World-renowned supermodel Gisele Bündchen is set to expand her family with her first child alongside boyfriend Joaquim Valente, according to multiple sources. This will be Bündchen’s third child, although it’s the first child she will share with Valente, whom she has been romantically linked to since late 2022.
Bündchen, 44, already has two children with her former husband, NFL legend Tom Brady: son Benjamin, 14, and daughter Vivian, 11. Additionally, she has taken on the role of a stepmother to Brady’s 16-year-old son, Jack, from his previous relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan. This new chapter comes as the latest development in Bündchen’s journey through motherhood, a journey she feels began with her experience raising Jack.
“I got to experience what it’s like to be a mom before I was even a mom—to be a bonus mom,” Bündchen shared during a candid interview with Robin Roberts on ABC News in March. “It showed me how my heart could expand in ways I never thought possible.”
Navigating Co-Parenting with Tom Brady
Bündchen’s role as a mother has been intertwined with her co-parenting arrangement with ex-husband Tom Brady, from whom she finalized her divorce in October 2022. While Bündchen and Brady have had their differences, they have remained dedicated to sharing parenting responsibilities, each spending valuable time with Benjamin and Vivian.
“Tom has his time with them, and I have my time,” Bündchen explained. “It’s really wonderful because it allows the kids to experience a richer and more diverse upbringing.”
Reflecting on the co-parenting experience, Bündchen noted the benefits her children receive from learning within two different environments. “They get to experience and learn from two different worlds,” she added. “That’s wonderful for them.”
Joaquim Valente: From Instructor to Father Figure
Gisele and Joaquim Valente’s relationship initially began with a professional connection—Valente served as Bündchen’s jiu-jitsu instructor before they developed a romantic bond. Since then, he has gradually become involved in her family life, including memorable moments with her children. In September, Bündchen shared a heartwarming photo on Instagram of Valente paddleboarding with her son Benjamin, showcasing the warm bond he has built with her family. She captioned the snapshot, “Best of summer!” highlighting the joy of their shared memories.
Bündchen’s Reflections on Her Parenting Philosophy
The foundation of Bündchen’s parenting approach is rooted in the values instilled in her own upbringing. Her personal mantra, “You are where you come from,” reflects the influence of her Brazilian heritage and family traditions, which have guided her throughout her life. Bündchen credits these values with shaping her resilience and providing a moral compass that has kept her grounded.
“All those things I learned as a kid are things that stay with me,” Bündchen shared. “My value system is what kept me safe and shaped the way I am as a mother.”
As her children grow and become more independent, Bündchen acknowledges that parenting has taken on a new form. In December 2023, she celebrated Benjamin’s birthday with a heartfelt message, marveling at how her “baby” was now as tall as she was. “One day, your baby will stand as tall as you, and you won’t be ready for it,” she reflected in her tribute to him.
Guiding Her Children with Lifelong Wisdom
As her children navigate their teenage years, Bündchen is dedicated to providing them with meaningful guidance. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she shared advice she’s often passed down to Benjamin and Vivian, encouraging them to approach their lives with responsibility and care. “The way you make your room, the way you organize and make your bed—that’s the way you’ll live your life,” she advised.
Bündchen also encourages her children to focus on their personal growth and make the most of each moment. One question she frequently poses to them is, “‘If you’re not learning here and now, then when and with who?’” This perspective, she believes, helps her children stay grounded and motivated as they grow.
Looking Ahead to the New Addition
With a new baby on the way, Gisele Bündchen stands at the threshold of another transformative period in her life. This anticipated addition signifies a fresh beginning with Valente, while also introducing a new dynamic to the family she has lovingly built with Brady. As Bündchen prepares for her growing family, she remains committed to fostering the same values and love that have guided her thus far.
From her experience as a stepmother to Jack to her role as a co-parent with Brady and now, soon, as a mother with Valente, Bündchen’s journey is one that embodies resilience, adaptability, and dedication. Each phase of her life has brought new challenges and joys, and her latest chapter, she hopes, will bring a deeper sense of family unity and fulfillment.
This next step for Bündchen as a mother, partner, and role model promises to be another heartfelt chapter in her evolving story.
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