Life & Family — June 12, 2020

Welcome Emma.

I just wanted to jump on quickly to say hello, despite being in the newborn fog. As most of you probably know, our daughter, Emma Elizabeth Porter Gates, was born on Monday, June 8th at 4:03 pm after a fast labor (like, really fast!) We are home — healthy, happy and getting used to our new normal of having two kids (whaaaaaaaat??)

Here she is, a few minutes old!

The staff at Newton-Wellesley Hospital was so amazing (as they were with Henry’s birth too). I felt completely safe and protected, even during this crazy COVID time. We only stayed 24 hours, since the birth had no complications, and it was nice to be home early so Henry could meet his little sister!

Henry is DELIGHTED in his role of big brother.  He’s been super happy and helpful, which has been so wonderful, as I was a little worried about how he’d do with this huge change.

As for her name, we’ve always loved the name Emma. It’s popular, I know, but I am one for super classic names (we also liked the name Molly a lot too). Elizabeth was Andrew’s grandmother’s name and Porter is after Miss Porter’s School, the all-girls school I went to that truly changed my life after a very tough time.

My team will be posting from time to time here, and I will pop on as I can, but I’m really trying to take this time all in knowing this is my last baby. Thank you for all your well wishes and comments on IG!

XO,
Erin

 

 

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  2. Congratulations, Erin! I’ve shed a few tears for you and your family along your road to both Henry and now Emma, and I could not be happier for you all at this moment. Enjoy each moment with your sweet family. Emma is lucky to have you.
    Love,
    Lindsey

  5. Congrats, Erin! She is beautiful and I know the answer to and fulfillment of much desire, much heartache, and many prayers. Emma was born on my mom’s first heavenly birthday, what would have been her 69th. She had me at Newton-Wellesley!

  9. Congratulations to you and your family! Emma is lovely and Henry looks so happy! Thanks for sharing you pics.

  11. Congratulations she s beautiful–a wonderful picture of big brother and baby sister. Take care of yourself and family…

  12. So happy for all of you! I know it’s been a tough road for you. Thanks for sharing the significance of her lovely name. She is gorgeous!

  14. YIPPPEEEEE!!! Congrats from a longtime reader of your wonderful blog, Erin! So happy for you, Andrew & Henry—Emma is beautiful! Enjoy your special time with your sweet family….we’ll still be here when you come back to the blog! 🎉😊

  15. Ah congratulations!! I’m really pleased for y’all. And that photo of Henry! Frame it!

  17. So happy for you Erin. I’ve followed your blog for years and have always appreciated the humanity and realism you’ve expressed, especially when so many others simply go the vanity route. You are a beautiful person inside and out and Emma is so lucky to have you as her mommy to guide her in this world. xoxo

  18. I’m so happy for you and your family. Emma is absolutely perfect. Enjoy every moment with her.

  19. Congratulations doesn’t cover it! Love the priceless pictures and her name- what a beautiful daughter and family you have! So, so happy for you!!!!!

    PS- thanks for posting this. I don’t have social media and was wondering what was going on!!

  20. Okay, I am DYING!!! Emma is so perfect and beautiful!!! Congratulations to your whole family!!! Thirty years ago we had a difficult time maintaining a pregnancy, so I can somewhat relate to your journey. Today, we have three (fabulous!) children(28, and twins, 26)…ENJOY, as the time will FLY! And they leave the nest in what seems like a blink.(Although the youngest two have been with us from San Francisco since mid-March–not sure they are ever going to leave :) By the way, you look incredibly beautiful, and that look on Emma’s face just says it all!!!

  22. How did I not know…well, now, I can make a “check” on my “list,” HOORAY!!! “THANKFUL!” EnJOY!!! franki

  24. Congratulations! They are both adorable. Best wishes to you and your family as you celebrate Emma and adjust to being a family of 4. I personally found the transition from having no children to a child far more difficult than from 1 to 2. It’s more exhausting but you’ve already made the life transition.

  25. Congratulations! She might be one of three Emmas in her class but she’ll be Emma G. – which sounds so stylish.

  26. I am SO happy for you and your darling family. Emma is beautiful. Enjoy every second….

  27. Thank you for sharing Emma and this intimate moment Erin. I’m so happy for you! This precious little one and quiet time to spend with her is so well deserved (guilt-free). Enjoy!

  28. Hooray!!! Congratulations to the Gates family! Henry will be a fantastic big brother, you can already see that he is pleased as punch. Love the name Emma also. It is perfect!

  33. So thrilled for you and delighted to have good news! I’ve followed you for a long time and could not be happier to see you with your beautiful baby girl and family. Enjoy this time and take good care of yourself!

  34. Congratulations to the Gates family on your precious bundle of joy! Priceless and precious, well done mama!!

  35. Congratulations! Beautiful baby girl and beautiful name. May she enjoy happiness and health always. All the best to you and your family.

  36. She’s beautiful! Congratulations to you and Andrew. No rush to be back here online, enjoy your time with her and take care of yourself. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.

  37. May God bless you, Erin! Her face as she looks at you can’t be explained in words. Only a Mama knows how deeply those first few moments together are. And the name you chose and meaning…how impactful! Congrats!

  39. what a beautiful little face which brought a tear to this grandma

    Congratulations to you and your family

  42. god bless! nothing BETTER than a new, healthy and happy baby. I so enjoy your blog and inspirational ideas. keep it up!

  44. Congratulations Erin.It’s so lovely to read happy news during this time period. You’ll love your little Gemini girl.

  45. Congratulations!!! Such wonderful news, take all the time you need mama! You know babies don’t keep and the newborn time is so short. Thank you for sharing these moments with us, we all need some happy news!

  47. Best post ever. We’ll see you when we see you and will look forward to getting to know your team better. And I’m hoping for some adorable baby girl clothes posts!

  51. I’m typing with one hand as I hold a tissue in the other. Tears of joy!! I was one of the lucky ones. I wanted a May baby, got her in April. I’ve followed your lovely blog and struggles with pregnancy. I’m so truly happy for you!!

  52. Congratulations! I love the name Emma and she is beautiful! She was born on my husband’s birth date as well. Enjoy this time with your little family. It goes by way to quickly!

  53. so very deeply happy for you all!
    that picture of her looking at you just made my ovaries hurt. you look so beautiful… the picture of mama bliss.
    xoxo
    clare

  54. Congratulations Erin! I went to MPS too, class of 1994. Enjoy your new daughter she is adorable💖.
    Daniela Zegarelli

  55. CONGRATULATIONS!! Emma cannot be more adorable… again, congratulations to you and your family!

  56. So very happy for you , your husband and big brother Henry! Little Emma is just perfectly beautiful! May you have a beautiful time falling in love with her!!

  58. You take LOTS of time!!!! The first weeks are the best! And love the name: my daughter is Emma Elizabeth too 😀

  59. Unbelievable!! Have followed your journey and am sooo happy for you- lots of love from Australia to your beautiful family of 4. Xx

  61. She’s beautiful Erin… congratulations! Nothing like the smell and feel of a newborn. Wishing you many happy days ahead!
    I am re-reading your two books. Looking for inspiration as I am completely redoing my living room. We cared for my mother in that space until her passing and it’s time for a refresh. Summer is perfect time to do it!

  62. Wonderful news! I, too, had a wonderful experience at Newton Wellesley when we welcomed our daughter 20 years ago. Enjoy the time as it truly does fly.

  66. Congratulations !! She is really very beautiful and has a wonderful name. Henry is a sweet and handsome big brother.

  72. Congratulations! She’s absolutely perfect. Such a special child after so much disappointment. Savor every moment. They grow up in the blink of an eye.

  75. I’ve followed your journey from the beginning could not be happier for you.
    Enjoy your time with your babies….

  76. Congratulations, Gates Family! Emma is absolutely precious! I cannot get over how happy big bro is to meet her – my son was 4 years old when his sister was born and completely swooned over her as well. Four years has proven to be an awesome age gap. Also, that picture of Emma reaching up to you post birth is everything.

  77. From one MPS girl to another…huge congratulations.
    I love your baby’s name…my grandmother was Emma! And what a nice salute to MPS for her middle name!
    All very best!

  78. Erin, I couldn’t be happier for you. There is NOTHING better than a baby. I know the journey has been long and hard, but your family is complete, and in the midst of the exhaustion and craziness, I hope there is so much joy!

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