A New Chapter in Love and Parenthood
Kerry and Johnny Balbuziente have captured the hearts of Australians since they found love on Married At First Sight. Their relationship has continued to blossom beyond the camera, and now, as first-time parents, they are navigating the challenges and joys of raising their daughter, Chloe.
In January 2023, the couple tied the knot in a real wedding, and by June 2024, they welcomed Chloe, who is now two years old. As they adjust to life with a newborn, they have also taken on new roles as ambassadors for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Speaking exclusively about their experiences, they shared insights into how their lives have changed since becoming parents.
The Challenges of Parenting
One of the most significant changes for the couple has been the loss of traditional date nights. “Date nights become like impossible,” Johnny joked. “We keep trying to do it. The other night, we went out for dinner at a local restaurant, and Chloe gets up on her high chair, somehow wiggles her way out, opens her arms out to the whole restaurant and just screams in front of like 50 people.”
“It feels like we’re wrangling like herds or like horses, but like it’s just one little miniature human,” he added. Despite the chaos, the couple emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of humor. “We have to go in there with a sense of humour, I think,” Kerry said.
Changing Perspectives on Parenting
The couple also revealed that their initial expectations about parenting were quickly challenged once Chloe was born. “We were like, ‘we’re not going to let it change our lives, we’re still going to get out and do stuff,’” Kerry admitted. “And we do, but the nice thing is, it’s the new stuff that you get to do with a kid.”
Before having Chloe, they didn’t imagine themselves visiting playgrounds or going to the beach. Now, these activities have become a regular part of their lives. “Like we wouldn’t go to the playgrounds, we wouldn’t go to the beach, we wouldn’t do the things that we do now,” Johnny said.
Juggling Work and Family Life
Since leaving MAFS, Kerry has returned to her job as an occupational therapist, while Johnny continues working in the theatre. They both admit that juggling full-time work with childcare is no small task. “It’s just the chaos of parenthood that you hear about,” Kerry said. “You don’t get it till you’re in it.”
Despite the challenges, the couple is enjoying every moment with Chloe. They are aware of how quickly time flies and want to make the most of each stage of her growth.
Looking Ahead: More Children?
When asked if they would consider adding to their family, Kerry said they are currently enjoying the chaos of parenthood but are open to the possibility in the future. “We are enjoying the chaos for now, but would be very open to adding to it in the future,” she said.
For Johnny, watching Chloe grow is a source of immense joy. “Seeing Chloe grow up is like something that brings me so much joy and so much excitement,” he said. “I think what watching Chloe grow up for me is – I love that [it’s] the most exciting thing in my life right now.”
A Commitment to Giving Back
Kerry and Johnny were speaking to New Idea in their capacity as the newest ambassadors for the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Queensland. Their partnership with the foundation highlights their commitment to supporting children’s health and well-being.
Embracing the Journey
As they continue to navigate the ups and downs of parenthood, Kerry and Johnny remain grateful for the moments they share with Chloe. “The days are long, but the years are short,” Kerry said. “When you’re in the thick of it, especially at the start, it’s like, ‘oh, my God, is this my life forever now?’ when they’re not sleeping, or something like that.”
“Then the next phase comes just as quickly, and you’re into the next, and then you’d do anything to get back in that time when she was tiny,” she added.
Final Thoughts
Kerry and Johnny’s journey as parents has been filled with laughter, challenges, and unforgettable moments. As they continue to grow alongside Chloe, they remain committed to making the most of every stage of her life.
