Ashley Jones Welcomes Son Hayden Joel
Ashley Jones is a mom!
The former star of The Bold and the Beautiful gave birth to a baby boy on Tuesday, May 24, she confirms to PEOPLE exclusively.
Born at 7:06 p.m., son Hayden Joel Henricks weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz. and measured 21 inches long. He joins big brother Huck, 4, husband Joel Henricks‘ son from a previous relationship.
“Holding our first child the minute he arrived was the most mesmerizing, perfect moment,” Jones tells PEOPLE. “Everyone says it, but they say it for a reason: my heart bursts with joy and love. I feel this deep need to protect.”
Courtesy Jones Henricks Family
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It took a bit of time to decide on a name for their newborn, Jones admits.
“Hayden was referred to as Baby Henricks the first two days until we finally named him. We were waiting to meet and hold our son before we committed to a name,” the General Hospital actress explains.
“We had friends and family texting name ideas for months. But it all came together in the hospital. Joel’s middle name is his father’s name. It’s a tradition that’s been passed on in Joel’s family that we wanted to continue, hence Hayden Joel.”
Hayden is the first child together for Jones and her husband, who shared in March they were expecting in an exclusive announcement to PEOPLE.
“I wouldn’t trade any of it. I feel like I’ve won the lottery,” Jones, 39, wrote in her PEOPLE.com pregnancy blog in May.
And so does her husband. Henricks told Jones the pinnacle of his life was watching his firstborn, Huck, meet his new brother. Huck was gentle and immediately went to get one of his favorite toys to show Hayden.
Courtesy Jones Henricks Family
Jones celebrated her son’s impending arrival with a safari-themed high-tea baby shower in April, thrown by her good friends Kaley Cuoco and Marisa Coughlan. The guest list included moms-to-be Lacey Chabert and Ali Fedotowsky, as well as new moms Haylie Duff and Amy Davidson.
Jones has also shared numerous photos on social media documenting her pregnancy.
Felt #bold enough to hike with Oscar. Now, just feeling pooped. #38weekspregnant #weNeedANameForYou! http://liketk.it/2oa14 @liketoknow.it #liketkit #boldandbeautiful #tryingtobehealthy
“Becoming a mother has been a lifelong dream of mine. It seems surreal that it’s now happening,” Jones told PEOPLE in March. “Although life as we know it will forever change, Joel and I can’t wait to meet this baby.”
— Jen Juneau