Laura Ling Welcomes Daughter Li Jefferson Clayton

Journalist Laura Ling has experienced in a year, what most could never imagine, from the terrifying experience of being held captive in a North Korean prison, to returning home to the US to her waiting friends and family and quickly learning that she was expecting her first child.

Now, 10-months after returning home from North Korea, Ling and husband Iain Clayton have welcomed their first child, daughter Li Jefferson Clayton. Li was born yesterday (June 2) in Burbank, Calif. weighing in at 8 lbs., 2 oz., reports PEOPLE.

Ling's sister, journalist/Oprah Winfrey Show correspondent Lisa Ling, said of the new baby,

Her parents are too speechless. Li is super adorable!"

Ling revealed the origins of her daughters name, honoring sister Lisa in the form of Li, and borrowing Jefferson from former US President Bill Clinton's middle name. Of her friendship with Clinton, who aided in her release from North Korea, Ling said, "He has checked in on me several times to see how I'm doing, and has been so concerned and caring. He's such a wonderful human being."