Reality personality Candace Rice, famed for starring in Floribama Shore gave birth to her first child- a baby boy after undergoing pre-term labor at 24 weeks. The baby was delivered in the early hours of Christmas Day.

The 28-year-old new mom announced the delightful news on Instagram, “Maxwell Michael Hardy arrived at 2:30 am. We have a Christmas baby and another Capricorn! He’s so strong! Currently in Nicu and hopefully I can take him home in a few months.”

She continued, “I’m asking for prayers now, more than ever for my little man. He’s so small but so aware. I cannot wait to hold him. Please keep the development of baby Maxwell in your family prayers today as you gather with family & friends.”

In the picture posted, the baby’s eyes are already open, laying connected to the tubes while a nurse seems to be working on him.

Rice’s boyfriend DJ Skar, whose real name is Denzel Hardy, is the father of the child. Maxwell was born just two days after Rice announced her pregnancy with a topless maternity photoshoot. She had also added in the caption that she went into pre-term labor.

“I went into pre-term labor at 24 weeks. Dr. Tosha Muse in addition to all the wonderful doctors & nurses have been doing all they can to keep baby Maxwell Michael Hardy inside the womb as long as possible. It’s wayyyy too early for him to enter.” she wrote.

After thanking her family and friends for checking on her “throughout this entire pregnancy” and will be on bed rest.

Rice continued, “This pregnancy has sat my busy body behind down. Now I’m officially on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy and will be in the hospital for the remainder of the year in isolation thanks to COVID.”

Candace Rice and DJ Skar began dating in late 2020 and this is their first child together.