Lukensia Michaels Rhoades Is Jillian Michaels' Adorable Daughter She Adopted with Her Ex-partner

Lukensia Michaels-Rhoades entered Jillian Michaels' life in quite a twist of fate, arriving just days after her younger brother was born, and her parents introduced her to an active lifestyle as a toddler. However, she struggles with her relationship with food.

Lukensia Michaels-Rhoades' mother, Jillian Michaels, is a renowned celebrity trainer and fitness author. She was diagnosed with endometriosis as a teenager, and although having children was not a priority for her then, her perspective changed as she grew older.

She found love with yoga instructor Heidi Rhoades in 2009. It's unclear when, but the lovers entered a legally-binding domestic partnership and expanded their family three years into their relationship.

They welcomed a baby boy, Phoenix Michaels-Rhoades, in May 2012. Almost immediately after, following a lengthy and exhausting process, Jillian welcomed their daughter, Lukensia, and their family was complete once she was home.

Lukensia Michaels-Rhoades Bonded with Her Adoptive Mom Before Her Adoption Was Finalized

Lukensia's mother, Jillian, had initially applied for adoption through the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2010. She waited nearly a year for a response from the agencies and would've had to reapply until she heard there were children up for adoption in Haiti.

Jillian was determined; the celebrity trainer felt adopting was her calling. "There is something in you that can’t be denied. You just know in the deepest part of your being that you are meant to find this little soul and guide them through life," she explained.

She met Lukensia in Haiti when she was 18 months old and frequently visited the country to bond with her. Jillian would stay with Lukensia 24/7 throughout her visit. She would feed Lukensia, bathe her, change her diapers, and they would sleep in the same bed.

The last time Jillian visited before the adoption was finalized, it was difficult for them to separate. "It was really hard on her," she recalled. By then, Lukensia already saw Jillian as her caregiver. The adoption process was trying, but Jillian said it was worth the wait.

Lukensia Michaels-Rhoades Arrived at Her New Home in May 2012

Lukensia's mother, Heidi, was in labor when Jillian received a text alerting her that their daughter received her visa. "I have a photo of Heidi, with the oxygen mask in the hospital bed holding up a picture of Lu's visa," she recalled.

Days later, they were a family of four, but it wasn't an easy adjustment. Yet, despite entering motherhood in quite a whirlwind, Jillian found it fulfilling. She also noted Lukensia had a "major personality" at two years old and could easily maneuver through all the baby-proofing she and Heidi installed.

Lukensia Michaels-Rhoades Stays Active

The same month she arrived in the States, Lukensia's parents, who separated in 2018, introduced her to an active lifestyle; riding tricycles, playing with horses, and dancing. They also enforced healthy eating for both Lukensia and her brother, where they get a "treat day" each week.

However, Lukensia struggles with her relationship with food, as Jillian revealed. "My daughter really struggles with food, she has all the same issues with food that I had." With this in mind, the mom of two is careful to be non-judgmental when discussing eating mindfully with Lukensia.

The youngster, a huge fan of singer Jennifer Hudson (who lost three relatives in a day and reportedly dated Marlon Wayons), frequently appears on her parents' social media in birthday tributes, throwback posts, and life snippets. Now and then, she'll also join her mom on the red carpet or a TikTok video.