Viral ‘Giraffe Mom’ Brings Joy to the World

In the midst of a global wait for April the Giraffe’s calf, one exhausted, sleepless mom couldn’t take it anymore. Erin Dietrich, 39 weeks pregnant with her fourth child, grabbed a giraffe mask and went live on Facebook — pacing, swaying, mimicking the famous livestream.
What started as a hilarious, late-night joke exploded: millions of views, endless shares, hearts bursting with laughter and solidarity from parents everywhere.

Then came the moment that melted millions more. On March 8, 2017, Erin went live again — from her hospital bed, still wearing that iconic mask. Smiling through contractions, blowing kisses, she welcomed her perfect baby boy, Porter Lane: 8 lbs 2 oz of pure wonder.
“He’s here!! Perfect, healthy, and beautiful,” she announced, tears of joy mixing with giggles.

While the world waited weeks more for April’s Tajiri, Erin’s playful spirit turned pregnancy insomnia into internet magic — a reminder that laughter, love, and a silly mask can light up the darkest nights.
Her story lives on: sometimes the sweetest miracles come wrapped in absurdity and courage.