'This has been the greatest experience of our lives': Jessica Simpson gives birth to baby girl Maxwell Drew Johnson

By Iona Kirby

-Daughter weighs in at 9lbs 13oz
-Jessica's sister Ashlee says she's 'in love' with Maxwell already

It has been a long time coming, but Jessica Simpson has given birth to her first child.

The 31-year-old star today welcomed a baby girl, Maxwell Drew Johnson, into the world, announcing the happy news via a banner on her official website.

Jessica wrote: 'Eric and I are elated to announce the birth of our baby girl, Maxwell Drew Johnson.

Baby at last! Jessica Simpson, pictured here in late February, has given birth to girl named Maxwell Drew Johnson

'We are so grateful for all the love, support and prayers we have received. This is been the greatest experience of our lives.'

Maxwell weighed in at 9lbs 13oz, and apparently takes her middle name from Jessica's mother Tina, whose maiden name is Drew.

While Drew pays tribute to Jessica's side of the family, Maxwell is Eric's middle name.

Members of the Jessica’s family were spotted arriving at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles today.

Jessica’s mother and sister Ashlee, and the parents of her fiancé Eric Johnson, were seen at the hospital with excited looks on their faces.

Sharing her joy: Jessica announced the happy news by posting a banner on her official website

'So grateful': Jessica was last pictured going for a drive with Eric Johnson in LA on Sunday

Ashlee told People magazine today: 'Bronx and I are in love with Maxwell already! Jessica has wanted to be a mom since we were little girls and I couldn't be more excited for her and Eric!'

Jessica was last spotted out and about on Sunday, when she went for a drive with her fiancé.

She has looked ready to pop for several weeks now and the star’s due date was April 21.

The singer and actress must have been feeling the pressure as last weekend her dad, Joe, gave fans a major hint that his daughter was due soon.

'Still counting down the days til I am a grandpa again. Keep Jess in your prayers,' he tweeted.

Soon afterwards Katy Perry and Chelsea Handler also took to their Twitter pages to wonder why Jessica still hasn't given birth.

Long time coming: The star (pictured at her baby shower with a guest and sister Ashlee) has looked ready to pop for weeks

Girl power: The star received plenty of pink gifts ahead of her daughter's arrival

Supportive: Jessica's fiance attended the baby shower

Katy Perry tweeted: 'Has Jessica Simpson had that baby yet?! I'm getting anxious.'

And Chelsea Handler echoed the sentiment when she posted on her own page: 'How has jessica simpson still not given birth to this baby? I'm getting frightened.'

The Fashion Star mentor even had to take to Twitter herself recently to end speculation that she had already given birth in secret.

Jessica tweeted: 'To everyone who keeps congratulating me on the birth of my baby girl…I’m still pregnant!! Don’t believe what you read ladies and gents.'

Last month, the star threw a lavish Texan-themed baby shower that was attended by celebrity guests including Jessica Alba and Ellen Pompeo.

Creative: The couple chose Maxwell as it is Eric's middle name, and Drew because it is Jessica's mother's maiden name

Throughout her pregnancy, Jessica was upfront about the cravings it brought about, revealing in a series of interviews that she was indulging in her favourite childhood foods.

Unlike some expectant mothers, Jessica said she was not concerned about watching what she ate and would happily 'give into my cravings.'

She is said to have put a grand baby weight loss plan in place after giving birth and is rumoured to be the next face of Weight Watchers for the post-baby slim down plan.

Jessica, who became engaged to Eric in November 2010 after six months of dating, was previously married to Nick Lachey, from 2002 to 2005.

The marriage landed them their own reality TV show, Newlyweds, which saw the pair become household names.