Kris Jenner remembers the exact and exciting moment when her only son, Robert "Rob" Arthur Kardashian, was born on March 17, 1987. Her family was long-awaited the arrival of a boy, as her last three births were girls- Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé, respectively. As much as Robert Kardashian Sr. adored and loved his daughters, he wanted a son to complete his family.
His wish finally came true, and you have to realize that ultrasounds in the 1980s weren't perfected yet for gender determination. Everything was touch-and-go, especially at a time when one of the most prolific decades was undergoing significant historical changes across the globe.
Kris sat down as a guest on the November 18 episode of Jay Shetty's podcast, On Purpose, and revealed what it was really like to welcome Rob. Much of the news was positive, because why wouldn't it be? And most families- the Kardashians included- are thrilled to be expanding, as the descendants are the future and can pass down the honors, as well as the mistakes.
Kris Jenner reveals her family's reaction to Rob Kardashian
Durng the episode, Kris delved into the core details regarding how her extended Armenian family was 'praying for a boy.' In their culture, Armenia traditions depends on a patriarchal system with the males making the decisions. As modern times laced in, the women share the same level of respect as the men and their opinions counted upon.
In the case of Robert Sr., he made it a point also to want a son, and Kris elaborated on that with Shetty. Yet, it wasn't just him who wanted a boy, but his entire family as well.
"Rob was just a joy, but he was the boy. You know, Robert Kardashian Sr. [my first husband], came from a big Armenian family, and they [had been] praying for a boy from day one. So, it was always, ‘I hope it’s the boy! I hope it’s the boy!’ And ‘It’s going to be Robert Jr.’"
In fact, Rob's birth caused a huge celebration that his paternal grandmother gave Kris something extravagant. While it's not uncommon nor wrong to bring presents for the newborn and parents, it's hard to imagine that one of them would be a piece of expensive jewelry. Yet, I suspect that there was no judgements or objections.
"When Robert [Jr.] was born, it was like all the Armenians were rejoicing. My mother-in-law and father-in-law were so happy, and so were all their friends. And I remember [that] she ran to the hospital with the beautiful diamond brooch she gave me. It was so joyful, and it was like New Year’s Eve."
Following Rob's birth, the injection of Armenian values set in, but why not also educate the daughters on their culture too? It's unfair to leave them out on its importance and roots, but perhaps they did teach Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé. It just wasn't publicized.
Kris highlighted how everyone came together, if only for a short period.
"Because suddenly, when Robert was born, the Armenian side of my in-laws really kicked in over at my house. It’s like, ‘We’re going to make, you know, these Armenian meals,’ and trying to teach the kids to speak a little Armenian. Which, you know, didn’t go that far."
Kris, though, called having her son, 'such a beautiful experience.' Rob remained the only son, as his mother welcomed two more daughters- Kendall and Kylie Jenner- with her second ex-husband, Caitlyn Jenner (known as Bruce then).
"But it was a lot of fun to learn about that and finally to have the boy that they had been hoping for all that time. And then, so that was joyful. He taught me a lot about what that meant and about being, probably, what they considered more of the head of the family, because I had a son. And what that was like. That was just such a beautiful experience, to have a boy."
Rob is slowly making his way back into the reality show world, appearing in the season 7 premiere of The Kardashians in October. He's also the father of nine-year-old Dream Kardashian, whom he shares with his ex-fiancé, Blac Chyna.