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look what else we baked!

by deb Jump to recipe, comments

It has always amused me that despite being a species with only two options, we get so excited to learn that the next member of it will be one or another. But there I was blubbering like I had never heard news so unusual and wonderful when they told me it was a girl, because like my favorite childhood movie that we dusted off a couple rainy weekends ago, we’ve never had a little girl. We hope she’s going to like it here.


cinnamon swirl, a little buried in curls

And what a volunteer! Anna Helen, born July 10th at 11:46 a.m. (7 pounds, 8 ounces, 19 3/4 inches, if you’re into those kinds of things) has ears as tiny as my thumbprint, hands so small and fragile I’m not even sure they even qualify as hands outside the doll kingdom, disproportionately large cheeks I recognized immediately from the sonogram screen, a steady kick I recognize from 2 to 6 a.m., all the nights of the last 40 weeks, a little tuft of peach fuzz on her shoulders and cheeks, and a cinnamon swirl on the back of her head. Because, of course.

we're very glad she's volunteered

We are all completely besotted with her. I have so much more to tell you when I come up for air, hopefully quite soon.

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1,298 comments on look what else we baked!

  4. DK

    Mazel tov, Deb and family! She’s gorgeous and hope you and she are healthy. Loved the photo of Jacob rolling her around in the hospital.

  22. Evelyn Behar

    Mazal tov!!! She is perfect and beautiful. May she always bring you joy, and may she cook as well as her mother does!

  26. Lisa Benzaia

    She is beautiful beyond words! Welcome to the world of little girls. I have three and wouldn’t change it for the world. xoxo

  40. E’owyn

    Yay!!! Congratulations! I hope she and her big brother are great friends as the years go by. Enjoy your growing family! :-)

  43. Susan Maroni

    Congratulations on a superb baking project. I have been lurking around here for days hoping to hear your news. She is a gorgeous, and there is nothing like a little girl! I had two boys followed by two girls, and a little of each is the best. Enjoy every moment!

  44. Tamar

    Absolutely amazing. Congratulations to the whole family. Jacob’s going to be one fabulous big brother – what a lucky girl!!

  50. Courtney

    Congratulations! She’s beautiful, and looks so sweet and peaceful. And so much hair! Both my kids were basically bald until well past a year–I’m jealous of your cinnamon swirl-haired babies.

  58. Shelly

    Congratulations to all 4 of you! You picked the perfect name, and she chose the perfect family :) And she’s gorgeous! I can’t wait to read about Jacob’s reaction <3

  61. regina

    What a spectacularly beautiful baby. I felt the same way about adding a daughter to our family, and 14 years down the road, she’s still a delight. Mazel to you and yours.

  67. Meagan M

    She is absolutely perfect!! Congrats to you and your family!! I can’t wait to hear how Jacob is doing with his promotion as BIG BROTHER!!!

  69. Val

    Congratulations Deb! She is adorable and the second best thing you have cooked. There’s nothing better than a family of four. May the next few weeks go by as smoothly as possible.

  70. Molly

    Mazel tov! Practically perfect in every way. Last month my mom made me promise that SHE would be the one to introduce Beatrix to Annie, the defining movie of my childhood as well. And you have an Annie now! Annie and Beezus – amazing.

  73. Lauren

    Congratulations! Anna is such a lucky girl to be born into your family full of love, laughter and really delicious food!

  89. Jennifer Redstreake

    Oh, what a lovely, beautiful little darling!! Congrats to you!! May she learn all your wonderful skills and be as talented as you! I have frequented your blog zillions of times and been a long time reader. I am so happy to see this and am so happy for YOU!! :-)

  93. Pattie

    Beautiful!! Has anyone said “A boy and a girl, now you have a million dollar family?” A few people said it to me when we had our daughter and I was wondering what it meant, and when do we get our millions? :) Enjoy those tiny hands and feet!!

  103. C Rios

    Congratulations! As strangers keep telling me, now you have the perfect family! AS IF, two boys or two girls could possibly be any less perfect…?! Or one child, or 20… Seriously, though. So happy for you and your family. Hugs!

  111. Joëlle

    Such wonderful news!! Congrats on the new edition to the Smitten Kitchen!:) May she grow up to be a beautiful, healthy, happy girl. Wishing you all the best from The Netherlands.

  124. Leslie

    Congrats! That’s my daughter’s birthday, and she’s as nice as they come. I’m sure your daughter will be the same!

  128. Laurel

    Deb, congratulations!!! Thank you for sharing this journey with us. You write so well we all feel a part of it. I’m so excited to hear more. I’m so happy for you!! Love from a mom of an amazing 3yo boy who dreams of a daughter someday…

  130. Jenn

    Aww, congrats! There’s nothing better in life–especially the second time around when you have the experience to recognize that dealing with an infant is nowhere near as complicated as toddlers/young children! Feed/change/sleep/enjoy!

  131. Tamara

    Mazal tov, Deb, Alex, and Jacob!!!!! You are a lovely family and I am so happy to read about your new addition. Anna is gorgeous! My best to all of you.

  132. Cari

    Mazel Tov, Congratulations, and overall YAY!!!! For the entire Smitten family. She’s beautiful, and I can’t wait to see more photos of her snuck into your food posts.

  147. Nicole

    Mazel Tov on the wonderful news! She is precious, and the name is classic and beautiful. Have you thought about making/ordering a custom cookie stamp featuring that cutie’s footprint, to put it on sugar cookies and pie dough for years to come? :)

  151. Leslie

    I’ve been a devoted reader and follower of you for years- but have never posted. I enjoy your blog, have your wonderful cookbook and have made many of your delicious recipes. Seeing this beautiful announcement on the birth of your new precious baby compels me to finally post; first to congratulate you but also to thank you for sharing your life with us, too.

  160. Katherine

    She’s absolutely spectacular. Truly. A stunningly beautiful baby. Congratulations!!!
    (I’m particularly pleased to see another July 10 baby – same as me! It’s a great birthdate!!)

  161. Cori Taitz

    There is nothing sweeter than a new baby. Mazal tov to you and your whole mishpocha! Welcome to the world, little Anna Helen. Sending love to you all!

  165. Mollt

    Yay she’s here!!! What great news! She’s beautiful and I LOVE her name. It’s so classic. So happy for your family. I can’t wait to see more photos!

  173. Danita

    Adorable. I love all of those precious curls and the name. If I had ever had a girl Anna was one of my name choices. Congratulations to your sweet family.

  178. HB

    Congrats! What a lovely little person!

    I would be remiss not to mention, however, that we, as a species, happily have many more than two options with regard to gender. :) Being intersex or genderqueer (among others) are just two additional possibilities, for instance.

    Words from parents with genderqueer kids here: http://www.mommyish.com/2014/07/04/having-a-genderqueer-child/

    and here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-tarney/the-genderqueer-kid-i-nev_b_6962152.html

  183. Jane

    Congratulations! Little Anna is absolutely precious! Thank you for sharing her photos with us. Sugar and spice and everything nice…

  188. SallyO

    Congratulations to the whole family! She is really beautiful. Looks like she might have epic curls like her big brother did as a baby. Her name is perfect, like your lovely little girl.

  202. HyeKeen

    Congratulations – we seem to be on the same baby track. Our eldest were born about a month apart, and youngest about 4 months apart (and my youngest’s middle name is Helen too!).

    So happy for you and your family. Love your site, love your recipes, and love your family!

    Take care,
    Colleen

  204. emily

    oh deb, congratulations! all the best to you and your new family of four! she’s beautiful. looking forward to seeing jacob in his big brother role!

  207. Kelly

    Yay!! So excited for you and your family! Now take a break for a bit and we’ll see you when you’re ready and rested. HA. HA. HA. (I have 2 boys, I know that’s a joke.)

  209. Cara

    Beautiful! We have a Jacob & an Anna, too (and Joel, and Braylen, and Caleb…so no pressure, but…) Many blessings to all of you!

  211. Sally

    SO wonderful! She is just gorgeous, with that head of hair! I love her name, and be forewarned – my now 3 1/2 year old was born with hair like that, and now has curls down to her tush. ADORABLE. ENJOY!

  219. Shev

    Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov! Welcome to the world, baby girl! You have picked the best family to grow up with! What I’m trying to say is, you are blessed, and a blessing, Anna Helen. Glad to meet you.

  221. Amy

    Congratulations — she is perfect. My guess was girl (not that I’m very good at such games). Based on your blog descriptions, my pregnancy with my daughter was similar and distinct from my sons’ pregnancies: generalized nausea for the majority of the 9 months and a WICKED watermelon addiction. Needless to say, my daughter, now 12, would eat an entire watermelon in a single sitting if permitted. And she doesn’t eat much else….Wishing you all the wonders of those early days and beyond.

  233. Shiri

    Mazel tov! So beautiful, and I should say, giving so much hope to those of us in the shoes you were in the past few years :).

  242. Jenevieve

    Mazel Tov! She’s incredible. And I died at that pic of her and Jacob! My son is 6 years older than his sister and it’s perfect- he takes such good care of her!

  245. Jane Rosenbaum

    She’s beautiful and so is her name. I love all that curly hair and love that you wrote she had a cinnamon swirl. It’s so nice to share happy news in this world. Thanks for sharing.

  250. Merely Me

    Hooray, another person proving that July 10 is a perfectly good day to be born on! I’ve always liked it.

    And Congratulations!

  251. Dunja

    Just as I was enjoying my favorite muffins this morning, recipe courtesy YOU, I see this happy post and think to myself that Anna Helen is even sweeter than my Plum Poppyseed muffins. :) congrats to you and blessings always!

  261. Laura

    JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY!

    Truth be told, I hope you’re absent from us, your blog peeps, for awhile so that you can enjoy all she has to offer in these early, fleeting weeks/months. Minimize life’s distractions and optimize this time with your precious people, Deb.

    Congrats to you and hubbie. Toast each other!

  267. Denise

    I’m expecting for the first time and I teared up reading this.. Congratulations on your new blessing!! She is perfect

  270. marie

    I think this is the first time I’ve ever actually commented on your blog, even though I’ve been a reader for years, but congratulations!! I’ve enjoyed following your pregnancy since I’m pregnant too (due October). IAnna is adorable and precious. Enjoy!

  273. Wife To An Amazing Cook

    Oh Deb, congratulations! Your post and the pictures brought tears to my eyes. I think the only baby announcement that’s brought me more joy than yours has been my own (and yes, I know that sounds kind of stalker-ish, but I’m not. Promise).

    And to top it all off, your new, lovely, sweet girl shares her birthday with my youngest (who just turned 4). Enjoy your babymoon Deb (and Alex and Jacob). Welcome Anna! :)

  274. kiley

    congratulations, deb! anna helen is beautiful. and just look at how jacob adores his new baby sister! *heart melting* :)

  275. Judy

    Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful daughter. I have been a lurker for many years and just needed to say how happy i am for you!

  276. kristin

    cinnamon swirl!! oh i love it. she’s beautiful, congratulations!! my grandma’s name was anna and my middle name is helen, so big fan of the name too. :)

  280. Amy

    Congratulations! She’s beautiful! Not that it would have mattered one bit if it turned out differently, but I am happy to have a girl and a boy. And my daughter’s middle name is Helen after my beloved grandma.

  282. Tara

    So happy for you! Also, selfishly glad it’s a girl because we’re having a girl too this October and I’m sure Anna’s birthday cakes will inspire our little girl’s just as much as Jacob’s have inspired our guy’s! Congrats again!

  288. Jordan

    Deb, thank you so much for sharing your life with us! Anna is beautiful and I’m already looking forward to more updates!

  291. MJ

    So glad for you! I have a son (13) and a daughter (10), it’s so great to experience both! I love your blog and your cookbook! My kids thought I was crazy last night when I told them that “Deb” had had her baby, when I showed them your cookbook, they just rolled their eyes, see what you have to look forward to!

  298. Aarthi

    Congratulations! What a beautiful name and a beautiful baby! The tiny doll hands never got much bigger in my 13 month old. She is oddly petite despite eating more than her twin brother most days :) can’t wait to see Jacob and Anna in action. Tiny sibling interactions are one of the best things I have had the pleasure of witnessing.

  309. Tina

    She’s just lovely, Deb. Congratulations to all of you.
    I started following you just after Jacob was born. I think all the pictures you posted of him were what kept me coming back to your site. :) Now i’m a proud SK book owner and get to watch another beautiful baby gracing your lives.

    Mazel Tov!

  311. Mary B.

    What a perfectly beautiful little doll! I see a strong resemblance to Jacob. Her name is absolutely lovely, as well! Congratulations to all of you!

  312. Sandra Van Laan

    Isn’t it amazing that you thought your heart couldn’t hold any more love? Then you have your second child and your heart doubles. Congratulations to the whole family!

  313. Tamsin

    Congratulations! Wishing you and your family all the best. She’s yummy and exactly the same size as my little Emily when she was born in January.

  325. Jacqueline

    Congratulations and many blessings, Deb, to you and all the family! That was a wonderful, poetic introduction to your beautiful daughter.

  331. Sage

    Congratulations!!
    She’s is absolutley gorgeous, delicious as anything else you’ve cooked up. I love her name too, so elegant and classic.

  332. Diana

    Congratulations! Our son was born just a few weeks after Jacob and we just had a daughter this past February. I’ve been reading your blog for several years now, and it’s been wonderful to see your family grow with mine, alongside your (deserved) success. :)

  340. TanjaK

    Congratulations! She is absolutely perfect. And how sweet are they together with Jacob. I wish all four of you all the best!

  347. Rae

    I am far too excited for someone who I only know through the internet (and who hasn’t a clue who I am) but congratulations on the new addition to your family!! She’s adorable and perfect and Jacob is going to be the best big brother ever!

  352. Andrea

    Congratulations! She is beautiful – and I love her name. We named our daughter Anna, also. Hope you are all doing well!

  362. Megan

    Ohhh, I’m just tearing up over here! I just laid my 9 month old chubbs down and thought about how quickly he has grown. Your post just brought me back to that incredible first week we spend getting to fawn all over them, getting to know the little one we’ve been waiting so long to meet. I’ve done this three times now and I don’t think there is anything more special and precious than meeting someone you’ll love more than anything for the rest of your life. Congratulations from the heart!

  365. Sharon Doone

    Congratulations to my favorite recipe maestro, just beautiful and what a gorgeous head full of curls! Fair warning, I don’t need the recipe for this one!!!

  368. Mari

    Another sous chef! Mazal mazal to you all, she is absolutely perfect. May she be the taste tester for many a cookie to come.

  370. Lauren

    I am tearing up too, started the minute I saw those little footsies. So happy for you all, but especially for Alex…he is in the biggest “trouble”” he’s ever been in! He is TOAST ( with a little sweetie on top) now and forever. You all are blessed in SO many ways. AH=aaahhh!

  373. Selina

    Congratulations Deb! She’s beautiful. I’m tearing up quite heavily right now- ok crying- because it’s our same scenario from 8 months ago. I never thought I’d have a girl. I only knew my boy and couldn’t imagine anything else. And now they are both so wonderful together yet couldn’t be any more different from each other. So happy for you all!

  378. Betsy

    Hooray! I’m so thrilled for you all. I love your babies and their hair (says the lady with 3 kids who were bald until 2+)!

  379. Bella

    What can I say, so many of us strangers here on the other side of the screen were hoping for a girl for you, too–and are so delighted that all your dreams are coming true. She’s perfect and beautiful. Mazal tov!!!!!

  384. Courtney

    Congratulations! For some reason, I subconciously just thought another boy was on the way for your family. What a nice surprise! (But, I agree, why are we surprised when it’s one of two options!!) So happy for you guys!

  388. Lauren

    Mazal Tov! Wishing you all the best with the newest addition to your family. May Anna bring you much joy and happiness.

  397. Jonet P White

    I clicked the link without reading the caption. What a fantastic surprise! Congratulations! What a great addition. You now have a perfect set!

  400. Erica

    When I get to the picture of her face I literally gasped and couldn’t breathe normally for a minute. She’s so beautiful! And you’re not pregnant any more! Congratulations!

  402. Jill Fontes

    Congrats!! Best (ok tied for best) ‘baking’ on the blog!! July 10th is a great bday, I’ve enjoyed it for the past 30 or so years!!

  406. Julie

    Congratulations! She is very sweet, especially with the cinnamon swirl just like her big brother. Happy days to all of you!

  416. Deirdre

    I was dying to hear the news when you went quiet this week. A huge congratulations & the best of luck for the coming weeks, months & years. And welcome baby Anna!

  422. Tess

    Yours has been my favorite food blog for many years, but I’ve never posted a comment until now. Your little girl is so beautiful!! Mazel tov, Deb.

  423. Jamie

    My husband and I are very happy for you. He has been a longtime fan of yours, and he turned me on to your blog before we married with your fabulous molasses cookie recipe. I have been a fan since. May you have quiet, restful days with your new little love and your other, older loves. Blessings from Oregon to your family and to you!

  425. Jessica

    So gorgeous! Mazal Tov to you all, including the big brother – you’d never had one of those, either, until she came along! Also, great name!

  426. Tiffany

    I have been waiting and waiting to see when you had your baby and HERE SHE IS!! So gorgeous. My second little one was my girl, and it was the most beautiful surprise of my life. Enjoy this precious, precious time.

  429. abbeyviolet

    So beautiful! I am so excited for you. I have both sons and a daughter and having both is amazing, but there is something about having your very own daughter. (Yes, something special and different about sons too). I’m rambling, but in short very happy for your entire family and the next phase in this grand adventure!

  430. Meaghan

    Congratulations!!! I was wondering earlier if you’d given birth yet :) Best wishes to you and your family, since your recipes have brought my family so much pleasure <3

  431. Elizabeth

    Lovely post for a lovely girl! Welcome, Anna Helen, you’ve landed in a delicious, generous corner of the world. Congratulations!

  438. Erin

    Congratulations to you and your family! She’s beautiful. Ours is only half-baked at the moment, but it’s been so fun to read about your journey and all the foods she wanted you to eat (and not eat) while I’ve been going through the same thing (cheese, YESPLZ; sesame oil, NOOOOOO). Mazel tov!

  445. Kimberly

    When I saw Jacob in that photo..[@ 3AM Seattle Time, because I couldn’t sleep and keep checking up on you for news like any expectant new Grandparent!]…..I had tears when I saw the pink name card on the baby crib!!! Today…here is the news! She is BEAUTIFUL….congratulations and love love love…..mmmhhh….she is a bundle of deliciousness…..Happy Life sweet Anna….and awesomeness at picking such a wonderful family to be born into……

  449. Mel

    Congraulations Deb!!!! To you and your beautiful family!!! She is absolutely beautiful and I am loving the pictures of you with her and especially Jacob with her!!!!! :) Mazel Tov!! :) <3

  455. rdonal

    Your joy and the way you announced your sweet little girl brought tears to my eyes. She is lovely. Peace, love and happiness always! I know….You’re all “smitten”!

  461. Karen

    Oh, HOORAY! And, after 450+
    comments, have you noticed just
    how much you are LOVED by all
    of us out here in “Debfandom?”
    I’m so happy for you and your family,
    newborns require much work, but are
    entirely worth if!
    Looking forward to seeing a pic (or 3)
    of Anna’s big brother meeting her for the
    first time.

  467. Jules Kenward

    I am so happy for you! I look forward to seeing more of the kids as you get back into the groove of cooking and working on the blog.

    Congratulations!

  471. Gerley

    A little late to the Birthday Party but I am in Europe so forgive me…
    This is silly but I teared up when I saw this post. I am so happy for you that all is well and everyone is happy and healthy (such a standard thing to say but I mean this sincerely).
    I had, as many readers I guess, kind of held my breath thinking that no new posts meant good news. SO happy!! Enjoy and please take your time underwater we will be here anyway!!

  477. nancy

    Is there anything more precious than a newborn? She is just beautiful. Blessings to all of you and thank you for sharing this darling baby girl.

  484. Sarah

    I delightfully see that at least two other commenters added in a note that we have many more gender options than two. But I, as well, would be more than remiss to not to use this happy celebration of your family to note that everyone’s gendered celebrations are not limited to a binary. Best wishes!

  486. Laura

    Congratulations! She’s just darling. We *only* have girls, so I’m totally biased, but they’re wonderful! Best wishes for the settling-in period.

  497. Galen

    She is absolutely precious! What a lucky baby she is to be in your family – and what a lucky family you are to have her!

  498. Sadie Park

    Oh, she’s beautiful! I rarely say that of babies but she truly is, and those curls! Anna Helen is a beautiful name as well. Congratulations!

  506. Gnarity

    Lovely, congratulations! Wishing you ladles of joy, bowls of sleep, and jars (so they can be stored) of energy and hope from a faithful and appreciative reader.

  509. Emily

    Oh Deb – she’s perfect. Mazel tov and bracha. Enjoy your little girl and let Alex and Jacob dote on both Perelman girls. So, so happy for you.

  513. Julie G.

    Congratulations to you, Alex and Jacob!!! She is beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. As a reader of yours for years, I of course feel as I know you and your precious family and am thrilled for you all!

  516. Emily

    Congratulations on the gorgeous new addition to your family!! Anna is so lucky to be born into such a warm family- mazel tov!!!

  517. Amy

    Many congratulations! She is a beauty! Hope you’re resting and getting in your share of kisses. Better go give her one more, just to be safe. And maybe one for each of her tiny toes. And fingers. And nose, and cheeks. Again, for safety.

  518. Pam_P

    I am weighing in here at the 500-ish comment and counting and I am a bit flummoxed that I got teary eyed reading this! Awwww Mazel Tov Perelmans!!!! Jacob has always been my favorite internet kid and now a baby girl?? Gaaaaaah, kill me dead with cuteness.

    Hello Anna, welcome to our weird wonderful internet family! We love your brother and we’ll love you too. Take good care of your Mama, because we need her too :)

  526. Maria

    What a blessing! My heart aches with joy for you and your family. (Like smile headaches yes?) She is gorgeous and perfect. You have a beautiful family.

    Hope you all get some sleep – eventually.

  532. Brenda

    Congratulations to you all! My family consisted of a girl (me) then a boy. My Dad said he had a family of “a sixth of a dozen, assorted”. Now you have the same. Perfect!

  533. Jane M

    I KNEW the lack of posts was suggesting you were busy finishing your ultimate baking project. CONGRATULATIONS!! She is beautiful and enjoy thanks for sharing this special time with us :)

  534. Anastasia

    Congrats on the addition to your family. So, so lovely. And being an Anastasia Helen myself, I feel like this little peanut will be strong and fierce and kind. Congrats on the addition to your family. So, so lovely.

  535. Jenny

    Deb and Alex and Jacob: she is beautiful, perfect in every way. I’m 29 weeks myself with our little sister to a big brother and tearing up. Wishing you joy and happiness and long stretches of sleep in the coming weeks, from our family to yours.

  537. Lisa

    I stopped by yesterday to see if this baby had happened (and I was disappointed) and then popped in today because my baby’s bday is 7/17 and he always requests your version of ice cream cake for his birthday (he’ll be 15). I’m sure I don’t have to say this because you already know, but the baby thing goes by in the blink of an eye. It doesn’t always seem like it but somehow I’ve ended up with a 17 and 15 year old and just yesterday they were babies. Yikes! Have fun and congratulations!

  543. Amy P

    Congratulations! She’s perfect. I’m 27 weeks with a little girl and we really want to name her Anna…but it’s already her big sister’s middle name! Clearly we really love it ;)

  547. Wendy

    Mazel tov! I look forward to hearing more about Anna and how much her big brother takes care of her. Sibling love is unspeakably moving. Hugs.

  548. Mary Mac

    Many Congratulations to the whole family. So glad she has arrived safe and sound. Enjoy every moment-excellent baking as always.

  549. Mary

    So, so happy for you guys! I’m 36 weeks along and it has been so fun to be pregnant with you and now to see you little girl! Congratulations seems like such a watered down word for my sentiment, but congratulations!

  554. Jessica

    I’ve been following your blog for years (to the extent that friends and family don’t even bother asking where I got the recipe) and this is my first time commenting. I just want to thank you for sharing your life; your website is the one I turn to for weekday dinners, holidays, dinner parties and yummy baking. Even when sick during pregnancy or exhausted with parenthood I’m excited for every new posting. Congratulations on your beautiful family and take care.

  564. Michal

    Mazal Tov!!! Beshaa tova (which means literally “in a good hour”, and is what we say in Israel). May you raise her happily

  568. Claire

    Mazel Tov!! How beautiful. Make sure to get lots of rest (ha-ha) and enjoy her every minute. You have a perfect family!

  571. Sue Baldwin

    Absolutely precious, beautiful baby. Congratulations! Welcome to the girl club! It’s so much fun to have a daughter! I have 3. Thrice blessed.

  590. Ann

    Mazel Tov

    Mazel Tov! Delighted to hear this wonderful news! Congrats to your entire family. She is a beautiful baby with a beautiful name.

  596. Cynthia

    What an amazing job you did, baking up that little cupcake. She is perfectly lovely…and I’m sure you must be “smitten” (sorry…couldn’t help it). Enjoy your little cuddle bug. Congratulations!!!

  601. Lea

    Congratulations, Deb & fam. She is beautiful and I can’t wait to hear more of her thru your marvelous feed. Love the recipe ideas, but I love your writing even more!

  605. Barbara

    Mazel Tov! Welcome to little Anna Helen! May she grow up happy and healthy! Enjoy this magical time with your lovely family.

  608. Sophia

    Sweet girl! Thanks for taking time to share the news. Those are precious moments you could be otherwise sleeping, eating or brushing your teeth! She is adorable- wishing all of you the best! Can’t wait to watch her grow up too!

  610. Helen in CA

    For each child that born
    a morning star rises and sings
    to the universe who we are

    Congratulations. She’s beautiful (and has a lovely name )

  616. Georgette

    Thrilled to pieces for you and your family! I get such a kick out of your fun and funny quips. Enjoy every minute with every blessing upon you all!

  618. Kate

    She’s precious, congrats!

    Oh and you are bound to get posts about there being more than two gender options (hahahaha sure). I guarantee it.

  623. Kate

    Congratulations!!! I especially love the name choice as my 2.5 year old daughter is Annie! And actually, my 8 month old son is Jacob (we call him Jake), so I doubly love your kids’ names!!! So happy for you all!! :)

  632. Jacqui

    I have never met you but I love the food you force me to make because it is too delicious not to try. And what a beautiful little person you have added to the world! :)

  636. Tim

    Congratulations! Just gorgeous. correction though: there are more than just two options. A considerable amount of people are born intersex, as many as are born red-heads!

  646. Rachel

    So thrilled to check in and see your amazing news! Congratulations- lovely to have a boy and a girl and think of the gorgeous clothes you can buy!
    xxx

  656. Andrea

    I came here for the Swiss Chard and Bean recipe (mmmm, fresh swiss chard) and found you made something even better! Congratulations!!!

  658. Amanda

    Let me join in the flood of cooing, squeeing comments – Deb, Alex, she’s absolutely precious. Jacob, don’t start feeding her cookies yet. :) Mazel tov!

  661. Jenn

    Welcome Anna Helen, and congrats Deb, Alex, and BIG BROTHER Jacob! Deb, I laughed at your cinnamon swirl comment, heehee! <3

  664. JP

    Although you have comments into the 600’s, mine is every bit as sincere, when I say congratulations and much happiness to you and dear little Anna Helen!

  665. Jacque Herron

    Girls are the BEST…I had only 1 girl…That girl gave me my 3 wonderful grandsons.

    Congratulations, your girl is so sweet.

  669. Emily

    Hooray!! So happy for you and your beautiful family! An almighty welcome Anna Helen and a hearty congratulations to the entire family.

  670. Kelli

    Finally! I kept checking your website like a true stalker to see if the baby had been more, and Oh Sweet Jesus, here she is! Beautiful and perfect! Congratulations to the whole family and thank you for sharing it with us!

  675. Julia

    Please let me add my heartfelt congratulations. What a beautiful baby girl! I am so happy for you and your family. I am also the mother of a new baby girl. I spend many a midnight feeding dreaming about your delicious recipes (what did mothers do before smart phones??). Thank you for sharing so many deicious things!

  682. Alissa

    Congratulations, Mama! She is absolutely adorable. I wish you an amazing and restful first few weeks. Thank you for sharing!

  684. Shari

    Mazel Tov! She’s absolutely beautiful! Can’t wait to hear more about her, in the meanwhile, try to get as much rest as possible. ;)

  688. Pam

    Oh my, oh my. I have tears in my eyes and don’t even know you personally. Congratulations to the whole family and welcome little one. Thank you for sharing your joy.

  689. Susannah

    Blessings, friend! She is beautiful. May you continue to relish this time. I can already tell that she will have you baking up even more goodness for our joy and pleasure! PS: I love that our Katherine Jayne shares Anna Helen’s birth date! Katherine Jayne greeted us at 3:10pm on July 10th. (7 pounds, 11 ounces, 20 inches…because I know you are into that sort of thing.)

  692. Anne B.

    Wow! One day after blueberry scones, I’m so impressed! She’s a beauty Deb – congratulations to you and your family!

  699. Claudia

    Quite a response she got from your followers!!! Congratulations she is a beautiful little girl, god bless her and your family.

  702. Lisa

    Huge congratulations! Make sure you take some time to rest for yourself before you come back to us… we’ll understand! Thanks for the amazing pictures…have to admit I’ve been reloading the page the past few days thinking of you guys!

  715. Malka

    Mazal tov! Congratulations! Love the way you phrased the birth announcement – so perfectly Deb. Hope you enjoy her, her big brother, and you feel well!

  721. Suzanne

    Little girls, little girls, everything about them is…little. You girls are going to have fun. Congratulations, and Anna, welcome to the world!

  722. Ella

    Mazel Tov and welcome, little cinnamon bun! Deb, don’t look at it as giving up (even more) sleep, but as gaining a future sous-chef. Enjoy :)

  727. Laura

    Congratulations to the entire family! She is a beauty and thank you very much for sharing. I can’t tell you how many times over the past few days I checked your various social media sites hoping for news. Not stalking, just knew it was coming and excited for all of you. Good work! Babies are always a miracle.

  734. Sharon

    Congratulations and welcome to beautiful baby Anna. Wishing her & family a lifetime filled to the brim with love, joy & laughter.

  740. Gillis

    What a perfect little nugget! I remember being fairly new to this blog when Jacob was born. Anna is a beauty. Plus, she’ll always be able to say that she was born during a parade! I was downtown watching a celebration of strong inspiring women at the moment of her birth – someday I’m pretty sure she’ll be one too. Congratulations!

  742. Sooz N

    Clearly your ability to create deliciousness is not reserved to pastries! Welcome to the world, Little Anna. You are already blessed with a mama who will make sure you are the coolest kid in the lunchroom!

  745. Angela

    Welcome to the world Anna Helen! I know you will be a wonderful sister to your brother Jacob! Cheer to your family on this special occasion!!

  749. Wendy

    Such wonderful news, congrats Perelman family. Isn’t keeping it a surprise until arrival the best :) She is delicious and a very good choice of names (my sister is Anna and my mum is Helen :-))

  762. Kris Ness

    Congratulations on the new bundle of joy! Enjoy her, and we will miss your recipes, but take time off to love that lovely little thing.

  763. Jean

    Oh so wonderful! Congratulations to all of you! To mama and papa for ‘baking her up’, and to Jacob for the great big brother he is going to be and to Anna Helen (the latter my mother’s name!) for just being pure adorableness.

  764. Nancy

    My entire cook school has been holding their collective breaths. We’ve shed tears of joy at the bun in the oven announcement, to a collective hallelujah when the Cinnamon Roll announcement came. She’s gorgeous. Much happiness to you all, and a wish that you get enough rest. You’ve made a tribe of people overjoyed. Cheers

  766. Lorraine

    Oh my, she’s sooo cute. She’s just a tiny little girl. So precious. Thank you for sharing and making so many people happy for you.

  768. Agnes

    You are clearly an excellent baker–she’s delicious! Congratulations and welcome to your new life as a family of four!

  772. Alison

    Deb – she is just wonderful. I am currently 34.5 weeks pregnant with my own little girl. Fingers crossed that she comes out just as perfectly!

  774. Joan Schipper

    Oh, Yay! for the the girls team! Not that boys are bad but how nice to even up the sides!
    She is beautiful and well-mannered already! 11:46am is so civilized! See how I just assume she made her appearance after just a few hours of gentle labor (yeah, right – but you’ll forget all that)!
    Congratulations to all! Welcome Anna Helen. You are in for a wonderful ride.
    I hope you got that great hair gene that was bestowed on Jacob.

  775. Heather in Arles

    Félicitations!!! I am so thrilled for all of you and especially for beautiful little Anna for her debut in the world. She is just beautiful beyond words…and maybe…is there a tinge of red in her hair? As a redhead with blue eyes I am biased but oh how I would love a readhead for you! Regardless, that cinnamon swirl is just gorgeous. :)

  780. dancing gal

    OK, your little ones just won the cuteness contest of this summer!!!

    Congratulations Deb!! So happy for you!!!

    Many wishes all the way from Paris, France!!

    Eliza

  783. Julia

    Oh my! Did you have to put a band aid on her little foot because you kissed it so much?! You baked her beautifully! Congratulations.

  788. Rebeca

    Congratulations, Deb! (And Alex and Jacob!) She’s too cute for words Those tiny hands and feet…I can’t even deal.

  791. Dawn Elizabeth Taylor

    oh my gosh I can hardly read your news I’m blubbering so much!! Many congratulations to you all on the safe arrival of your adorably beautiful baby girl. Much love to you all and many many happy times xxxx

  793. Elsbeth Kooyman

    Hurray! Hoera! from the Dutch island of Curacao in the Caribbean. I wish you
    lots of happiness for the 4 of you! And enough sleep to handle all of it! :))

  803. Jacquie Katz

    Mazel Tov!! Wishing you all that you wish for and off spring that bring joy to your hearts! She is beautiful!

  804. Vidya

    Firstly, congrats! So great. Secondly – sex and gender are pretty widely understood – with some exceptions – as different things. With very few exceptions, people are born as one of two biological sexes. So I actually think it’s more appropriate to use a binary reference in this context. But there are more than two gender options, yes.

    Ignore this, congrats again, hope everything is blissful as can be.

  812. Zoe

    You bring so much joy to my kitchen and now you have so much joy in yours! Mazel Tov! I’m baking a little girl myself. These are exciting times.

  817. Lily Julow

    My beautiful baby girl also was born on July 10, but it was awhile ago, in 1954! Mazel tov to you and the family. May your little girl bring you as much joy as mine did.

  827. Tim in Manitoba

    as an equally proud grandparent to seven granddaughters let me tell you they are all so very precious. Congratulations, one and all. She is simply beautiful!

  836. Dina

    Congratulations!!! Thank you for sharing this special experience. I am a big fan of your witty writing and as such, followed your pregnancy experience (that so mirrored my own) with a smile and have been waiting for the news ;) Enjoy your little girl – she is absolutely perfect.

  837. KimW

    Congratulations to you and your family. Anna looks absolutely precious. And, it cannot be said enough, your gift for writing and witty writing style always makes me smile. Deb you’re a blessing to us all.

  849. Bliss

    Remember … Anna is only on loan to you … she is a gift from God … enjoy one another for all too soon she will fly. May God bless your beautiful family. Thank you for sharing your joys.

  853. Shannon H

    Wow! Glad everyone is healthy and doing well. Thank you for taking time out of your crazy schedule right now to share the news with us. Take your time recovering and enjoying your family! We have archives to keep us busy.

  860. Kate

    congratulations! She is really beautiful and I don’t usually thing babies are beautiful, I just pretend I do ;-) Wishing all the best to the whole family.

  867. Linda Pugh

    Wonderful news. I hope Mama & Anna H are both getting some sleeps & doing well. Congratulations to you and your family.

  868. Melanie

    Great to finally learn how your baking project turned out. As with all your recipes, beautiful and delicious! The pictures brought tears to my eyes. Incredibly happy for all of you. Looking forward to hearing more about Anna Helen’s adventures in our world.

  870. Batia

    MAZAL TOV !!!!!!!
    LITTLE ANNUSHKA IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!!
    IT”S GREAT THAT YOU HAVE A GIRL- IT IS THE MOST DELICIOUS THING TO HAVE A DAUGHTER. GOOD LUCH AND ENJOY EVERY MOMENT. NESHIKOT

  884. Sandy Lentz

    Congratulations! We have a new baby girl in our family (my first grand baby), too. Lily Susanne, born May 28th. Don’t you love the trend back to old-fashioned names? Lily has new bff’s named Ingrid and Ada,

  888. Susan

    Oh, the cuteness. There are many things posted on your site that seem beyond my ability to bake, and at this stage of my life, Anna is one of them too, but I have been waiting for this post among all others to read. (I’ll presume you have as well.) Mazel tov to all – especially to the two chief bakers and Jacob.

  891. SandraG

    Mazel tov! What an adorable new arrival, and look at all that beautiful hair! Wishing you all lots of joy, and even some sleep :)

  901. Jeff Dey

    After becoming a ‘local hero’ by making your blueberry scone recipe (and many others over the years), I feel like you (and Anna) are part of the family. Thanks for all that you do and congratulations!

  903. Christine

    I have been so waiting to hear this and am so thrilled for all of you! It feels odd to write that to a stranger but you have been to my dinner table many times!

  904. Karen

    She is fresh from God-Welcome to the world little angel!

    May God bless you with a long and healthy life!

    Blessings to all,
    Karen

  911. Megan

    She is beautiful!! True story- I purchased that same favorite film during my pregnancy, and I may have blubbered during the very first song…”All she wants is a- a- family!!!”

    Anyway, congrats on your baby girl!!

  928. Elizabeth

    Congratulations! What wonderful news. I hope you enjoy eating her up–she will go beautifully with a little cream cheese frosting. ;)

  933. Suzanne

    Oh my ovaries!!! I die!! Feet! Congratulations!! I’m so happy you had a girl… as the totally biased mother of one baby girl, I can tell you, you’ll wonder how you ever got through life without your little girl.

  934. Ruth

    Happy Baby Moon! And if you have any breastfeeding questions or concerns, contact La Leche League for wonderfully caring free help!

  938. MamaHan

    AAAAAH! My heart just went squish after seeing Jacob’s sweet cuddle with Anna. :) So very happy for your all, and wish you nothing but the best.
    (No posting for awhile, unless you want to spoil us with more pics.) We totally get that you’ve got so much more on your plate now!

  942. Anna

    Congratulations!!!

    She is just perfect. And, as a fellow, Anna, I know she will absolutely love her name. Welcome to the world little one!

  948. MN Maya

    Oh, many congratulations! Such happy news :) I also have a precious girl born July 10th, the youngest of my three girls. May you enjoy a lifetime of happiness together :)

  959. Sharon Hoham

    Looks like another perfect “recipe”. Congratulations to the whole family and continue to enjoy life as much as you appear to when you share with all of us.

  962. Stephanie

    She has the same little chicken legs that Jacob did! MAZEL TOV to all 4 of you! I am also a July baby and must say it’s a lovely month to have a birthday =)

  963. hennifer

    She is beautiful! Congratulations to your family. You bake the most gorgeous things on this blog and she is no different. Enjoy your babymoon!

  969. SusieLou

    Congratulations on a beautiful, beautiful daughter, and a potential foodie!

    How can I access pictures of Jacob with Anna in the hospital?

  975. Michaela

    Congratulations to all of you! How fantastic! She’s beautiful. We recently had a liitle girl (our first) and its brilliant. You are going to love being a girl mama too!

  976. Janelle F

    Aaah, praise God! She’s beautiful :) I don’t even know you in real life, but this post got me a little teared up!

  978. Richard O

    Girls are great! It’s amazing how fast those little buggers grow. Yesterday they were one and five – now they’re 22 and 27.

    Congrats, Deb. Well done.

  982. Cheryl McMahon

    So very, very happy for you and your entire family! Love the pic of big brother kissing her….so very sweet! Enjoy these precious times…congratulations!!

  986. Catherine

    She is so precious! Also love the Annie references. I could hear the song, I didn’t need to click the link to understand where it came from ;)

  991. IreneC

    Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl! Best wishes to her, to you and the rest of the family. These last days I kept checking your site even more frequently just to see this “special recipe”. :)

  993. Diana

    Congratulations! You baked an absolutely gorgeous doll baby. She is so precious. What a beautiful name. Wishing you all the best as you settle into a routine. Hoping you get some quality sleep sometime, too!

  997. O’Lena @ Letsheatit

    Dear Deb, congratulations on your cute new arrival – little baby Anna! I have been admiring your blog for the last three years, but never had a chance to write a comment. On this special occasion I’m propelled to tell you how much I love your smart and honest writing: always funny and entertaining. Reading you makes me glad to be in the world of bloggers.

  1002. SuzanneR

    Oh what a beautiful baby! Thanks so much for posting the photos and letting us meet your sweet girl. I’ve made so many of your recipes, but this one, is one of a kind and all yours.

  1003. Anna

    Oh my is she beautiful – and of course that’s not always the case with newborns! I don’t often comment, but from one Anna to another, welcome to the world little one! And a big congrats to momma, papa and big bro, too:)

  1007. Debby

    Mazel tov to you all! I hope big brother enjoys his new little sister. She looks wonderful – pretty and HEALTHY! You done good! Isn’t amazing how your followers all feel like extended family? I hope you are taking good care of yourself, too. Don’t worry about us; we can try some of your existing recipes while you catch your breath.

  1008. Lisa

    And I thought your blueberry scones were perfectly baked.
    You just made my day. Mazel tov to all. She is a blessing and a precious gift.

  1011. Margaret

    Mazel tov! I had tears in my eyes as I read this because, although we’ve never met, we’ve had many conversations in my kitchen.

    My second child recently made your Vanilla Buttermilk Cake with Swiss Buttercream for her 11th birthday. I swear she was that small just yesterday…. The days are long, but the months and years are short.

  1013. Christine

    Mazel Tov!! She is BEAUTIFUL! what a pretty newborn…I see it’s really a newborn pic as she still has her heel-poke bandaid on! :) ENJOY! sleep……

  1016. Lauren

    Oh Deb, she’s perfect! Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl. May you soak her in and cherish even these first few whirlwind weeks. Cheers to you and your whole family, and thank you for sharing your life – and not just recipes – with us all.

  1018. Kathy

    Deb – Mazel tov to you and the boys on the new addition. She is absolutely beautiful. I am glad you will be able to experience the fun of “one of each” and to watch them grow together. I am sure we will all be addicted to her baby pictures the way we were Jacob’s.

  1024. Dana Gerard

    With over 1000 comments, you know that you and your family are loved and everyone is thrilled for you, including me. Congratulations on Anna! I hope that you and baby are doing well. I cannot WAIT to see the wonderful creations you make now that there are two little ones in the family. XO

  1025. Rachel

    She is beautiful! Many congratulations!!

    I’m so excited to watch another SK baby grow up. And I love that both your children’s middle names begin with “H”.

  1027. gayle

    …a cinnamon swirl on the back of her little head, how “sweet” is that?
    Congratulations to you and your growing family. gayle in Minnesota

  1041. Cathy

    Congratulations Deb, Alex, and big brother Jacob! Welcome to the world Anna, so glad you are healthy and are part of such a beautiful family.

  1043. Rosemary Griffis

    Congratulations! You have a beautiful little girl. God has blessed you! While you were giving birth on the 10th, I was celebrating my oldest son’s 50th birthday!!!!! Talk about a reality check! It was worse than celebrating my own 30th birthday. :)
    Again, congratulations to your husband, Jacob and you. And don’t forget YOUR parents. I bet they are all over-the-moon.

  1047. Laura K

    Oh, congratulations! I’d thought you said “my son” in a recent post – how exciting to have a wee lassie! We may talk about your post at book club, since two or more of us follow your blog. Thank you for sharing!

  1048. Carol

    Mazel tov, Deb! My daughter is named for my grandmother, Helen, with her middle name, Chana! May you marvel in her beauty and also get a little sleep now and then. Can’t wait to hear how her big brother is doing, too!

  1049. Kristen

    What happy news and what a beautiful baby! I hope you are both (and your boys!) doing well and enjoying these precious days. I have a eight month old boy, whom I try daily to keep from eating, so delicious! But also daily I think and say, “He’s as tiny as he’ll ever be…” as I savor him. So enjoy every moment with your daughter, as I know you will. Congratulations!

  1054. Laurabel

    A beautiful name for a beautiful baby girl! So happy for you and your family Deb. Having one of each, a boy and a girl, is having the best of both worlds, such a joy to watch them grow each in their own unique way. Congratulations!

  1059. Minik

    Hooray! I’ve been waiting for this :) Hope she has a wonderful, healthy life. Such a sweet girl. I’m excited to see her grow too on my screen just like we did with Jacob. Kisses!

  1062. Themagicbaker

    So, so happy for you! My son and daughter are six years apart and she is truly a miracle. A 21-year old miracle now, but still the best! Much happiness to you and your family!

  1063. Madhu

    Congratulations to your beautiful family! I have a boy around the same age as Jacob and my baby girl will be 1 soon.

    Wishing you all good health and happiness.

  1065. Vicki B

    Such wonderful news! Very glad mother and daughter are both doing well and dad and brother are besotted! Is that a bandage on her foot for bilirubin test or something else? I was glad to learn they now have a special light testing thing so the babies aren’t repeatedly poked for bilirubin.

  1067. Mattea

    Congratulations! I remember when my college roommate first told me about your website and she said that you had just had a baby, so you were posting less than usual. I look forward to reading lots of recipes and seeing photos of your adorable family (at whatever interval works for you)!

  1068. Parsley

    How wonderful it is to have a baby! With a big brother! Welcome to the outside, Anna Helen! What a blessing children are! Congratulations to you all!

  1069. Olivia Kornelis

    Your most delicious creation to date….she is beautiful. Looking forward to your next post, but do take your time. Olivia

  1076. Taylor

    Congratulations!!! How fun!!! I was anxiously awaiting this post. Having 2 boys and 1 girl…boys and girls are so different! Lots of fun!!
    Not sure if you are in to bows and frills. I’m not in general; but given my daughter’s quick opinion on clothing and fashion at a younger age than I anticipated, I wish I would’ve dressed her in more bows and frills as a baby.:)

  1079. lea

    Congratulations!!! We’ll miss you while you’re on leave, but please take a nice long and well-deserved break! All the best to you and your adorable family.

  1080. Noelle

    So thrilled for you! My SIL and I love your blog, and both of us welcome new babies into our families this year (mine just turned 3 months old, hers is due in Sept). We had fun being pregnant alongside you! Little Anna is absolutely precious! Love her cinnamon swirly hair :)

  1081. Mary Lou

    So sweet! She is lovely and loved. Could it be better? I think not. Congratulations you’ve baked something wonderful.

  1082. Ann F.

    The words you chose to describe your beautiful baby girl brought tears to my eyes. I am very happy for you and your family. Congratulations!

    Your writing has a way of welcoming us into your kitchen and making us readers feel like we are old friends.Thank you for the gift of allowing us to share in your joy!!

    –not to mention all the tested, non-pretentious, yummy recipes which have made yours my “go to” recipe site.

  1083. Sarah S.

    Oh, Deb, she’s so beautiful! Congratulations to you and Alex and Jacob! Get lots of rest and we’ll welcome you whenever you’re back.

  1085. Jennie

    Amazing and beautiful! This may call for the creation of a baby food cookbook. Congratulations on your bundle of joy!!

  1088. TerriSue

    Girls are wonderful! We had one of each in the reverse order of you. I am so happy for all three of you. Anna is a beautiful name for an absolutely beautiful baby. Congratulations!!!

  1090. Tree

    Congratulations! What a beautiful little girl! She’s a perfect addition to your beautiful family :)
    I love your site and cook confidently from your recipes often (this is a big deal for me – cooking and confident haven’t gone together for me before). I haven’t commented before but how could I not? :) Good luck getting some sleep here and there ;)

  1092. Nicky Haller-Wilson

    ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Congrats!! I have two whom I love (they drive me crazy too)! Love your posts and recipes, such a wonderful sense of humor!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  1094. KatieK

    Deb,
    She is beautiful!!!
    What is also beautiful is all the wonderful posts from your blog friends. It must feel incredible to have touched so many of us.
    Get some rest if you can!

  1102. Sylvia

    Congratulations on your new baby girl! I had a baby girl 35 years ago and she is the light of my life! Blessings to you and your family!

  1105. Staci

    Congratulations to all of you. She’s just beautiful and I can’t wait to see more pictures. I bet Jacob is over the moon with his new role as big brother. Enjoy.

  1107. Marsy

    So happy for you! She’s lovely. I have to say though, I’m sad you said that as a species we only have two options: boy or girl. There are other options, just so we’re all aware, and I’m sure all the intersex people reading this post would feel supremely left out of what you have described is the human race. In fact, that kind of comment by default defines intersex people as not human. Just saying, we all need to be more inclusive… and to be careful with binary language that rigidly categorizes people into either column A or column B with no option for column C. But congrats, nonetheless.

  1108. Terry

    Mazel Tov…….Little Anna Helen is simply a beautiful child! may she and Jacob always be blessed with much good health and always bring you both a lifetime of much happiness.

  1109. Margret

    A big B I G CONGRATULATIONS from Australia ! What a beautiful little girl – no wonder you are over the moon with joy.

    (and BTW, Marsy is either a toxic troll or so ridiculously PC that she’s forgotten basic common manners)

  1110. Meme

    Darling sweetness! Cannot believe you were posting the day prior, or perhaps internet elves.
    Happy congratulations to you all!

  1111. Bahb

    So happy for you…….a girl is such a different experience from having a boy! Jacob and Anna will be Best Buds for life. When you baked Jacob, I didn’t realize I could click and see photos, so i didn’t get to see that adorable child until he was almost ready for school. You do bake beauties for sure!

    Thank you for your dedication to this blog and for sharing your life as well.

  1113. Lauren Camille

    Anna Helen, hello there!
    sending love, many happy wishes, and congratulations to your lovely family from Portland, Oregon!
    xox

  1114. Kata

    Realy great story. All the best. Mum of three girls, from the other side of the Planet, who injoyes your recepies. Thank You for sharing your stories with us.

  1115. Badmommy

    Congratulations! Beautiful baby! Wishing you a peaceful and pleasant (if inevitably sleep deprived) time with your sweet new baby.

  1118. Bunny

    Mazel tov and congrats! Now take a break from the blog…your adoring fans will be waiting for you no matter how long you’re on hiatus!

  1121. Emily S. Greco

    Somehow it seems unfair to me that this adorable child will have to wait a year or two to try those fabulous blueberry scones and so many delectable dishes being cooked up in her home.

  1124. ETat

    Ah, she is a rest for sore eyes!
    Congratulations, and nahes! (nakhes?)

    6 yrs is a perfect difference for siblings. Wish them both “healthy and happy”!

  1125. Katherine

    Congratulations to you and your beautiful family! So happy for you! I have never posted before, but I am a huge fan and loyal reader of your fantastic blog for years… so this is the perfect occasion to say thank you.

  1126. Elaine

    What a doll! She will have so much fun being part of your wonderful world. congratulations to all of you involved. Project perfection for sure.

  1129. Debbie

    Mazel Tov to one of the first bloggers I ever followed (and my daughter bought your cookbook for my birthday the year it came out!).

  1131. Steve

    Mazal tov! I would keep her, if I were you. Here is every good wish in every language you can think of, and even more good wishes in all the languages that you CAN’T think of!

  1135. CathyG

    Oh, how exciting. I haven’t been over here in several months, but someone linked to one of your old recipes and I was thinking “Oh, I wonder what SmittenKitchen’s been up to” and lo and behold – it’s a new baby!! wonderful! And I noticed that your last post was the day before the birth, bless your heart for taking such good care of us, your readers. Enjoy your precious bundle.

  1141. Dolores

    Such a lovely name for this sweet doll baby; congratulations! Looking forward to a gazillion pictures too :-) When you come up for air..

  1153. Sheryl

    I’ve been anxiously awaiting your news as I baked one of my own – they are five days apart and both well endowed with full heads of hair and adorableness! Hope your first days of getting acquainted are going as well as ours, and your big brother is showing his best self. Mazel Tov from Oakland, CA!

  1154. Susan G

    Just got this-have been checking in faithfully or so I thought to see if your newest bestest recipe ever had come to fruition. She looks like such a sweetheart-enjoy every single moment. Wishing all good things to you and yours-Congratulations!

  1157. Betsy Allen

    Congratulations!!! Your post brought back some funny memories for me! When I was told (with my first) I was having a girl, I thought, “Oh, thank goodness, I have no idea what to do with a boy!”. Then I had my son five years later and somehow figured it out :)

  1162. Gayle S.

    Congratulations Perelman Family! What a delectable little cinnamon-haired morsel you have baked. All the best to baby Anna and her family!

  1165. Mimi (another one :)

    Congratulations to the Mom and Dad of this wonderful little princess :)
    You did really well!
    All the best for your precious children… :)

    And I hope you get lots of sleep in the coming weeks. Even if it’s only afternoon naps. I could come and babysit :-D

  1168. MaggieToo

    A dish so perfect it requies no garnish at all.

    And she wasn’t even overcooked, despite the fact that you neglected to take her out at the recommended time!

  1172. Patricia

    I never commented here but there’s always a first: a) great website! b) congratulations on the new addition to the family!

  1178. Gina Siciliano

    Dear Debbie,
    CONGRATS_ a baby girl- You did good! I am very happy for you and your whole family. And we all see her grow up on Smitten Kitchen, like we are watching your son. Enjoy!
    Gina

  1187. sheri g

    You have the most beautiful babies! She is very cute as I remember her big brother was also…one of the cutest lil guys I ever saw! Enjoy!

  1190. Margaret Ann

    My cousin Deirdre, who first introduced me to your wonderful blog, just had a little boy in February named Declan…I feel a match! And they live right over the bridge in Jersey! Congratulations!

  1195. Anna R

    Deb, you’ve baked some stunning recipes before, but that wee one has to be the sweetest, most gorgeous creation you’ve ever created. Congratulations :-)

  1196. Karla

    Deb – you continue to amaze and astound with your wonderful creations! I especially like the cinammon curl-swirl. Congratulations!!!

  1197. Karen Angelina

    Deb and Dad and Jacob – congratulations to all of you from out here in Orange County, California!

    What a sweet and beautiful bundle of love!
    Your cinnamon swirl little girl!

    I cannot believe that it has been 6 years since we all last got together to welcome Jacob! Where have the hours and days gone?!

    Rest, relax and enjoy this most wonderful of times!

  1199. Judy

    Mazel tov! July 10 is a day full of good karma. as evidenced by my younger boy. wishing you much happiness (that goes without saying) and some sleep (maybe not so likely right now)

  1205. Liz

    Is no one going to comment that she is doing a football dance pose in the last picture? :) Congratulations! She is precious!

  1206. Seasuttle

    Totally off-topic, but: did you hear smittenkitchen mentioned on Slate’s Culture Gabfest today? You were one of only two examples of places people might get food knowledge. Yeah!

    And of course, congratulations on the sweet baby!

  1207. Phin

    Congratulations! I was just thinking you might have had your baby by now so I popped in to see and yes, you have. :) She’s lovely.

  1208. Amanda

    Congratulations Deb! I am a new mom of two as well (my daughters are 16 months apart) and coincidentally named our second child Anna :). I have never posted before and first want to say I am a huge fan. Your recipes are always outstanding and your favorite chefs are mine as well! When you come up for air, it would be wonderful if you could post a few healthy, toddler-friendly, weeknight meals that are easy to throw together with two little ones. I am not afraid of a challenge in the kitchen but just don’t have the time (or hands) for a patshke these days. I also don’t have a grill, which would make the challenge of low-maintenance dinners much easier. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

  1209. Judy

    Congratulations! In your spare time(!) take a moment and read the posting ‘Dear Frankie’ at YarnHarlot’s.ca. She has a new nephew and she wrote a lovely piece about second children and their special talent to make your heart grow. Enjoy your two dears.

  1210. Aisha

    Congratulations! Mazel tov! Or as we say over here, Mabrook!!! Anna is a beautiful girl with a lovely name. And she shares a birthday with my daughter who turned 2 the day Anna was born !!! I was so excited to see that. July 10 girls are the coolest, I say ;)
    May she always be a blessing and a delight on your family. And may you share love and joy (and frustrations and madness, lol), and lots and lots of good food for years and years to come.
    If July 10 has any effect on personality, you might have a fun but feisty, playful but freakishly smart and aware kid on your hands. I think those bright wide open eyes may be a sign…
    We’ll be waiting for you over here whenever you’re ready.
    Oh and I just realized I would never be able to get inspired by the birthday cakes you’d bake for Anna, for my own daughter’s cake because their birthdays fall on the same day. Oh well, I’ll fall back on ALL the OTHER celebration cakes in the archive.
    Take care.

  1213. Kristina

    Congratulations Deb and family!

    I’ve been following your blog around the time of your first baby! I was going to your website to scout for cute photos of your little one when I see that you’ve added a new addition.

    I love your voice, your recipes, your gorgeous photos, and your lovely family. :)

    Best wishes from Austin, TX!

  1215. Kelly

    What a beauty! Congratulations on your new addition! Your blog is my favorite. It’s because of you that all my friends know me for my baking skills :)

  1220. Hilary

    What a lot of hair for a newborn! She’s beautiful! As a mother of a boy and a baby girl, I can say that it’s really fun to have two!

  1227. Sarvananda

    When my daughter was born, she was the only girl in the world and the history of the world. Such an ordinary event and each one the only one!

    When my grand daughter was born she was the only granddaughter in human history. Such a wondrous uniqueness.

    I am the ultimate proud papa and grandpa! As if there has never been another one in all of time. And it’s true.

    Congratulations, mama, she is the one and only and your are the one and only!

  1230. Betsy Allen

    Ok, so I can already see from the photos that she’s going to be a model…and if not, she’s going to be one of those gorgeous humans that are constantly told they should be a model! Well done, Mom! Enjoy your time with your little human, and thank you for sharing with us!

  1234. Karen C.

    Congratulations! And am relieved a recipe to cook babies didn’t follow (I was initially confused when I saw the pictures….)

  1236. Debbi

    Congrats to you and your family. Now you will get to experience the absolute joy of sibling rivalry. Enjoy every moment.

  1237. Anna

    Congratulations Deb! She is beautiful! I hope you are having a lot of fun with her:-) I am secretly hoping you will come up with some new baby/toddler recipes.

  1244. pamela singer

    when the doctor presentd me with my baby girl..it was like a hollowness that had always been wiith me disappeared.. she is my light .. as you have found yours.. I LOVE my son indeed .. but maybe it is that gender mother connection that is life life’s candy.. enjoy every little embrace . weather adolescence .. and remember it all coda’s when she too has her first child .. AHHHHH life appetizer main meal and dessert…xxx God Bless

  1245. Sarah Provonsha

    Congratulations. She is perfect as all freshly baked babies are…We too never found out and that joy at deliver does not have words. Enjoy this very special time!

  1246. Darlene L

    How delicious! May Anna feel the love of family and be a blessing to all who meet her in her life journey. Love and best wishes from Oklahoma!

  1254. Geri

    Deb and family….So thrilled for all of you. What a beautiful baby girl. Love her name. Your photography always captures life in such a special way. Have always enjoyed your shots. Anna Helen sure looks like “sugar and spice and everything nice”. Life is good thanks for sharing her. <3

  1259. Liz

    Beautiful! I love your website (and your cookbook, too, which falls open to rushed pizza dough in my house), and I can’t wait to see future posts about your little ones. Many congratulations.

  1260. Alex G

    CONGRATULATIONS! She’s lovely and it will be fun to have another new family member to cook for! Very excited to see your family grow.

  1261. kitchen-centered

    Congratulations!
    What a beautiful girl with a beautiful name :)
    By the way I saw your cookbook last weekend in Warsaw, Poland, on Cookbook Fair and couldn’t resist it. I am really impressed with it, you have put an incredible amount of work into it! I already love it :)

  1263. cynthia

    A super belated but equally huge congratulations, Deb!!!!!!!!!!! She is sheer perfection!! Hope you’re getting some rest (somewhere, at some point) and wishing you all the best!

  1264. Mama Maria

    Anna is absolutely beautiful!.
    CONGRATULATIONS!
    I especially love the photo of her feet with the bandaid on her precious heel; so many memories… My baby girls are now 24 and 19. Children are such a blessing. Enjoy!!!

  1271. Cathy Jensen

    While we don’t know each other, I discovered your website immediately following the birth of my first, almost 7 years ago. I always so wonderfully look forward to seeing your latest post- you brighten my days! Thanks! I hope you get sleep in the near future. I am so happy for your new addition and all of the ways it changes your life, now that it’s x2.
    My sincerest congratulations!

  1272. deb

    Thank you — So much for all of these sweet wishes on our new addition. Your comments and congrats make this so much more fun. And from all over the world! I can’t wait to show them to Anna one day. [And yes, it’s taken me 3.5 weeks to read every single comment. Newborns!]

    The name — She is named after two of our favorite grandmothers. I talked about Helen a few years ago, but not enough. Obviously, we’re going to fix that in the future.

    Liz, re: football post — How did we miss that? Obviously, a sign of greatness, at least to her football-obsessed dad.

    Gary — Definitely you could not eat the baby, which would be no fun at all.

    Vicki B — Believe it or not — or I was at least surprised — they now recommend the first part of the Hep B vaccine before the newborn goes home, so that’s where she got her bandaid. (I didn’t want to hurt her to remove it. Then, that night, she was so sleepy and it was time to eat and I couldn’t wake her, so I decided there was no time like the present to take it off. She slept through it! :) )

    Susannah — Congratulations!

  1273. SUZANNE

    Dearest Deb,
    Anna is beautiful and so is her name. You will love noticing all the differences in little girls and boys. You bring joy to my kitchen everyday. Love your cookbook and your blog. You keep me going happily along as I cook daily for two or 14. Thank you
    Rest up! take a break! There are plenty of your previous recipes to try. We surely will not forget you!!!

  1275. Georgia

    May I say that being the 1275 comment, that no other baked good ever got this much congrats to the baker.

    I did click “other anniuncements” and got stick bun raves. Most fitting if second to baby Anna is sticky buns.

    Again, congrats. She is born into flavor and will be your harshest loved critic.

    Love your blog and your family as only a fan of you efforts can be.

  1276. Jack Knight

    I’ve only just read this post, many congrats to you.

    Looking forward to all the girly themed birthday cakes that you’ll make for her as she grows up. Although I have a feeling that at least one of them will be a Barbie princess cake, you know the ones where the skirt is the cake and the doll is in the middle?

    Once again Deb, many congrats to you. Your Cinnamon Bun is beautiful.

  1282. SY

    We’ve been on vacation for a few weeks and just catching up on blogs…she’s is beautiful and what a lovely name! Congratulations to your family, I hope one and all are enjoying time as a family of four!

  1283. shalini

    Congratulations. I’m visiting after ages and was so happy to see this. She’s so sweet. After my first baby, I was baking from your site all the time, but sadly after the second little one arrived it just got too busy. Now that she’s almost 2, I’m looking forward to doing some baking on a regular basis. Although, seeing baby pictures on your site is going to make me want another!

  1284. Shan

    Yay. I love that you had a girl with sweet little curly locks. Made me sad when your son lost his big fat locks.

    You and your hubs bake beautiful honey buns. Congrats.

  1287. Tracy

    Congratulations and welcome to the world Anna! My own little July girl was born 7 years ago with peach fuzz curls and two grandma names. One of her many nicknames is still Peach from that delicious head of hair! So happy for you and wishing you and your family much love, joy, and sunshine. You have inspired our family with your blog and cookbook and my husband speaks of you and your recipes as if you were a wise friend in our kitchen. (“Well, you know Deb says…”) Thank you for all that you do!

  1289. Stacey

    I remember your Grandma Helen vividly. (I understand, from my parents, her middle name is after her.) She was a wonderful woman. I hope your sweet Anna Helen is doing well. She’s precious!

  1290. Richard O

    Please accept my hearty congrats, Deb. Amazing how fast they grow and how quickly time passes. My two daughters had their 28th and 23 birthday this year. And, as you’ve heard a million times before: “It seems like yesterday…..”

    Best regards.

  1292. ML

    I’m sure many of your followers, like me, have never dared post a comment, but think of you as a beloved friend. How could I not have even realized you were pregnant? I am moved to tears with the beauty of your newest family member and wish you blessings upon blessings!

  1293. Melissa

    I love your recipes, your writing, your photos and your spirit (and your cookbook!). Congratulations on your beautiful daughter! We added our own Anna (Jo) to our family last year on July 7, so it brings back many memories as I think of you cherishing/surviving these special days with Anna Helen:) So glad she arrived safely. Blessings!

  1294. Naomi

    OHMIGOSH — MAZEL TOV!! I just sent you email about Coconut Cream Pie, but please ignore it in favor of your DEE-LICIOUS daughter! (Clearly, I’m way behind the times.) Enjoy every moment — or at least, every moment that you possibly can — and know that Chicago is cheering you on!

  1297. ALLIE

    Hi Deb! This is such a beautiful post. What hasn’t aged well is the notion that there’s only two options. I know that you go through the archives to update recipes, and I’d love for you to consider updating this post if your own views on gender have evolved, as many of ours have. I’ve loved your writing for years, and when I feel sad or lonely, I read back through the archives. When I come upon this post I feel so happy for your family and so, so sad as a nonbinary lover of your work. It makes me extra sad that this is part of a much larger phenomenon: so many cis-het couples often (and for the most part, without meaning to!) a binary that continues to hurt trans, nonbinary, genderqueer and other gender expansive folks in the name of celebrating their brilliant kids.

    I really appreciate all the work you’ve done around lifting up Black writers and how thoughtful you are around the origins of non-American/European recipes. It would make my pride month to see you apply that same thoughtfulness to this post, as well.

    Love to you and your family, especially this beautiful girl!

  1298. Cathy Bertanzetti

    What a gift, especially after 6 weeks! She is absolutely beautiful, the hair! To have a girl is a gift indeed. Congratulations…