Friends, I’m tickled pink to introduce you to our daughter, Azelie Catherine Kirk! She made her debut this past weekend on February 22 and we are so overjoyed that she’s here!

Azelie (pronounced AZ-uh-lee) is named in honor of two Saints who have been especially significant to us throughout our experience of parenthood, and this pregnancy in particular. As a brand new mom three-and-a-half years ago, learning about St. Zelie Martin (whose full first name was Marie-Azélie) had an immensely positive impact on me (I shared why on Blessed Is She here). She has been a sweet heavenly friend ever since, and Dave has developed a devotion to both her and her husband, St. Louis Martin, as well. Any moment when I’ve struggled in motherhood, whether over big things like grieving a miscarriage or smaller moments like navigating a toddler tantrum, St. Zelie’s wisdom, example, and intercession have helped guide me. On a lighter note, I think the name “Azelie” feels so sweet, feminine, and (obviously) French, all of which I am a big fan of :)

As for her middle name, as soon as I found out I was expecting our rainbow baby, I began saying a daily prayer for the intercession of St. Catherine of Sweden, the patron saint of protection from miscarriage. Azelie has been our first choice girl name for a few years now, but we originally had a different middle name in mind. One day, early on in pregnancy, the idea of giving this baby the middle name “Catherine” if she was a girl popped into my head. When I told Dave, he immediately agreed it would be a perfect fit. I love the fact that now, every time I say Azelie’s full name, I’m reminded what a tremendous gift her life is. What more could I ask for from a baby name?

Looking forward to sharing more about our new life as a family of four over the coming weeks! xoxo