Mom2bugnbooboo,
Awesome, welcome to the shooting fraternity.
As far as picking a gun, I worked in a gun shop in college, spent 29 years carrying one.
Check out several gun shops and tell the sales person you are looking and want to handle several. Find a gun that fits your hand. Make sure you can work the controls without changing your grip. Controls are magazine release, safety, slide release or hammer drop.
With semi-autos, 99% of the malfunctions relate to improper grip. Then find the caliber you want. Most, if not all, major gun makers offer several calibers for the same frame. Then look at shooting a few. A range should be able to rent you a couple.
After that, practice, practice, practice.
If possible support at least one gun organization, your state association, National Rifle Association or Gun Owners of America. They all work to protect your 2A Rights
Again, welcome to the club.