The Affleck family is blossoming! Jennifer Affleck, the star of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," has announced her pregnancy, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her third child with her husband, Zac Affleck. In an exclusive revelation to PEOPLE, the soon-to-be mother of three disclosed that the newest addition to their family was a delightful surprise for both Mom and Dad. "My period was a couple of days overdue, and although it was unexpected, we both sensed that another bundle of joy was on its way," she shared. "Our hearts raced with excitement amidst a whirlwind of emotions following a tumultuous year!"
Their latest blessing will join their 19-month-old son Lucas and 3-year-old daughter Nora, who were "over the moon" with the news of a new sibling in the family. "Nora has been yearning for a little sister, and I can see how much she longs for a girl!" Jennifer revealed, adding that she and Zac have decided to keep the baby's gender a secret until its birth. "I have a gut feeling it's a girl," the reality TV star confessed. "I've had dreams about this little princess for quite some time, and I deeply believe she's the one growing inside me."
Jennifer described her pregnancy journey thus far as "quite an adventure," especially as she navigates the heightened public interest in her life following the successful debut of the first season of the Hulu series. "The first trimester was incredibly demanding, both mentally and physically; I endured all the symptoms—nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and mood swings. It was undoubtedly a chaotic time," she shared.
"I thought handling two kids back-to-back was demanding, but this pregnancy has elevated the challenge to new heights. Balancing work stress, motherhood, and the hurdles of pregnancy has been overwhelming. Furthermore, I had intense cravings and aversions—all I desired was Vietnamese noodle soup and salted limes!"
When "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" premiered on Hulu in September, Jennifer and Zac became the talk of Salt Lake City and beyond. As fans observed their marital dynamics and drew their conclusions, the couple faced relentless questioning and significant backlash.
"Season 1 exacted a heavy toll, not merely on my marriage but deeply into the realms of my mental well-being," Jennifer confides to PEOPLE. "There were days so dark they seemed to swallow the light. Our story holds layers that many fail to grasp." She further elaborates, "While I refrain from disclosing all the intricacies online, preserving the privacy of our journey has been paramount for our bond and mental health, until the time we are ready to unfurl it to the world."
The couple gears up to unveil more facets of their narrative in the show's sophomore season, premiering on Hulu this May. "Filming is an emotionally exacting endeavor, and coupling pregnancy with the myriad challenges I confronted last season posed a monumental hurdle," she admits. "Navigating the backlash from season 1 and entering season 2 with a heavy heart, this pregnancy has undeniably been the most arduous."
"Pregnancy, inherently, is a formidable test, both mentally and physically. With all the plates I was spinning, there's no questioning that this has been my most challenging pregnancy to date," she continues. "Yet, these moments, intertwined with carrying this new life, have illuminated what truly matters. I've discovered that help and resources are accessible when sought. This journey has profoundly transformed me, molding me into the person, mother, and friend I aspire to embody."
Amidst the trials, there lies a special silver lining to her pregnancy—sharing this journey with one of her closest confidants. "My sister, too, has recently learned of her pregnancy after years of struggling with IVF. Embarking on this path together fills us with boundless excitement," she beams. "Our parents, overjoyed at the news, relish the thought of becoming grandparents once more. This was the perfect, heartwarming surprise for them."
Jennifer, who grew up amidst a bustling household where her parents fostered children alongside raising their three biological offspring, welcomes her third child as a step closer to realizing her childhood dream of a large family. "Having been nurtured amidst a brood of foster siblings, I've always envisioned a vast family. Witnessing this dream unfold is thrilling and fulfilling. The prospect of nurturing three babies amidst my career can be daunting, but I yearn to inspire women and mothers that they can conquer any horizon they set their hearts upon, no matter how improbable it may seem," she declares.
As the family braces for season 2 of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' and the impending arrival of their bundle of joy, Jennifer harbors hope that she will rise to the occasion, wherever it may lead. Presently, her focus is on preparing for her baby's birth—physically, mentally, and emotionally. "I pray for a joyous and healthy delivery. I aspire for an unmedicated, natural birth, something I've been meticulously preparing for. Never did I foresee taking this route, but I wish to prove to myself the strength I possess and the capabilities of my body," she shares.
Throughout this journey, gratitude and excitement are her steadfast companions. "I couldn't have traversed this chapter of life without the unwavering support of my family, my therapist, and God!"
