{blackbabes} Essence Atkins Is Pregnant

There's a baby on the way for Essence Atkins.

The Are We There Yet? star, 39, and husband Jaime Mendez expect their first child on Christmas Day, they confirm to PEOPLE.

"Our gratitude is overwhelming to have found each other and adding a baby to our happy home is truly a dream come true," the couple tells PEOPLE. "We are both elated and humbled by this amazing gift."

Atkins and Mendez, a sales/marketing executive and entrepreneur, met via Match.com and were married in Pasadena, Calif. in September 2008.