A heartwarming story of a successful surrogacy in California is making headline news. Supermodel Tyra Banks and her boyfriend, photographer Erik Asla, have welcomed their first baby into the world. From the outside, the couple seems to have it all- fame, fortune, good looks, and more. However, one big part of their life remained empty, until they began the journey of surrogacy in California.

Ms. Banks Spoke of Her Fertility Struggles on TV

Last September, Ms. Banks made an impromptu confession on her talk show when her cohost, Chrissy Teigen, admitted she was not conceiving as quickly as she’d like. Ms. Teigen opened up to the viewers and told them to stop asking when she was going to have a baby. She also cautioned of the hurt that simple question can bring others, which drew tears from Ms. Banks. It was then that the globally-known model announced that she’d been struggling with infertility as well. The 42-year-old later confirmed the story with People Magazine and explained that she had also undergone several unsuccessful IVF treatments.

Just Months Later, Baby York Banks Asla Arrived

Although Ms. Banks and Mr. Asla have been incredibly tight-lipped about the details, it seems the entrepreneur pair opted for surrogacy in California, as the couple has several homes across the state and her show is filmed there. Ms. Banks proudly announced on January 27 that her son, York Banks Asla, was born via surrogate, and added, “He’s got my fingers and big eyes and his daddy Erik’s mouth and chin,” clarifying that the surrogate was gestational and that she and her boyfriend are the biological parents of the boy as well. According to Mr. Asla’s bio on PhotoArtworkAgency, baby York will be joining three half-sisters in the couple’s Los Angeles-area home.

Many Other Celebs Have Turned to Surrogacy in California

Infertility is incredibly common, and even stars are not immune to the heartache. From California to New York, surrogates have helped countless celebrities fulfil their dreams. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick announced they were expecting twins via surrogate in 2009. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban welcomed their surrogate baby into the world in 2011. Jimmy Fallon and his wife became parents in 2013, and Ellen Pompeo and her husband made their announcement via Instagram in 2014.

While the effects of infertility are truly heart wrenching, all of this melts away with the birth of baby. “As I gaze into the beautiful eyes of my son, I think about all the people who struggle with fertility or carrying a child and continue to pray for them every day,” Ms. Banks told People Magazine. “My hopes and dreams are filled with well-wishes that they get to feel what my little treasure, York Banks Asla, feels like in my arms.” The new mom has also reported that she’d like to someday have a whole “litter” of children, so it’s quite likely she’ll be turning to surrogacy in California again soon.

In any case, this is wonderful news. Congratulations to the Banks-Asla family!