It was just two months ago that Shaquil Barrett and his wife, Jordanna Barrett, were mourning the loss of their 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah – who drowned in a pool on April 30. While the grieving process continues for the Barrett family, they do have some exciting news to share with their fans and followers.
“A few weeks after our sweet girls heaven day, Shaquil and I found out we were expecting! I just know Arrayah had a special hand in picking this sweet girl to add to our family!” Jordanna wrote in an Instagram caption on June 30. She shared a photo of a positive pregnancy test – which confirmed the exciting news.
Jordanna also added the incoming baby’s due date (February 2024) and the little girl’s name (Allanah Ray). While she admitted to missing Arrayah ‘every second of every day,’ they find comfort in knowing she’ll be the ‘best big sister angel to little miss Allanah’ – the family is both blessed and beyond grateful.
RELATED: NFL Linebacker Shaq Barrett Makes First Comments Since Losing Daughter in Tragic Drowning Accident
Jordanna Barrett shared a bible quote from Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the lord. Not to harm you, nor prosper you, but to give you HOPE and a future.” She praised Arrayah for giving her the hope she needed to continue moving forward in the wake of a tragedy.
She went on to acknowledge the impact Arrayah had on those around her ‘with the short 2 years she blessed this Earth.’ And while Jordanna understands ‘God works in such mysterious ways,’ she will ‘never ever doubt his plans for my life.’ In this case, His plans for the family include another beautiful daughter.
“I will trust when it’s the hardest, and praise him through all things good. His plans are far more better than my own and always always will be. I serve a God who cares, a God who gives, a God who takes away, a God who comforts, and a God who unwavering loves us when we do not deserve it,” she added.
With the incoming baby girl, Shaquil Barrett and his wife will officially be parents of five. Outside of the late Arrayah, Shaq and Jordanna have welcomed Shaquil Jr., 11, Braylon, 9, and Aaliyah, 8. They met at a young age and got married when she was pregnant with their first child – Shaq was just 19 at the time.
Shaquil Barrett Prepares for Another Season in the NFL
Losing a daughter is never easy – especially in the way Shaquil Barrett and Jordanna Barrett lost theirs. The couple were and still are heartbroken over their daughter’s death, which occurred just two weeks after her 2nd birthday – but they’re looking forward to continuing their journey in honor of Arrayah.
Just two weeks after Arrayah’s death, Shaquil Barrett made his presence known at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ minicamp as they prepare for the 2023 NFL season – Shaq has been with the team for the past four seasons. He couldn’t practice as he recovers from a torn Achilles, but his presence meant a lot.
“Shaq is one of the mentally-toughest character guys I know,” Bucs’ head coach Todd Bowles said in a press conference – adding that the team is behind him and his family. "That’s a testament to him. To have him out here and trying to get ready, I’m sure it’s not easy. But he’s handling it and we’re behind him.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Shaquil Barrett’s Wife Speaks Out Four Days After the Tragic Passing of Their 2-Year-Old Daughter: ‘I am so so sorry’
In May, Barrett posted a heartfelt thank you to all those who have reached out following the death of his little girl. He wanted everyone to know ‘not a single card, note, prayer, or thought has gone unnoticed’ and called the amount of love and support his family has received over the past few months as ‘astonishing.’
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.