Sam Branson has shared his experience of becoming a father after welcoming daughter Eva-Deia with his wife Isabella in February. The first time dad wrote a heartfelt post for the official Virgin website, in which he described fatherhood as "the most amazing ride".
"It's strange looking at something that you know is the most important thing in the world to you but you haven't even touched them yet," Sam wrote. "It took that skin on skin for me to really connect with her and from that moment I have fallen more and more in love with her each second."
The proud dad said that he and Isabella are enjoying the transition from "being a couple to mum and dad" and said that having baby Eva-Deia has been the most "humbling and calming thing" he has ever experienced.
"It’s a kind of meditation. People spend their whole lives striving to live in the present but with a baby you can't be anywhere but the present. They rely on you entirely and it’s a wonderful feeling not being the centre of your own universe.
"We spend our whole lives focusing on who we are, what we want to do, where we want to be, but having a child makes you ask totally different questions."
Sam is also keen to be a hands on parent, and said he will do all that he can to support Isabella with their bundle of joy.
"I haven't wanted to miss a second and although it is exhausting, the love you feel keeps your energy tank topped up. I didn't realise anything was missing in my life until Eva-Deia came along.
"I feel like we are a compass and she is our true north."
Proud grandfather Sir Richard Branson first announced the news that Sam and Isabella had become parents on Thursday – a week after the youngster was born.
"Delighted to share the wonderful news that Isabella and Sam are the proud parents of a new baby girl: Eva-Deia Branson," wrote Sir Richard. "She was born at 4.39pm on February 19th, weighing 7.14oz."
The businessman also explained that Sam and Isabella, who tied the knot in 2013, have given their little girl a name close to their hearts.
"They decided to name the baby after Sam's grandmother Eve," explained Richard, referring to his 90-year-old mother Eve Branson. "And one of the most beautiful villages in the world, Deia in Majorca. We spent many happy times there as a family at our little hotel La Residencia, and funnily enough Holly also loved the name before deciding upon the equally beautiful Etta and Artie. Perfect names for perfect babies!"
