For the better part of a year, Kylie Jenner’s pregnancy remained shrouded in secrecy and mystery.
Even after it was announced to the world, Kylie refused to give any confirmation or acknowledgment.
Until Sunday, February 4 – which had been Kylie’s due date. Emphasis on had been.
The 20-year-old took to social media to announce that she has given birth … a couple of days ago, as a matter of fact.
Obviously, a safe, healthy birth is wonderful news for Kylie and her whole family! But the story is far from over.
Interestingly, Kylie starts her post announcing the birth of her first child with an apology to her legion of fans.
"I’m sorry for keeping you in the dark through all the assumptions," she says, referring to the last several months.
Totally her right to do, but many fans felt bewildered by sudden radio silence from such a ubiquitous pubic figure.
"I understand you’re used to me bringing you along on all my journeys," she said, indicating a measure of self-awareness.
They sure are.
However, Jenner says that despite her persona, "my pregnancy was one I chose not to do in front of the world."
And she explains her very good reasons why: Kylie took the gravity of the situation to heart and had her priorities in line.
"I knew for myself I needed to prepare for this role of a lifetime in the most positive, stress free, and healthy way I knew how."
That’s actually really good advice when it comes to pregnancy. Advice that not everyone is financially equipped to take.
"There was no gotcha moment, no big paid reveal I had planned," Kylie said, referring to some of the obligatory rumors.
We’ve read and discussed a lot of speculation about her motivations recently, but that’s all it was – speculation.
On the contrary, it seems that Kylie’s quest for privacy was motivated personally rather than for business reasons.
"I knew my baby would feel every stress and every emotion," Jenner said, proving that she made the right choice.
To a degree, that is undoubtedly accurate. Certain stress hormones are believed to be shared internally during pregnancy.
This is probably not great at such a fragile stage of fetal development. Nor is lack of sleep, or associated health issues.
"So I chose to do it this way for my little life and our happiness," Kylie continued in her heartfelt note on Instagram.
Honestly? It’s a daring choice – risking her entire brand in the process – but it was probably the right one.
Kylie then reflects on the pregnancy itself:
"Pregnancy has been the most beautiful, empowering, and life-changing experience I’ve had in my entire life," she says.
Her takeaway from the experience is almost unbelievable, considering what many people presume to know about her:
"And I’m actually going to miss it."
I may not have a uterus of my own but my suspicion is that not everyone who’s been through pregnancy revels in the experience.
"I appreciate my friends and especially my family for helping me make this special moment as private as we could," she adds.
And now, for the very good news:
"My beautiful and healthy baby girl arrived February 1st and I just couldn’t wait to share this blessing," Jenner gushed.
Awwww!! So Kylie gave birth on Thursday.
She does not share her daughter’s name, assuming she has one – we’ve heard that Kylie has selected a baby name.
"I’ve never felt love and happiness like this; I could burst!" Kylie added, and finally, she thanks her devoted fans.
"Thank you for understanding," she says.
There is no direct mention of the baby’s father, Travis Scott, in that statement. In many ways, their relationship was shrouded in mystery.
However, Kylie revealed her baby’s name: Stormi Webster. Webster is Travis Scott’s real-life last name.
All in all, this is wonderful news.
It’s also a great gesture for her fans who felt that she was mocking them or up to something by not acknowledging her pregnancy.
Jenner did what she felt she had to do, and her honesty with her supporters about it should only further endear her to them now.
Obviously, social media went ballistic following her announcement. See below for some of the most noteworthy reactions!
Despite the wall of secrecy that surrounded her, she’s now opening up after the fact, posting a touching new video as well as this update.
In the footage, we see her growing baby bump, we see Kim’s baby Chicago West, Rob and Dream Kardashian, and so much more.
The video appears to have been shot on actual film, or put through some sort of filter to make it look like a home video from the ’90s.
Either way, it’s a treat to see.
Check out the film below for your first look at Kylie’s pregnancy and baby, as well as Kim’s third child, and other surprises …
