Actress and mom Shay Mitchell and longtime partner Matte Babel welcomed a new baby, daughter Rome, named after Mitchell’s “person,” her grandma.
The Dollface actress posted a moving tribute to her late grandma on Instagram, introducing her new daughter to the world. “Losing the most important person in my life in the same year I welcomed my second daughter has shifted everything for me, but one thing remains steady in my soul—I’m certain they spent time together and that brings me peace and joy,” she wrote. “We’re so happy you’re here Rome, named after my best friend, my soulmate, my ‘person,’ my Grandma Romaine.”
She shared the news of her pregnancy earlier this year, talking about the loss and how her pregnancy was a gift while she dealt with her grandma’s death. “I can’t help but think this was the universe’s plan all along, knowing I would need other worldly joy to cushion the blow of losing one of the most important people in my life,” she shared. “Yet, this is proof that love, life, and loss can profoundly exist all at the same time. Gram, I miss you every day. Little one, we are so excited to meet you. I breathe a sigh of peace knowing you two are already connected in such a cosmic way.”
Speaking with PEOPLE, Mitchell said of her pregnancy, “I feel awesome. I feel really, really good. It definitely takes a village. I’m really lucky my parents are in town and everybody’s been really helpful.”
She and Babel also share daughter, Atlas, two. She boasted about her partner recently to E! News, saying in part, “I think when you find someone who has the same morals as you, it makes parenting a lot easier. It’s definitely a partnership.”
Mitchell definitely has her hands full with two little ones, but for now, her favorite part of motherhood and greatest joy is to watch her girls bond. “It’s watching Atlas be a big sister. It’s the coolest thing,” she said.
