On November 11, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt and Chris Pratt shared their joy on Instagram, announcing the birth of their new baby boy, Ford Fitzgerald Schwarzenegger Pratt.
“Mama and baby are doing well, and Ford’s siblings are thrilled by his arrival. We feel so blessed and grateful. Love, Katherine and Chris.”
This sweet addition joins big sisters Lyla Maria, 4, and Eloise Christina, 2, as well as Chris’s son, Jack, 11, from his previous marriage to Anna Faris. It’s clear that Ford’s arrival has only strengthened the bonds of their growing family.
A name rich in heritage and literary tribute
The name Ford Fitzgerald carries layers of meaning, blending family heritage with a nod to American literary history. The name Ford may serve as a subtle tribute to Katherine’s maternal lineage, connecting to the Kennedy family. Katherine’s mother, Maria Shriver, is part of this iconic family, and the middle name Fitzgerald honors her great-uncle, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
The name Fitzgerald also brings to mind the celebrated author F. Scott Fitzgerald, best known for his classic novel The Great Gatsby. By choosing a name rooted in both family history and timeless literature, Katherine and Chris have gifted their son a name with depth, significance, and a touch of classic elegance—fitting right into the growing trend of vintage-inspired baby names in 2024.
Choosing a name so steeped in heritage is just one way Katherine and Chris honor family values—a sentiment Katherine carries into her approach to motherhood.
The couple’s approach to family and parenthood
Schwarzenegger Pratt, a New York Times bestselling author of children’s books like Good Night, Sister and host of the BDA Podcast (Before, During, After Baby), has often spoken about the importance of community and leaning on loved ones. In a recent interview with People, she shared that she’s not interested in doing it all alone—a perspective that’s a breath of fresh air in today’s world of “supermom” expectations:
“I feel like on Instagram we see all these moms that are like, ‘I’m doing it all on my own,’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t want to do it all on my own.’ I want to lean on my sister, I want to lean on my mom, I want to lean on my girlfriends, my mom friends.”
For Katherine, being a mom isn’t about checking every box—it’s about being present, reaching out for help, and embracing the ups and downs of motherhood with an open heart. This philosophy is at the core of her BDA Baby podcast, where she explores the value of community in navigating the highs and lows of parenting.
This approach aligns closely with Chris’s views on parenting and partnership. In a heartfelt tribute to Katherine on Instagram last May, he acknowledged her efforts and the importance of working together to support their family.
“Witnessing you be a mom to Lyla and Eloise and a stepmom to Jack makes me fall more and more in love with you every day. The 24/7 job of scheduling, transporting, loving, nurturing, managing calendars, planning activities, the nutrition, the boundaries, the rules, the patience, the gentleness, the firmness, the wisdom, and grace. It’s truly a marvel.”
For both Katherine and Chris, parenting isn’t about doing everything alone; it’s about being present, supporting one another, and embracing the help of family and friends. This shared outlook strengthens their family and reinforces the sense of community they both prioritize as parents.
Family, faith, and gratitude
Katherine and Chris’s relationship has always been grounded in family values and faith. Since they first met in 2018—a match set up by Katherine’s mom, journalist Maria Shriver—they’ve shown us what it means to create a blended family filled with love, respect, and gratitude. From their blended family gatherings to the funny and relatable behind-the-scenes moments they share with fans, it’s clear that this couple is dedicated to keeping it real.
With the arrival of baby Ford, we can only imagine the new memories and adventures in store for the Schwarzenegger Pratt family. Congratulations to Katherine, Chris, and their growing family on this beautiful new chapter!
Janie Burch is a writer for all things news. She covers politics, health, business, parenting, and finance. She's also a proud dog mom to two rescue pups, a lover of all things chocolate, and always looking for new ways to improve her life.
