Retired NBA star Metta World Peace, born Ron Artest, and his spouse Maya Sandiford Artest are expecting their 1st child together.
The joyous news, authenticate by a representative to media, marks a new chapter for the duo who have been together for 12 years.
This upcoming bunch of joy will be Metta’s 5th child, joining his sons Ron III and Jeron, and daughters Sadie and Diamond.
“We have been together for 12 years now, so it’s been in the making for quite some time,” the duo, who are expecting a boy, told media. “But in reality, I was told by my OB that I may not be ovulating.”
Their journey to this pregnancy wasn’t straightforward.
“We expected it would take some time and may need to look into IVF, so it was definitely a surprise to discover out we were pregnant just a few months later. We consider ourselves very grateful!”
Maya suddenly shares that her pregnancy has been an emotional rollercoaster, with the 1st trimester being particularly challenging.
“The 1st trimester was an absolute nightmare. I was sick every day. I feel like women don’t talk enough about how brutal the 1st trimester can be, maybe in fear of appearing ungrateful,” Maya says. “But I’m here to say that all women, the first tri can be absolute s— and I think it’s okay to say that and talk about it.”
As she moved into her 2nd trimester, things became easier.
“Second trimester was a walk in the park compared to the first and now I am just getting into my third trimester and feeling large and not so comfortable. The back pain, heartburn, acid reflux and insomnia are no joke! I’ve heard it gets worse from here on out so wish me luck.”
Metta World Peace has been a pillar of support throughout Maya’s pregnancy.
“From cooking and bringing me food in bed, to holding my hair back when I was sick to putting up with pregnancy rage,” Maya says. “The pregnancy rage is something else!”