“ABC News’ Elizabeth Schulze Welcomes Second Child with Husband Michael After On-Air Contraction Drama (Exclusive)”

Elizabeth Schulze has officially become a mother once more!

The ABC News journalist has welcomed her second child with spouse Michael Kaplan, a representative for Schulze exclusively revealed to PEOPLE. The pair, already parents to 3-year-old Henry Wayne, celebrated the arrival of daughter Caroline Adele on Thursday evening, March 20. Born in Washington, D.C., the newborn measured 19 inches and weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces.

“Words fall short when trying to capture that first moment of locking eyes with her. My initial emotion was overwhelming gratitude that she’d arrived safely, perfectly formed and in good health,” Schulze shared about meeting her newborn.

“Many claim this experience defies description – they’re absolutely right. Seeing my daughter gaze up at me filled me with indescribable happiness and maternal pride,” the new mother continued. “Within hours of birth, she gifted us with what appeared to be a tiny smile. Our hearts overflowed knowing we’d brought this precious life into existence.”

The journalist’s path to delivery proved challenging. Several weeks prior to giving birth, Schulze experienced on-air contractions during a broadcast – ultimately a false alarm but nonetheless alarming.

“We faced an unexpected scare when I went into premature labor during my monthly jobs report segment for ABC News Live at 36 weeks,” Schulze recalled. “Though her due date remained a month away, reality struck – we needed to prepare immediately, especially since we hadn’t even settled on a middle name!”

The delivery process grew more complex when Schulze developed cholestasis, a pregnancy-related liver condition marked by increased bile acid levels.

“Those final days carried significant anxiety due to potential complications,” Schulze admitted. “With recurring contractions and her larger-than-average size suggesting early arrival, doctors recommended induction at 38 weeks. Hearing her healthy cry brought immeasurable relief.”

Selecting their daughter’s name proved an evolving process for the parents. “We approached naming without preconceptions, lacking a predetermined list of feminine names,” Schulze explained. “Both of us appreciate timeless, internationally recognizable names. Caroline emerged as the perfect classic choice.”

The couple chose the middle name Adele to honor Schulze’s late grandfather Arthur, mirroring how son Henry’s middle name pays tribute to her maternal grandfather. “The ‘A’ initial connection came to me en route to the hospital,” Schulze noted.

One particularly poignant moment occurred when big brother Henry met his sister. “His whispered promise, ‘I’m going to keep you safe,’ left us breathless with emotion,” the proud mother recounted. “He’d clearly rehearsed with grandma, arriving with a gift and delivering his message directly into her ear – an unbearably sweet moment.”

Contrary to expectations, the toddler has adapted remarkably well. “Henry insists on ‘reading’ memorized passages from Goodnight, Moon during bedtime rituals,” Schulze revealed. “He constantly wants to participate in caregiving activities, showing natural protective instincts already.”

“We’ll treasure this harmonious phase before teenage years arrive,” the journalist added with humorous foresight.