“I’ve been doing full episodes for her”—Ms. Rachel on bonding with her baby post-surrogacy
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“I’ve been doing full episodes for her, just as myself!”
Ms. Rachel may be known for singing “Open Shut Them” to millions of toddlers around the world, (and we all know I’m a fan!) but these days, she’s performing full episodes for an audience of one: her 3-month-old daughter, Susannah.
In a rare and joy-filled interview with TODAY.com, the beloved YouTube creator (real name: Rachel Griffin Accurso) opened up about life as a mom of two, how big brother Thomas is adjusting, and the emotional journey that brought baby Susannah into the world.
“She’s such a smiley, happy baby,” Rachel said during the May 31 interview, where she was joined by her husband and creative partner, composer Aron Accurso.
It’s the first time Rachel has spoken publicly since stepping away from her channel (with more than 15 million subscribers) earlier this year. At the time, she simply told fans there were “some family things to attend to.” What she didn’t share publicly then: she was deep in the sacred chaos of growing her family, this time, through surrogacy.
“We welcomed sweet baby Susannah into the world! We are so in love,” she wrote in an April 8 Instagram post, finally sharing her news. “Sometimes timing isn’t what you plan and the road to get there is bumpier than you expect, but when you hold your little ones you know… I’m meant to be your mama.”
Related: 11 expert ways to help your firstborn adjust to the new baby
Rachel explained that, due to medical reasons, she was unable to carry this pregnancy herself. But thanks to the generosity of a surrogate, she and Aron were able to bring their daughter home—and build a forever bond with the woman who helped them get there.
“We were blessed to have a surrogate who gave us the most precious gift possible. We are now all family forever.”
Now back in the newborn stage, Rachel’s doing what she does best: using music to connect.
“I had [Susannah] in front of me, and I was like, ‘I want to sing her a song. Hmm, what should I sing?’ And then I was like, ‘Wait, this is my area,’” she laughed. “I’ve been doing full episodes for her, just as myself!”
It’s an image many moms can relate to: middle-of-the-night feedings, soft lullabies, the search for anything that soothes. Except in this case, that “anything” happens to be Rachel herself, one of the internet’s most beloved baby whisperers.
And while adjusting to life as a family of four comes with its own messy beauty, Rachel says her 7-year-old son Thomas is stepping into his new role with so much heart.
“Thomas is even changing diapers sometimes—except for no poopy ones,” she joked. “He’s given her a bottle, he’s burped her. He’s just the sweetest with her.”
Even Susannah’s name carries deep meaning. In another recent Today interview, Rachel revealed that her daughter is named after her own mom.
“My mom raised us with so much unconditional love and joy,” she said. “She raised my sister and I as a single mom. I’ve always been in awe of her strength. She even built us an epic tree house all by herself!”
Related: A guide to surrogacy: What intended parents need to know
So yes, the songs may be quieter for now. The set might be a living room. But the love? It’s louder than ever.
And for the millions of parents who’ve relied on Ms. Rachel’s calming presence in the background of their own parenting journeys, it’s comforting to know: she’s living that journey right alongside us.
Have you found your own version of “singing full episodes”?
We’d love to hear what early bonding looked like for you. Share your story with us here or tag us on Instagram @mother.ly.
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