Introducing mademoiselle…

Parker Ann. She made it! She’s perfect! Our baby girl is in the world!

Andrew and I made the trip to the hospital last Wednesday morning, a bright beautiful day in New York City, and by mid-afternoon we were parents to this perfect little nugget.

Of course she didn’t come out looking that calm and cute. The whole experience was messy and surreal. But amazing.

From hearing her first cries…

… to holding her in the recovery room…

… to acclimating to my mending body and her new needs throughout three long days and nights at the hospital.

We finally brought her home over the weekend, showing her Fifth Ave, the FDR and the Brooklyn Bridge—where Mommy and Daddy got engaged!—along the way. She was a trooper.

She definitely has some lungs on her, and she’s fiercely strong. Her little fists and mouth are powerful. And so damn cute. Even Milo agrees.

The journey continues: a powerful cocktail of love, delight, uncertainty, anxiety, relief, anticipation, and just sheer joy—all heightened by sleep deprivation and being absolutely clueless about what to expect and do. Thank god for other new moms who have shared their valuable insights and experiences, friends who give their love and support so freely, family who is happy to help and sharing our joy. A huge thank you.

After nearly a week, we’ve decided she’s a keeper.