Gary and Jordan Ablett expecting third child

AFL legend Gary Ablett and his wife Jordan are expecting their third child, announcing the news on their son Levi’s fourth birthday.

AFL legend Gary Ablett and his wife Jordan are expecting their third child.

The couple posted the announcement on social media on their son Levi’s fourth birthday on Sunday.

“The birthday boy wants to share the gift that we as a family have received,” Ablett wrote.

“Happy birthday my little man, I’m thankful for everyday I get to spend with you.”

Ms Ablett said: “We have another gift on the way. Happy birthday to our big four-year-old! You’re so loved”.

Along with the annoucement, the pair posted a photo of Levi holding an ultrasound with a huge smile on his face.

Tom Stewart, Jed Bews, Gryan Miers, Brit Selwood, Mark Philippoussis and Rebecca Harding all congratulated the family.

Levi Ablett holding ultrasound as Ablett's announce pregnancy of second child. Picture: Instagram

Jordan Ablett with Levi. Picture: Instagram

It comes as Ms Ablett posted about Levi’s birthday a few days ago, the milestone coming two and a half years after the family received his shock diagnosis of a rare degenerative disease.

“Looking through old photos and can’t believe that in two days this little 6-month-old will be four!!!” she said.

“It feels like just recently we held you in our arms and thanked God for bringing us the most beautiful little boy.

“We are blessed to have you in this family and how precious our time on this earth is with you.”

The family publicly revealed Levi’s condition in 2020 with Ms Ablett taking to Instagram in July last year to address how the first worrying signs of Levi’s rare disease appeared during a photoshoot around his first birthday.

Jordan says there is a tinge of sadness when she looks at some photos of Levi because his diagnosis went under the radar. Picture: Instagram

“Levi was a few months past his first birthday and while on set it became clear as day that something wasn’t right,” she said.

“I remember the photographer asking me if Levi could stand/sit and I said no and as we continued taking photos I was thinking ‘this isn’t right’.

“When I attempted to get him into a standing position he wouldn’t put any weight through his legs at all, he was super floppy in all positions, had really poor head control and for the most part (if not the entire time) kept his hands clenched tight.”

Ms Ablett also expressed her disappointment that signs of Levi’s condition had gone undetected until that day.

“I still cherish all my photos with my boy, but I must say there is a tinge of sadness and disappointment when I look at some because I don’t understand how things went under the radar for so long,” she said.

“Not having had a child before Levi I couldn’t compare and didn’t know what’s typical of a baby and what’s not.”

Jordan says Levi’s life has been a “constant blessing”. Picture: Supplied

Ms Ablett urged other parents to follow their gut instincts when it came to their children’s development and to voice concerns with professionals.

“If there happens to be a problem then you’re the parent who knew and put baby first because you love them and want them to be well,” she said.

“If there is no problem then you’re the parent who was unsure and put baby first because you love them and want them to be well.

“No harm can come from asking questions and seeking professional support. Felt like I needed to share this!”

Levi’s condition comes with a short life expectancy but the loving parents say his life has been a constant blessing.

His condition has caused him to never speak a word and has left him vulnerable to aspirating, whereby food, drink, or stomach contents can make their way into the lungs.

Jordan and Gary Ablett with Levi. Picture: Supplied

The Abletts also have a daughter Grace who was born in November 2021.

After keeping the pregnancy a secret until the baby’s arrival, Ms Ablett has shown rare glimpses of their little girl on social media.

“Thank you God for sending this little angel — our beautiful daughter — into our family,” she said.

She told the Herald Sun it had been beautiful seeing Levi with his little sidekick.

“Time is flying and we can’t recall life without her,” she said.

“She has slotted into this family perfectly, her sparkly smile and personality are really starting to shine through.”

Originally published as Gary and Jordan Ablett expecting third child