Karissa Shannon, a former Playmate and television personality, is currently experiencing a transformative phase in her life, marked by impending motherhood and a recent engagement. At 37 years of age, Shannon is eagerly sharing her journey towards parenthood, revealing the sex and name of her yet-to-be-born son, who is expected to arrive in April.
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In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Shannon reflected on the challenges she faced on her path to conception, which she had openly documented since her pregnancy announcement in August. “I have been trying for a long time to get pregnant,” she stated. After consulting a fertility specialist, Shannon learned that she had pre-cancerous cells on her cervix, necessitating a LEEP surgery to remove them. “Shortly after that surgery, I got pregnant! I was so happy I was in tears knowing that I would finally be starting my own family!” she added.
Despite the hurdles, Shannon describes her pregnancy as relatively smooth thus far. “I have been really tired and sleepy this first trimester. I’m always hungry, and I get nauseous in the morning and at night,” she said. However, she considers the experience to have made her feel calmer and more at peace. “My dreams are so vivid and real! I crave salty and savoury food! I’ve been loving ginger, ice cream and anything spicy! I have been wanting chocolate-covered pickles if that’s even a thing,” she cheerfully remarked.
Shannon also announced the name of her unborn child: Genesis. “Genesis is derived from the Bible, the first book of the Old Testament. In Hebrew, the equivalent book is called Bereishit, meaning ‘in the beginning.’ I chose the name because it represents a fresh start, a new beginning, which is exactly what my family means to me,” she explained. Shannon expressed her desire to overcome generational challenges within her family, aiming to provide her son with a different upbringing than her own.
“I always wanted a boy and wanted to be a boy mum,” she continued, highlighting her excitement upon learning that she would give birth to a son. “It’s such a gift. I truly am blessed! I feel like it will come so naturally to me. I can’t wait until I can have a little part of me to share the rest of my life with and just help, teach and guide him to be the best version of himself,” she added with heartfelt enthusiasm.
In a more serious tone, Shannon shared her perspective on the challenges she has faced throughout her life, drawing wisdom from her experiences. “Sometimes God sends you through the worst and darkest storms just so you know your way back out when you go back for someone else. Character, much like a muscle, grows stronger through resistance. Steel is hardened by fire,” she reflected.
Shannon, who has not disclosed the identity of her fiancé, shared that he proposed on her birthday. She described him as her best friend, who shares her enthusiasm for becoming a parent. “He’s from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and he is very excited about having a child. We both wanted to start our own family, and it’s crucial for us to put family first,” she noted.
As she navigates this new chapter, Shannon considers this period of her life as a significant pivot. “I feel like I’m starting life all over again—a new me and a whole new world,” she remarked. The loss of her grandmother, whom she affectionately referred to as Nonna, had previously left her feeling adrift, but she believes the upcoming arrival of her son has reignited her sense of purpose.
In her candid revelations, Shannon disclosed that her pregnancy has led her to reevaluate her lifestyle. “This is the longest that I have been sober since I was 18 and living at the Playboy Mansion. I’m more in touch with who I am than ever,” she stated. With plans for the future, she expressed her ambition to focus on her real estate ventures, alongside developing a health and wellness brand. “I’m building something I can share with women that’s healthy and empowering,” she explained.
Alongside these aspirations, Shannon also aims to enhance her role in animal advocacy. As she gears up for maternity and wedding plans, she remains committed to fostering a fulfilling and meaningful life ahead. The upcoming year holds great promise for Karissa Shannon, as she prepares for both motherhood and enduring changes in her personal and professional life.