Shakira, boyfriend Gerard Piqué welcome a baby boy

By Nardine Saad

Jan. 22, 2013 12 AM PT

Shakira and her beau Gerard Piqué are brand new parents.

The Colombian-Lebanese pop singer, 35, and her soccer star boyfriend, 25, welcomed their baby boy in Spain on Tuesday. The tiny tot’s name: Milan, which means “dear, loving and gracious in Slavic; in Ancient Roman, eager and laborious; and in Sanskrit, unification,” according to Shakira’s website.

“We are happy to announce the birth of Milan Piqué Mebarak, son of Shakira Mebarak and Gerard Piqué, born January 22nd at 9:36pm, in Barcelona, Spain,” said a statement posted Tuesday. “Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth.”

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Earlier in the day she had tweeted, “I’d like to ask you all to accompany me in your prayers on this very important day of my life. Shak.” The “Loca” singer also wrote the message in Spanish.

Milan weighed in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and he and Shakira are in “excellent health.”

In late December, Piqué facetiously posted on Twitter that their son had been born, partaking in Spain’s Dia de los Inocentes, which is similar to the American April Fool’s Day.

The couple has been dating for two years and announced the pregnancy last September. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Shakira and Piqué posed semi-nude together last week to promote their baby shower, which benefited UNICEF.

Shakira previously dated Antonio de la Rúa fo 11 years but split from her business partner in August 2010.

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