On Christmas Eve we had a fun surprise for the kids and our extended family who came over for the evening before we all headed to Midnight Mass! Last Wednesday afternoon I called the doctors office for the results on some blood work they did a couple weeks ago, including the answer to whether the baby is a boy or a girl… The nurse asked me what I thought it was, and then told me I WAS RIGHT!!! Sean went down to the store and had a bunch of color coded balloons filled with helium to wrap up in a large box. (He actually had a whole bag filled, not realizing I just wanted one for each kid, but it was a hit and definitely made a statement!) My sister JoAnn videoed the exciting moment and I’ll share that over on Instagram. I won’t make you all wait any longer… It’s time to OPEN THE BOX!
It’s a… WAIT… the blue paper is just a decoy…
GIRL!!!
The moment it sunk in that our new baby is NOT a boy…
We are very grateful for a healthy baby, that we’ve made it through the first trimester, and that I haven’t had any (serious) complications with this pregnancy yet. Please continue to keep us in your prayers!
Merry Christmas!
Prayer of Mothers
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.
Congratulations! Such wonderful news on such a special day. God bless you all. Merry Christmas, Carrie
2016-12-25 21:13:59
Congratulations! What a perfect way to announce the gender of your newest blessing on a perfect day! Merry Christmas!
2016-12-25 21:27:50
Congratulations!! Prayers for a healthy pregnancy and baby!
2016-12-25 21:38:27
Congratulations to you all!! So very excited for you all!!
2016-12-25 21:38:51
Blue paper…decoy! LOL Congrats.
2016-12-25 21:43:49
Beautiful way to announce the blessed event! Merry Christmas!
2016-12-25 23:38:34
Congratulations! Merry Christmas!
2016-12-26 01:16:32
Congratulations! What a great reveal idea. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! God bless!
2016-12-26 02:32:44
Awesome!
2016-12-26 02:42:15
Congratulations!! We will be praying for health for you and sweet baby girl! Merry Christmas!
2016-12-26 03:02:54
How fun!! I just love how you create such awesome memories and admire your talent for capturing it! You and your baby were absolutely remembered every single day of the St. Andrew Novena!!
2016-12-26 03:43:58
Oh, a little girl!!! 4 boys & 4 girls now! So happy for your family! The kids were so surprised! And I can't believe that Bud is FIVE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!????? I remember when he was still in your tummy! Gosh, your little girl will be almost exactly 10 years younger than Snuggles or EXACTLY if they are born on the same day!!! Here's praying for a healthy pregnancy until the big day when we all get to meet your sweet little girl next summer and I hope that St. Nick is helping you not to throw up anymore! 😉 God bless you all and have a very merry Christmastide and Epiphany!
2016-12-26 04:16:56
Congratulations. It has been amazing watching your family grow over the years.
2016-12-26 05:14:48
Just wanted to say that I am 100% praying for the health of yourself and of your little baby girl. God bless you all and wishing you a lovely Christmas season.
2016-12-26 07:34:10
So very happy for you all! I will continue to keep you in my prayers, God Bless!
2016-12-26 10:41:15
Congratulations! I'm thrilled for your family. Just have to share my story. My husband and I suffered a devastating miscarriage over 5 years ago, and had always been open to a larger family (we have 4, ranging in age from 20-10). After that miscarriage, we sort of gave up hope that we'd have any more children. But, lo and behold, we found out in May that we are indeed expecting! After a nearly 11-year-gap God has blessed us with a baby due in January– any day now! My first 2 trimesters went smoothly, with o, and the third has had some struggles. But baby is healthy and we are waiting with much anticipations. I will keep you in my prayers! Again, congratulations!
2016-12-26 13:35:08
How exciting 🙂 so pleased for you Jessica. I too have enjoyed following your family over the years.
2016-12-26 16:35:47
Congratulations on your new addition. Nothing like a BIG family! God Bless you & your family with good health and joy!
2016-12-26 18:29:39
Congratulations! Fun way to reveal gender!
2016-12-26 19:56:36
Congratulations! I posted my guess of girl previously! I also wanted to ask a question on this latest post since the one this question relates to was posted 9 weeks ago and maybe you won't notice it on an old blog post. Anyway, along with the AIP diet and progesterone cream, you mentioned that you take other supplements as well. I was wondering what these were as my father-in-law is trying a paleo approach to slow the progression of Parkinson's and I keep thinking that there must be some good supplements he should be taking as well. Thanks in advance!
2016-12-26 21:27:43
Oh such a precious sharing Jessica…Last week when I was remembering you and your baby in my daily prayers I was thinking about your family and this thought came to me…hmmmm there are four boys and three girls in your family…and…a feeling came over me that your family will be blessed with a beautiful baby girl… so that you will be the mother of four boys and four girls … a perfect even number of each blessing. I found this post just so amazing with your revealing of your precious little one that you are carrying. I pray that you are feeling well. Do remember to take some time for yourself and your tiny one to rest during this very busy Christmas Season filled with so much activity! Blessings for a most wonderful coming New Year. I am sure each of your dear children are filled with so much joy and anticipation about their new baby sister coming in June!
2016-12-26 22:38:37
A baby is such a blessing!!! Congratulations to all of you as you await the arrival of your daughter/sister. Annette
2016-12-27 11:59:11
What wonderful news!! I'm so happy for you! I love how you told the children. I have eight children also, 5 girls and 3 boys. My eighth child is 6 1/2 years younger than #7, and our third boy. What a blessing and a joy this little girl is!! I'll be praying for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.
2016-12-27 21:25:55
That was my guess : ) So very happy for all of you, and very thankful that you share these times with us!
2016-12-31 03:53:06
Congratulations! You have such a beautiful family. She will be the most loved little baby girl!
2017-01-06 13:44:32
Praying for you all. God bless.
2017-01-12 15:46:01
God bless! Girls are the best.
2017-01-14 13:27:46