Married at First Sight Alum Paige Banks Welcomes First Baby with Boyfriend: 'What a Blessing' (Exclusive)

The two first announced they were expecting in September

Paige Banks welcomes first baby Nova Rae Banks-Williams
Photo:

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Paige Banks is a mom!

The Married at First Sight alum, who appeared on season 12 of the hit reality television series, welcomed her first baby with boyfriend Justin, a rep for the couple confirms exclusively to PEOPLE. Banks' daughter Nova Rae Banks-Williams was born Monday, Feb. 26th at 6:46 p.m.

"Nova, what a blessing you are! The past 10 months have been a journey watching and feeling you grow in my tummy and we are so grateful you are finally here!" the couple tells PEOPLE.

"Nova enjoys snuggles with Mom and Dad, listening to oldies music and long naps during the day to keep Mom and Dad up at night. She was named Nova, which means Bright Star, because she brings so much light to our lives and Rae because she makes our world go round just like a ray of sunshine."

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Paige Banks welcomes first baby Nova Rae Banks-Williams
Paige Banks and her daughter.

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The couple also shared a few photos with PEOPLE, including one sweet picture of the newly minted family of three as they pose together on a couch.

Wearing a pink onesie, Nova Rae rests in her dad's arms, who matches his daughter in a pink blazer. Banks rests her head on Justin's chest, also wearing a pink outfit and cradling her daughter in one hand.

In another photo, the couple lovingly gazes down at their daughter, posing beside a balloon that reads, "It's a girl!" Banks can also be seen cuddling her baby girl, smiling down at her while she naps.

Paige Banks welcomes first baby Nova Rae Banks-Williams
Paige Banks, her boyfriend Justin and their baby daughter.

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In September, Banks shared with PEOPLE that she was expecting her first baby. "This is the start of a new chapter for me," she shared at the time. "I saw the two lines come across the test and I was shocked, happy and anxious all at the same time."

"I’ve always wanted to be a mother and embrace all of the beautiful possibilities that come with raising and nurturing a child of my own, and finally I felt like God had answered the desires of my heart and gave me something that I had been yearning for."

Of taking on this next chapter with Justin, Banks said she's "super grateful" to have a partner with her as she becomes a mom.

"I’m super grateful that I can share this journey with my person, my safe space, my confidante and most importantly, my best friend," she said. "Life isn’t always easy, but doing it with you makes things so worthwhile and I can’t wait to see you in action with our little love."

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