Blissfully Unaware

This photo was taken 8 years ago today, the day before my due date. The last picture of me carrying Lily Kat. I can hardly believe I was so big! 💖

It was taken at my friend's baby shower. I met this friend where we were both taking classes at a local pregnancy center. She was due a couple months after I was and now has her healthy daughter here, as well as another daughter. 

I remember being so proud to show off my Lily-belly. It was exciting to say that I was due the very next day! Of course my belly brought lots of attention. I remember how I was glad that I had been able to attend my friend's shower and that Lily hadn't been born yet. 

I remember the sciatica pain and the feeling of floating. It is a sad thing to look back and realize my little girl was already gone when this picture was taken and I had no idea. I was blissfully unaware as to what the next few days would hold and how they would be unlike anything I ever could have imagined.

I remember how that night my sister, her friend, and I ate dinner at Pizza Hut. I loved having the cheese personal pan pizzas during my pregnancy. I remember sitting there, just so full of peace and excitement, thinking of my daughter and knowing I would get to meet her soon. 

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My Valentine's Baby Shower

Today is full of precious memories for me. On this date 8 years ago - February 13th, 2010 - I had my Valentine's-themed baby shower. It was the day in between my Half-Birthday (yes, I celebrate those lol) and Valentine's Day. The Vancouver Winter Olympics were on at the time. I miss my little Valentine, but am incredibly thankful for happy memories like from that day. ❤️

I was 35 weeks pregnant. Everything was pink for my sweet little princess.

I made the baby shower invitations. During my pregnancy, I got really into card-making. I spent hours in December making Christmas cards to send to basically everyone my family knows. The top left photo shows the two invites that I sent out. I kept two for myself and am so thankful I did. They are now in Lily's memory chest. One of the invitations was supposed to look like a heart-shaped chocolate box and the other one was supposed to look like a sweethearts candy box. On the back where there is nutrition information on candy, I had information about the shower. Also pictured in the top left photo is the "It's a GIRL" balloon from my shower that I keep in Lily's memory chest.

The top middle photo is of the area in the kitchen where we had the "beverage center" where the ladies could have tea or other drinks. Also pictured are the gift bags I put together for my guests. I kept one of the bags that I created and now have that in my memory chest.

The top right picture is of the cake we had at the shower. It was red-velvet, in honor of Valentine's Day. That's where I started the tradition of having red-velvet cake for Lily's birthday each year. It will always remind me of her now. It said "A Lily Among Thorns" from the Scripture verse Song of Solomon 2:2 "Like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the maidens." (in honor of her name, Lily.)

The bottom left picture is of all the food we had at the shower. I *and Lily* ;) ate so much! It was delicious. We had strawberries (which were a huge craving for me during pregnancy) dipped in melted chocolate, crackers and cheese, cream cheese turkey roll-ups, cookies, and other Valentine's delights.

The bottom center photo is of everyone that was at my shower. From left to right: my sister Emma, my mom, me and Lily, Jean, Sarah, and Stephanie. At that time, I had moved back to North Carolina recently and didn't know many people in the area, except those from years ago when I lived here. Most of my old friends were away at college or had moved to another state. We were planning on having another baby shower with family and friends when we went to Virginia in May.

I got that dress at the Love in Bloom maternity store, which was across the street from the hospital where I had my prenatal appointments and where Lily was born. I also wore that same dress to Lily's Celebration of Life Service, about a month and a half later.

The bottom right picture is of the pink roses that were on display at my shower, which I dried out and now have in a vase in my bedroom. Also pictured is the scrapbook pink paper with a heart that everyone wrote a message to Lily and me. I now have that in Lily's scrapbook.

I was so proud to show off my big baby belly. We had lots of fun playing games and video recorded some of the shower. Some of the things people said were so funny and make me smile to go back and watch/listen. One of the games we played was people used toilet paper to guess how big around they thought I was and then they held it up to my belly to see how accurate they were. My sister and friend Sarah both got it exactly right! Some were way too long and I was like, geez, how big do I look?! Haha. I saved that piece of toilet paper that was the correct guess and am so glad I have it.

My shower was so much fun and I am so thankful for these precious memories with my sweet girl! It was a happy time and I treasure those happy memories! #AdventureswithLilyKat

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Blissfully Unaware

This photo was taken 7 years ago today, the day before my due date. The last picture of me carrying Lily Kat. I can hardly believe I was so big! ❤️

It was taken at my friend's baby shower. I met this friend where we were both taking classes at a local pregnancy center. She was due a couple months after I was and now has her healthy daughter here, as well as another daughter. 

I remember being so proud to show off my Lily-belly. It was exciting to say that I was due the very next day! Of course my belly brought lots of attention. I remember how I was glad that I had been able to attend my friend's shower and that Lily hadn't been born yet. 

I remember the sciatica pain and the feeling of floating. It is a sad thing to look back and realize my little girl was already gone when this picture was taken and I had no idea. I was blissfully unaware as to what the next few days would hold and how they would be unlike anything I ever could have imagined.

I remember how that night my sister, her friend, and I ate dinner at Pizza Hut. I loved having the cheese personal pan pizzas during my pregnancy. I remember sitting there, just so full of peace and excitement, thinking of my daughter and knowing I would get to meet her soon. 

Today my mom said we should do something special for Lily every day this week. So tonight we are going to have a personal pan cheese pizza at the same Pizza Hut on the same date. 🍕 ❤️ 

I have lots of special birthday things to share, but I am waiting to share it all in one post.

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My Valentine's Baby Shower ❤️

Today is full of precious memories for me. On this date 7 years ago - February 13th, 2010 - I had my Valentine's-themed baby shower. It was the day in between my Half-Birthday (yes, I celebrate those lol) and Valentine's Day. The Vancouver Winter Olympics were on at the time. I miss my little Valentine, but am incredibly thankful for happy memories like from that day. ❤️

I was 35 weeks pregnant. Everything was pink for my sweet little princess.

I made the baby shower invitations. During my pregnancy, I got really into card-making. I spent hours in December making Christmas cards to send to basically everyone my family knows. The top left photo shows the two invites that I sent out. I kept two for myself and am so thankful I did. They are now in Lily's memory chest. One of the invitations was supposed to look like a heart-shaped chocolate box and the other one was supposed to look like a sweethearts candy box. On the back where there is nutrition information on candy, I had information about the shower. Also pictured in the top left photo is the "It's a GIRL" balloon from my shower that I keep in Lily's memory chest.

The top middle photo is of the area in the kitchen where we had the "beverage center" where the ladies could have tea or other drinks. Also pictured are the gift bags I put together for my guests. I kept one of the bags that I created and now have that in my memory chest.

The top right picture is of the cake we had at the shower. It was red-velvet, in honor of Valentine's Day. That's where I started the tradition of having red-velvet cake for Lily's birthday each year. It will always remind me of her now. It said "A Lily Among Thorns" from the Scripture verse Song of Solomon 2:2 "Like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the maidens." (in honor of her name, Lily.)

The bottom left picture is of all the food we had at the shower. I *and Lily* ;) ate so much! It was delicious. We had strawberries (which were a huge craving for me during pregnancy) dipped in melted chocolate, crackers and cheese, cream cheese turkey roll-ups, cookies, and other Valentine's delights.

The bottom center photo is of everyone that was at my shower. From left to right: my sister Emma, my mom, me and Lily, Jean, Sarah, and Stephanie. At that time, I had moved back to North Carolina recently and didn't know many people in the area, except those from years ago when I lived here. Most of my old friends were away at college or had moved to another state. We were planning on having another baby shower with family and friends when we went to Virginia in May.

I got that dress at the Love in Bloom maternity store, which was across the street from the hospital where I had my prenatal appointments and where Lily was born. I also wore that same dress to Lily's Celebration of Life Service, about a month and a half later.

The bottom right picture is of the pink roses that were on display at my shower, which I dried out and now have in a vase in my bedroom. Also pictured is the scrapbook pink paper with a heart that everyone wrote a message to Lily and me. I now have that in Lily's scrapbook.

I was so proud to show off my big baby belly. We had lots of fun playing games and video recorded some of the shower. Some of the things people said were so funny and make me smile to go back and watch/listen. One of the games we played was people used toilet paper to guess how big around they thought I was and then they held it up to my belly to see how accurate they were. My sister and friend Sarah both got it exactly right! Some were way too long and I was like, geez, how big do I look?! Haha. I saved that piece of toilet paper that was the correct guess and am so glad I have it.

My shower was so much fun and I am so thankful for these precious memories with my sweet girl! It was a happy time and I treasure those happy memories!

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Sea Creature Baby Shower

This past Saturday, my mom and I threw a baby shower for my sister-in-love, Kala (once my brother Joseph saw the food, he too decided to stick around). ;) It turned out to be a beautiful time of sweet fellowship with dear friends. 

Yes, the baby shower is about everyone coming together to bless Joseph and Kala with gifts for their baby. However, to me, the day was about celebrating my niece's life. That's what I was focusing on. I shared last week about how I was finding it difficult to prepare for a baby shower, when baby showers are a touchy subject for me. But, I can honestly say God carried me through and gave me joy in preparing. 

Someone recently said to me that they think baby showers should be thrown after a baby is born, because you never know when and if something tragic might happen, like what happened to Lily. I actually think the opposite. I am so thankful to have the precious memories from my baby shower. I am thankful that I have those pictures and that we had the shower on Valentine's Day with red-velvet cake. Without having had my shower, I wouldn't have the special red-velvet tradition each year on Lily's birthday. I am thankful for every memory and every small thing that I associate with Lily and my pregnancy. So throwing this baby shower was about celebrating my niece and her beautiful life.

On the day of the shower, Kala was 38 weeks and 2 days gestation, so she is getting close to her due date. I jokingly said she needed to get past the date last week where she and Joseph took a birthing class and the date of the shower. Now that we are past those two dates, baby girl is welcome to be born. ;)

Here is the beautiful new mother on the day of the shower, surrounded by the decor. :)

These were the baby shower invites, which the entire shower was based around. Kala mentioned a while back that she likes things with sea creatures, so when I was contemplating what theme to make the shower, I thought that would be perfect. My mom, Kala, and I all aren't big on the typical "baby-ish" type showers. We wanted it to be sweet still, but unique and beautiful. I especially love the colors and watercolor look. I found a lady on Etsy who designed the invitations.

To honor cousin Lily who couldn't be there in person, but is always there in our hearts - some lilies, baby's breath, and her name in the sand photo. Doing things like this helps her feel included and my heart ache a little less.

Front porch decor.

Some of baby girl's cloth diapers on display at the shower. They are planning on using cloth diapers.

Food and decor.

Food table.

"Beverage station."

A seahorse that I got for the shower to also be used in the nursery.

The cupcake display table. I used my maternity Willow Tree and mother and baby Willow Trees that have been given to me as decor. Kala mentioned how she likes tulips, so I was glad I was able to find some.

More of the sea creature theme. This one is a watercolor turtle print and there was a seahorse watercolor print on the mantle. Both of which will be used in her nursery. :)

Cupcake toppers with chocolate cupcakes and cream cheese frosting... What the pregnant lady wants, the pregnant lady gets. ;)

These are the little favor bags I put together, each with a different scented candle and some baby shower candy inside. 

Rather than silly games, we had more sentimental activities that will make sweet mementos for Joseph and Kala, possibly to be used in a scrapbook! The ladies filled in blanks for Scripture verses about children (that was my mom's idea), and then filled out birth guesses and wishes for baby. It will be fun to see who guesses the closest. We did that at my shower as well, which is why I wanted to do it.

Shower gifts.

Kala opening one of her gifts.

We're happy she's almost to be born and she will be a happy baby! :) Most of the decor I got can be used in the nursery or kept for future parties.

Here is the lovely group of ladies who celebrated Kala, Joseph, and baby girl. These ladies are near and dear to our hearts!

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Blissfully Unaware

This photo was taken 6 years ago today, the day before my due date. The last picture of me carrying Lily Kat. I can hardly believe I was so big!

It was taken at my friend's baby shower. I met this friend where we were both taking classes at a local pregnancy center. She was due a couple months after I was and now has her healthy daughter here. 

I remember being so proud to show off my Lily-belly. It was exciting to say that I was due the very next day! Of course my belly brought lots of attention. I remember how I was glad that I had been able to attend my friend's shower and that Lily hadn't been born yet. 

I remember the sciatica pain and the feeling of floating. It is a sad thing to look back and realize my little girl was already gone when this picture was taken and I had no idea. I was blissfully unaware as to what the next few days would hold and how they would be unlike anything I ever could have imagined.

I remember how that night my sister, her friend, and I ate dinner at Pizza Hut. I loved having the cheese personal pan pizzas during my pregnancy. I remember sitting there, just so full of peace and excitement, thinking of my daughter and knowing I would get to meet her soon. I went to that Pizza Hut with my sister-in-law recently and I was filled with memories from that night. 

I just miss my little Lily with all my heart.

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Sprinkled Throughout My Days

This past Saturday (the day we had Lily's baby shower 6 years ago, also on a Saturday), my mom, sister-in-law, and I had a fun "Galentine's Day" = the Allen gals celebrating Valentine's Day. ;)

Even the little Allen gals were with us, Lily in my heart and my niece in Kala's belly. We were just missing my sister, Emma.

We went to a neat place in Raleigh called Lafayette Village, which is made to look like Europe. We had a delightful dinner by the fireside at a place called Simply Crepes, then we went to a fun coffee shop, and got glazed donuts for dessert.

It was good for me to get out and do something fun on a day full of memories. They are happy memories, yes, but still a reminder that my girl isn't here. I got a latte and they did a heart on top, which made me smile thinking of my little Valentine and how reminders of her are sprinkled throughout my days. I don't have to look far to know she is with me. Always. :)

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My Heavenly Valentines

My gorgeous Valentine's Sand Hearts made by Catherine from The Sacred Seashore

I love Valentine's Day. :) I know many people say it's too commercialized and think it's a stupid holiday, but I don't care. I enjoy most all holidays and like any excuse to celebrate LIFE! I love a day that's all about love...even if not romantic love because I have no "special someone" in my life.

For a couple reasons though Valentine's Day is tough...

Three years ago, my baby shower for Lily was on February 13th. It was a Valentine's-themed shower, with hearts and pink galore! We had red-velvet cake, which is where we started the tradition of having red-velvet cake for Lily's birthday celebrations. Now, the cake and the holiday will forever remind me of my girl. It's simply bittersweet. Bitter because of how I miss her so and sweet because of the precious memory. I am very thankful for that happy and beautiful memory with her. I will always associate Valentine's Day with Lily now and will remember her baby shower around this day. I wrote a post before called Days Nobody Remembers, and the day of my shower is one of those days...those days that I will forever remember, even if nobody else does. There are days that will be etched into my heart and mind always.

Valentine's Day also falls in Luke's "Heaven Month," which makes me think of him. 

I wish my two Valentines were here with me to smother with hugs and kisses. They are my Heavenly Valentines and I blow kisses to the sky, to Heaven.

It hurts to see all the pictures of everyone's sweet Valentine's in their special pink-and-red-with-hearts outfits...and to know my two children will never wear those outfits. Or make me a valentine with hearts and "mommy" scribbled across it.

On this day of love, I will celebrate still. Celebrate the love my Jesus has for me and my babies and it's because of this great love that I will see them again. Celebrate the love I have for Lily and Luke and will have forever and for always.

They are eternally loved.

They are eternally safe with Jesus.

They are eternally mine.

Thank you Catherine from Gabriel's Garden for the two beautiful images above.

My dear friend Laura sent me the sweetest, most thoughtful and beautiful homemade card for Valentine's Day. It made my day! Thank you, my friend! It's perfect with a flower for Lily "my little flower," and a butterfly which reminds me of Luke. I love it! On the inside, she wrote a sweet message of how she is remembering Luke this month. :)

Today has been special because I got to spend some of the day with Olivia Rose, the little girl I nanny for. She is already 6 months old! It was very sweet to be with her on her first Valentine's Day. It's such a blessing being her nanny. :) Here we are in our pink and red.

There was the most gorgeous pink sunset painting the sky on this Valentine's Day evening! What a sweet gift from Jesus. :)

My Valentine's plans consist of eating a red-velvet cupcake in honor of Lily, lighting a heart-shaped candle, and eating out at Red Lobster tomorrow! It's sort of a mixed-celebration for my half-birthday (which was on the 12th), for Valentine's Day, and in remembrance of Lily's shower. What special things do you have planned? I wish you a peaceful day if you have a Valentine in Heaven and a beautiful day as well if all your Valentines are here on earth. :)

This is the very special poem my mom wrote in honor of Lily to give to me for Valentine's Day in 2011. I like to share it each year. It brings me to tears each time I read it...

GOODBYE LILY KATHERINE

By Ginny Bain Allen 

Valentine's Day 2011

In my daughter's womb, grew her gift from above.

We readied a room, for her wee one to love.

On our merry way rejoicing, to a glorious celebration.

Expecting our flower’s arriving, Jesus' tears hid the sun.

God had bid her go before we said, "Hello."

Goodbye budding life. Goodbye shattered dreams.

Goodbye precious babe lying still in our arms.

Goodbye sweet nursing and soft cries.

Goodbye to rocking and lullabies.

Goodbye wonder and curiosity.

Goodbye to kissing who you would be.

Goodbye to hearing "Dukes" and "ma-ma" too.

Goodbye to discovering wonderful you.

Goodbye snuggling you to our hearts.

Goodbye tore our lives apart.

Goodbye to our pure Lily Katherine.

Goodbye ‘til we meet you in Heaven.

Valentine's Day Heart by Carly Marie

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Faces for LIFE!

The stories listed below are the stories of men and women who have been affected by abortion. It is such a big thing in our world today and lives are touching abortion more than most realize. It is not a political issue, but an issue of life and death. Please open your heart and read these testimonies. 


The faces represented are...abortion survivors, women who were conceived in rape, women in unplanned pregnancies, women who have chosen life for their baby and either chose to parent, place for adoption, or had a baby born into Heaven, women who have chosen an abortion and see the heartbreak it brings, a nurse who held an aborted baby in her arms while he died, men whose girlfriend/wife chose an abortion, and women who received a fatal diagnosis for their baby, were told by doctors that "terminating" the pregnancy would be best, yet decided to carry their baby until Jesus took them to Heaven. Some of these families that got a fatal diagnosis for their baby chose not to abort, like the doctors told them was best, and ended up having a perfectly healthy child. I am better for knowing them all.


Though these men and women are affected in many different ways, there is something that binds them. They know sorrow and pain, yet they speak to the world the redemption and healing that Jesus Christ brings, to any and all situations! These stories show God's heart for everyone affected by abortion, the babies, parents, grandparents, clinic workers, etc...He desires to heal, redeem, transform. No matter how one is affected, He is greater!


I pray that through this compilation of stories, hearts will be stirred, people will begin to grasp the sanctity of all unborn life, babies will be saved, and lives will be healed and changed!

Hannah Rose's Story


Bonnie's Story


Bex's Story

Brittany's Story

Holly's Story


Myah's Story


Amanda's Story


Pearl's Story


Jill's Story


Tricia's Story

Sarah Mae's Story

Destiny's Story


Juda's Story


Carrie's Story


Angie's Story


Pam's Story


Rebecca's Story


Gianna's Story

Sue's Story


Amanda's Story

A Missionary's Story


More Abortion Survivors 


More Stories of Post-Abortive Men and Women


If you want to share your story of how you've been affected by abortion and how the Lord has delivered and healed you, please email me at roseandherlily@gmail.com. The more stories we can share that show the different sides of abortion, the more hearts will change and the truth will be seen! Many blessings!

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Life Happenings...

Well, I'm almost 32 weeks along now. My due date is two months from today...March 14th. Where is the time going? I'm getting very eager and excited, anticipating Lily's arrival. In a way, I feel like I simply cannot wait, but in a way, I feel totally unprepared.

I've been bustling around so much lately, organizing, cleaning, rearranging...I didn't really realize what this was all about until my mom pointed out last night that I'm 'nesting.' Too true! It's so funny that mothers of all species do this to prepare for their young. I feel like I simply cannot rest until everything is perfectly prepared for this little girl. My mind is constantly going with thoughts of what I still need to do...Finish organizing, cleaning, baby-proofing, getting her nursery ready, getting everything she'll need in the first few weeks of life, washing all her clothes so they're clean and fresh. Getting together what I'll need in my first few weeks of being a new mother, getting my baby registry prepared, getting my hospital bag ready as well as Lily's coming home bag prepared. Packing and repacking. Making lists...lots of lists...of everything. What to add to my registry, what I need, what to pack, etc. My mind is definitely extremely organized these days. I guess it's just part of becoming a mother. I realize I have someone else to take care of now...It's not just me. Things are going to be changing so much. I pray that I'll be ready. I pray that I can finish getting ready before Baby decides to join us.



I'm also planning my baby shower. I'll be having one on February 13th with NC friends and one in May when we go to Massanutten, with VA friends and family. The one in February is going to be a Valentine's theme shower...Lots of chocolate and pink! I'm getting very excited about the shower itself, as well as seeing old friends! I'm going to go to Michael's today to get supplies to make my own baby shower invitations. I love card-making now. :) I'll try to post some pictures of the finished cards before I send them off...Anyways, just a little update on what's been happening here in Raleigh.

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