Blue Ivy Carter: First Photos of Beyonce's and Jay-Z's 'Child of Destiny' [PHOTOS]

The first photos of Blue Ivy Carter have arrived online. Beyonce's and Jay-Z's daughter officially made her public debut on Friday when her parents tastefully released pictures of their first child together on Jay-Z's Web site, Life + Times.

The photos came after Beyonce made a public appearance this week showing off a more shapely figure and gorgeous skin after giving birth. Dubbed the "child of destiny," Blue Ivy Carter was born on Jan. 7 at the Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Just days after being born, Blue Ivy became the youngest person to appear on a Billboard chart when she was featured on her father's song "Glory." The song was released after her birth, and Blue Ivy's cry can be heard on the track.

The first photos of Blue Ivy include close-ups of the bright-eyed bundle of joy as well as intimate portraits of the gorgeous baby girl being cuddled by her mother and father. Both Beyonce and Jay-Z look extremely happy.

The couple, who married in 2008, released a statement with the first photos of Blue Ivy, that read: "We welcome you to share in our joy. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this beautiful time in our lives. The Carter Family."

Many had thought that Beyonce and Jay-Z would release the first photos of their daughter in a glossy magazine.

After Blue Ivy was born, the couple released a joint statement two days later, noting that "Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven."

Blue Ivy Carter was delivered naturally and weighed 7 pounds.

"It was the best experience of both of our lives," Beyonce and Jay-Z said of the birth of their baby girl and thanked everyone for their prayers.

Start the slideshow to see the first photos of Beyonce and Jay-Z's daughter Blue Ivy Carter.

Beyonce and Jay-Z released the first photos of their daughter Blue Ivy Carter.

Beyonce and Jay-Z released the first photos of their daughter Blue Ivy Carter.

From the moment that Beyonce announced her pregnancy at the VMA’s, many speculated that the singer wasn’t pregnant. Bossip.com reported that right before she announced her pregnancy, she was doing flips on stage for her audience, something that a pregnant woman would not do.
The conspiracy rumors escalated when Beyonce’s stomach was caught deflating when she sat down for an interview on a TV show. When Beyonce finally gave birth to baby Blue Ivy Carter, many were still speculating that she didn’t actually give birth when she reemerged in front of cameras with a rockin’ post baby body.

Blue Ivy Carter Photos

Message to Fans

Beyonce has not only been rumored to be a potential judge; there have been reports that she was being offered a hefty $100 million to be part of the show.
Cowell has squashed rumors that he is offering her such money, and has not said that he is even considering the singer.

Peeking out from under Beyonce's left-hand ring finger was the tattoo IV.

Singer Beyonce poses at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards show in Los Angeles.

Beyonce, who announced her pregnancy earlier in the day, rubs her stomach after performing "Love On Top" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards show in Los Angeles.