Simon Cowell shares touching first family pictures of newborn baby son Eric... as he says 'I never knew how much love and pride you could feel'

e became a proud father for the first time when he welcomed baby son Eric into the world on Valentine's Day.
And doting dad Simon Cowell has now shared a touching first photograph of he and Lauren Silverman's little bundle of joy.
Posting a series of artistic black and white shots on his Twitter page on Sunday evening, the 54-year-old music mogul revealed he was unprepared for how much 'love and pride' he would feel towards his 'handsome' baby son.

Doting dad: Proud father Simon Cowell has now shared a touching first photograph of he and Lauren Silverman's baby son Eric

One adorable snap showed him and Lauren gazing adoringly at the new addition to their family, with the American socialite tenderly stroking little Eric's head as Simon
cradled the tot in his arms.

Alongside the photograph, he wrote: 'Mum, Dad and Eric. Now two days old.'
Another shot showed the X Factor supremo affectionately patting his son's forehead as Eric clasped onto his thumb with a firm grip alongside the text: '…. now you can see how very handsome little Eric is.'

Happy family: One adorable snap showed Simon and Lauren gazing adoringly at the new addition to their family, with the American socialite tenderly stroking little Eric's head as Simon cradled the tot in his arms

Another shot showed the X Factor supremo affectionately patting his son's forehead as Eric clasped onto his thumb with a firm grip alongside the text: '¿. now you can see how very handsome little Eric is.'

A final photograph showed Simon looking every inch the proud father as his newborn son nestled into his chest with his eyes closed.
He wrote: 'I never knew how much love and pride I would feel.'
Lauren gave birth to their healthy baby boy on Friday. And after what must have been some much needed rest, Simon arrived back at the hospital in New York City on Saturday, to see his brand new son Eric experience his second day out in the world.

The 54-year-old music mogul and new father was every bit the proud, radiant parent as he gave onlookers the thumbs up on his way in to see his two loves.

Homeward bound: Simon and Lauren left Lenox Hill Hospital with their little bundle of joy on Sunday afternoon

Daddy cool: The X Factor supremo held on to baby Eric as he and Lauren left the medical centre alongside a nurse

A new chapter: Simon already seems to be positively besotted with the latest addition to his little family

Positively radiant: In spite of giving birth a mere matter of hours earlier, Lauren looked flawless as she emerged from the hospital with Simon and Eric

Hello, Mr Cowell! Little Eric looked positively adorable snuggled up in a grey wool blanket

Protective papa: Simon took control of the carrying duties as he and Lauren made their way to the car

Dressed casually in his usual favourites - baggy jeans and a T-shirt - Simon shielded himself from the cold with a heavy trench coat and warm grey scarf as he trudged across the snow-laden road.

The talent judge appeared much more perky and bright than the day before after he flew in from London, with his skin glowing and an unmistakably proud grin plastered across his face.

He carried a mysterious red carry bag, perhaps containing some surprise goodies for the mother of his firstborn.

Proud papa! Simon Cowell headed into the New York City hospital on Saturday where his girlfriend Lauren Silverman gave birth to the couple's first child, a son named Eric, on Valentine's Day

 

Tired-looking Simon Cowell leaves hotel after son's birth

That's better! The 54-year-old music mogul looked to have gotten some rest overnight after looking a little worse for wear the previous day when he welcomed his baby boy

One happy dad: The X Factor judge looked calm and content as he gave the thumbs up with a hospital band wrapped around his wrist

Pausing at the entrance of the spectacular looking hospital, Simon turned and waved at the shutterbugs and any waiting fans.
And the famously harsh judge wasn't playing any hardball on this particular day, opting instead to grin, give the thumbs up and throw up a peace sign for good measure.

Lauren would obviously have been staying at the hospital with her second son - she has an eight-year old called Adam with ex-husband Andrew SIlverman - who was born at at 17.45 EST on Friday, Valentine's Day, weighing 6lbs 7oz.

Daddy duty: The new father made his way in to see his girlfriend Lauren and their brand new baby Eric, who was named after Simon's late father Eric Cowell

A source told MailOnline: 'Lauren's mother and sister were in the delivery room with them when she gave birth. Simon's mother, Julie, is looking forward to meeting the baby in the UK.'

Cowell tweeted just hours later, giving away the infant's name: 'Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome.'

He later added an explanatory note: 'Named after my dad'.

Feeling peaceful? Simon looked happy, radiant and full of energy as he smiled for the shutterbugs

Many stars across the world have been sending their congratulations to the music mogul and his girlfriend.

Close friend and ex girlfriend Terri Seymour said: 'I called him tonight and he is so excited. It really is all change for him, but he is ready. Eric is a great name. It is great that he picked that name in honour of his father. It is very touching. I can't wait to see them all.'

Mario Lopez threw in his two cents too, saying: #Congrats to my boy @SimonCowell & his Valentine's Day baby!!! Smooth move... Only you could pull that off Sir.'

A vast improvement! On Friday Simon Cowell looked puffy faced and exhausted - as to be expected - outside the hospital where his son was born on Valentine's Day

Music icon Tom Jones took time out from his performance in aid of the red carpet at the Mending Kids International All Star Concert for Children Worldwide In Los Angeles.

Tom revealed to MailOnline, that Simon will be able to mix his workaholic nature with being a father: 'So good luck to him and his partner and his new child. I think having a child is a responsibility.

'I had a child when I was 17 years old and you can do both, The Voice UK judge explained. 'You can have a family and still enjoy being in showbusiness.

New parents: Simon Cowell and girlfriend Lauren Silverman were pictured in NYC in September 2013

  

He added: It can be done but you have to make sure that you put your time in, and be a loving father that is all you have to do.'

Asked if Cowell's time being taken up with child-rearing could impact on the TV battle between the  X Factor and his BBC rival, Tom smiled: 'I don't know about that. Simon Cowell is a lovely fella. I have met him and he is a solid man.'

Nigel Lythgoe told us exclusively: 'I look forward to working with Simon again on a brand new production, "My Kid's Got Talent.'

Piers Morgan also took to Twitter to share an adorable throwback photo of a young Simon with his father, and wrote, 'A young Simon Cowell with his father Eric, who he adored... lovely tribute to name his son after him.'

The big arrival: Simon tweeted out the specifics of the news on Friday - Valentine's Day

 

Tom Jones gives advice to Simon Cowell on new baby

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