Shakira's baby is finally here. The singing sensation and her boyfriend, Spanish soccer star Gerard Pique, welcomed their first child, son Milan on Tuesday.
The new addition to the family weighed 6 pounds and 6 ounces at birth. The celebrity couple announced the news on Shakira's website.
"We are happy to announce the birth of Milan Piqué Mebarak, son of Shakira Mebarak and Gerard Piqué, born Jan. 22nd at 9:36 p.m. in Barcelona, Spain," the new parents wrote. "The name Milan (pronounced MEE-lahn), means dear, loving and gracious in Slavic; in Ancient Roman, eager and laborious; and in Sanskrit, unification. Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth."
Before giving birth, Shakira took to Twitter, requesting her fans and followers to support and pray for her.
"I'd like to ask you all to accompany me in your prayers on this very important day of my life. Shak," she wrote.
Last week, the singer, who enjoyed updating her pregnancy status through frequent statements and photos on Twitter, invited fans and friends to participate in a virtual baby shower, conducted by the expecting couple along with UNICEF, and to support poor kids worldwide.
"The countdown begins! And we'd like to invite you to participate in our world baby shower joining efforts with UNICEF," the 35-year-old singer, who is UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, wrote on her Facebook page.
Shakira's relationship with Pique started during the shooting of her famous song "Waka Waka". It was only after splitting with her longtime boyfriend Antonio de la Rua, oldest son of former Argentinian President Fernando de la Rua in January 2011, the singer confirmed her relationship with Pique.
Though speculation about the pregnancy was spreading from a long time, the singer confirmed the news only last September. In October, the singer confirmed the gender of her unborn baby.
