Published on July 4th, 2012 | by Charu Suri
33The Greatest Gift: Introducing Erika Amala Minucci
The wonderful wait is now over…I am now officially a mom!
Erika Amala Minucci was born on Saturday, June 30th, at 3:13 am (I thought she was born on 3:55 am but I stand corrected. Perhaps the fog of the labor process made time fly by). When I arrived at the hospital on Friday evening at 6:00pm (for those of you who have the great fortune to deliver in New Jersey, don’t even blink at selecting Holy Name Hospital when it comes to your baby…they are THE BEST), I was prepared to be induced because I was well on my way to my due date with not one single contraction in sight. But my labor proceeded so rapidly that I was surprised that I delivered the same evening.
Let’s put it this way—I had heard so many stories of long labor sessions, but thankfully, my true “labor” was really short—just 15 minutes. But I’m not going to lie…there was so much prep work before all this amazing stuff happened. And in case you’re wondering, the Epidural ROCKS. Don’t even think about not getting it.
I was definitely on a “high” that entire evening because having your first kid is very much like watching a detective novel unfold before your eyes. You know the ending but have little clue how you’re going to get there. The nurses at the hospital put me so much at ease, and showered me with love and care and I truly felt very blessed…even though the first few hours were definitely painful.
And then, before you could say “Congratulations,” my daughter was born.
It was definitely one of those moments you had read about in books, and heard from friends a million times, but it’s really true and cliched and so wonderful when it happens to you. It is the most wonderful thing in the world to hold that precious miracle in your hands for the first time, and to see your entire, crazily patched world of yours have some true, deeper meaning. Most of all, it’s a crazy feeling to realize that YOU HELPED CREATE this amazing human being.
The endless delicious pieces that make up this head spinning moment, cries of a newborn, a very proud daddy, and of course and ecstatic and drugged up mommy all make for some great screenplays, but this one was so real because I was living and breathing every minute.
Enjoy the first professional pictures of Erika Amala Minucci.
Her skin is like the finest silk….
Believe it or not, Erika allows mommy and daddy to really sleep a lot through the night. We have been getting some remarkable shut eye!
O, what an angel you are!
Here’s looking at you, kid!
A proud family moment!
This is my all time favorite picture of hubby with Erika…
All the photographs were taken by BELLA BABY PHOTOGRAPHY, whom I strongly recommend for anyone who wants to capture those precious memories with their newborns and children in general. They come to your hospital room, set everything up, and really make you feel completely calm throughout the entire process, and even sing to the baby if he or she is crying!
LOOK at those LIPS and that beautiful head of hair! She is just perfect. I'm so happy that you had such a pleasant birthing experience. As someone who's never had children, I always seem to hear the horror stories (which reinforces my decision not to have them), so it's refreshing to know that yours went off without a hitch. And your analogy of birth and the detective novel? Brilliant! I can't wait to watch Erika grow up.
She's precious, Charu!
Thank you Emily!!
Congratulations to you and your hubby Charu.
Wow, she sure is beautiful and looks like an angel. She's lucky to have you as parents cause you rock!
Happy to know that your delivery went smoothly.
Hope to meet her one day.
Many blessings! :)
Aw, thank you Karla! I am waiting for the day when I can slip on her baby booties and hat your mom so beautifully knitted.
she's so beautiful, Charu! just like her mommy!!
Flattery will get you everywhere! Thank you darlin!
xx
I'm in tears Charu!!! Your daughter is adorable. Congrats to you & Matt, you're going to make fantastic parents. I hope to meet her one day and just admire her preciousness!!! So happy for you guys!!!
Thank you Teresa! You need to stop by for some yummy Indian food before you leave for the Netherlands, and say hi to the little one too. She would LOVE to see you! When do you leave?
Congrats. Both baby and the parents look great!
Congrats from both me and Chris! She is simply beautiful.
Thank you Robin!
Hi Erika
Hello World, Welcome God Particle!
That is seriously one awesome comment!
Awww she's such a beauty–congrats you guys!
Thanks Kristin! Seriously, she is a total joy. I never realized what people meant when they said having a kid is the best thing in the world…until now.
CHARU!!!! What a beautiful baby!!! Congratulations to you both, you will be WONDERFUL parents. I can't wait to meet her
Thanks Tracey! I cannot wait for her to meet you too. She will be inspired by your enthusiasm for everything and anything!
Congratulations to you both! She is so precious….
Thank you dear Sam! Your support and love has been wonderful! XX
Unfortunately, there have been delays to my plans. It would have been 21 July. We need a proper chat so I can tell ya what happened. I'm not sure when now
<3 I'll def stop by, I'm around this summer!
We need a coffee catchup asap!! So, you might go in the fall?
Congratulations!!! Erika is beautiful!!! I'm in love w the 3rd picture! It's so good to hear a good labor story! I'm pregnant and scared of what's coming my way!!! I was in the room when my nephew was born. It was incredible but I'm still traumatized after watching my sister in so much pain. Good luck to you and your family in this new adventure
so super duper CUTE! Congrats, my dear and welcome to mommy-hood!
Thank you Ugochi!! xx
Oh my gosh! Congrats to you and your husband. Erika is so beautiful and cute. You guys are such a cute family. Look at those beautiful photos!
Thank you Sarah! xoxo We absolutely adore her.
I saw these before when you posted the URL on Twitter but never commented! I loved reading the story of how you felt at the birth. These photos are gorgeous…I hope all is going well and you're enjoying your beautiful little darling – I'm sure you are =) 15 minutes of labour sounds bliss – most women would kill for that, haha – I only have one other friend who has had one so short! Erika must have been ready to come out and explore the world!
I know, the doctor was telling everyone it was a “textbook baby” and he was very happy at the 15 mins of labor—although it felt longer than that! And Andrea, I will definitely say that my labor was shorter in part because I was going to the gym every single day, even while in my 39th week. Having stamina during the “pushing” really helps!!!
Congratulations Charu! I am so happy for you and your hubby
I can't wait to see you and to meet little Ericka. Hugs and showers of love.
Yup. All depends on what happens. Not sure for now
Let me know when is a good time for you once things settle down on your side. I'd love to have some tasty Indian food~!!!!!
Dear Charu & Matt,
Erika is indeed a little angel! I am so thrilled for all of you! May God continue to bless your little family with joy, love, and much laughter!
Blessings,
annie (& Larrry, too!)
Charu, baby Erika is a sweet little angel. I cant wait to hold her. I am so happy for you both. She is BEAUTIFUL. I cant wait to be a mom.