Meredith Gaudreau found a special way to include her late husband Johnny Gaudreau as she welcomed their third child.
While welcoming baby Carter into the world on April 1, Meredith made sure photos of the former professional hockey player were placed throughout the hospital room.
“Carter Michael Gaudreau — same middle name as his daddy,” Meredith wrote via Instagram on Monday, April 7, while announcing their son’s birth. “8lb 3 ounces, 20.5 inches — exact same as his daddy. He looks exactly like his daddy too 🥰.”
When announcing the arrival of baby Carter, Meredith – who previously welcomed daughter Noa in September 2022 and son Johnny in February 2024 – also shared a trophy made when Johnny was born. The memento confirmed he had the same measurements as Carter when he was born.
Late hockey star Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, is celebrating their son’s 1st birthday. “Happy 1st Birthday to our baby boy! We love you so much, Baby Johnny! Already so strong and so special,” Meredith wrote via Instagram on Saturday, February 22. “‘I can’t believe you gave me a boy,’ is all John said over […]
Baby Carter was also dressed in a custom #13 Blue Jackets onesie by BLK the Label, in honor of his late dad’s jersey number.
“John, thank you for giving me our beautiful family,” she continued in her post. “We love u, Daddy and miss you so much ♥️.”
After Meredith gave birth, she had the opportunity to introduce her son to some of Johnny’s former teammates, including NHL player Erik Gudbranson.
Erik’s wife Sarah documented the special moment via her Instagram Story writing, “Welcome to the world sweet Carter. We love you so much. Welcome to the sweetest crew.”
Meredith’s life was changed forever when Johnny and his younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were killed in August 2024 after they were struck by an alleged drunk driver while biking near their New Jersey hometown. Johnny was 31, and Matthew was 29.
During a memorial service for the brothers, Meredith announced she was pregnant with her and Johnny’s third baby.
“In less than three years of marriage, we’ve created a family of five,” she shared during the service. “It doesn’t even sound possible. But I look at it as the ultimate blessing. How lucky am I to be the mother of John’s three babies? Our last one being a blessing and so special, despite these difficult circumstances.”
Courtesy of Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram Meredith Gaudreau spent her first birthday since the death of her husband, Johnny, surrounded by her children and loved ones. The birthday celebration happened on Monday, January 20, nearly five months after Johnny, 31, and his brother, Matthew, 29, were killed by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans […]
As Meredith continues her grieving journey, she won’t stop sharing fond memories of her husband.
In the weeks after Johnny’s death, Meredith praised her husband for being “the absolute best dad in the world.”
“So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with,” she wrote via Instagram in August 2024. “John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him. We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy.”
