FORT HOOD (January 8, 2013)--20-year-old Spc. Christopher Chavez, who is currently serving in Afghanistan, is thankful he was able to witness his first child being born.

While not physically present in the hospital, Chavez was able to witness the birth of his daughter via Skype.

On January 3, Alice Renee Chavez was born to Christopher and his wife Paige at an Arizona Army hospital.

Chavez is not the only soldier to witness his daughter’s birth through the internet app, as the trend has become increasingly popular among deployed military members.

While the new father is more than thankful for his baby girl, he says he remains hopeful for a baby boy somewhere down the road.

Spc. Chavez currently serves as an intelligence analyst for A Company, 4th brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.