A New Addition to the Feministing Family

I just wanted to write an update to our readers and give a huge congratulations to Jessica and Andrew on the early arrival of Layla Sorella Valenti-Golis, born on Sunday, August 15th at 9:13 pm.

The news is bittersweet as little Layla was born early, at Jessica’s 29th week of pregnancy; she was diagnosed with a case of severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome this weekend and had to undergo an emergency c-section. In short, it’s been a scary and difficult week for the Valenti/Golis fam, but Jessica is recuperating and Layla is doing great — a strong but wee little darling at 2 lbs. Her nurses says she’s feisty and courageous — just like her mama!

Add your well wishes and positive thoughts in comments, as well as any experiences you or friends’ may have had with preeclampsia and/or NICU babies. The Feministing community is like family too, so any support would mean the world to Jessica.