"We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012," the couple wrote. "Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven. She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7 lbs and it was the best experience of both of our lives. We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support."

After checking into New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital, reportedly under the name "Ingrid Jackson," Beyonce has given birth to a baby girl. According to E! News, the superstar singer welcomed Blue Ivy Carter late Saturday night (Jan. 7), delivering via planned C-section.

While initial reports suggested the singer and husband Jay-Z had named the baby Ivy Blue, the online consensus now seems to be that it's the other way around. Lending credence to this notion is Gwyneth Paltrow, who took to Twitter earlier this morning to clarify.

And she's not the only one tweeting about the momentous event. Russell Simmons sent his congrats early Sunday morning, followed minutes later by Rihanna.

"Welcome to the world princess Carter!" the singer tweeted. "Love Aunty Rih."

Former Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly Rowland, who gave a most generous and extravagant baby shower gift to her close friend, promised she would be there during the delivery, and we're sure she was right by Bey's side.

Since Queen B shocked the world at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet in August when she announced her pregnancy, eager fans have been waiting with baited breath for the baby to arrive. With the delivery date for Jay-Z's bundle of joy changing and rumors swirling around the '4' creator's allegedly fake baby bump, the tension has been mounting. Now that the Jay and B heiress has arrived, talk of Beyonce's mysteriously deflating baby bump will quiet down.

Throughout her pregnancy, the chanteuse-turned-actress dropped hit video after hit video. We've seen the slim and saucy Beyonce in her 'Party' clip, which was filmed back in August with Roc Nation rapper J. Cole. 'Love on Top' featured a pre-pregnancy Beyonce, trim side profile and all. Then, in the appropriately titled 'Countdown' video released in October, Beyonce liberally flaunted her very pregnant belly.

Since the 30-year-old songstress has shown us each side -- and stage -- of her pregnancy, we wouldn't be surprised if a baby Blue Ivy cameo was in works for her next video.



Watch Beyonce's 'Countdown'


Watch 'Beyonce's Bogus Baby Bump?'

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