Thursday, September 15, 2005
NEWS HEADLINE: Britney Spears has helped husband Kevin Federline multiply and replenish the earth. Again.
The "...Baby One More Time" singer gave birth to ababy boy Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles. The child is Spears' first, Federline's third. He has two young children from his previous relationship with actress Shar Jackson.
According to U.K.'s Sky News, Spears was considering naming her and Federline's child London, after the British capital, where their romance blossomed. US Weekly's sources had the singer set on Preston Michael Spears Federline. Spears' publicist had no official confirmation.
23-year-old Spears recently told Elle that sheconsidered pregnancy "mind-blowing" and "therapeutic--all the secrets from your family comeout of the closet."
One aspect of the life cycle Spears was not looking forward to was the business of labor. Saying she didn't "want to go through pain," the pop star told the magazine, "I have a feeling I'm going to have anoperation [a Caesarian section]. I don't know why, butI hope so."
Per reports, Spears' dream came true. The entertainer, accompanied by Federline, checked into an L.A. hospital about 6 a.m. to undergo a C-section.
Throughout Wednesday, the tabloids and glossies jostled with each other over the baby story--treating the birth like hard-news outlets treat election night, with each seeking to be the first to call it.
The National Enquirer was first out of the gate atabout 9 a.m., with news of Spears begin admitted to the hospital for a C-section. Life & Style followed with a press release outlining alleged complications.Us trumped everyone with a press release announcingthe birth; the magazine sent out the alert at 1:30p.m.--just a half-hour after Baby Spears made his debut.
Spears and Federline, a 27-year-old former backup dancer, wed last year, only months removed fromSpears' 55-hour marriage to childhood friend JasonAllen Alexander and the birth of Federline's second child with Jackson.
In the wake of her marriage, Spears, a media magnet since the age of 17, split with her longtime manager,declared her intention "to just chill" and put downroots in a $6.9 million Malibu mansion, and she talked about her desire to start a family.
Spears and Federline confirmed the "wonderful news" of their pregnancy in April. Days later, the duo launchedanother joint production: Britney & Kevin: Chaotic, their little-watched UPN reality series. The arrival of Spears' baby nearly coincides withThursday's launch of Spears' new fragrance. In a noteto fans, the singer described Fantasy Britney Spearsas a "completely magical" blend of "enchanting scents and flavors," with "a hint of cupcakes."
