While I was visiting my best friend in New Jersey, I found out that we are having a little girl! My best friend and I celebrated together, and she had a special gift to give me. It’s a rosary from Chews Life, and I love it! There’s a story behind how she chose this one (back in 2021!) that I will post in the next few weeks.
She also gave me a diaper bag that I love from Petunia Pickle Bottom.
We went shopping, and I bought my first girl outfit. It is Aristocats with little pink bows on the feet. So cute!
Sean and I were able to do a gender reveal party once I returned to Alabama. It was very special to gather with all my favorite people and tell them what we are having. So many people showed up, and it was very touching. The baby had six great-grand parents, all six grandparents, and so many aunts and uncles there! Many of my closest friends were also able to make it which was lovely.
I am out of the first trimester, and I am also done with progesterone injections. Other than being grateful that I don’t have to take daily shots anymore, I am feeling much more like my usual self as far as energy. I am still a little more tired than usual, but it is significantly better than it was when I was taking the progesterone.
I am hopeful that I will continue feeling this increase in energy throughout the Advent season because Advent is my favorite time of year! Advent feels particularly special this year because I am pregnant; I feel like I am waiting for my baby girl alongside Mary waiting for Jesus. My best friend got me this beautiful statue of Mary, visibly pregnant with a small bed at her feet. It is the image I am carrying along with me this Advent. Come, Lord Jesus!
The semester is winding down. I only have exams left. This semester was so hard because I had such low energy from the progesterone. I am so grateful that I have (almost) made it through to the other side!
In addition to the semester ending, we have so many fun things to look forward to this month. We will be staying home for Christmas this year for the first time in four years. In 2021, Sean and I were engaged and spent Christmas with his family in Chicago. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, we returned to Chicago to celebrate with his family.
When his father passed away in December of 2024, I asked Sean if we could try Christmas at home in 2025. My families have many traditions that I have missed, and I would like for him to experience them. I am so excited to do all of the things that I have missed the past four years.
This means that we chose to spend Thanksgiving with Sean’s family this year. We announced we were having a girl, and his aunt, uncle, and cousins gave us the most thoughtful gift with two super soft outfits, a Winnie the Pooh swaddle, and a sweet bear lovey. It was such a sweet thing to do!
I pray you have a fruitful Advent. Please continue to pray for us and our sweet baby girl on the way!
Mission Today 