Kim Kardashian Celebrates Son Saint’s 9th Birthday Amid Kanye West’s Absence

Kim Kardashian showered love on her son Saint West as he turned nine, calling him “one of my soulmates” in a heartfelt Instagram post. The SKIMS founder, 44, shared an emotional tribute on Thursday, December 5, alongside 11 sweet photos of her and Saint cuddling in her $60 million Hidden Hills mansion.

Kim’s Heartwarming Tribute to Saint

In her touching post, Kim reminisced about their close bond, writing:

“My birthday boy Saint turns 9 today. I was going through my photos, and most of our pics are snuggling cuddling pics. I always wanna believe that my little man will be this snuggly forever! So cheers to one of my soulmates for being the sweetest boy. Happy birthday. I love you.”

The sentimental post highlighted Kim’s deep connection with Saint, but it comes at a time when the children’s father, Kanye West, has been notably absent from their lives.

Kanye’s Absence and Ongoing Legal Troubles

Kanye West, 47, has not been seen publicly with any of his four children—Saint, North (11), Chicago (6), and Psalm (5)—for nearly three months. Reports suggest he has been residing in Japan with his wife, Bianca Censori, amid mounting legal challenges, including allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse from former employees.

The rapper’s last documented interaction with his kids was in September during an album listening party in China. Despite his physical absence, Kanye’s influence persists, as his daughters North and Chicago appeared in a music video for his new song BOMB from the Vultures 2 album. However, it was later revealed that their appearances were AI-generated.

Kim’s Challenges as a Single Parent

In a recent episode of Zoe Winkler’s What The Winkler? podcast, Kim opened up about the struggles of raising four children largely on her own. She admitted:

“I feel like a single parent these days. Even though we have great support systems, it can feel overwhelming at times.”

Kim described her life as being like a “pit stop of a race car driver,” constantly juggling responsibilities while managing the emotional demands of her children. She also noted the judgment she faces as a mother with significant resources, adding:

“People always say, ‘Oh, but you have nannies and help.’ But in the middle of the night, when the kids are kicking and crying, it’s still a lot.”

Controversy Over Saint’s YouTube Channel

Kim recently faced backlash after allowing Saint to reactivate his YouTube channel, which she had taken down in October following the posting of politically charged content critical of Vice President Kamala Harris. The decision to reinstate the channel drew mixed reactions from fans, with some praising her leniency while others criticized her judgment.

Co-Parenting Struggles Post-Divorce

Since finalizing their divorce in November 2022, Kim and Kanye have maintained a joint custody agreement with “equal access” to their children. Kanye agreed to pay $200,000 per month in child support.

Despite their legal arrangement, Kim has openly discussed the difficulties of co-parenting with Kanye. In an interview on the Angie Martinez IRL podcast, she tearfully explained:

“One day, my kids will thank me for not bashing their dad. I do everything I can to shield them from the controversies.”

A Festive Holiday Tradition

As the holiday season approaches, Kim is leaning into family traditions to create joyful memories for her kids. She recently showcased her elaborate Christmas decorations on Instagram, including a towering 20-foot tree in her mansion’s foyer.

One cherished tradition is waking her children with live holiday piano music every morning. For the past three years, Grammy-winning producer and music director Philip Cornish, who has ties to Kanye, has been playing festive tunes in her home. Kim wrote in her post:

“Waking up my kids to the piano playing every morning fills our home with so much joy.”

This tradition, which she began documenting on Instagram in 2021, remains a cornerstone of her efforts to bring comfort and happiness to her children during the holidays. 

Embracing Motherhood Amid Challenges

Kim Kardashian’s tribute to Saint highlights her unwavering dedication to her children, even amid the challenges of co-parenting with Kanye West and the scrutiny that comes with her public life. As she prepares for another holiday season, Kim continues to balance her role as a mother with her high-profile career, finding ways to create meaningful experiences for her family despite the complexities of her circumstances.

Through her resilience and devotion, Kim sets an example of how to prioritize family in the face of adversity.