It was love at first sight when Tika Sumpter gave birth to her and Nicholas James’ daughter, Ella-Loren, which is why the actress is sharing her delight with the world. Tika uploaded a picture of her daughter’s feet on Wednesday while celebrating love, life, and happiness.
“Congratulations on your Beautiful Blessing,” one fan exclaimed. “Most amazing beautiful feeling in the world,” another commented.
Tika was hesitant to share news of her expectancy with the world because of cyber bullies. “Social media can be harsh, and I’m a mama bear, protective of my family,” Tika explained during an interview with Fit Pregnancy. “So that’s why I waited to tell people, including some friends,” she added. “My friends weren’t mad at me. They said, ‘You did it the way you wanted to do it. You’re an inspiration.'”
Sumpter’s assumptions about cruelty online proved true when news spread that the father of her child was white. Some critics went to the extent of accusing Tika of letting “all that melanin [go] down the drain.”
Although the scrutiny was great, Tika managed to respond with grace. “Enjoy and create the life you want to live,” she wrote on Instagram. “Don’t look to the left or the right. Look forward, be grateful and smile a lot. Those who hate just need a big hug and encouragement to live their best life. Pray for them. I do.”
Sumpter also plans to teach her daughter the power of love and forgiveness. “There’s so much I want to teach my daughter, including humility, grace, forgiveness, and understanding,” she told Fit Pregnancy prior to giving birth. “I want her to know her worth and that it’s okay to walk into a room and say, ‘Yes, I’m smart and amazing and I have ideas.’ I want to teach her how to be a boss.”
Ella-Loren is Tika Sumpter and Nicholas James’ first child together. She was born on October 8, 2016.
