The soap opera world is celebrating some joyous news! “Days of Our Lives” actor Carson Boatman and his wife Julana Dizon have welcomed their first child together – a beautiful baby girl named Ava Rey. The couple shared their happy announcement via Instagram on Friday, introducing their newborn daughter to the world.

Born December 18 in Los Angeles, baby Ava’s arrival came just in time for the holidays. “Christmas came early this year,” the glowing new parents wrote alongside adorable photos of them cradling their newborn. The couple revealed to People magazine that becoming parents has filled a void they didn’t even know existed, describing the experience as “pure joy” despite the sleepless nights.

The name Ava Rey holds special meaning – the middle name honors Julana’s late father Reynaldo Dizon, who passed away from lung cancer just last month. This sweet arrival comes two years after the couple tied the knot in 2021, having met through a mutual trainer in LA back in 2016.