The Macs » Blog

Thank you all for the kind words of encouragement you left on my last post. This blog has been one of the many, many unexpected blessings that has come out of losing Cora. I am so thankful for my readers and your prayers on behalf of my family. I know…without a doubt…that God is using Cora’s death for good and to bring glory to Himself. How awesome that we serve a God who can bring such beauty out of ashes. I am thankful that although we will not get to see the big picture until we get to heaven, the Lord is so graciously allowing us to see glimpses of how He is using Cora’s story in so many different ways to bring people closer to Himself. Praise God! And although these January days still tend to be hard, they are also filled with a sweet baby who turned four months. How did that happen already??
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 Griffin was so squirmy for his four month photo shoot. Hands in his mouth, rolling on his side, chubby feet in the air, sweet smiles, squealing at his mama…this is Griffin at four months.
You’ve definitely got those cute baby rolls. Mac babies don’t come any other way, right?! At four months you weigh 17 pounds 7 ounces and are 26.2 inches long. You are wearing 3-6 and 6-12 month clothes. You almost skipped right over the 3-6 month size! We just finished up your size 2 diapers and now you are starting to wear size 3.

You are so sweet. Not only do you remind me of your sissy in looks, but your personality is more and more like hers everyday. You smile with those blue eyes of yours and I keep wondering if they are going to stay blue…another similarity to your sissy. Your smiles are pure sweetness and I love sitting and talking to you. We found out you are very ticklish too. Those first giggles came this month. And you started giggling at your daddy too…he can always make you and your brother laugh!

The moving has begun. You are grabbing and holding anything you can get your hands on. And if you are not grabbing at something you are sucking on your little fingers…or your whole fist. You are wiggly and even rolled over already! I was so surprised because your brother and sister didn’t roll over until they were like six months old!

You love watching your brother. He still doesn’t pay a lot of attention to you but he does think your baby toys are cool. You took your first bath together and Levi thought it was awesome to be able to dump water on you. Someday you will be able to dump water on him too! You are babbling all the time and can be pretty loud. What am I going to do if I get two little boys who talk all. the. time.?

Happy four months sweet boy! You are so loved.
Love, Mama

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  • Kelsey - He is so adorable! You do such a great job photographing your little ones.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah @ This Farm Family's Life - ADORABLE!ReplyCancel

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  • Carla - Oh so sweet. I am pregnant with No. 3 and mostly I’m too tired to remember to be excited but those pictures (especially the one of him rolling) just got me all excited 🙂 Its such an adorable phase. Watch out though, my little guy rolled earlier and I tell you, he does not stop moving now. Ever. I think its a sign of lively things to come 🙂 He is so like Cora, such a blessing to have two such fabulous boys. You know, I think you do more in this blog to honour God than I have seen my local Priest (RC) do in a life time. Good for you.ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - You guys have seriously chubby cute babies… who all look exactly like each other! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Such a precious boy!
    I have two boys who talk all the time, and are LOUD. you’ll love it 🙂 blessings to youReplyCancel

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  • Bridge - The boys are adorable! Two handsome little love babies!ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy Harris - oh jess he just melts my heart! he is such a chubbers.
    story only weighs 21 lbs. hehe.
    would you like 272 size 3 pampers diapers? i got a box from amazon (forgot to cancel my subscribe/save; story is in size 4) and want someone to be blessed with the box. i can bring them to julie’s 31 party tonight.
    hugs! your boys are too much. i just want to kiss them.ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - He is so sweet. I can’t get over how much he looks like Cora, although I see similarities between he and Levi too. Isn’t it fun to see how are children look alike and so different at the same time? Enjoy your precious boys!ReplyCancel

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  • Millicent - my goodness he looks so much like Cora!!! Precious!!!! I think having 2 boys close together would be so fun!!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - He looks like such a happy baby!! Beautiful pictures!ReplyCancel

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  • Maria - How cute!!!!! I can’t believe how much the boys look like each other….IRISH TWINS!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - What a sweet, cute, adorable little boy! You are blessed.
    ~MelissaReplyCancel

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  • Lyssa at Living Simple in the South - he is such a pretty baby! I think that is so special he reminds you of your Cora!
    If you ever want to get away to some warmer weather I would love for you to speak your story of “hope” at our Church bible study (san antonio)! women have been sharing their stories each week and I think of your story everytime and how much it has touched me!
    Hope you guys have a great weekend!
    xo
    LyssReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Happy 4 months, Griffin! You’re the spit of your brother and so stinkin cute! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • lalalovely lindsay - Oh my goodness. You have the cutest kids ever! Seriously.ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - You have beautiful children!ReplyCancel

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  • Karen - I love your “month” post but I can’t read them now without looking at the diapers to see if the line is there! When my babies were little we did’t have those neat diapers. Your boys are so pretty as my mommy would say. Thanks for sharing them with us.ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - My premmie miracle, Georgia, weighed 9kg on her first birthday. Which is about 20 pounds. Which is now far off where Griffin is now 🙂 My little tiny girl is nearly 9 and now weighs nearly 70 pounds. Those days of celebrating over every pound she put on are LONG gone!

    Loving the photos! Thanks for the post Jess.

    Michelle xReplyCancel

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  • Sara - Goodness he is cute! All three of your babies are precious. I have been thinking of Cora a lot lately. I started reading your blog when she was sick. I know she’s watching down over your two wild boys!ReplyCancel

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  • Eryn - Oh my goodness I’m at a loss for words. The Macs sure do have the cutest little rollie pollie babies I’ve ever seen. I would not be able to stop kissing those cheeks. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • The Hershberger Home - My, my, my….to sweet for words. He just looks so huggable 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Mother and Child Paintings - awww so cute your babies!!!

    I wish my baby would (soon to be) will be as cute as yours!

    It’s my first time on your blog and I’m so glad I stopped by.ReplyCancel

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  • DianeTaylor - Hi Jess – you know, it always amazes me what good can come out of something so horrible. 8 years ago, I watched my 22 year old nephew die in a tragic accident and it changed me forever. It was right before my wedding – we had the funeral and then 2 weeks later had to turn around and have my wedding. I went to my pastor and told him I didn’t think I could do this after such a tragedy. But he assurred me that it was going to be ok. He was right – God was there on my wedding day and my nephew’s spirit was all around us. It was supposed to be a rainy cloudy day – not good for a wedding on a boat! But as the ceremony began, the clouds parted and the sun shown on us, despite what the weather channel said. Noone could believe what was happening!! I KNOW that my nephew was sending me a sign that he was watching. Noone can tell me otherwise!

    I know that Cora’s spirit is around you, living on in you and through you.

    What a cutie Levi is – he has such a mischevious look on his face!! Adorable!

    Have a great weekend 🙂

    ~dt~ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - He is sooooo scrumptious and looks like Cora so much! Love that!!! Be blessed!ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - oh my goodness. i can hardly handle the cuteness. love the side by side comparisons of levi & griffin. i can’t believe how much griffin is resembling cora. love and hugs. STOP GROWING SO FAST GRIFFIN!!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Paula (from NY) - Oh Jess, he is so beautiful! The pictures with his feet crossed reminds me of the way Levi sits. I am so glad you have these two beautiful boys to fill your heart with love! <3ReplyCancel

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  • E - Adorable! You have beautiful kids!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Wow I can’t believe how much Griffin & Levi resembled each other when Levi was 4 months!ReplyCancel

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  • the brokaws - too cute! and i loved the last post as well! thanks for sharing your heart and being an encourager!ReplyCancel

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  • TTMarie - Such cute pictures! He is such a happy baby!

    Tia
    http://ttmarie-livingthedream.blogspot.com/ReplyCancel

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  • BEx - You can tell they are brothers, SOOOO Cute:)ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - This warms my heart… they are such sweet boys– i loved the side by side of them at the same age.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - has anyone ever told you you make the cutest babies? All three of them are delicious, I’m such a sucker for a roly poly squishy baby!ReplyCancel

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These January days are always hard for me. Yesterday was the anniversary of the day we took our Cora to the hospital. Not a day that I necessarily want to remember or relive, but a day that is forever etched in my mind. That day our lives were turned upside down and our family was changed…forever. The next day we reluctantly handed our sweet girl off for surgery and the doctors confirmed that Cora had cancer. In many ways I still grieve that day. We were so, so thankful that Cora made it through surgery…that the doctors seemed so hopeful for her chances of recovery…that the Lord was going to allow us more days with our daughter…that there was an army of prayer warriors rising up behind us. I am still so thankful for all of those things, but those moments we spent with Cora before her surgery were the last moments I spent laughing and playing with my daughter…the daughter that I had grown to know and love so much over our almost eleven months together. We saw glimpses of our sweet Cora again through the ups and downs of her seventeen days in the hospital, but she never returned to the same little girl that her mama knew so well. So, I grieve that day. And that is why I think these calendar days of January and February tend to be so hard. They are not just numbers to me. They represent days that I battled for my daughters life. Days that are attached to so many hard memories. Days that I know have a purpose, but often wonder why God didn’t allow them to end with the healing of my daughter. Days that are still hard to understand.

These January days are often marked with tears, and flashbacks, and doubts, and fears. I think the Devil knows that my husband and I are vulnerable on these days and he uses them to test us. It is on these days that we often start to question God again or fear creeps in and we can’t seem to find peace. We have to battle to keep our minds focused on Truth and remind ourselves that Jesus is the only answer to our deepest needs.

These January days are hard but they are also filled with reminders of a God who cares about the details of our life. Our God, who has been so faithful to us through death and heartache. Remember last year? It was on January 22nd that we found out we were expecting our sweet Griffin. I know that wasn’t a coincidence. The events of that day felt as if God was sending a gigantic hug straight from heaven to us. A hug that we desperately needed. And this year has been no different. {Don’t get the wrong idea, there is no announcement this year!!} We didn’t find out we were expecting again…but the day was filled with reminders of a personal God who understands our pain, even three years later.

I am pretty sure that every song we sang at church on Sunday was picked just for me. There was one  that really stuck out though…a new song that I have heard but hadn’t really paid attention to before. You should listen to it too. The message is so good.


He is peace…when my fear is crippling.
He is truth…even in my wandering.
He is joy…the reason that I sing.
He is life…in Him death has lost its sting.

I needed to sing those words yesterday. I needed to be reminded of the peace, truth, joy, and life my Savior offers to me on these hard January days…and everyday. And I need to remember to run into His arms for strength to face the day when I feel like hiding under the covers instead. The riches of His love will always be enough.

After church a friend stopped me and was sharing about a little girl who is battling for her life in Kansas City right now. She has leukemia. She is the firstborn and only child to her parents who are from Wichita. I don’t have a link or many more details, but my heart just ached as I can understand a little of the pain and fear her parents are experiencing. And I was reminded that I am not the only one facing pain and heartache right now. In fact, there are so many that have really hard things going on in their lives right now. It reminded me to keep looking outward instead of focusing on myself. It reminded me that I needed to be on my knees praying for others too. And it reminded me that in all of these hard circumstances, the riches of His love will always be enough.

We were making our way out of church (as I was processing through some of these things) and a sweet lady stopped me to introduce herself. She had been reading my blog for awhile and wanted to tell me how much she appreciated some of the things that I had shared. I was so humbled. Not because I have an amazing story to tell or great things to write about, but because He is using this little blog to speak Truth to others. I love that. It is my prayer that God continues to use the Truths that I have been standing firm on to encourage you and remind you that the riches of His love will always be enough.

I didn’t fully process all these little parts of my day until I was sitting at home talking with my wise hubby last night. He commented that it was pretty neat that the Lord prompted that lady to stop and introduce herself to me on a day that I really needed encouragement. So true. Even though I might not have realized it at the time, none of those things were a coincidence. I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who speaks so personally and directly to me. Sometimes, I just have to stop and listen…because He is there.

And I can’t forget that these January days are filled with the smiles and laughter of two little boys this year. My, how quickly life changes. There is nothing better than having my arms full (literally, because these two are heavy!!) when my heart is feeling sad. These boys are such a blessing and joy to me…especially on these hard January days. 


These January days…
My heart will sing
no other Name
Jesus, Jesus

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  • MICHELE - I am in love with that song! it is my current favorite, for sure. I do remember your daughter nearly everyday. Even though I never really met her, her/your story has latched on to me so deeply. And while I can’t completely fathom the road you and Joel have walkedit truly is an inspiration to me (and so many). Your story has even be an example I am using with a friend to help {hopefully} lead to God. Praying for you over these next coming months!ReplyCancel

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  • Meghan - Oh Jess! My little boy is 11 months old now and with each passing month I have just thought of you and your Cora… and now having an 11 month old myself, can not fathom a life without him. It can only be God that has gotten you through this. And because you have been through hell and continue to lead a life that not only just exists but truly honors and glorifies our Heavenly Father, you remind me of how real our RELATIONSHIP is with our Jesus every time I visit your blog. I participated in your 30 day challenge this past summer and it completely changed my devotional time. I always appreciate your realness and honesty. I just had to let you know how thankful I am for you and how God has used you and your blog in more ways that you can imagine. Blessings to you and your family during these rough days. Keep leaning on Him for all that you need to fill your soul.ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - oh jess. tears streaming down my face as i read your beautiful words. i’m remembering these 17 days like they were yesterday and wondering how in the world it has been almost 3 years. i’m missing Cora’s beautiful face and wondering why this life has to be so gosh darn hard sometimes. thankful for the hope we have in Christ and am amazed at all who have been touched by Cora. loving you guys from miles away and praying for you each and every day.ReplyCancel

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  • Alexis - I too always find so much encouragment in your post and your ability to stay faithful to God even through losing your daughter. Now that I have a baby I often think of you and wonder if I would have the ability have faith the way you do if I lost him.

    The devil REALLY messes with me in this area and I feel like I always live in fear of losing my son, mostly in how I pray. For example, if I pray for God to help me not sweat the small stuff, that God’s answer will be something tragic, to make me see how “first world” my problems are. I am sure this is way too much information, but all this to say I find you to be a VERY inspiring person!ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa - You and your family will be in my prayers.ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - Jess, this blog post meant the world to me – thank you for writing it. I’m sure its hard for you to sit down and write out these things and then share them with everyone, but I’m SO glad you do.
    In a very small way, I’m about to go through similar feelings you’re talking about in this post. Just not in the same way.
    We lost our baby last April, to a miscarriage just as I was entering my 2nd trimester and as we get closer and closer to that date, I’m almost dreading it. This post was a good reminder to me that God will meet me at every stage and His grace and mercy never tire. He’ll be there with us at every difficult anniversary, no matter how difficult.
    Thank you for sharing the song. I loved it. This post made me cry like a baby… but in a good, healing way.ReplyCancel

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  • Abby - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paxtenpearson

    I am guessing that this is the little girl you mentioned. I have friends in Wichita who have posted about her on facebook, the more prayer warriors the better!

    Hugs to you for these hard days ahead…ReplyCancel

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  • The Sieberts - praying for comfort these next weeks Jess!! I thought of you SUnday!ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - I have read your blog since Cora went into the hospital and it has always filled me with such encouragement. Even through the loss, your hope and strength came through. And months later, I lost my husband to cancer. In some ways it was parts of your journey that prepared me for my journey through grief. “And we know that all things work together for good…” Thank you for your transparency over these years. You’ll never know how many lives you have touched this side of heaven.ReplyCancel

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  • Caroline Hester - Jess, My heart still breaks for your and your sweet family. I found your blog through a friend the week that Cora went to the hospital and I have never been the same. I have prayed and thought of your sweet family often since Cora’s passing. I pray that God will give you comfort and peace. I heard this song not long ago and after reading your post tonight, it reminded me of you. It was written by Drew Holcomb, who is a local singer here in Memphis. He lost a brother several years ago and the tragedy often inspires his music. The video features his family who are awesome Christian people (some of them even live in Panama as missionaries). I wanted to share it with you in hopes that it might bring a smile to your heart during these dark January days. God bless you!

    His wife Ellie also just released an album called “Magnolia” where all the songs are written from Psalms. Very Beautiful words!
    http://www.ellieholcomb.com/ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - Dear Jess. The third anniversary of Cora’s hospitalisation means it is a few days shy of the day I answered a call for prayers for Cora. And it means it is just a few days shy of three years that I regard myself as being able to be Blessed by your writings, insight and sharing of your journey.

    God Bless you all as you make your way through the next 17 days.

    I will send a cyber hug and prayers.

    Michelle xReplyCancel

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  • Stephanie - Thank you so so much for this. I praise God that He uses us even in our grief! I lost my daughter to miscarriage at 15 weeks back in November. We are dreading April, her due date, but we are hopeful that she is alive with Christ in heaven! Our church recently began singing Forever Reign as well…one of my favorites too. Thanks for the reminders and for allowing the Lord to continue to use you!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah Johnson - Jess, your feelings resonate so very loudly with me. Yesterday was Marleigh and Natalie’s 3rd birthday. These days are rough for me remembering the 27 days we were blessed to have Natalie here on Earth.

    I pray God’s comfort for your heartache. We will always grieve losing our babies, but God will hold us in His hands and wipe away our tears.ReplyCancel

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  • Andrea - I love how God is speaking directly to you. You are such an encouragement for me. Without a doubt, it was God’s plan for me to stumble on your blog a few years ago. I know He is not finished using your story to make a difference in the community around you. You are in my prayers.ReplyCancel

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  • Wolfpacker's Angel - I lost my daughter 5 years ago and we now have a 15 month old son. I think about your family often, because I don’t have anyone in my life that has lost a child. I read your blog and it gives me comfort and I know that I am not alone. Thank you for sharing your heart.ReplyCancel

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  • Caroline - God is so good through it ALL. Thank you for being so opened to share Him with the world.
    Love this song. I sang it as my son was being brought into this world, by c-section of course and no I wasn’t singing it aloud. Ha can you imagine laying on the table singing, anyway, I always think of you and Cora and these hard days. Praying for you.ReplyCancel

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  • Trisha Larson - I experience the same emotions and struggles during the month of March when we spent 25 days in the ICU battling for our sons life. I’m so sorry that anyone has to walk this path. There are blessings along the way but it’s a bumpy, twisty road.

    Hugs to you!
    TrishaReplyCancel

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  • Angie - May the Lord continue to give strength to you and your family. What a powerful testimony you have for anyone who comes to visit your blog. God Bless you all!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I, too, am very blessed by your writing. You are able to eloquently put into words exactly what I am feeling and wish I could voice. Your open heart and writing talents are a blessing….and that song…..oh my….!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Meggie - Love the song! I can’t begin to imagine what you’ve gone through or are going through. But I so admire your faith and willingness to share and be a blessing to others. Praying for ya’ll.ReplyCancel

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  • Linda S - “often wonder why God didn’t allow them to end with the healing of my daughter”… you have moved so many people into a stronger relationship with God through the hardships you have endured. I wish it could be accomplished without your pain, and I’m sure it isn’t solace enough to ease it, and you’d rather have your daughter back. But, oh the impact Cora has had on lives throughout the world, in just her few short months — maybe God knew that’s all the time she needed to change the world for the better!ReplyCancel

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  • LauraD - Jess, you have such a God-given gift of writing the words that so many need to read. This past Sunday, on January 22, I turned 30 years old. I was reminded of your post “Thankful for Thirty” and I thanked God for all of the many blessings in my life. As I type, I’m saddened by the fact that my marriage of four years is nearly over. It breaks my heart just to write those words. But when I read this post, these words speak right to my heart: there are so many that have really hard things going on in their lives right now. It reminded me to keep looking outward instead of focusing on myself. It reminded me that I needed to be on my knees praying for others too. And it reminded me that in all of these hard circumstances, the riches of His love will always be enough.
    God’s love IS enough. In the midst of our heartache and pain, God is there. He is always there. Our Father to whom we can run when the world around us is just too painful.
    Thank you for this amazing post. You are definitely the strongest woman I know and I don’t even really know you. Thank you for being so real and so vulnerable with all of us, your readers. I pray that our God of comfort is nearer to you in these days and continues to give you strength.
    Thanks for who you are, Jess…a true inspiration to so many!ReplyCancel

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  • Tammyz - God has used that song to help me through too… I love your heart, Jess. God has used your sharing it to bless and encourage and help me to carry on. Praying for you and yours today.ReplyCancel

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  • tara - Hi, Jess. I am a long time reader of your blog, although I don’t think I’ve ever commented. I will especially remember you all in prayer these coming weeks. I remember in the photos you posted of Cora in the hospital, she always had the striped IKEA blanket, and we have the same one. It has been a favorite blanket of both of my kids so far, and each time I tuck them into their crib and put it over them, I remember your sweet Cora!ReplyCancel

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  • everydaymomma - Oh my heart aches for you I pray you are coveted with peace and able to strongly trudge these painfull days, I cannot even imagine the deep hurt and sadness in your heart but I pray that it lessens more and more with time and that you grow stronger and stronger each day .your blog has been a huge blessing to me nd to many others. Thankyou for being vulnerable for
    Sharing your heart!ReplyCancel

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  • DeMo - Thanks for sharing your heart, Jess. I will be praying for you guys! I agree with Mum2twopreciousgifts, many of us started reading when Cora was going through this and have been blessed by your blog.ReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - Sometimes when I think of you and your story, I feel overwhelmed with fear that one of my three babies could be taken from me. But then, I reflect on the strength and hope and FAITH with which you have come through these three years, and I am reminded that God does care. He does provide. I still carry the fear, but I also carry the hope of God’s grace and love. Thank you for sharing your life so candidly.ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa - That song means an ocean to me. One of my best friends died a year ago, and the last thing she put on her blog hours before the car accident was the lyrics to “Forever Reign.” She had just sung the song that morning in worship at church, and then ran into the arms of Jesus that very night. I still can’t make it through without crying upon hearing it. I pray and whisper the words daily to God. I am so, so glad you are being comforted and held up during these days of remembrance and grief. I always say God blesses us with replacement days on the same days as the yuck. One amazing replacement day is that my sweet friend was 30 weeks pregnant when she died, and they delivered her son that night. Through many months in nicu and the prayers of thousands upon thousands, her amazing miracle boy is still here. He turned one on her heaven day. Hard, yet what a celebration. Thank you for letting God use you, in turn ministering to me. (you can read Brie’s story here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/currangomez, or at http://www.brieericandmaligomez.blogspot.com)ReplyCancel

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  • Rich and Carolyn Dewey - Monday I was remembering the anniversary of little Cora’s illness and praying for you and Joel. I can’t imagine how difficult these days are, still. Just know you are loved and I’ll continue to pray. And praise God for your two beautiful little boys!ReplyCancel

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  • Jody - I understand because that is how December is for me. I kind of wrote about it on my blog (http://fotojojo.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-gift.html). The amazing thing is God doesn’t just take away…he gives as well. I just read Ruth last night to prepare for our small group. God took Naomi’s husband and her two sons away. But through a faithful daughter-in-law God weaved Naomi into the the lineage of Christ. From despair to the highest of highs….blessed be his name!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I absolutely LOVE that song!!! It has become my favorite!ReplyCancel

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  • Angela @ The Anthonys - I’ve been reading your blog ever since Bronson was born and diagnosed with neuroblastoma.
    I always feel encouraged after reading your posts. Your blog truly is a blessing. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers over the next few weeks.ReplyCancel

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  • Kimberly - He’s a personal God … if it matters to us, then it matters to Him. To see a young couple go through so much & still trust and praise Him makes my heart happy. Thank you for sharing. God bless you & your sweet family.ReplyCancel

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  • Mary Kaisand - Our church played this song just over a week ago!!! Brings tears to my eyes every time! I love it! 🙂 It doesn’t help that January is filled with gloomy days and super cold. Hope you are able to find Hope in Christ and continue to lean on Him as your Rock. Blessings to you and your family!ReplyCancel

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  • Alli Unruh - Praying for you and with you. Thank you for sharing. Your lives and Cora’s life has deeply touched me, and I think of you so often. Your story gives me courage to trust more fully in the Lord. Your friend Abby is correct on the caring bridge link she posted. Thanks for lifting them up in prayer.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - How ironic! January 22 is my birthday!

    Your courage and faith inspire me so much. Blessings to you and your beautiful family.ReplyCancel

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  • amy jupin - Jess, Cora’s picture still hangs on my bulletin board at work. I look at her sweet face nearly every day and think of you. Hugs!ReplyCancel

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  • May - Jess…. Cora is so lucky to have been with parents like you and your husband. God is Great, Most Merciful, Most Gracious. I am Muslim, and like Christianity and Judaism we believe in one God. In our religion, God tests us, for this is not our life forever, it is an exam, to see how well we do in order to get to the second life, Eternity… Heaven or Hell. What you had to go through was horrible, but Heaven is at the feet of mothers, and more so, Mothers who have lost their own (flesh and blood). Cora is happy in heaven, healthy, strong, beautful FOREVER, and she is with our Creator, our lord God. You will one day (in the very distant future.. you must be a mom now to your 2 beautiful boys) be with her,,, and you will be with all those you love,,, in Paradise,,, God Willing. May God shower Peace, calm, tranquility, acceptance, health, hope, and prosperity on you and your own. God help you and I am ever so sorry for your loss. Also, God is always near, Most Knowing, Most Seeing, Pray to him, he is Most Hearing. He answers your prayers. The Prophet Jesus (May His blessings be upon him) was a human like us, but a Prophet above all. He will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement, but it is GOD we pray to, for he created EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE. There is no God but Him, he has no father, no mother, no brother, no sister and no son. There is no one like HIM. He is Most Great and he is our creator. He blesses us with children, they are not really ours, they are His, just like we are His. He entrusts us with these blessings, he might take them any minute, It is an unfair life, we could be born dirt poor or rich. Nothing makes anyone better than the other, other than our piety. I am sorry to have rambled on, it hurts so much to read about your dear Cora, it makes me cry and appreciate EVERYTHING God has given me, scared that He might take something away. God bless you and send Peace to you and your family.ReplyCancel

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  • Auntie EM - My heart is so full after reading this post. I can’t imagine what must go through your mind and heart this time of year. My own life has seen its share of loss. My sweet husband’s last day in our home was on my birthday. He passed away 13days later in August 2008. My dad passed 5 months later in January 2009. Then my mother in March 2009, only 6weeks later. I was shell shocked before it wad all said and done. BUT…the Lord was always there for me, putting earthly and heavenly angels around me to help me. It does not compare to the loss of a child but was so hard nonetheless. My life is good as I am now a grandmother. I know of God’s tender mercies and have a deeper trust and more faith than I thought I could ever possess. This time of year is hard but you said it best. Praise Jesus. He is my strength and my salvation. You ate inspiring many of us with the good life you lead and your wise words. May God bless you and continue to help you heal. Cora must be so proud of you, her daddy, and those cute brothers of hers.ReplyCancel

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  • Renae - Jess there is NOTHING any of us can say that will help comfort you in the loss of Cora. But you can see here that there are so many people praying for you and Joel and the boys and for Cora too of course. She is watching over her mama and waiting for the day you will be together again. She is strong and healthy and with Him. While you are here on this earth you have the two precious lives to take care of and even though there are minutes, hours, days, months and years for you to grieve, just know that He knows your pain and suffering. We can’t know why these things happen…I don’t think even if we could know that our brains could fully handle it. I do know that satan would like to get his hands on you, but for what? Continue to pray, to love, to live…you are His. He is always with you and your family. May God bless you and your family. And my prayer is that people, even complete strangers, will continue to reach out to you and to show you love and compassion and help to bring happiness and peace to your every day. Today and always.ReplyCancel

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  • Wenzel Family - Jess…it is Paxten Pearson…she is my friends niece. She is on Caring Bridge if you want to look her up! Thank you for letting your relationship with Christ shine through your blog!!! May he be glorified through your testimony and your faithfulness!ReplyCancel

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  • Robin in Benton - Still thinking of you and praying for you and your family every day. Some day God’s vision will be revealed – just know that there are days during my small petty problems when I check your blog, smile at your handsome boys and praise Him for the blessing and example you are in my life of being faithful through the worst of adversity.ReplyCancel

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  • waiting - This post is so beautifully written. A local girl in Louisiana lost her baby boy on January 14th to a disease called EB. I left the link to this most recent post on her blog. I pray that she will eventually read it and find the encouragement and hope that she can find on your blog. You are an inspiration.ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Sorry, just getting around to reading this post, I was a little behind! Still thinking and still praying for you. I always mention Cora in my prayers each Sunday in my heart for those that have passed. She changed me in how I parent my kids…what a priceless gift! I’m glad your two boys are your sunshine each day.ReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - Jess….
    You and your family have been heavvvyyyy in my heart this past week as we remember those days with you in the hospital. Still praying for you and with YOU as these days pass every year. Small world again….. I have been praying for the little girl you were talking about from Wichita as she is one of my close friends sweet friends. Their journey…. faith and endurance instantly reminded me of you and Joel…… Her name is Paxten.
    Please just know we continue to love and pray for you all from a distance!
    Miss u!ReplyCancel

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He has been right beside me ever since he was born. I like to keep my babies close…there is something comforting about being able to peek over and see my babies sleeping. But eventually they outgrow the bassinet and I have to let go and move them to their own room.
Cora and Levi both moved out of the bassinet and into their cribs around three months. They were both sleeping through the night by then and it was a pretty natural transition. 

But Mr. Griffin is just about four months and still no sleeping through the night for him. He’s not sleeping but he definitely is growing. We thought since he was head to toe in the bassinet that maybe it was time for his big boy bed. Maybe. 
We are on day three of sleeping in his crib. The first night was rough. I did a lot of stumbling back and forth between his room and my room with very sleepy eyes. 
But the next two nights went so much better. 
I think he is liking having a space of his own…even if that space isn’t quite finished. 🙂
And I can still peek in and check on him…I just have to walk a little further.
Griffin loves to be swaddled. He’s getting big enough now that he wiggles his little hands and feet out. I’m sure it won’t be long before he has outgrown the swaddling too. I am loving the aden + anais swaddle blankets with him. I was given some as a gift and they are the best! If you haven’t tried them you definitely need too. I have these and these from Target…and there are so many more cute prints!
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  • TimandCeri - Do you know about bat wings? If he sleeps better in a swaddle try this. It was taught by the person actually mentioned in the description of the youtube video in a moms group class I went to 4 years ago. Kinda surprised to see it on youtube! Anyway if he is busting out, but sleeps better with it try it. I would do the bat wings, and then swaddle on top. We swaddled till he was about 7 or 8 months. (maybe longer) Such a sweet boy. You did way better than me I bought a mini crib to put next to our bed when he out grew the bassinet. Here is a link to the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdghIpvNqasReplyCancel

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  • L ~ S - We dragged the crib RIGHT next to our bed, so I can reach thru the slats and give him his pacifier and normally that buys me an hour or more of sleep. He was sleeping through on vacation, but can’t figure it out at home. It has been a tiring 2 weeks!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah @ This Farm Family's Life - You take so many great pictures! Your blog is definitely an inspiration to me. Thank you! We swaddled both our girls. Our oldest was swaddled until she was six months because she liked it so much.ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - That is simply precious! Love, love, love pictures of a sleeping baby. 🙂 You are so brave. I never moved mine out until they were around 7 months. I couldn’t handle the walking down the hall or missing the snuggles.ReplyCancel

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  • Shannon - Sooo cute!

    I love my aden + anais swaddle blankets….on my top 5 baby things I can’t live withoutReplyCancel

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  • Allison - He is adorable. We also love our aden+anais blankets. Hannah is almost 6 months old and still wants to be swaddled even though she gets out of it almost as soon as I am done swaddling her!ReplyCancel

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  • Allison - @Ceri, thanks for sharing the batwings idea! I can’t wait to try it!ReplyCancel

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  • Meggie - So, so precious. Love pictures of sleeping babies. I’ve never heard of the blankets but will definitely have to try them out the next time around. =) My little man (who is also 4 months) has graduated to a sleep sack. He didn’t last too long in the swaddle before he was ready to escape!ReplyCancel

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  • jguyer - What an absolute sweetheart!!! LOVE reading your blog.

    I also want to mention we LOVED our Aden & Anais as well. Our youngest loved to be swaddled and she soon was able to escape the blankets. We moved on to the Swaddle Me velcro wraps and then on the the Halo Graduate. There is a both arm in, one arm out, and both arms out as they break of the swaddle. Now she is in a Summer Sleep Sack and an Aden & Anais sleep sack still at 14 months.

    Keep loving on those wonderful boys you have. I think of you often!ReplyCancel

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  • Lexie Loo, Lily Boo, and Dylan Too! - That’s awesome that he still likes to be swaddled! Those pictures are so precious!ReplyCancel

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  • The Buchanan Family - have you tried the burpy bibs-love them!ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - I could just eat him up with a spoon 😉ReplyCancel

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  • Annie - I love the bumper in his crib! Where is it from? He is so darling! And I love love love those blankets too!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I got the same blankets at my shower for Mr. Colby… I love them!! The monkey one is one of my favorites, so cute. And they’re so easy to swaddle with.

    That bassinet is adorable & I love all the sweet pictures.
    Moving babies into their own rooms, is so hard… I’m not looking forward to it 🙁ReplyCancel

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  • It's just Mommer - Nothing sweeter than a swaddled baby. Thank you for sharing your story and family.ReplyCancel

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  • Karina - I can relate to keeping the baby close…I co-slept with all three of mine, the youngest until she was three. When she announced she was moving into her own room, it was bittersweet.

    Enjoy your beautiful baby…sleepless nights and all…ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - Oh, the baby feet! Too precious!ReplyCancel

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  • Rachel - Griffen is so so cute!ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa - None of my three kids were good sleepers so I feel your pain, those nights are hard but he sure looks like a sweetie. Can’t wait to see his finished room, hint hint. Enjoy your weekend!ReplyCancel

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  • Disney Freak - Liam will be 4 months old on Monday. He sleeps through the night if he is sleeping with me. If he’s in his crib, he’s awake within an hour or so. I can’t quite bring myself to force him to sleep in his crib yet….so back to bed he goes with me and sleeps all night. Unfortunately, he is outgrowing his co-sleeper and i will see have to bite the bullet and make him sleep in his crib. 🙁ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - Note to self. IF you decide to expand your family, I’ll send you a Target gift card next time. Gee they have much better stuff than Australian Target!

    I hope Griffin works out sleeping through the night and soon. I can’t imagine getting up in the middle of a very chilly winter tonight.

    Michelle xxxxReplyCancel

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  • merlin - I wonder if moving your baby to his big boy bed has contributed to your tiredness. Transitions are hard for mothers too, letting one stage go, moving to the next can involve a bit of grieving, even though it is for a joyous reason.
    Saying an extra prayer for you, in this season of letting go, of remembering and letting go.ReplyCancel

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  • Nicole - I was given those swaddling blankets too and still use them as regular blankets with my almost 2 yr old. They are so lightweight! And your Griffin is sooo precious…wow. Nothing like a sweet, sleeping baby. 🙂 My 3rd baby didn’t sleep thru the night for quite a while either and my first 2 did so I feel your pain. I am praying he sleeps thru really soon!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - My son fell in love with his A&A blankets, when he grew out of the swaddle I cut them down in to 4 smaller pieces and sewed them up. He now sleeps with one every night and I dont have to worry about him getting caught up in it plus I can wash them often. I have now cut down at least 3 blankets so that I will always have one to comfort him in the car, in the crib, at school, when he sleeping it is always in his hand or near his face. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Krystal - So, I was on Pinterest (So many of my sentences start like that recently!) and I’ve noticed some pics of you and Levi going around! lol One is you when you were pregnant holding up fingers for how far along you were. The other is Levi holding the chalkboard at his birthday (his 1st, I think).ReplyCancel

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  • Danielle H. - Tatertots and jello blog has your cousins Valentine party on her sweet & sassy Valentine ideas post!!!ReplyCancel

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  • VivalaVida - How cute!! Our son will be transitioning too into his own crib in a month or two! My oh my how they grow up fast!!ReplyCancel

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  • Shelby Rice - Have you tried the miracle blanket? It’s seriously awesome for those little wigglers. http://www.miracleblanket.com/ReplyCancel

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  • TimandCeri - FYI the batwing thing I think came from the idea of the miracle blanket with out the extra cost. You usually have extra blanktes…. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Maria - My 2nd son loved to be swaddled too! We used Miracle blankets until he was 6 months!ReplyCancel

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  • emily anderson - sweet, sweet pictures. i love a sleeping baby.ReplyCancel

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  • Ginger - Hey Jess 🙂 We moved Ezra to his crib & it was a bit rough, too… so we actually set his bassinet (the moses basket part comes out) inside of his crib & that has helped a little. 🙂 He was done swaddling at 3mo (surprised me – Avery was swaddled for a LONG time). 🙂 My sister’s boy Jericho is 7wks younger than Ezra & has slept 10hrs the last 3 nights (& 9 for quite a few days before that). I smile and tell her that I’m happy for her… yet jealous 🙂 hope you get sleep soon!!ReplyCancel

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I am feeling tired lately…like the perpetual tiredness. Oh, you know that feeling too? It is probably because of that sweet baby who has decided he doesn’t want to sleep through the night…ever. But a certain busy two year old definitely can wear me out too. These winter days tend to get long when the three of us are stuck inside all day. The everyday can get tiresome and monotonous. But there are so many sweet things about the everyday that I don’t want to forget. What a blessing it is to see the everyday through the eyes of a two year old.
Everyday after you wake up from your nap you want to watch a “moo-vie”. And not only watch a movie, but you always request milk and a cheese stick too. The funny thing is that you would hardly even watch a movie until a few months ago and now all of a sudden you are obsessed. We made a rule that you can only watch one movie after your nap…to keep you from asking to watch movies all the time (although you still ask!). You always choose the same Veggie Tales movie and you pretty much have it memorized…and so do I.
Everyday you pull a chair into the bathroom when I am getting ready. (Okay, so I don’t really get ready everyday, but on the days that I do…you are there too.) You always bring in the red chair and a few toys to play with. And of course you bring snacks and milk too…you don’t go many places without those two things. Every once in awhile I wish that I could have a little privacy, but I know I would miss your company so much.
Everyday you do some sort of farming. You prefer to go to the real farm with dad, but if you can’t you do your farming at home. You have tons of tractors and you are always pretending to haul poop  (manure) and corn. You also like to set up all your little cows in the pen and feed them hay…you take such good care of those little cows. If you could choose, you would spend everyday in your jammies too. You like to be comfy and cozy!
Everyday you play the piano and sing at the top of your lungs. Papa plays the piano with you whenever you visit him and you have decided that you like to play at home too. You always need music just like Papa. It can be any book though. It is so awesome to hear you belting out songs like “Holy, Holy”. I hope you always love to sing your heart out. And you still have your milk and snacks…just in case you get really hungry while you are playing your songs. 🙂
Everyday you ask to play “pee-dough”. Your mama doesn’t always have the energy to get out all the play dough stuff and make a big mess, but the play dough comes out quite often. You got new play dough toys for your birthday and you are loving them. This particular day your Uncle Owen stopped in to play with you. You thought that was pretty awesome. You love when people spend time with you.
I love that I get to spend everyday with you, Levi. What a gift. You are turning into quite the little character as a two year old. This is just a small peek into our everdays. Nothings special, but things I don’t ever want to forget.
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  • kirstyauldridge - This is so sweet! I hope one day I can stay home all day,everyday with my son.ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa - I loved that post. All the little everyday things are so fun to look back on, all small memories to cherish.ReplyCancel

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  • Diana - My oldest son is going to be 18 in a few weeks, he’ll be soon heading off into the “real world” on his own. Let me assure you, “nothing special” is everything special… the days are long but the years are short. Don’t blink!ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - Levi is simply and totally devine. How grateful I am that you share these posts Jess.

    It has been very rainy here in Brisbane, Australia. And my kiddos (aged 8-1/2 and 5) have not coped at all well with 6 long weeks of school holidays and lots of cloudy weather and rain. Means our backyard pool is, very unusually for January or any time in Summer, almost too cold for swimming in 🙁 Makes for very unhappy small people.

    M xxxxReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - That’s so cute. I love the milk and snacks part!ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - I love this post, Jess. So simple, reminders of how your days are spent right now. Your little Levi is so sweet…as is his little brother…and you are a wonderful mother! Thanks for letting us have a peek!ReplyCancel

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  • sthanlon - In the first picture….OMG….love the toes!!! And Levi is my kind of boy…we love pj days too!ReplyCancel

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  • Allen and Debby Graber - Love!!ReplyCancel

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  • Meggie - Awww, I love this! I just did a post yesterday about my case of cabin fever and just about going crazy from being inside. But it’s so true about the everyday things being such blessings and things we’ll always want to remember. Thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - It is wonderfully special! I love looking back on the blog and remembering the little everyday things. It’s a gift that you have had a blog from the beginning of parenthood.

    I love that the snacks and milk go everywhere. He looks like such a sweetie with a dash of spunk!ReplyCancel

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  • Sian Summers - Lovely. I’m stood in the kitchen making dinner with my 3 month old, Elis. I just read it out to him. Me talking out loud makes him giggle at the moment, so what better to read than a story about another mummy loving her little boy 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah Johnson - So sweet! I have to ask, what Veggie Tale movie does he like? Marleigh is obsessed with “Wizard of Ha’s” and “Pistachio”. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Wendy McDonagh-Valentine - Absolutely adorable!! Little boys are so awesome and it doesn’t take much to make them happy. : )

    ~ Wendy
    http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - Oh I love this post! A good reminder to me to take pictures of the every day and not just posed portraits.

    Soon your little one will sleep through the night and your energy will return. My 7th baby was born one month ahead of Griffin and is now sleeping great.

    Are you still taking prenatals? I found my energy especially lacked when I got lazy about taking them along with calcium/magnesium. Keeping up with that helped a lot even with less sleep! A friend also recommended an additional vitamin blend with B6 & B12 that she said boosts energy (although I never tried that).

    Keep enjoying those little every day moments! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Blueangels - Your little family makes me long for one of my own. I may have had my first real heart ache for my “yet-to-be” family the other day and had real tears with my husband as I showed him pictures of your blog and your cute family and how I want that so much too.
    I know God’s will make our family whole in His time but I sure hope I have a boy or two as cute as Levi!ReplyCancel

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  • Andrea - Beautiful pictures Jess and the way you share about Levi’s wonderful personality.ReplyCancel

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  • Me - Notice in the first photo he is crossing his feet and has his alligator!

    I can’t believe how many matching clothes my son and Levi have!!ReplyCancel

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  • Lollipoplin - do you pinterest? http://www.pinterest.comReplyCancel

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  • Miss Harriet. - Love this post. I love how real you are. You make me excited to be a mom one day. Excited for the challenges, the joy, the rewards – everything that you talk about! You can tell how much you love your kiddos. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Franne - Jess I love your blog and I have been reading it for a couple of years now…I have never commented but I really look up to you and respect you! I lost my mom when I was 3 and was raised by my maternal grandmother. I love how you are as a christian witness, wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. You are an amazing writer and I am only constant with reading your blog and another blog, where I saw your blog! We have a lot in common. Our style is so much alike….I love to see the pictures you take, parties you plan and ideas you post. God is a faithful God and even though we won’t ever understand whyReplyCancel

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  • Shelby - I would love to know how you get beautiful indoor shots! Do you use any type of flash or does your home just get great light!?? Love following your blog!ReplyCancel

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  • TimandCeri - Hi Jess, while your stuck in side there is an amazing blog my sister found. http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/ it may give you some fun ideas on things to do to keep Mr. Levi entertained. 🙂 I love your photos as always! (they are on pintrest too!)ReplyCancel

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  • the barrons - Jess……I love love love veggie tales and need someone to watch them with! My niece and nephews don’t watch them 🙁 Mo and I should plan a play date!ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - I love following your blog. I have two boys of my own, the first who was born 5 days before Levi and my youngest was born 3 days after Griffin. Your everyday life so often reminds me of a day in our house. I can’t help but laugh at your stories and pictures of Levi, he reminds me so much of Sean. Sean has just started caring about movies, and he spends all day asking to watch “cars movie”. I think if he could have it his way he would watch Cars over and over again.

    If it makes you feel better, Joshua is not sleeping through the night either, and last weekend wanted to eat every three hours through the night. He is doing better this week , but with two not getting enough sleep is rough for everyone. I hope the sleep gets better for you soon!ReplyCancel

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  • Peggi - A friend of mine has a website that has amazing craft and Sunday School lesson ideas. It has many crafts that you print on the copier and color. You should check it out, Levi would love it. She has crafts for all ages of children and the lessons are for younger and older also. It is a subscription site, $23.95 a year, but she also has a tone of free crafts on the site also. Check it out, I think you will love it. http://www.daniellesplace.comReplyCancel

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  • Auntie EM - What seems nothing special is…..really special. Today as you know is the first day of eternity. You seem like such a good good person and I can tell you are an amazing mother. Those 3 little people are lucky and blessed to have loving faithful god-fearing parents. I admire you and appreciate you sharing a tiny glimpse of your life. Your boys are so cute.ReplyCancel

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  • Mommy to Two - Where do you buy your little toy cows and tractors? I haven’t seen them anywhere! Too cute!ReplyCancel

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Okay, so they are not really that old. But when your babies are growing up so fast, three months ago seems like a long time! My friend Laura took these when she was here visiting…Griffin was two weeks old. 
Our first family picture with two boys. Look how little Griffin was…and those cute dangling baby feet!
A daddy and his boys. Nothing sweeter.
Laura also took a few big brother, little brother pictures. I am laughing as I think back to this little photo shoot because Levi was SO not interested. I am amazed Laura got the shots that she did.
Levi tried really hard…he just does everything so fast. When you tell him to hug his brother, he does…for about one second. When you tell him to hold his brother, he does…and then pushes him off one second later. 
When you tell him to lay by his brother, he does…and then one second later he is ready to play. When you ask him where his brother’s nose is, he shows you…he just honks it really hard. At least that only lasts about a second too! 
Such is the attention span of a two year old, right?
But it is always worth trying. Because every once in awhile you catch a moment like this. This is the one that we used on Griffin’s birth announcement. My favorite. Pure sweetness.
Thank you for these precious pictures of my boys, Laura!
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  • ashley - she got some BEAUTIFUL shots! what sweet boys you’ve been blessed with, all 3 of them 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • onlymehere - Priceless! She was quick on the shutter to get these pictures and they’re so clear and sharp.ReplyCancel

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  • The Sieberts - LOVE THEM!ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - so cute!!!
    ps…i never did change my clothes today.
    it’s almost 10 PM and i am still war in all the same clothes from when griffin barfed on me. i’m cool like that. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - wearing….not war in. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Caroline - oh my goodness…. they are beautiful!!!

    I did some silhouettes of my kids, you can see them on my blog, but anyway I thought it would be so neat if you could do three silhouettes for your children, It would be one way you could have all three children up on the wall together.
    You would just need to find a profile shot of Cora, or even find one close enough and draw it on your own.
    Here is the link:

    http://ohpicklesmommy.blogspot.com/2012/01/silhouettes-diy.htmlReplyCancel

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  • Alicia - So, so SWEET!!! I love baby pics! Thanks for all your lovely pictures and for sharing you boys with us whos kiddos are so much bigger now…where does the time go?! Enjoy these days!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - a. love this photo shoot so so so much.
    b. i need laura too
    c. how did you get griffin to look right into the lens – I STILL can’t get gavin to do that, and have tried so hard!
    d. good job to joel for holding the boys like that – it looks a little nerveracking!
    e. why do i not remember griffin being that little?ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - wow – these are stunning pictures! you have such a beautiful family!ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - Jess, who cares how ‘old’ the pics are. They are still truly and utterly gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your beautiful boys. They are just so gorgeous.ReplyCancel

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  • Allison - Beautiful! She got some amazing shots of your precious boys!ReplyCancel

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  • Auntie EM - Oh, BOY!!! Literally Oh, boy. They are so cute. You are right – it is sweetness at its best. I have a 20-month old grandson who lives wi0th me, along with his parents. I adopted my son when he was a baby – now he is 28. It is perfection when I see him with his own son. Cory must be so proud of her brothers.ReplyCancel

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  • The Mershawn's - So super sweet. Those boys…melt your heart. Levi reminds me of a certain 2 year old boy in this house…oh my, he keeps us on our toes. But, they sure are sweet. Thanks for sharing:), such great pictures.ReplyCancel

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  • Kathy Apple - Just precious.ReplyCancel

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  • melissamevans - Adorable…great shots!!…loving those sweet baby dangling feet….so adorable! : )ReplyCancel

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  • Meggie - Love these sweet pictures! I can SO relate when it comes to big brother, little brother pictures! It can be a huge challenge, but when you get a great one it’s priceless. =)ReplyCancel

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  • Meg - Such precious pictures! I have two little boys as well and there is no way I can get them both happy and still together!ReplyCancel

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  • songskatesang - Those are beautiful shots!ReplyCancel

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  • My name is Amee - I love these pics of your little ones!
    Laura did an awesome job…they are just perfect!
    Thank you for sharing them with us…:)ReplyCancel

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  • LauraD - What amazing pictures, Jess! Such a beautiful moment in time, especially the last picture of the two of them. That picture just melts my heart!ReplyCancel

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  • Auntie EM - Sorry – I meant Cora not Cory……ReplyCancel

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  • The Hershberger Home - Those are such sweet pictures..you’d never know that he was not interested 🙂 You make CUTE children!ReplyCancel

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  • Annette - Just happened upon your blog, not sure how I got here but glad that I did! These are awesome photos of your boys…the last one is perfection!ReplyCancel

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