Supermodel Welcomes First Child Via Surrogate

She has spoken publicly about her struggles to conceive and failed attempts at IVF. But today Tyra Banks reveals she is finally a mum. The former supermodel, talkshow host and beauty entrepreneur and her boyfriend, Norwegian photographer Erik Asla, have welcomed a baby boy, York Banks Asla, via gestational surrogate, and the proud new mama was quick to share the happy news on her Instagram account – alongside a photo of her little bundle's hospital hat.

The best present we worked and prayed so hard for is finally here. He's got my fingers and big eyes and his daddy Erik's mouth and chin. As we thank the angel of a woman that carried our miracle baby boy for us, we pray for everyone who struggles to reach this joyous milestone. York Banks Asla, welcome to the world.

A photo posted by Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) on Jan 27, 2016 at 5:16pm PST

Her post reads in full: “The best present we worked and prayed so hard for is finally here. He’s got my fingers and big eyes and his daddy Erik’s mouth and chin. As we thank the angel of a woman that carried our miracle baby boy for us, we pray for everyone who struggles to reach this joyous milestone. York Banks Asla, welcome to the world.” In a statement to People magazine, Tyra shares more of her baby joy: “We are so excited for our new baby boy bundle of joy. The journey to now has not been an easy process, as I’ve shared before. But there was a beautiful bright light at the end of the tunnel for me and his father, Erik. As I gaze into the beautiful eyes of my son, I think about all the people who struggle with fertility or carrying a child and continue to pray for them every day. My hopes and dreams are filled with well wishes that they get to feel what my little treasure, York Banks Asla, feels like in my arms.” The 43-year-old has previously spoke openly about her infertility struggles, revealing on her talk show that she had undergone IVF procedures in hopes of conceiving. “When I turned 40, the one thing I was not happy about is that I did not have kids,” she explained. “When you’re like, ‘Okay, I’m just going to do it,’ then it’s not so easy as you get older.” Congrats on your brand new bundle, we are pretty certain little York will be one gorgeous little boy!