Saya was born at 2:42 am on May 2, 2019. I still can’t find the words to describe laboring, birthing, and welcoming a new baby into the world, but the summary is that I am in awe of what a woman’s body can do. It’s hard to overstate how incredible we are. I also know I couldn’t have done it without Corey’s support, too. And my doula was a gift. If you want more details, I am open to share about my experience or about our doula, but without further ado, let’s get to our baby who made us a family.
First Moments: Saya’s first waking moment was in the birth center hallway in her dad’s arms. The midwives urgently whisked her away from me to support her breathing before I was able to meet her. As the midwives began to wheel her to the neonatal unit, Corey ignored their requests to keep her in the bassinet and carried her back into the room to unite us. Instinctively, he knew I needed to meet her before she was taken to the neonatal unit. He looked into my eyes as he handed her to me and said “I have something to tell you…we have a little girl”.
Over three hours later, I was wheeled into the neonatal unit to see Corey skin to skin with our baby, with her suckling on his pinky finger. I lost it. I couldn’t stop the tears. I had so many emotions overwhelming me at one time. I was encouraged to feed her on the spot, even with the tears in my eyes. After this first attempt at nursing, I fell asleep in the recliner for I don’t know how long.
We spent five days at the birth ward for our baby to complete her round of antibiotics. In that time, we got to know midwives, transitional care workers, breastfeeding consultants, and most importantly, our little one. We named her on day two and began to explore our rhythm as a parental team. Corey made sure I slept and ate as often as possible. I practiced nursing and keeping track of the numerous pamphlets from hospital staff. Neither of us thought about changing her outfit until we realized we were going to be discharged…which is why every picture below looks like it was taken on the same day 😉
May 2 (3:05am) 
May 2 (3:09am) 
May 2 (12:38pm) 
May 2 (1:31pm) 
May 3 (11:20am) 
May 4 (12:49pm) 
May 4 (6:17pm) Welcome Saya Frances Spells- you have a name! 
May 5 (9:35pm) Watching the NBA finals
Arriving home: Many parents told us we’d be so nervous about keeping Saya alive when she first arrived at home that we wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves. Honestly, we were so excited to get away from the sounds and smells of the hospital that we immediately put Saya in her pram/stroller and walked to pick up sushi and show her off to our local kebab guys. Looking back, that was far too much for our first couple of hours at home. But it was hilarious how excited we were to ‘do parenting’ the way we imagined it.
We are going home 
Represent! 
Early morning sunlight with my favorite people 
Documenting the blood vessels in my eyes (from pushing!) 
Milk smiles– or gas? 
First smile at Bachan on FaceTime 
Proud poppa on the bus 
Healthy and healing fish stew (recipe from our doula) 
My night stand essentials 
We are one week old parents
Week 2- Our first guests: I was nervous to ‘do parenting right’ in front of our friends, but that quickly melted away after I saw how excited and loving people were towards our new family. Sam, Rich, Zachariah and Chantal made us brunch to celebrate our first two weeks together. Kate brought her energy and fun stories of Corey from high school. Ruth helped us reflect on our birthing experience, and supported me with nursing. Bachan sent a nursing cover, Jose and Miya sent chocolates, and Grandad’s stories debuted to welcome his sixth grandchild.
Adventure awaits: Zachariah and Saya meet! 
Tata Sam is smitten 
Celebratory brunch for new parental units 
Saya slept in Uncle Abs’ cozy arms 
Chantal can’t get enough of these grand babies 
GS Reunion! 
Practicing nursing outside the flat…but still in our backyard 
We couldn’t do this without Ruth, our doula! 
Chocolates from Tio and Tia 
No regrets about not having boys. A life lesson written by Grandad 
I learnt to tie the Solly Wrap from Auntie Erica 
This squirt bottle is a must, friends. Ask a mom. 
Baby grow/onsie by Tata Samira 
Getting her birth certificate in Camden- she’s official
How lucky is our little girl to have so much love from abroad? In addition to visitors, she had a steady stream of thoughtful gifts that kept our mail box full. Each sent with warm words of encouragement and excitement.
Auntie Ad’s fave books, and Earth Science blocks 
Handmade quilt, blankets, and sweatshirts from Tia Miya, Auntie Jo and Bachan 
Aunties Lori and KK know she’s gotta represent 
Saya slept on Auntie Sarah for two hours! 
Embroidered bag from Tati Nadine and Uncle Kyle 
GS part 2: Shannon visits for a quick cuddle before heading to the airport 
At the US Embassy, getting more official documents!
Week 3- Grandad and Mamo Visit: I couldn’t wait to welcome Grandad and Mamo! With Corey going back to work, their presence helped settle myself nerves with being on my own during the day. I thought I was in love with my little girl, but seeing them hold my first child was a moment like no other.
Each morning, between 5-6am, Grandad would be waiting to welcome Saya into his arms. They would do ‘stations’ around our flat while I caught few more moments of sleep. Mamo led the charge for finding new books for her library, and identified her first case of diaper rash. They helped me find friendly places to nurse in our neighborhood, and were always in favor of a good pub lunch. Saya had her first bath, too, and let’s just say that afterwards we all felt we’d earned an ice cream cone. We all agreed that you need three adults to one infant if you want to stand a chance!
l o n d o n f o r r e s t 