In a heartwarming tale of love and shared parenthood, a same-sex couple in Mississippi had a remarkable experience as they both gave birth just two days apart. The journey of Renee and Anna McInarnay showcases the joys and challenges of welcoming their newborn daughters into the world, all thanks to the wonders of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
This incredible journey began when Renee, 36, welcomed her first daughter, Emma Reese McInarnay, in Hattiesburg on October 13. Just two days later, Anna, her wife, gave birth to their second daughter, Avonlea Grace McInarnay.
For the couple, this unique experience was a testament to their unwavering love and the strength of their bond. Renee shared her emotions, saying, “I held my breath until Avonlea was born. She was very grateful and in love with Emma when she came; Anna and I were. She was really our rock when Anna was giving birth. I kept holding Emma, and she was our champion. Until I heard Avonlea cry for the first time, I couldn’t let go. Then there was the relief of having our family safe.”
When the news of their story went viral on social media, Anna expressed her initial nervousness about the demanding task of caring for two newborns. She said, “It’s been really overwhelming trying to get the girls to have some kind of schedule. But we’re doing really well because our moms are here to help. We have had a very sweet time together. Babies are magical.”
Renee and Anna, who got married in 2017, embarked on their journey to parenthood through IVF treatments in New Orleans. The extraordinary moment when they discovered they were both pregnant was pure elation. “They said, ‘Anna, you’re going to want to sit down,’ because I’m the most excitable,” Anna recalled. “They said, ‘Anna, you’re pregnant, and so is Renee.’ We were screaming and jumping and screaming and screaming. We just hugged and cried.”
The couple initially hesitated to share their story publicly, fearing the inevitable trolling and derogatory comments that often come with being a same-sex couple. However, they decided that sharing their joy and love would be powerful and inspiring, leading to their maternity photos becoming a sensation on social media.
As for their newborns, Emma and Avonlea have already established their unique personalities. Anna shared their distinct characteristics, saying, “Avonlea, we call her Avi, she is our very nosy and very alert baby. She loves people to look at her and talk to her, play music or sing to her. She will be our conversationalist, for sure. She is already a little person.”
“Emma is our calmest baby. She loves to just snuggle, and if you cuddle her, she loves to go to sleep. They are very sweet and fun together. They are like two old ladies.”
Renee and Anna’s remarkable journey serves as a beautiful testament to the power of love, determination, and the strength of family bonds.
