Thomas Michael Timothy Joyce (8lb 10oz) was welcomed into the world at the Armidale Regional Hospital by his mother Vikki Campion, and father Barnaby Joyce, on Saturday.

While Mr Joyce said he was still busy trying to explain to 14-month-old Sebastian why mum was not at home, he wished to thank all the doctors, midwives and staff at the Armidale hospital who had done such a magnificent job to have mother and bub doing so well.

"Sebastian has also welcomed Thomas, but very cautiously. He's wondering who this new person is that's interrupted his life," he said.

"I always thought it was good for Seb to have a mate at school and to play in the yard with.

"It's good all round. Any kid in the country wants to grow up with a mate, if they can.

"Obviously I'm very happy. The most important thing of course is they're healthy, mum's healthy and everything else is a blessing."

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Mr Joyce said Thomas was both his second name and his grandfather's name.

"Michael is on both sides of the family, and Timothy was my brother who unfortunately passed away last year," he said.

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