The name ofTristan Thompsonand Maralee Nichols' son has a special meaning.

Nichols, 31, continues, “I had never been pregnant and had been told I might not be able to have children.”

“I couldn’t believe I was pregnant, when I saw you on the ultrasound and heard your little heartbeat I knew I would always protect you and keep you safe. I love you more than you’ll ever know. You bring such joy and happiness into my life. My great blessing.”

Maralee Nichols/Instagram

Maralee Nichols baby

The statement shared with PEOPLE from the new mom, she adds that the athlete was not named on the birth certificate “because he was not present at Theo’s birth.”

The NBA player, 30, initially denied the paternity of little Theo.

Maralee Nichols baby

Last month, heconfirmedhe fathered the child, writing on his Instagram Story, “I take full responsibility for my actions. Now that paternity has been established I look forward to amicably raising our son,” he continued. “I sincerely apologize to everyone I’ve hurt or disappointed throughout this ordeal both publicly and privately.”

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In his message, Thompson also addressed exKhloé Kardashian— whom he was dating when Nicholssaid the child was conceived.

“Khloé, you don’t deserve this. You don’t deserve the heartache and humiliation I have caused you,” he wrote.

“You don’t deserve the way I have treated you over the years. My actions certainly have not lined up with the way I view you. I have the utmost respect and love for you. Regardless of what you may think. Again, I am so incredibly sorry.”

Kardashian and the basketball player have a 3-year-old daughter,True Thompson.Thompson also has a 5-year-old son, Prince, whom he shares with ex has aJordan Craig.

source: people.com