A Christmas Surprise

by | Jan 22, 2019 | Precious Moments: 09, Pregnancy | 83 comments

Nothing happens in the universe without God willing and allowing it. This statement must be taken absolutely of everything with the exception of sin. ‘Nothing occurs by chance in the whole course of our lives’ is the unanimous teaching of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, ‘and God intervenes everywhere.’ Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I didn’t mean to disappear following my post last month, but there’s a good reason, and I would really appreciate prayers!

On December 12th the stomach flu started hitting our family. I was grateful that I didn’t come down with it until the following weekend, after we finished celebrating our daughter’s 9th birthday and that I felt well enough to bake another cake the following week for our son’s 7th birthday… But then, the weekend before Christmas, the stomach flu really hit me. When I didn’t fully recover, along with the rest of the family, I went and bought a pregnancy test on December 23rd. I really thought it would be negative.

It’s no secret that my last pregnancy was especially hard, between the hyperemesis gravidarum and back/tailbone/hip issues that left me barely able to walk it was a traumatizing pregnancy. After I delivered I told my husband, “I can’t do this again. I really mean it this time.” He understood. I’ve joked with friends that there was a good reason God sent us this last baby as #8 instead of one of our first! Despite how difficult it was, and how difficult our darling baby girl has been (she is finally, after 19 months, sleeping a few hours straight each night!), we just can’t imagine our family without her. She has brought so much joy and laughter and we all love her dearly! God knew that we needed her. Still, I was too scared to chance another pregnancy.

After over 18 months of 100% abstinence, all it took was once…

I wish I could say that I met those two little pink lines with joy and excitement, but honestly I sobbed. It was Sunday night. I had missed Mass and spent all day sick in bed until going out to the store. I had to get out of the house so I got back in the car to go for another drive. I ended up at the church and thankfully there was still a priest in the confessional following the 5pm evening Mass. I was so grateful for the sacrament and for the advice and encouragement I was given that night.  I know God will send me the graces and strength I need to carry this precious baby!

“How can there be too many children? 
That is like saying there are too many flowers.” – Mother Teresa

January 3, 2019 – Our Baby at 7 1/2 weeks 
Having miscarried a number of times in the past, I was very thankful and relieved to see the baby’s heart beating when we met with a new doctor for the dating ultrasound. Apparently I must have ovulated on about day seven and my due date was moved forward a week. Our little one is due August 19th  – just before our oldest two will leave for college! So much for things calming down this year. 😉 
As of today our little one is 10 weeks old! I will see the doctor again next week, though I caught a cold that seems to have turned into bronchitis so I may be going back in sooner. (I guess one good thing that has come out of this whole government shutdown is that my husband has been home to help… Just as long as they reopen before our savings runs out!) We would be grateful for any prayers you can send our way as we prepare to welcome this new little soul! 
Judge then what recompense those persons will receive from Christ who have followed Him along the way of His Cross. On the judgment day we shall understand how much God has loved us by giving us the opportunities to merit so rich a reward. Then we shall reproach ourselves for complaining at what was meant to increase our happiness, for grieving when we should have been rejoicing, for doubting God’s goodness when He was giving concrete evidence of it. If such will be our feelings one day, why not anticipate them now? Why not bless God here and now for something we shall be thanking Him for everlastingly in Heaven? Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence

83 Comments

  1. Katie Sullivan

    Congratulations! I experienced several traumatizing pregnancies as well – the last one was after moving hundreds of miles from family and friends who could help – and will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    2019-01-22 00:26:10

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  2. Jessica Gordon

    Thank you, Katie! This will be my first pregnancy not living near my family (we just moved 650 miles away a few months ago) but our new parish community has been wonderful already.

    2019-01-22 00:35:13

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  3. alias

    congratulations!!

    2019-01-22 00:37:58

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  4. Jennifer Miller

    Jessica, I had a feeling that your silence was more than just adjusting to your new digs. Big prayers for you, as I've been in your shoes!

    2019-01-22 00:54:46

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  5. Kathleen L

    Congrats!! I hope this pregnancy is a bit easier:) I can relate to the Hyperemesis, had it with all mine, in hospital, IV, all the way through 9 months…..sigh…but, so worth it at the end:) Hugs sent your way, with lots of prayers! You will be surrounded by the love of all of our prayers!

    2019-01-22 01:00:28

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  6. Tracy Smith

    Congratulations Jessica! You inspire me even more and I’m so excited for your family! I was just thinking about you the other day wondering how you have been. I’ll keep your little one and you in prayer! I know your baby’s older siblings are so excited!

    2019-01-22 01:01:29

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  7. Gabriella

    Dear Jessica, prayers for you.

    2019-01-22 01:12:09

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  8. mebarrett8

    I'll add you and the wee one to the prayer list Jessica. Hugs to you. I've been there so I know how you feel.

    2019-01-22 01:13:31

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  9. Rosie

    Congratulations!!!! Praying!

    2019-01-22 01:14:22

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  10. Katherine Lauer

    Congratulations! You are an inspiration and a model witness to me in many ways. I will pray for you during this very challenging time.

    2019-01-22 01:18:04

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  11. Debbie

    Congratulations on another new miracle! will keep all of you in my prayers! God Bless!

    2019-01-22 01:22:55

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  12. Hope Schu

    Congratulations, Jessica! We walked similar paths with our eighth babies and I totally understand your initial hesitation. I will pray for you with the pregnancy that you are covered in blessings and good health!!

    2019-01-22 01:24:00

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  13. Jessica Gordon

    I can't believe it had been over a month… I kept telling myself that I needed to pull myself together and get something posted on the blog, but every time I would try I just couldn't muster up the energy. Thank you so much for the prayers, I really appreciate them!

    2019-01-22 20:48:53

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  14. Jessica Gordon

    Thank you! I have always dealt with horrible nausea too, including hospitalizations with a few of them, but last time it was completely uncontrollable. It was also the first time that my insurance would cover nausea medications, but I am not so sure how much they helped. I'm hopeful that this time won't be as bad! I'm so grateful for all the love and prayers!

    2019-01-22 20:53:52

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  15. Jessica Gordon

    Thanks, Tracy! We told all of our kids on Christmas Day. They were all excited, although our 18 year old son said "I'm not sure whether to be excited or sympathetic…" ♥ Love him!

    2019-01-22 20:58:15

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  16. Jessica Gordon

    Thank you, Gabriella!

    2019-01-22 20:58:28

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  17. Jessica Gordon

    Thank you! Hugs to you too!

    2019-01-22 20:59:25

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  18. Jessica Gordon

    Thank you, Katherine! I really appreciate the prayers. I know they will all help!

    2019-01-22 20:59:55

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  19. Jennifer B

    As someone who also has hyperemesis in her pregnancies-I sympathize greatly with you. I wish I could give you a big hug. It can be so very hard and lonely. I will be praying for you that the Immaculata sends many graces your way. I wish I had known of the Litany of Trust when I went through my pregnancies-it is a litany I have only just discovered this past year. Perhaps that Litany will help you too.

    2019-01-22 01:26:50

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  20. Jennifer Fagge

    Congratulations! I will be praying for you!

    2019-01-22 01:50:31

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  21. Meagan Daoust

    Hugs to you!! I'm 30 weeks tomorrow and have an appointment down in Mayo that I'm incredibly anxious about. I'll be offering it up for you. Our first was almost our only. She didn't sleep four hours straight until she was 21 months and even then nothing was consistent. Bedtime took hours, naps only happened if she was latched on. I thought there was no way I could do this again! I thought I was doing everything wrong. Thankfully we pushed through! Everyone has their own struggles! That's one lucky little baby to be joining such a lovely family!

    2019-01-22 02:14:37

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  22. Janel

    Congratulations Jessica! I feel that Our Lord will bless you with a very easy going calm baby that will quickly sleep through the night…I’ve already prayed for You on that one! Things always have a way of working out for the best ❤️ God Bless 🙏🏻 Janel in NJ

    2019-01-22 02:16:40

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  23. Amy

    I have tears of joy right now! I’ve been through HG, and I then an injury during a surgery. I’ve been told I can’t carry more children, but my heart hasn’t given up on that yet. I understand your mixed emotions at first, and the trepidation. I will be praying for strength and NO nausea!

    2019-01-22 02:20:07

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  24. Carla Filla

    Jessica, congratulations and I will be praying for u. I admire your courage…thanks for being real and honest about the struggle!

    2019-01-22 02:43:29

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  25. Mary

    Jessica, congratulations on your new little one. I will definitely keep you in prayer. I also had hyperemisis gravidarum during all of my pregnancies and a severe back issue during my last pregnancy.

    2019-01-22 02:52:16

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  26. Kelly

    This is beautiful news, congratulations! I pray that this pregancy will be peaceful and easy 😊

    2019-01-22 02:53:01

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  27. jbc2789

    Praying for you and this new little one- also praying that this pregnancy will be much, much easier for you!

    2019-01-22 02:53:11

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  28. Tienne

    Oh goodness Hon! What big news. 🙂 Congratulations to your whole family. I know the feeling of trepidation and worry; that was my fourth pregnancy and of course he's an amazing blessing and God is good in all things, but it was a rough year. Prayers and love to you!!

    2019-01-22 02:57:00

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  29. Elizabeth Carreon

    Our first's birthday! Its a lovely birth date (hee hee). Dearest Jessica, you are not alone in feeling less then happy at a positive pregnancy result. You're honesty about it helps others feel they are not alone or horrible mothers when they have felt the same anxiety about a pregnancy. I think it's a subject that should be spoken about more. God bless you! We'll be including you in our daily prayers.

    2019-01-22 03:00:51

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  30. Jacqui

    Congratulations!!! I used to follow a little closer when I was homeschooling. We’ve been going to school for 5 years now. Can’t believe your boys are going to college!!! We moved away from friends and family 1.5 years ago and got pregnant shortly after moving – it was (and is) tough. But with God’s graces anything is possible! I’ll keep you in my prayers!!

    2019-01-22 03:04:01

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  31. Bernadette

    o excited for you. There is this wonderful saying, new house, new baby and what a miraculous gift for you all. I pray things all goes well for the pregnancy. I have had my children far away from family, so pretty much we did it on our own. God Bless in this abundant gift of life.

    2019-01-22 03:14:34

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  32. Candice

    Congratulations Jessica! I will be keeping you in my prayers.

    2019-01-22 03:45:21

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  33. Pamela Gootee

    Praying for you beautiful friend! Our little Sophia is 16 months old and I have a deep feeling this month we might see those 2 lines. We will keep you and your little one in our prayers.

    2019-01-22 04:11:56

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  34. Liz Puccio

    Courage Jessica! God doesn’t make mistakes. In his divine providence he has found you worth it of raising a saint ….. I tell you this because I have lost 6 pregnancies( I know I have 6 praying for me. ) I have 4 boys here and at the age of 38 I could not have a baby anymore. I complained here and there about the fear of having too many like my friends……. now I would give anything to have one more. God is merciful for sure and my paths are not his

    2019-01-22 04:18:29

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  35. Val

    Prayers.

    2019-01-22 04:32:48

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  36. Valerie, NZ

    The very best of health to you, Jessica, and to your precious babe.

    2019-01-22 04:39:25

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  37. Mary Fifer

    Sending prayers now and remembering you in my extra Rosary each night. May God protect both you and baby. Sending prayers for your husband's job situation as well. St. Joseph, pray for us. +

    2019-01-22 05:15:07

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  38. Carolyn McDowell

    JMJ All praise and glory to God! Prayers for you and the baby, Jessica.

    2019-01-22 05:30:24

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  39. Cristina

    Prayed for you tonight during our rosary. Congratulations and thank you for your honesty. I just had a miscarriage and had the same feelings of trepidation when I found out I was pregnant as we have no family support either. However, we had looked forward to the baby coming and now he or she is praying for us from heaven. Only God knows His plans for us and why. I pray that this pregnancy will be easier for you.

    2019-01-22 05:46:40

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  40. Mary

    What a blessing! Praying for St. Anne's intercession for a comfortable pregnancy, safe delivery, and a baby that loves to sleep!

    2019-01-22 07:09:28

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  41. MotherOwl(Charlotte)

    Congratulations. This baby was meant to be. Praying for you, hubby, the baby and the whole family.

    2019-01-22 07:34:43

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  42. Penelope

    Blessings and peace to you Jessica! I was wondering if perhaps there was a new little one on the way. Congratulations! I understand how complex the emotions can be, ah but what a wonderful gift!! I am so happy for you.

    2019-01-22 11:19:05

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  43. Karyn

    Congratulations! I'm due with number nine in June so I look forward to seeing blog posts of this little one (though I know your photos will be much prettier than mine, lol). May you be blessed with a comfortable, easy pregnancy. St. Gerard, please pray for Jessica and baby.

    2019-01-22 12:20:20

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  44. Karen H

    Dear Jessica, it is so good to hear from you, I was thinking something very important was happening for you to be away so long. I know I'm joining a multitude in prayers for you and will keep them coming. I never thought I'd see the good in the government shutdown, but I sure do now! Praise Him for His extraordinarily detailed care! Jessica, you have an uncommon love. Your initial trepidation makes that heroic love of yours shine forth all the brighter. Virtual hugs coming your way!

    2019-01-22 13:13:55

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  45. Lena

    Dear Mrs. Gordon, I will be praying for you very much, and plan to begin a special novena to St. Therese for you today! Thank you for sharing all this with us so we can pray for you and support you spiritually. My family and I have followed your blog for years and years. You and your beautiful family are such an inspiration and encouragement to me, as I hope to do just what you are doing as a stay-at-home, homeschooling wife & mom one day. Your example is invaluable to girls like me! I know our dear Lord will supply grace upon grace for you in all the challenges of this time. May God bless every one of you, and especially you and your newest little one!

    2019-01-22 16:18:14

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  46. Mary

    "All it took was once" is a sure sign of God's will! It may not be easy, but He will give you the strength and grace you need. Praying for you and your family.

    2019-01-22 18:07:56

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  47. Mary Pinheiro

    What a beautiful blessing 🙂 I've been praying for you and I will continue to pray for you and your little sweetheart. I appreciate your blog so very much and I am very grateful for all you continue to share with us all. many prayers!

    2019-01-22 18:53:39

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  48. Karen

    I will keep you in prayer.What a blessing you are and a beautiful example of surrendering to God's will.The Lord will get you thru.

    2019-01-22 20:24:41

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  49. Sherri

    Oh I just had to respond to your post! This newest new baby is such a blessing for your family, and in my opinion, especially for your little Grace. You see, my first seven children all had sibling playmates. I had a miscarriage and my last child is 6 1/2 years younger than his closest sibling, who is a 16 year old girl now. She is very kind to him, but it is just not the same as it was for all of the others~ having built-in playmates! The other older siblings are either in college or graduated, and have started their adult lives. I was almost 48 when I had him and I prayed to God that if it was His will, I would love twins, so this last baby would not be "alone." This was not to be, as he was a singleton. He is a ten year old now with lots of energy, often lonely, and it becomes a chore to find friends to play with. God in His wisdom knows what is best for each of us. I know it is hard and you are exhausted, but Grace will have her very own sibling playmate to love and grow up with! Praise God!!

    2019-01-22 21:04:40

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  50. Kathryn B

    Congratulations and prayers! My #4 surprised us; we became preggo when his brother was not quite nine months old and the oldest just 4. I understand the feeling! I then switched to the Creighton method of NFP, which I am liking better than the Couple to Couple league method. If you want any help for Grace, there is a great book called The No-Cry Sleep Solution which has great tips for helping children learn to sleep better and determine if there are reasons for their frequent wakeups (teething, needing more calories, etc.). It helped me gently teach my babies and toddlers to sleep better at night, especially in building sleep associations other than "I need to nurse to fall asleep/stay asleep", and tips to help older babies nurse at night when hungry instead of staying latched half the night.

    2019-01-22 21:14:23

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  51. Catie H

    Thank you for your beautiful witness and honesty, Jessica. It helps all of us who are struggling similarly. May God bless you in a special and abundant way. You have my prayers!

    2019-01-22 21:48:40

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  52. Joy

    My husband is one of 9. One of his brothers has 12 children. Yes there are never too many children. This one little blessing will be another flower in your family garden. I pray for your complete health & the baby's throughout your pregnancy, I pray for a safe and uncomplicated delivery and may you both receive every possible blessing and grace from Our Lord.

    2019-01-23 00:31:21

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  53. Erin

    Oh wow my dear friend, I must say I'm rather stunned, and yet excited and nervous for you all rolled in one. I daresay all the emotions you are going through, well not all, not me going through this this time 😉 Praying for you xxxx

    2019-01-23 09:34:02

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  54. Angie O

    Thank you for sharing. I am praying for you!! Praying for abundant graces and blessings!

    2019-01-23 18:38:26

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  55. Joan

    Jessica you will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless Joan

    2019-01-23 19:29:09

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  56. Marion

    Wishing you and your family blessings and happiness. Jessica you and the baby are in my prayers and thoughts for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Marion

    2019-01-23 19:32:10

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  57. Marilyn

    Jessica, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a healthy baby and a safe delivery and pregnancy. God Bless you and yours . Marilyn

    2019-01-24 01:09:31

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  58. Melissa

    Congratulations and prayers! God has a perfect plan, all we can do is surrender to it. Melissa

    2019-01-24 03:17:24

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  59. Beth

    What a beautiful honest and heartfelt post. Thank you for sharing your heart and I am excited to “meet” your new little one!

    2019-01-24 13:31:01

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  60. Beth

    Jessica, Congratulations on your little Christmas miracle! Your beautiful family brings me much joy! Also, thank you so very much for this post. I have read and re-read your words and the quotes from your book several times. My husband and I are in a much different place from you, having faced over a decade of infertility, but yet the concepts of surrender and trust in divine providence apply 100%. They were just the balm my soul needed this month. Thank you, sincerely. Many prayers for you and your family and your new little one!

    2019-01-25 16:26:00

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  61. Karen

    Congratulations and prayers for sure! I hope this is a much easier pregnancy for you.

    2019-01-25 18:07:24

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  62. Sarah Grignon

    Dear Jessica, Thank you for being so open and honest about your feelings about this pregnancy. My 5th pregnancy was the same, I had just moved needed mental space from my last pregnancy, ect and got pregnant and it caused great depression for the entire pregnancy. I had never heard of any other Catholic not meeting each new baby with anything other then joy and seeing it as a blessing which made me feel horrid. I really think it is so important that we as moms open the conversation up to more honesty so we can support each other. I am now pregnant with number 6 due in April and happy as can be but it's still hard, being pregnant and open to life is a sacrifice and a cross at times but real joy comes from embracing our crosses and seeing it as a path to God. You and your family will be in my prayers.

    2019-01-25 18:17:50

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  63. Bernadette

    Dear Jessica, Wow! I am so happy for you and your family on this wonderful news, and know I'll be praying for you and baby in a very special way, every day, during your pregnancy. Our Good Lord has waited for this moment for all eternity. May He hold you close to Him and bless you as you accept another round of pregnancy crosses and sacrifices. For now, I'm cheering for you!

    2019-01-25 18:36:27

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  64. Jamie Ferguson

    Hey Jess! I was wondering what happened during Christmas season, we didn't hear from you. Kasi said you asked for our address. We will keep you in our daily rosary! I hope all is going well with your getting settled! We need to catch up sometime! Tell Sean and the family hello for us! Jamie

    2019-01-25 19:03:12

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  65. Heather

    Congratulations to you and your family. You have so many good ideas that are inspiring to see. God couldn't wait to send another soul to such good parents. My husband and I had our 9th when I was 43. The book Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ published by Queenship has prayers that greatly helped during my last 4 pregnancies. page 93 explains. You are an inspiration and I'm praying for your intentions.

    2019-01-26 08:04:48

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  66. Jennifer

    Deo gratias!!!! So very happy for your family and all of the Church Militant!!!!! Prayers for all!

    2019-01-28 14:58:50

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  67. Jennifer

    Sarah, As a mom of eight, I so relate!!! Maybe those of us who are open to life are doing a disservice by not sharing our fears/concerns/worries about more babies. It's okay to feel like you're "not ready" for another baby … or that it might be "too much" … or "how can I go through this again?". None of those mean that we are not truly humbled and blessed by the miracle that is another baby. That doesn't mean we don't want the baby, or that we would rather not have the baby; it just means we're human and can be overwhelmed. I always took those feelings as a sign that I was leaning too heavily on myself and not nearly enough on God. In the end, as long as we know: THY WILL BE DONE! Hugs!

    2019-01-28 15:03:23

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  68. Emily

    Dear Jessica, I have followed this beautiful blog of yours for several years and am a mother of five. My last pregnancy was quite comfortable until a sudden panic attack sent me to the hospital, determined to be induced. Our son had a birth defect which required surgery at a different hospital, he was taken by ambulance and I was immediately discharged. I then had recurring panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and general deranged feelings and impulses. It made me question everything. The panic attacks have gone away, only occasionally will I feel one start to kick up but it doesn't become full blown like before. I had been so blissful living out my vocation before but fighting tooth and nail for my sanity was very confusing. I only say that to affirm you that there are many challenges and factors that present themselves when being open to life. I can only imagine your fear at having to do it again. I will be praying for you every time God puts you on my heart. He knows what you need and I pray He will give you a respite this pregnancy and a deep, abiding trust and faith in Him. Your witness is a truly beautiful thing.

    2019-01-29 02:45:22

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  69. Sarah

    Thank you!

    2019-01-31 11:45:15

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  70. Robin B.

    J.M.J. Dear Jessica, I too am excited for you and your family and know that this little one will be a great blessing to all of you esp. Grace.:) In reading your post the words- she just does being a mother so well – entered my mind as to why God is sending another little one your way at this time. As for fear and doubt, do not worry dear sister in Christ, we are all Peter under the water sometimes, it just helps us to keep our eyes on Christ! Be assured of our families prayers for baby, you and the family:)

    2019-02-02 05:07:51

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  71. Sonja C.

    Jessica, Christ's light shines so brilliantly through you, people can't help but be attracted to Him through you! God bless your radiant soul, Sonja C.

    2019-02-02 17:51:39

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  72. Guest

    Hugs!!!

    2019-02-04 19:38:33

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  73. Guest

    I was really taken while reading the reviews for this prenatal and the number of number of women who reported having more ENERGY!!! Also, many people said they had suffered terrible nausea with other brands but did really well with this. I couldn’t help but wish this could be the case for you for some relief upon “refueling.” I am assuming I suppose that you haven’t already tried this one but certainly don’t mean to be offensive. One other thing that struck me was that a number of people who had suffered miscarriages that had this vitamin recommended! I also discovered that folic acid found in many vitamins can cause IMMUNE Responses (!!!!) in people as the undogested folic acid builds up! I learned this from a video by Dr. Ben Lynch (widely available on YouTube). This particular vitamin contains L-5-MTHF, the most biologically available form of folate (not the same thing as the man made folic acid that does not digest properly and can cause immune and other major problems!). Optimal Prenatal also provides folinic acid, a non-methylated form of folate that can be easily converted to coenzyme forms within the body (pregnant women have to have this but it isn’t included in any other vitamin I’ve found). Seemed worth sharing just in case it could be a blessing! Here’s the link or you can Google Optimal Prenatal by Seeking Health https://www.seekinghealth.com/optimal-prenatal-24… I hope it doesn’t feel like I’m oversimplifying your unique medical situation -I’m just pouring my heart into a prayer for your wellbeing and searching my mind for information like the above that might not be widely known in case it helps you or a reader here. Offering my Lourdes Novena for you and sending so much love, support and encouragement!!! God bless you, sweet friend!

    2019-02-04 20:22:39

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  74. Guest

    My supplement has milk thistle. I was unfamiliar with this so I researched it. Who knows, maybe this little gem could help with the nausea you are experiencing?!! Here are some highlights from one article I read: The following is one of the most exciting morning sickness remedies I have come across. However, before we get to the what, we need to address the why behind the recommendation of milk thistle for morning sickness. Hyperthyroidism Pregnant women with hyperthyroidism are more likely to have abnormal electrolyte levels and increased liver enzyme levels. The severity of hyperemesis (vomiting) was found to vary directly with the degree of hyperthyroidism. The cause of the hyperthyroidism may be linked to the cause of hyperemesis itself. (Goodwin, Montoro, & Mestman, 1992) Another study showed that the thyroid gland is activated in early pregnancy, (possibly by hCG) which may cause morning sickness. (MORI, AMINO, TAMAKI, MIYAI, & TANIZAWA, 1988) Sum it Up What this means is that our thyroids are hyperactive during pregnancy and our livers can’t process the excess hormones and toxins fast enough. The excess hormones and toxins are what is causing our morning sickness. Shonda Parker, in her book Naturally Healthy Pregnancy writes, “I have found milk thistle (standardized to contain at least 70% – 80% silymarin) to be invaluable in preventing morning sickness. I began taking 2 tablets each day, two months prior to this pregnancy, and increased to 3 tablets daily when our pregnancy was confirmed. Milk thistle is liver supportive and protective. I feel this is why it worked so well to prevent the nausea and vomiting I have had with every other pregnancy.” Above I discussed the research behind a sluggish liver, hyperthyroidism and cleansing the liver to prevent morning sickness. However, once you’re pregnant doing a full cleanse is not recommended. Milk Thistle Dosage for Morning Sickness: During pregnancy an excellent remedy for morning sickness is milk thistle extract (standardized to contain at least 70% silymarin) at the recommended daily amount of 280 mg. “By boosting the liver to eliminate toxins and excess hormones from the body, many women experience relief. Within days of beginning milk thistle three times a day, I was back to normal, yet still less than 9 weeks along. For the next 6 weeks, if I missed as little as one dose, nausea began to return. The best part about milk thistle is that it is perfectly safe, with no risks to the baby.” https://www.motherrisingbirth.com/2016/01/milk-th

    2019-02-11 18:15:56

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  75. Melanie

    Oh my goodness, congratulations! <3 I pray this pregnancy is easier…and may you be blessed with an easy baby!

    2019-02-09 03:19:08

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  76. Guest

    On this sacred feast of Our Lady of Lourdes you are in my heart extra!

    2019-02-11 20:17:17

    Reply
  77. Nancy

    May God give you strength, peace, and health during this pregnancy.

    2019-02-13 00:11:33

    Reply
  78. Laura

    Felicidades!!! Què honesto y maravilloso testimonio!!!Te cuento que yo desde Argentina tambien estoy cursando mi cuarto embarazo y van unas 11 semanas. Viva la vida!!!!Rezo por vos. Santa Gianna Ruega por nosotras!!!

    2019-02-15 00:08:58

    Reply
  79. Raissa

    I read your blog since 2012 and you are such an inspiration. It's been a while since I visited the page, so I knew that you were pregnant only today while seeing your instagram. Just want to say that you and your family will have a special place in my prayers. Your due date is at my own birthday, so I felt almost an obligation to do it. I hope one day, if it's in God's will, to follow also this path, sacrifice myself to my own family. May God bless you, from a brazilian reader.

    2019-02-15 02:09:27

    Reply
  80. JJ Caraway

    Congratulations, sending prayers! 🙏🙏

    2019-02-18 00:26:52

    Reply

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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.


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Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

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