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-life ceremony, and by June 2024, they welcomed their daughter, 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 to New Idea, they shared insights into how their lives have changed since becoming parents.
The Challenges of Parenting
One of the most significant changes they’ve noticed is the difficulty of maintaining date nights. “Date nights become like impossible,” Johnny jokes. “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 adds. Kerry agrees, emphasizing the importance of humor in managing the chaos. “We have to go in there with a sense of humour, I think.”
Changing Perspectives on Parenting
The couple also revealed that their initial expectations about parenting were quickly challenged once Chloe arrived. “We were like, ‘we’re not going to let it change our lives, we’re still going to get out and do stuff,’” Kerry recalls. “And we do, but the nice thing is, it’s the new stuff that you get to do with a kid.”
They admit they had previously avoided places like playgrounds and beaches, but now they enjoy these activities with their daughter. “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 says.
Balancing 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 acknowledge the challenges of juggling full-time work with childcare. “It’s just the chaos of parenthood that you hear about,” Kerry says. “You don’t get it till you’re in it.”
Despite the difficulties, they remain grateful for the experience. “We’re still getting used to the ‘chaos’ of parenting,” they say.
Future Plans and Family Growth
When asked if they would consider adding to their family, Kerry says they are enjoying the current phase of their lives but remains open to the possibility. “We’re enjoying the chaos for now, but would be very open to adding to it in the future.”
They are also making an effort to cherish every moment with Chloe, aware of how quickly time passes. “What do they say? The days are long, but the years are short,” Kerry shares. “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.”
The Joy of Watching Chloe Grow
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 says. “I think what watching Chloe grow up for me is – I love that [it’s] the most exciting thing in my life right now.”
As ambassadors for the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Queensland, Kerry and Johnny are using their platform to support children’s health and well-being. Their journey as parents has been filled with challenges, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Embracing the Journey
Kerry and Johnny continue to embrace the unpredictable nature of parenthood, finding joy in the small, everyday moments. Their story is a testament to love, resilience, and the beauty of growing together as a family.
Their partnership with the Children’s Hospital Foundation highlights their commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation. As they navigate this new chapter, they remain focused on creating memories with Chloe and cherishing every stage of her life.
