By now, everyone knows interior designer power couple Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent welcomed their second child, son Oskar Michael, on March 26 via surrogate. The Los Angeles-based couple just revealed why they named their son Oskar, and it’s not just because it’s an adorable name. The backstory behind the name is heart wrenching and will make you feel all of the feels.
Jewish dad Berkus opened up about who the namesake is for Oskar: his former partner Fernando Bengoechea who died in the 2004 Sri Lankan tsunami. What a wonderful way to honor someone you loved. The 46-year-old told People that it was actually his husband, Jeremiah’s idea: “[Fernando’s] middle name was Oskar. [It] was actually Jeremiah’s idea.”
Brent added that Bengoechea was “such an important chapter in Nate’s life. So the idea that we can honor his memory in a beautiful way was exciting to us.” Apparently, Poppy, their 3-year-old daughter, also knows about Bengoechea. As Brent explained, they want their kids to know “both of our stories, where their names came from, and why.”
The couple’s show, Nate and Jeremiah By Design, returns April 7 on TLC. Also, how can you not love this sweet group family shot?
