Maria Taylor Announces Birth of Baby Boy (Exclusive)

Maria Tayloris a mom!

Roman was born on Dec. 24 at 7:26 p.m., weighing 8 lbs. and 13 oz. The newborn was 21 inches long.

“My journey to motherhood has not been a straight line. It has been long and difficult, and there were several times I thought I would never become a mom," Taylor tells PEOPLE. “But when my son was placed on my chest, our hearts were overwhelmed with love and gratitude.”

“I immediately knew I had given birth to my soulmate,” the sportscaster, who previously worked for ESPN and the SEC Network, adds.

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Maria Taylor Announces Birth of Baby Boy (Exclusive)

Taylor first revealed her exciting pregnancy news through apost shared on Instagramin July. At the time, she shared images from a photoshoot with Hemphill, in which they posed with a sonogram outdoors.

Maria Taylor Announces Birth of Baby Boy (Exclusive)

“There were times when I felt like my body was betraying me, that God didn’t want me to become a mom and that I ultimately didn’t deserve to be a mom. There were times when all I could do was cry and ask ‘Why?’ " she continued. “There were times when I felt like giving up. But it was put on my heart to keep trying and never let the dream of becoming a mother go.”

“For every setback my husband was there reminding me to keep the faith. My friends and family held my hand and held me up as I traveled cross country for appointments,” Taylor added. “It’s still crazy to think that just a year ago I came into the NFL season with the news of a failed embryo transfer. Another hope dashed. And now this fall I come into a new season carrying the greatest gift of all. Our sweet Prince will be here soon and I can’t wait to be his mom! 💙.”

Maria Taylor Announces Birth of Baby Boy (Exclusive)

Maria Taylor Announces Birth of Baby Boy (Exclusive)

“Celebrating NFL Kickoff with my own Franchise player in the making 😊,” Taylor then wrote alongside aphotoof herself on an NFL field a month later.

A day before giving birth, Taylor shared afestive postthat featured her posing with family members in matching white ensembles. “Happy Holidays from our family to yours ❤️✨,” she wrote in her caption.

source: people.com