Hoda Kotb Makes Emotional Return to 'Today' Show, Gushes Over Daughter Haley Joy
Hoda Kotb returned to the Today show on Monday morning as a new mom!
Joining Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer, the 52-year-old TV personality excitedly shared what life's been like since adopting daughter Haley Joy in February. "I think that by a certain stage in your life you think you have had every experience you are going to have -- but then she shows up," Kotb shared, tearing up. "This is beyond a dream, like, you have your dreams, and then this."
"I never believed in love at first site until now," she added. "She was the missing puzzle piece. I was scared to hold her but then when they put her in my arms, she fit perfectly."
WATCH: Hoda Kotb Breaks Down in Tears Talking About Daughter Haley Joy Ahead of Today Show Return
Kotb also joked that Haley must think it's always raining because her mom is always crying.
Excited about her return to work, Kotb shared an inspirational quote on her Instagram that read: "Hello Miss Haley, we waited so long for you."
"Happy Monday! First day back at work," she captioned the pic. "Here's your quote courtesy of my mom (wall hanging courtesy of my friend Monica Laliberte). P.S. Happy b-day mom!"
Prior to her return to work, Kotb also celebrated Hayley's first Easter, and posted a pic of all the gifts she received.
Needless to say, the Today show team was happy to have Kotb back. "Best #FundayMonday ever... @hodakotb's back!" Kathie Lee Gifford tweeted.
While she was on a two-month maternity leave, several of Kotb's morning show co-hosts visited her and Haley. When Gifford went to see the mother-daughter duo, Kotb could barely contain herself. Sharing sweet photos from the visit, she wrote: "My girl met my girl and my face exploded!"
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