Surrogate success
Jen’s twin joy!
Looking sensational in a black sequined gown with a plunging neckline and thigh-high split, Jennifer Aniston seemed happier than ever as she partied the night away at the Oscars with her husband Justin Theroux.
And Woman’s Day can reveal the reason for Jennifer’s joy. After years of heartbreak in her struggle to become a mum, the 48-year-old finally has something to smile about – she’s said to be expecting twins! But unlike fellow A-listers Beyoncé and Amal Clooney, Jennifer won’t be showing off a baby bump any time soon as her tots will be carried by a surrogate.
An insider tells us that after a year of interviewing potential surrogate mothers, Jennifer and Justin, 45, have finally settled on a woman who is happy to carry their babies. And all going well, they’re hoping to welcome twins by the end of the year.
“Jen has spent many agonising years trying to conceive naturally and it just hasn’t happened,” says our insider. “She’s had endless rounds of unsuccessful IVF and even came very close to adopting from Mexico, but it seems that fell over too.
“She doesn’t want to get too excited, but this is looking like she might finally become a mum. And to get two babies is almost too much. She just can’t believe it!”
Tellingly, the former Friends star has turned down virtually all offers of work for the foreseeable future and The Leftovers actor Justin has made the surprise decision to move to Los Angeles from New York. Until now, the couple have lived between the two cities.
“Choosing between LA and New York has been the biggest hurdle in their marriage,” explains the insider. “But now they’re set to finally become parents, Justin is happy to make the sacrifice. He knows Jen will need to feel settled and surrounded by her closest friends. He’s finally at peace with the decision.”
The other woman!
Our insiders say that the woman selected to carry the couple’s babies is in her late 30s, married and has two teenage children. She lives in Portland, and Jennifer and Justin have met her several times. They’ve even visited her home to make sure it’s a calm and healthy environment.
“Jen and Justin’s embryos have been ready and waiting for the right person, and they’re sure this woman is it. They interviewed four others but from the moment they met, they knew this was right. They say she’s totally committed to helping them, and like Jen, she loves yoga and exercise. She doesn’t drink, smoke or take drugs, so they think she’s ideal.”
Since getting engaged to Justin in August 2012, Jennifer has tried everything to become pregnant. While they married in secret in
2015, the stress of their fertility struggles has at times threatened to derail them. But after putting their baby attempts on the backburner for a year back in 2015, the couple are now stronger than ever and excited about the new chapter.
“It hasn't been an easy few years, but Jen and Justin are amazing the way they've stuck together,” says a friend. “Taking a break and focusing on their relationship for a bit saved them. That and a lot of therapy!”
Jennifer has previously spoken out about the pregnancy speculation that has followed her ever since she was married to Brad Pitt, insisting, “We don't need to be married or mothers to be complete. We get to determine our own ‘happily ever after' for ourselves.” But now with the surrogacy finally bringing Jennifer and Justin real hope, friends say she can hardly hide her joy.
“Jen doesn't want to jump the gun, but for the first time ever, she's starting to think about names and plan a nursery,” our insider reveals. “She can't believe her baby dream might finally be coming true.”
And to celebrate, Justin has booked a surprise trip to Mexico, where they'll look for a holiday home of their own. Our insider says, “Jen loves Mexico more than anywhere, so Justin's decided it's only right that they buy their own little holiday nest. And obviously, they'll need room for a nursery for their special new arrivals!”