Ashanti and Nelly Welcome First Baby Together — and Share His Name: 'So in Love'

Ashanti is a mom!

The singer, 43, and her husband Nelly, 49, welcomed their first baby together, sharing the exciting news on Instagram. In the photo, Ashanti posed in Frida Mom disposable underwear, taking a photo in the mirror as she shared what her fourth trimester looks like.

“Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, on July 18, 2024. The proud and happy parents are so in love with KK!” a rep for the couple tells PEOPLE.

In a carousel of photos on her Instagram, Ashanti also shared a video of herself in a blue robe, showing off her body as she said: “Four weeks postpartum. You have no idea what this body can do.”

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Ashanti.

Ashanti

Ashanti confirms she’s pregnant, expecting baby with Nelly — and engaged: ‘What a blessing’

“Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time..lol. I waited a long time to become a mom, but nothing could have prepared me for ALL that motherhood brings!” the new mom wrote in her description.

“This is what it looks like after giving birth. I love these super comfy shorts @fridamom! I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby. 😆.”

The Grammy-winning artists first announced they were expecting their first child together when the R&B singer shared a video on her Instagram.

As Ashanti was getting ready to perform, mom Tina Douglas asked her how much time she needed. “Uh, it’ll take me about nine months,” Ashanti replied, making her mom look shocked.

The singer shared the news with Essencediscovering not only that she was pregnant, but that she and Nelly were engaged.

“This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love and hope and anticipation,” Ashanti said of the house. “Motherhood is something I’ve been looking forward to, and to share this with my family, fiancé and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an incredible experience.”

Nelly and Ashanti tied the knot on Dec. 27, 2023, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE in June. TMZ first broke the news of their wedding.

When the celebrity couple celebrated together at the 11th Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in December, they first sparked pregnancy rumors while they were both on stage.

Ashanti and Nelly 2008.

Neilson Barnard/Getty

The singer rested her hands on her stomach, and as the rapper noticed, he did the same. The two locked eyes before breaking into big smiles and laughter, which many fans took as a hint that she had baby news to share.

In September 2023, Nelly confirmed that the couple were back together during an appearance on The boss moves in with Rasheed show, saying the reconciliation “surprised us both.”

“We didn’t plan anything. We both pretty much just did what we do,” he explained. “But sometimes, being separate, you understand each other better. You might say, ‘Well, let me see exactly maybe what they’re seeing.’ We can all be defensive in our relationships at times, but we’re going to stick with it, you know what I mean?

Nelly is already father to son Cornell III (who goes by Tre), 25, and daughter, Chanelle (who goes by Nana), 30. The rapper also helped raise niece Sydney and nephew Shawn after his sister Jackie Donahue died of leukemia at 31 in March 2005.

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Source: HIS Education