Blue Ivy Carter: Beyonce, Jay-Z Announce Baby's Birth

It's official! Welcome to the world, baby Blue Ivy Carter.

Reports that Beyonce and husband Jay-Z welcomed their daughter , Blue, were confirmed Monday when the couple released an announcement (via E! Online's Twitter account).

Hello Hello Baby Blue!
We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven ... it was the best experience of both our lives."

The couple also revealed that Blue weighed in at 7 pounds and was delivered naturally, not by a C-section as previously reported.

The fiercely private couple's announcement comes as a bit of a shock, considering it took years for them to confirm their marriage. Their statement also clears up any confusion over the child's name and that it is, in fact, Blue Ivy -- and not the other way around.

Earlier Monday, Jay-Z released a touching song, "Glory," about his new darling daughter , with Blue allegedly making her recording debut at the end of the tune.

For more, head over to E! Online.

Check out photos from Beyonce's pregnancy below!