Lydia Louise Kos was born at 7:05pm on Saturday, January 31, 2015! She was 7lbs. 13.8 oz and 21 inches long.

Most of my labor was done at home with Rafal and my wonderful doula, Michelle Patula, and by the time I arrived at the hospital I was 6-7 cm dialated and 100% effaced. I had a completely natural vaginal delivery, of which I am very proud. We were able to leave the hospital after 24 hours and we spent our first night at home as a family on Sunday.

The nights are long and sleepless, but the smiles are warm and deep. I can see the faces of so many people I love in her face–my mom and dad, my partner, myself–and I am floored by the realization that every single person in the world–from the the most generous to the most evil–was a sweet, little creature like this once. Something tells me that life will never be the same.