing on X, “Sean and I are so in love with our new baby girl, Avery Grace! Blake and Nash love their baby sister.” The family’s joy, amplified by Blake’s “Love” suggestion and Leanne’s early involvement, has captivated fans. McEnany plans to return to Outnumbered after maternity leave, continuing to share updates. As the couple navigates parenthood, Blake’s heartwarming suggestion remains a viral highlight, with fans hoping “Love” inspires Avery’s nickname.