In case you haven’t heard, Real Housewives of New Jersey star Rachel Fuda has a baby on the way!
Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage via Getty Images
The RHONJ star and her husband, John Fuda, are expecting a baby boy in just a few weeks. Baby Fuda will join big sisters Gianella Jolie, 4, and Giuliana Rose, 2. He’ll also have a big brother in Jaiden, John’s son from a previous relationship. Rachel raised Jaiden since he was eight and officially adopted him in May 2023.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rachel couldn’t have a baby shower for her daughters. But on January 5, John pulled together what Rachel’s calling “my first baby shower with my last baby!”
A French theme to welcome baby Fuda to the world
“It was a day I will remember forever and memories I will cherish for a lifetime,” Rachel told People. “John went above and beyond to make sure this was a really special day … It was amazing!”
Nearly 65 friends and family attended Rachel’s shower, including some of her RHONJ costars–the ones she gets along with anyway. Melissa Gorga, Danielle Cabral, and Margaret Josephs were all there. Even Jenn Fessler put aside her differences with Rachel to celebrate the nouveau bébé.
Frank Catania’s fiancée, Brittany Mattessich, was also there to join in the festivities.
“I can’t tell you how nice it was to be in a room of loved ones who are truly happy for me and my growing family,” Rachel said.
The shower had a French theme with “Bonjour Bébé Fuda” written across a Parisian backdrop. Everything was decorated with blue and white balloons. Rather than using table numbers, each group setting was named after a French city.
A flower cart provided bouquets for guests to take home, while guests posed with friends in the photo booth. Guests were treated to a full-catered meal, followed by a three-tiered chocolate and vanilla cake.
The party included entertainment and games
DJ Sal provided background music, while Crystal Envy, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, provided the entertainment. Crystal also hosted a game called “Oprah or Labor?” where guests made guesses if the woman screaming was Oprah or a woman in labor. That beats the heck out of playing those silly diaper pin games or guessing how big the mother’s belly is with a piece of string.
“Everyone was laughing, it was such a blast,” Rachel shared. “And Crystal was such a great surprise. Everyone enjoyed her performance so much … It was such a nice day.”
Rachel announced her pregnancy back in August. “We’re so excited,” she said at the time. “We’re ready to be a party of six!” She had already confided in her castmates that she was pregnant while filming the Season 14 “Off the Rails” special in lieu of a reunion.
“John and I always felt like our family wasn’t complete,” she explained. “We always had the room for one more in our home and in our hearts, and we’re both just so happy to be welcoming another baby into the family. It felt like it was time.”
“These little people make me a better person,” Rachel continued. “I feel like my true purpose in life is being a mom … I mean, what’s better than to bring life into the world? How lucky am I?”
The Real Housewives of New Jersey is streaming on Peacock.
