Lily Collins shares ‘endless gratitude’ after birth of her daughter via surrogate: ‘centre of our world’
Emily in Pars star Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell have welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Tove Jane McDowell, via surrogate, the actress announced on Friday.
The Emily in Paris star, 35, and her director husband, 41, shared the joyous news through a heartfelt Instagram post, introducing their newborn daughter to the world.
The couple, who married in September 2021, expressed their delight at becoming first-time parents, with the birth taking place earlier this week in Northern California.
Collins shared an adorable photo of baby Tove on her official Instagram account, showing the newborn in a tan onesie.
The infant was pictured lying in a moses basket, wearing a knitted cap adorned with flowers.
A white blanket with the baby’s name embroidered in gold letters could be seen on the side.
The intimate photograph was shared as a joint post with her husband Charlie McDowell, marking their first public announcement of their daughter’s arrival.
In her Instagram caption, Collins wrote: “Welcome to the center of our world Tove Jane McDowell.”
The actress continued: “Words will never express our endless gratitude for our incredible surrogate and everyone who helped us along the way. We love you to the moon and back again.”
“Thank you for all the kind messages and love. We are overjoyed and very grateful,” McDowell wrote in the comments of the post.
However, he also addressed the “unkind” messages the couple had apparently received regarding pursuing a surrogate.
“It’s ok to not be an expert on surrogacy. It’s ok to not know why someone might need a surrogate to have a child. It’s ok to not know the motivations of a surrogate regardless of what you assume,” he wrote.
“And it’s ok to spend less time spewing hateful words into the world, especially in regards to a beautiful baby girl who has brought a lot of love into people’s lives.”
“That’s all for now because she just pooped and I need to change her diaper,” he concluded.
Baby Tove’s arrival came just a day after Collins celebrated her English music legend father Phil Collins’ 74th birthday.
Phil Collins was the lead singer for the band Genesis and several number one hits in his solo career – including In The Air Tonight with its iconic drum intro.
In her birthday tribute to her father, Collins wrote: “From a west coast star to the West End stage and everywhere in between — I’m so grateful to be by your side.”
The phrase “to the moon and back again” appears to hold special meaning for the family, as Collins used it in both her baby announcement and birthday message to her father.
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Phil Collins was forced to retire in 2022 due to long-standing neck and back issues.
Last month, the Genesis rocker returned to sit with his beloved drum kit in an interview with Drumeo.
Reflecting on being no longer able to play, he admitted: “It’s still kinda sinking in a little bit.”
“You know, I’m 71. I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock,” he added.