It's a Boy for Mekhi Phifer!

TV doctor Mekhi Phifer has somebody new to look after — a bouncing baby boy. The ER star and his fiancée, Oni Souratha, welcomed Mekhi Thiara Phifer—who weighed 5 pounds, 4 ounces—at 6:47 a.m. Tuesday morning in Los Angeles.

Just hours after his son’s birth, a jubilant Mekhi spoke with OK! at a press conference to promote the 300th episode of his hit NBC show. “He’s a beautiful little boy,” beamed Mekhi. “We’re just really excited.”

The 32-year-old actor—who has an eight-year-old son, Omikaye, with ex-wife Malinda Williams—admitted that he’s more prepared for fatherhood the second time around. “When I was married the first time, I was about 24. I’m going on 33 now, so I’ve definitely experienced life on a whole ’nother mind state, much more stable. Plus, I have my son as sort of a template. He’s wonderful. If we do half of what we do with him he’ll be just fine.”

It was difficult for Mekhi to be away from his newborn so soon after his arrival, but, the actor noted with a laugh, “we’ve gotta get the bills paid...it’s okay. I’ve just come here to knock this out and then head on back to the hospital to relax. I’m off tomorrow, which is wonderful. My lady is very excited.”

And there’s no need to worry about any last-minute kiddie purchases, either, assured Mekhi. “My house is already ready. The baby’s room is ready. We’ve had the baby shower, so we have all the stuff.”

Little Mekhi will get the opportunity to see his dad in ER’s 300th episode on December 6.

By Carole Glines