NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 09: (L-R) Hazel van der Most, Michelle Buteau, and Otis van der Most attended the Despicable Me 4 New York Premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center on June 9, 2024, in New York City. This event marked a special occasion for the family as they celebrated the film's release together.
The Journey to Parenthood
Michelle Buteau, the renowned comedian and actress, has been married to photographer Gijs van der Most since July 31, 2010. After years of trying to conceive, the couple welcomed twins Hazel and Otis van der Most in January 2019 through gestational surrogacy. The journey to parenthood was not without its challenges; Buteau has openly discussed the emotional struggles of infertility and the eventual joy of becoming parents.
Home life with infant twins can be overwhelming, but for Buteau and her husband, teamwork has been key. It’s all a blur during the day, she once mentioned, but when Gijs comes home at night, he’s cooking and helping out, which makes a huge difference.
About the Twins
Hazel and Otis van der Most are now approaching their sixth birthday, bringing immense joy to their parents. Buteau often shares glimpses of their lives on social media, where she describes them as having such different personalities and therefore different vibes. Fans adore seeing the siblings grow up, especially as they share milestones like attending high-profile events such as the Despicable Me 4 premiere.
Buteau's Instagram page, @vandermosttwins, showcases the unique bond between Hazel and Otis. With over 200 followers and more than 500 posts, the account provides an intimate look into the lives of these adorable twins, capturing moments that resonate with parents worldwide.
A Closer Look at Gijs van der Most
Guis van der Most, Michelle Buteau's husband, is a talented photographer whose work complements his wife's career in entertainment. Their partnership extends beyond marriage, as both support each other's professional endeavors. While Buteau shines on screen in films like Always Be My Maybe and Isn't It Romantic, van der Most captures life's beautiful moments behind the lens.
The couple's resilience and dedication to building a family have inspired many. Despite facing setbacks during their fertility journey, they remained hopeful and eventually found success through surrogacy. Today, their family includes two vibrant children who bring endless love and laughter into their lives.
Research Spotlight: Sleep Duration and Hypertension
In a seemingly unrelated field, researchers including Peter van der Graaf and Yujie Wang conducted a large-scale genome-wide study exploring the interplay between sleep duration and hypertension risk. Although both short and long sleep durations are associated with elevated risks, the exact biological pathways governing blood pressure remain unclear. To address this gap, the team carried out cross-population gene-by-sleep studies to uncover potential genetic factors influencing sleep patterns and cardiovascular health.
This scientific exploration underscores the importance of understanding how lifestyle choices, such as sleep habits, impact overall well-being. While it may seem distant from the world of celebrity families, such research highlights the broader context in which individuals like Buteau and van der Most navigate modern parenthood—balancing personal health, careers, and family responsibilities.
Celebrating Family Moments
As Hazel and Otis van der Most continue to grow, their parents remain committed to celebrating every milestone. From red carpet appearances to quiet family dinners, each moment is cherished. Michelle Buteau's openness about her experiences as a mother and her journey to parenthood offers inspiration to fans navigating similar paths.
The world watches as this family continues to thrive, proving that love, perseverance, and collaboration can overcome any challenge. Whether discussing her career or sharing insights into raising twins, Michelle Buteau remains a beacon of positivity and authenticity.
