Announcements

look what else we baked!

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

New here? You might want to check out the comment guidelines before chiming in.

1,298 comments on look what else we baked!

  1. 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.

  2. 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!

  3. 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

  4. E’owyn

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

  5. 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!

  6. Tamar

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

  7. 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.

  8. 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

  9. 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.

  10. 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!!!

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Lauren

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

  14. 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!! :-)

  15. 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!!

  16. 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!

  17. 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.

  18. 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!

  19. 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…

  20. 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!

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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? :)

  24. 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.

  25. 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!!)

  26. 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!

  27. 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!

  28. 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.

  29. 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

  30. Jane

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

  31. 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.

  32. 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

  33. 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!

  34. 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.)

  35. 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!

  36. 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!

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

  39. 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 :).

  40. 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!

  41. 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.

  42. 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!

  43. 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!

  44. 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!

  45. Denise

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

  46. 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!

  47. 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! :)

  48. kiley

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

  49. 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!

  50. 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. :)

  51. 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.

  52. 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!

  53. Jordan

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

  54. 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!

  55. 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.

  56. 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!

  57. 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!

  58. 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!

  59. 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.

  60. Jacqueline

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

  61. Sage

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

  62. 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. :)

  63. TanjaK

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

  64. 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!

  65. Andrea

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

  66. 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!

  67. 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!!!

  68. 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.

  69. 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!

  70. 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!

  71. 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+)!

  72. 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!!!!!

  73. 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!

  74. Lauren

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

  75. 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!

  76. 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!

  77. 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!!

  78. Julie

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

  79. 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!

  80. 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.

  81. 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!

  82. 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!

  83. 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.

  84. 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!

  85. 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

  86. Elizabeth

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

  87. 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!

  88. 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……

  89. 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

  90. 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”!

  91. 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.

  92. 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!

  93. 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!!

  94. 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.

  95. 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!

  96. 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.

  97. 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!

  98. 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!

  99. 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.

  100. 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.

  101. 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!

  102. Emily

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

  103. 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.

  104. 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 :)

  105. 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.

  106. 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!

  107. 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 :)

  108. 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.

  109. 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.

  110. 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!

  111. 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 ;)

  112. 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.

  113. Mary Mac

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

  114. 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!

  115. 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.

  116. Michal

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

  117. Claire

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

  118. 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.

  119. 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.

  120. 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!!!

  121. 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!

  122. Barbara

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

  123. 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!

  124. 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 )

  125. 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!

  126. 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.

  127. 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!! :)

  128. 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! :)

  129. 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!

  130. 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

  131. Andrea

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

  132. 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!

  133. Jenn

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

  134. 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!

  135. 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.

  136. Emily

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

  137. 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!

  138. 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!

  139. Alissa

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

  140. 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. ;)

  141. 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.

  142. 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.)

  143. Anne B.

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

  144. Claudia

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

  145. 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!

  146. 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!

  147. Suzanne

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

  148. 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 :)

  149. 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.

  150. Sharon

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

  151. 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!

  152. 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!

  153. 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!!

  154. 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 :-))

  155. 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.

  156. 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.

  157. 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

  158. 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.

  159. Agnes

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

  160. 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!

  161. 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.

  162. 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. :)

  163. 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

  164. 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.