Entertainment

It's A Boy For Surfer Bethany Hamilton!

by Kaitlin Stanford

Just me, or is it hard to believe it's been 12 years since Bethany Hamilton first surfed her way into our hearts? The professional surfer was just 13 when she lost her left arm in a shark attack off the coast of Hawaii back in 2003. But in the years since, Hamilton has seriously beat the odds, going on to surf in major competitions, give inspirational speeches, inspire a movie... and you know, just generally kick ass in life. Well, now she can add "Mom" to that ever-growing resume of hers: Hamilton gave birth to a baby boy named Tobias, she announced to her fans on Twitter and Facebook Monday.

"Blessed to welcome our son, Tobias, into the world," Hamilton wrote in her caption on Facebook. "Born June 1st, 7.9 lbs. and 21" Long." She also shared the sweet meaning behind the little guy's name: "He is named after his great grandpa Tobias meaning 'The goodness of God,'" she wrote, before adding that motherhood has her seriously psyched: "Adam and I so in love with our lil guy and are stoked to share life with him!"

Here she is with baby Tobias and husband Adam Dirks, who she married in August 2013. (See if you can handle the cute.)

She's not the only one who's stoked. Twitter was quick to jump in and give the new mom some major love.

On Facebook, Hamilton's fans were just as ecstatic. "Congratulations on your new addition to the family smile!! I've been a surfer since 1965. I always admired you for your guts to move on with your life and your strength!!" wrote Shane Garcia. "So honored," added Lupita Pestana. "My twins were also born on 1st June, eight years ago. Claudia one of my twin daughters was born without her left hand; she is your fan and admires you Bethany. She loves watching 'Soul Surfer.'"

Amazingly, Hamilton continued to surf through most of her pregnancy, and even competed in the World Surf League's Women's Pipe Invitational held at the Benzai Pipeline in December 2014. At 6 months pregnant, she was snapped riding a wave and looking like a total badass:

As for the new challenges motherhood will bring? She's not fazed. And rightly so — she hasn't exactly let fear get in the way of things; especially when it comes to her so-called limitations. "I often forget that I have one arm," Hamilton said in her pregnancy announcement back in February. "I think there's going to be things that will be very challenging with one arm, but I'll just have to find my own way to take care of the baby ... I'll have to adjust to little things, figure it out, and be creative."

Welcome to the word, Tobias! I already know you're going to be one awesome little dude (and have some killer skills out on the water).