You might’ve noticed things have been a bit quiet around here the last few days, for good reason… On Monday, 2/8 at 8:22 am, the newest addition to our family came into the world! It was a pretty overwhelming and incredible day, and while this won’t be a full birth story, I’m excited to share a few of the details with you.

 
Tova’s (Abbreviated) Birth Story

Tova was born via c-section, a much different experience than I had with Naomi. She was breech the entire time and never really flipped, so I knew c-section was a possibility, but my doctor was confident that I was a good candidate for a version, a procedure where they try to flip the baby externally. We did attempt it the day of my delivery, but it was honestly a painful and scary experience, and after a few attempts, we all agreed it wasn’t happening. As soon as she came out, I had a better understanding as to why… She was 7 lbs, 6 oz! No tiny baby. Naomi was 6 lbs, 10 oz and she was born at 40 weeks and 3 days. This baby was born at 39 weeks. Who knows how much she would’ve weighed! I know that’s a not a big baby per se, but it’s pretty big for me.

In any case, I didn’t care how they got her out, as long as it was safely for both of us. The team at Methodist Hospital in Houston was incredible, and made the 4 days we stayed there pretty close to perfect. I was induced successfully the first time, so I didn’t know what to expect, but I was a great day.

One of my concerns about the c-section was that my baby would be whisked away from me and that I wouldn’t get to have that special skin to skin moment with her like I did with my first daughter, but as soon as she came out, they gave her to me and I held her for the rest of the surgery. It was just as beautiful a moment as the first time, and I really appreciated them making it special. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d built it up in my head to be.

Our families were beyond excited and were actually waiting for me in my room when they wheeled me back in at 9 am. Don’t worry, those are chocolate cigars 😉

We couldn’t get over how much Tova looked like Naomi at birth. As the days pass, she’s coming into her own and looking more like my husband (in my opinion, anyway). Believe it or not, we didn’t name her until 3 pm the day of her birth. We had a few names on the list and wanted to see if any felt right before making the final decision. We loved the name Tova and eventually decided that’s who she was; the name means “good” or “goodness” in Hebrew, and that’s what she is, pure goodness. Hannah is for my husband’s grandfather Harry, who I never got to meet, but everyone says was an incredible, generous man, kind man.

One of the best moments of the entire week was introducing these two sisters. I’m so excited for them, and can’t wait to see how their relationship grows over the years. Naomi has been incredibly gentle with and curious about her new sister. This moment melted my heart.

The day we left the hospital, we dressed her in the cutest little Kickee Pants outfit and beautiful headband from my friend Megan at Willow Crowns. I told Megan I wished I’d had some of her business cards to pass out, so many people stopped us. It was as close to feeling like Miss America as I’ll ever get, being wheeled out in a wheelchair while being complimented and congratulated by every person we saw.

Although some days are tougher than others, we’re getting adjusted quickly, and for some reason, it’s MUCH easier this time. I hope that continues.

I’ll share more later, but for now this is just a quick update so you can meet our sweet girl. xo