Thomas Rhett is Adjusting to New Life as ‘Dad’

On Friday, May 12, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins let the world in on a little secret… their baby girl was finally home. The couple introduced Willa Gray to fans with several sweet posts to Instagram just a day after she arrived in Nashville after a long flight from Uganda.

“On the way to the airport, it was like Christmas Day,” Rhett told People of picking up his 18-month-old daughter, with Lauren adding, “It felt like a dream. I’ve dreamed of us all being on the same continent for so long. It finally feels like everyone is where they’re supposed to be.”

Thanks to Lauren’s parents, Willa made the long international journey to their home in Tennessee to finally begin their lives together. But the journey to get here was a long and tireless one for Rhett and his bride. They first met the little girl, nicknamed “Blessing” in her home country, back in 2016 when Lauren visited Uganda with 147 Million Orphans.

Rhett saw a photo of Lauren holding the baby and knew in his heart what they had to do.

“Lauren had this amazing glow about her and it just felt like she was already our daughter in a weird way,” the singer, 27, says. “‘I just blurted out, ‘We should bring her home.’ ”

After many, many months of paperwork and laws to work through, Lauren traveled to Uganda in April, hoping to bring their daughter home. Unfortunately, the adoption was not finalized before she had to return to the United States for a pregnancy check-up for the child she and Rhett will welcome in August.

“I probably could have pushed it, but I just didn’t want to think something could go wrong with my pregnancy,” Lauren told the publication. “It felt weird leaving one daughter and making sure the other one is okay. But I couldn’t do it another way.”

Though the family hasn’t been together for long, they are adjusting quickly to their new roles as mom and dad.

“It is very weird to be called ‘Dad’ by a little human being,” said Rhett. “But it is one of the coolest feelings in the world. Nothing beats that.”

The family also celebrated their first Mother’s Day, with the singer posting a sweet tribute to the mother of both of his daughters.

“Babe.. not only are you the hottest mom you are the sweetest, funniest most kind hearted human being that I know. I know you didn’t plan on marrying a singer when you were sitting in your 3rd grade class room but I’m so glad you did. I couldn’t imagine my life without you. Seriously you know how lost I get when you are gone for 2 weeks I love you so much and happy 1st Mother’s Day. You already are a rock star at being a mom. You + me+ Willa” he wrote.

As the family adjusts to a new normal, they’re also busy preparing to welcome their second child, a biological daughter, in early August.