US Second Lady Usha Vance has said she is “really glad” she and Vice President JD Vance decided to have a fourth child, admitting she initially worried that expanding their family could disrupt what already felt like a settled and happy life.Speaking in her first interview since the birth of son Alec Neel Vance, Usha told Fox News Digital those fears quickly disappeared as the newest addition brought the family even closer together.
‘It’s been really lovely so far’
Speaking to Fox News Digital from the Vice President’s Residence, Usha Vance described the transition to being a mother of four as smoother than she had expected.“It’s been really lovely so far,” she said, adding that their three older children have eagerly embraced their baby brother.“They’re always fighting over holding him,” she said, noting they also help with diaper changes, burping him and keeping him entertained.The Vances announced the birth of their fourth child, Alec Neel Vance, on July 20, saying the baby was born the previous day and that both mother and child were healthy.
One-on-one time with each child
Usha said she and JD Vance make a conscious effort to spend individual time with each of their children to ensure they continue receiving personal attention.She said they step out every day with one child at a time, recalling a recent outing with her middle child that included a visit to a bookstore and lunch.“They feel like they’re getting their own personal time with both of us,” she said, adding that while there may be challenges ahead, the children are “really thriving” at the moment.
‘My family felt so complete’
Reflecting on the decision to have another child, Usha admitted she had been uncertain before Alec’s birth.“I had all sorts of angst about this. My family felt so complete. My kids were growing into a new phase,” she said.Looking back, however, she said she has no regrets.“I’m really glad that we took this plunge. I’m really glad that we decided to move into the unknown and do something that felt like a little bit of a risk to a settled and happy family dynamic because it’s only become happier,” she said, adding that the family is looking forward to the years ahead.
Focus on children’s literacy
During the interview, Usha also spoke about her podcast, “Storytime with the Second Lady,” saying she wants to encourage children not only to read but also to imagine and write stories of their own.She said promoting literacy is one of her key initiatives as second lady and highlighted the White House Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages children from kindergarten through eighth grade to read 12 books before the end of August for a chance to win prizes, including a visit to the White House.JD Vance and Usha, who married after meeting at Yale Law School, are also parents to Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel. According to the Associated Press, Alec’s birth marked the first time in more than 150 years that a sitting US vice president welcomed a baby while in office,
