Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola, originally known from the popular reality show *Jersey Shore*, is embracing motherhood after welcoming her first child, a son named Vincent Keith May, in August 2025. At the recent season nine premiere of *Jersey Shore: Family Vacation*, held at Marquee New York on April 23, 2026, Giancola reflected on her journey into parenthood and the milestones that have come with it.
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Speaking to *People*, Giancola, 39, shared her excitement as her son has recently begun crawling. “I’m just loving every single moment with him,” she said, expressing her astonishment at how quickly time has passed. “I can’t believe how fast he’s growing up!” The reality star’s reflections mark a significant change in her life, moving from the carefree days of *Jersey Shore* to the responsibilities and joys of being a mother.
Her relationship with husband Justin May has been a focal point during this transition. Giancola first introduced May to the public during Thanksgiving in 2021. The couple got engaged in March 2024, and their journey was not without its challenges, including a past miscarriage that Giancola candidly discussed during a *Jersey Shore* episode aired in November 2024. Ultimately, however, their joy culminated in a wedding in December 2025, which Giancola shared on her Instagram.
Alongside Giancola, her co-stars Deena Cortese and Angelina Pivarnick are also navigating the transformative period of parenthood. Both 39, they discussed how their priorities have shifted from their youthful partying days to spending quality times with their children. Cortese noted how family outings now consist of trips to the boardwalk with her kids rather than wild nights out.
Giancola echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of companionship in enjoying life’s moments. “It’s all about who you’re with,” she remarked, highlighting that time spent with friends and family is what truly matters, regardless of the setting. Pivarnick chimed in, stating that her new routines revolve around simpler pleasures like enjoying wine and s’mores around a fire pit.
The shift in lifestyle is palpable among the trio, who have spent over 15 years together, growing through various phases of life. As a reflection of their journeys, *Jersey Shore: Family Vacation* explores themes such as parenthood, career advancements, and personal transformations, offering fans a glimpse into their evolving lives.
The reality series, which first aired on MTV in 2009, has proven to be a cultural phenomenon, spawning numerous spin-offs and adaptations. Following their initial run, the original cast members reunited for *Jersey Shore: Family Vacation* in 2018, effectively merging their past antics with the reality of growing older and facing new challenges. The series is now nearing its conclusion, with the final season premiering on May 7.
Giancola’s narrative—packed with milestones of pregnancy, childbirth, and marriage—comes as a powerful reminder of the rich tapestry of life experiences. Cortese has embraced her new role as the PTA president, actively participating in community support and charity efforts, while Pivarnick’s storyline has been filled with emotional highs and lows, aptly illustrating the ongoing complexities of adult life.
As the family-focused series continues to engage its audience, Giancola, Cortese, and Pivarnick, along with their co-stars, including DJ Pauly D, Jenni “JWOWW” Farley, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, and Vinny Guadagnino, are ready to share their endeavours and challenges as parents on *Jersey Shore: Family Vacation*. With new episodes airing on Thursdays, fans can expect to witness the real, raw experiences of this beloved cast as they navigate the highs and lows of family life.