Astronaut Kellie Gerardi is celebrating the arrival of her second child, marking an emotional milestone after years of infertility and pregnancy loss.
The 37-year-old mom shared the news on April 5, and her newborn’s name was inspired by her work as an astronaut.
A Name Inspired By Space Science
The couple named their daughter Maxine Quinn, with the nickname “Max Q” which is a subtle nod to aerospace science. In rocketry, “Max Q” is the moment during a launch when aerodynamic stress on the vehicle reaches its peak, a brief but intense phase that requires precision and resilience.
The name continues a family tradition for Kelli and her husband, Steven Baumruk. Their older daughter, Delta Victoria, was also given a name inspired by space science, referencing “Delta-v,” a term used to describe changes in velocity for spacecraft.
Reflecting On An Emotional Arrival
In the days following the birth of her second child, Gerardi reflected on the experience with gratitude, describing the first 48 hours as a joyful blur. She acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of her journey, sharing that she felt exhausted in every sense—but deeply thankful.
She also expressed relief that she and her husband chose to continue pursuing IVF despite the challenges they faced along the way.
Years of Infertility And IVF Challenges
Gerardi has been open with her audience about her struggles with secondary infertility and miscarriage. Over the course of six years, she explored a range of treatments, including acupuncture and hormone therapy, before beginning IVF in late 2024.
During that first round, 24 eggs were retrieved, and 10 were fertilized, but only one embryo was genetically viable—and that pregnancy ended in loss.
A Second Chance And A New Chapter
Undeterred, she underwent another round of IVF in spring 2025. She later revealed her pregnancy in August, sharing cautious optimism shaped by her previous experiences. At the time, she described her pregnancy in delicate terms, hopeful but aware of how uncertain the journey could be.
Now, with the arrival of Maxine, Gerardi’s long and difficult path to expanding her family has reached a joyful new chapter—one defined by perseverance, science, and a deeply personal sense of meaning.
Congratulations to Kellie and her growing family!
