Heigl Confirms Baby News

KATHERINE HEIGL has confirmed reports she and husband JOSH KELLEY are to adopt - revealing the Korean baby has special needs.

The couple began the process six months ago but have yet to meet little Naleigh - who has been named after the actress’ mother, Nancy, and sister, Leigh.

She tells U.S. TV host Ellen DeGeneres, “They sent us a picture. They told us that it was a little girl and who she was and the information about six months ago. She has special needs. She is a special needs baby and because of that it all moved so much faster. They wanted to get her to us as quickly as possible.”

Heigl began talking to her husband about her desire to adopt before they became engaged, admitting that since her parents took her little sister Leigh into the family she has been passionate about helping children from abroad.

She says, “We started talking about adoption even before we were engaged because it’s really important to me. It’s been a big part of my life and my family. My sister is Korean and my parents adopted her back in the ‘70s and so I just always knew that this is something I wanted to do. I just wanted to make sure that I was marrying a guy who understands that this was going to have to happen.”

Heigl admits there has been just one unexpected drawback of the adoption - Naleigh was delivered on 23 November (08), the day before Heigl’s own birthday.

She adds, “She was actually born the day before me in November, which I thought was really serendipitous and just kind of like a sign. (But then) I realised just recently that I basically forfeited my birthday for the rest of my life.”

The couple will reportedly finalise the adoption by the end of the week (13Sep09).