At a Glance
- Chris and Nicole Thielk, season 16 alums of Married at First Sight, welcomed twins on January 5.
- Daughter Sofia Lily is healthy and home; son Anthony Ramsay remains in NICU with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
- Anthony underwent successful surgery for a severe CDH and faces a three-month recovery.
- Why it matters: The couple’s journey highlights the challenges of high-risk pregnancies and rare birth conditions.
Chris and Nicole Thielk’s love story began on television and has now entered its most dramatic chapter yet. The couple, who met at the altar on season 16 of Married at First Sight, have become parents to twins Sofia Lily and Anthony Ramsay, born Monday, Jan. 5.
Twin Birth and Immediate Medical Concerns
A representative confirmed the births to News Of Losangeles. While Sofia is thriving at home, Anthony faces a long fight.
- Anthony was diagnosed with CDH at 17 weeks gestation.
- The hole in his diaphragm allowed abdominal organs to move into his chest, compressing his lungs.
- 1 in 2,500 babies-or 0.4 percent-develop CDH, and it is rarer in twins.
Surgery and Recovery
Within days of delivery, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital surgeons repaired Anthony’s diaphragm.
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| CDH grade | D (most severe) |
| Diaphragm missing | ~90 percent |
| Surgery outcome | Successful |
| Expected NICU stay | 3+ months |
Chris and Nicole now take turns sleeping at the hospital and caring for Sofia. They credit other CDH families for guidance.
Parents Speak Out
“Never having heard of CDH, we were distraught,” they told News Of Losangeles. “We will spend the rest of our lives raising awareness.”
Nicole calls pregnancy with a sick baby “the biggest and hardest thing I’ve ever done.” She says Chris’s support has been unwavering. “I am thankful every day for our new family and will be the most fulfilled once everyone is home together.”
Chris calls watching Nicole become a mom “one of the most amazing things.” “I am truly amazed by her every day,” he said.
Key Takeaways
- The Thielks’ twins arrived January 5 after a high-risk pregnancy.
- Sofia is home; Anthony remains hospitalized with a severe case of CDH.
- The couple plans to advocate for CDH awareness as Anthony recovers.
