Emily Stomatuk and Michael Justin have officially entered parenthood following the birth of their daughter, Cora Joan, on 6 March. The couple, who became well-known online due to their relationship characterised by a 19-year age gap, expressed their joy and gratitude in an exclusive interview, stating that both mother and baby are healthy and flourishing.
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Stomatuk, 30, and Justin, 49, shared their excitement in a heartfelt message, with Stomatuk reflecting on their new chapter as parents. “Michael and I are soaking up every second of this newborn season and feeling incredibly grateful,” she stated. Justin praised Stomatuk for her strength during childbirth, noting, “Emily absolutely crushed the birth and has stepped into motherhood so well.”
The couple, who married in 2023, revealed that Stomatuk was induced a couple of weeks ahead of her due date, which added an emotional layer to their experience. In short clips published on Instagram, Justin documented the overwhelming support they received during Stomatuk’s pregnancy and delivery, thanking their followers for being part of the journey.
Significantly, the parents chose the name Cora Joan in part to honour their families; ‘Joan’ was the name of both Stomatuk’s grandmother and Justin’s mother. Justin conveyed this sentiment by stating, “We loved that we could honour both sides of the family.”
Stomatuk and Justin’s journey began over six years ago when they met during a yoga class. Initially sceptical about their relationship due to their age difference, Stomatuk soon discovered a deep connection with Justin. Their bond strengthened when they moved in together during the pandemic, leading to an engagement in front of their families, and ultimately, marriage a year later.
By early 2025, the couple felt ready to expand their family. Shortly after, Stomatuk revealed she was pregnant through a series of picturesque beach photos shared on social media, alongside the caption, “making a best friend with my best friend.”
In a previous interview with PEOPLE, the couple discussed the mixed reactions to their decision to have a child. Stomatuk acknowledged her long-standing desire to become a mother, while Justin remarked on his initial uncertainty. However, he soon realised Stomatuk was the right person to start a family with. “Meeting Emily, knowing she’s the one, to having her encourage and push the idea of having kids together was the driving force,” he explained.
Initially, the couple postponed their plans for a child while they enjoyed their lives as content creators and travelled extensively. Stomatuk shared that they wanted to ensure their relationship was resilient enough to handle the inevitable challenges that life may present. Once they felt ready to settle down, they began trying for a baby.
After announcing the pregnancy, the couple received primarily positive responses online, albeit some critical feedback. Stomatuk noted that she often encountered scepticism related to Justin’s age. She said critics would suggest that being an older parent was inherently disadvantageous. However, she defended their decision, suggesting that the advantages of having maturity and experience can outweigh the downsides of being an older parent.
Justin echoed her sentiments, expressing confusion over critics who claim that having a child later in life is detrimental. “I feel like the pros outweigh having a kid at 45 over 25 these days,” he said.
Both Stomatuk and Justin expressed anticipation for how their new arrival will integrate into their lives and content. Stomatuk indicated that their social media will naturally evolve to include their experiences as a family. “The baby’s going to be a part of our everyday life; content will change inevitably,” she stated.
As they embark on this new venture, the couple continues to reflect on the support they have received and looks forward to sharing more of their family’s journey. With Cora Joan now a part of their lives, the couple’s story is sure to resonate further with their audience as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood together.