Lily Collins is embracing the joys of new motherhood after welcoming her daughter, Tove, via surrogacy just a few days ago.
On Monday, February 3, the Emily in Paris star, 35, who recently announced the arrival of her first child with husband Charlie McDowell, 41, shared a heartwarming glimpse into their life as new parents. McDowell posted a candid snapshot on his Instagram Stories, showing Collins pushing their daughter’s stroller down a peaceful, tree-lined street. While baby Tove isn’t visible in the oversized film photograph, Collins is seen dressed casually in a coat, leggings, and sneakers as her husband captures the moment from behind.
Collins later reposted the image on her own Instagram Stories, adding a simple but heartfelt caption: “Utter bliss.”
The couple first shared the exciting news of their daughter’s birth in a joint Instagram post on Friday. “Welcome to the center of our world, Tove Jane McDowell,” Collins wrote alongside a touching photo of the newborn napping in a bassinet. A monogrammed blanket, embroidered with her name in gold, was draped over the cradle.
Their announcement also included a message of deep appreciation for the surrogate who made their dream of parenthood possible. “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.”
While the news was met with an outpouring of love and support, it also reignited online discussions about celebrities choosing surrogacy to expand their families. McDowell swiftly addressed some of the negative commentary, responding directly to a critical comment under their post. “It’s okay to not be an expert on surrogacy,” he wrote. “It’s okay not to know why someone might need a surrogate to have a child. It’s okay not to know the motivations of a surrogate, regardless of what you assume.”
Collins and McDowell’s love story began in 2019 when they first sparked romance rumors. They made their relationship Instagram official later that year, got engaged in 2020, and tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in 2021. Now, they’re stepping into a new chapter of their lives—one filled with diaper changes, late-night cuddles, and endless love for little Tove.