After more than nine years of marriage, actress Cameron Diaz, 51, and musician Benji Madden, 45, have expanded their family once again. The couple, known for keeping their private lives away from the public eye, recently surprised fans by announcing the arrival of their second child, a baby boy named Cardinal.

A Low-Key Birth Announcement

On Friday, the couple shared the news on Instagram in their signature understated style. Accompanied by a simple piece of artwork with the words, “A little bird whispered to me,” Benji Madden wrote, “We are blessed and excited to announce the birth of our son, Cardinal Madden. He is awesome, and we are all so happy he is here.”

In the post, they emphasized their commitment to privacy, stating, “We won’t be posting any pictures for the kids’ safety and privacy, but he’s really cute.” The couple expressed their gratitude, adding, “We are incredibly appreciative and fortunate. Greetings from our family to yours in abundance.”

A History of Privacy: From Raddix to Cardinal

The couple’s approach to welcoming their son echoes how they handled the birth of their daughter, Raddix, four years ago. In 2019, Diaz and Madden kept their pregnancy under wraps and only announced Raddix’s arrival after she was born. At the time, Cameron wrote, “We are so happy, blessed, and grateful to begin this new decade by announcing the birth of our daughter, Raddix Madden. She completed our family and immediately won our hearts.”

Much like with Cardinal, they opted not to share any photos of Raddix, emphasizing their desire to protect their children’s privacy. “Aside from the fact that she is incredibly adorable, we won’t be sharing any more information or images!” Diaz stated. The couple’s commitment to keeping their children out of the public eye is consistent with their overall private lifestyle since marrying in 2015.

The Challenges of Parenthood and Choosing Privacy

While the couple’s announcement was met with joy from fans, it also sparked some controversy. A close friend of the couple previously revealed that the journey to parenthood was not an easy one for them. “They had to endure so much to get here,” the source shared, adding that Cameron views her children as miracles. It’s been rumored that their daughter Raddix was born via surrogacy, though the couple has never confirmed this publicly.

However, not everyone was supportive of their decision to welcome another child at this stage of life. The announcement led to some mixed reactions online, with one Instagram user commenting, “Who wants to become a parent at 51?” while another remarked, “I hope they used a surrogate because she is so old.” Such comments highlight the ongoing debate about the “right” age to become a parent, with critics questioning whether it’s ideal to have children later in life.

The Choice to Start a Family Later in Life

Despite the criticisms, Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden seem focused on what matters most to them—nurturing their family in the way they see fit. In an industry where celebrity families are often thrust into the spotlight, Diaz and Madden’s decision to keep their children’s lives private is a refreshing change. They have made it clear that they prioritize their family’s well-being over public opinion.

As the couple embraces life with two young children, they continue to do things their way, regardless of outside opinions. The choice to have children later in life, whether through natural means or surrogacy, is deeply personal, and Cameron and Benji appear to be fully committed to protecting their children from the pressures of public scrutiny.

Embracing Parenthood on Their Own Terms

At the end of the day, the joy of welcoming a new family member is a deeply personal experience. Diaz and Madden’s low-profile approach reflects their desire to cherish these precious moments away from the public eye. Whether it’s their choice to delay parenthood or their decision to protect their children’s privacy, the couple remains steadfast in prioritizing what’s best for their family.

As the reactions continue to pour in, it’s clear that opinions are divided. But for Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden, what truly matters is the happiness they’ve found in their growing family. And as they navigate this new chapter, they are a reminder that the journey to parenthood doesn’t follow a set timeline—it’s about doing what feels right for you.

Whether you agree with their approach or not, one thing is certain: Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden are focused on their family, and they’re choosing to do it their way.