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Saturday will mark 40 weeks officially…so this picture is a few days early. Man, I am feeling every bit of nine months pregnant. It is definitely time for this little guy to be kicked out! While I love the comfort of feeling those kicks, I am ready to hold Baby Brother in my arms…or at least I think I’m ready. 🙂
At 40 weeks…
Baby Brother’s room is not done. I told you that would probably happen. It is clean though…so that is an accomplishment, right? Once we finish spraying the furniture it should come together pretty quickly. I promise I won’t wait until Baby Brother is 15 months old to finish it! Joel told me that next time I should buy furniture that is already painted. 🙂
Baby Brother has a name. Woo-hoo! I still waver back and forth (that is totally my personality), but Joel is pretty confident (that is totally his personality). So, I am going to rely on his confidence and go with it…unless I change my mind in the hospital. 🙂
We are crossing off the days on our calendar. We have had a few arrows added since the first one. Lots of people think they know when Baby Brother is coming…or they are wishing Baby Brother would come on their birthday?! Either way, he will be here soon!
Levi and I talk about his baby brother all the time. He knows where his brother’s room is, where he will be sleeping, what chair we will rock him in, and of course we have his new blanket all wrapped up and ready to go. We can’t wait to meet him…and we can hardly believe we will be meeting him so soon!
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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - You have teacher handwriting… you know that, right? 😉

    You still look fabulous! Can’t wait for you to meet that new guy.ReplyCancel

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  • This Farm Family's Life - You are ALL baby, Jess!! My goodness. Best of luck!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I’ve been following your blog for a while now but never commented. So, hi!

    I’m so happy for you all and the addition of baby brother! My daughters first birthday is this Saturday! I think Baby Brother and my little one should share a birthday! 😉

    Good luck with the delivery!ReplyCancel

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  • Sharon - You have done so beautifully with your pregnancy, wish I could have looked like that! I get excited when I see you post hoping that newest Baby Mac is here. Can’t wait to see you guys together and hear what the name is! Praying you have a smooth and easy delivery and everyone is healthy and happy!ReplyCancel

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  • Allen and Debby Graber - Waiting eagerly for the news today!ReplyCancel

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  • Baby Kate's Mom - Praying for a safe, quick, as-close-to-painless-as-possible delivery for you. Your belly is adorable. Prayers for your mama heart too as you welcome your 3rd child into this world.

    He already missed my birthday (09/15) but I hope for you that he comes tomorrow!ReplyCancel

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  • Kat - You are beautiful at 40 weeks! Can’t wait to see pics of the newest little Mac.ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - You are all baby! He is going to be adorable.
    Can’t wait to see those first pictures!!! And I bet you can’t wait to bend over again or wear a belt!! But it’s so worth it!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - EEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK!!!! Can’t.handle.the.wait.ReplyCancel

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  • Andy and Cari - I cannot tell you how super excited I am … weird,right?!?
    praying!
    CReplyCancel

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  • The Woodards - I know you have no time or desire to answer silly questions but I would love to know about your chalkboard wall. I absolutely love it!!!!! How did y’all make it?
    Thanks, Garson (gwoodard81@Gmail.com or http://www.teamwoodard.blogspot.com)ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy Harris - eeeeee beebee is almost here!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Krystal - YAY!!!! You look GREAT! 40 weeks! Woo Hoo!! Enjoy these last few days with Levi! Can’t wait to hear what you named him 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Selena - Oh, my goodness… I am so excited for you!!! You look so pretty. Can’t wait to hear back from you; always excited when I see your postings!

    Take care; I hope someone can cook you dinner between now and his arrival and then your friend-food-exchange will be available after he gets here… let them love you up!

    Can’t wait to hear about his special name either! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Susy M. - Praying for a healthy and happy baby and a safe delivery. Many blessings to you and your family.ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa - Jess, You are gorgeous! You’re wearing 40 weeks very well.

    PS- I think we should be friends. We’re halfway there since we have a couple mutual friends and all. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Jody - There’s no better time to welcome a child into the world than the first week of Autumn. It’s like the Earth celebrates the arrival of its newest inhabitant as it bursts forth in shades of orange, yellow, red, purple and brown. Praying for Momma & Baby Brother!ReplyCancel

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  • Marylou in Abilene - I am wishing you a safe delivery day/night very, very soon. My granddaughter, Kristin Fulghum, in Kansas City had her baby girl, Amelia Ann, last Saturday morning at 2:38. She was due the 24th. Her Leighton and your Levi were both born in January two years ago. Now comes the second go around. May God shower you with blessings as you welcome your new son.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - You look fabulous! Praying for baby brother’s safe and speedy arrival this week!ReplyCancel

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  • Happiness Is... - So exciting! I love the chalkboard idea, too!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Wishing you a speedy healthy and happy birth of baby brother! I M anxiously awaiting the good news and seeing pictures of the Mac family, complete with baby brother…sending love! <3 PaulaReplyCancel

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  • onlymehere - This is one of the happiest times in a mom’s life, after the actual birth that is! I’m excited for your family and your new arrival. I can hardly wait to hear what you ended up naming him too.
    CindyReplyCancel

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  • The Lynch's - I’ve been following your blog for years! I just love your family! Best of luck to you! Can’t wait to see pictures of your newest addition! Boys are so sweet…I have 4 boys! House is crazy but love every minute of it!!ReplyCancel

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  • Jodi - Jess, you are such a super, super cute pregnant mama!!! Excited for you as you wait for your new little guy to arrive!ReplyCancel

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  • Kahla - So excited for you and can’t wait to “meet” baby brother!!! Sending prayers for you all!ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - Cannot wait to hear news and see pictures of you with your new little guy!!ReplyCancel

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  • Natalie - Congrats! It has been fun to follow you on this journey through pregnancy and I can’t see your new little man soon!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Hi Jess,
    Praying for you and your little family as you transition to a little guy more… Also praying that you have a safe birth and arrival of Baby Brother. I can’t wait to hear his name – I bet you’ve picked a wonderful name!
    Sending you love and hugs, Annabel xReplyCancel

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  • Sue - GOOD LUCK!!! I hope everything goes smoothly and can’t wait for those first photos.

    Sue XReplyCancel

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  • Princess Martha - I’m heading away for a few days, so good luck & I can’t wait to see the photo’s of the new little man 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Brittany..Following my Bliss - You are adorable! Much luck and prayers for you and Joel as you welcome your 3rd child into the world. Levi is going to make a fantastic big brother!ReplyCancel

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  • Karina - So exciting, I am checking your blog several times a day! You are gorgeous and you look READY! I can’t wait to find out what name you picked (or what name you switch to at the last minute). Sending you virtual hugs and good labour vibes!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Mershawn's - I remember when I was about to have our little boy, being almost sad for our daughter who was about to have her little life interrupted. It was the best thing we ever did for her. You will have time for Levi & that baby brother. Because you love them tremendously & you’ll make time for them. Hang in there! All things will be in their new place very soon! Yay!!ReplyCancel

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  • My name is Amee - Oh what cute photos of you & Levi!
    LOVE the last one with you holding him!!!!
    I can’t wait to see “the post” where baby brother has arrived!! I know you can’t wait to see & hold him & introduce him to big brother!
    Good luck & prayers are going your way! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Sam - Wishing you the best of luck for a great labour and healthy baby boy! xReplyCancel

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  • Ellen @ The Hairbow Chronicles - Love the chalkboard! Very cool. And really, you are ALL belly =) VERY CUTE!ReplyCancel

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  • Rachel - I read your blog all the time, but I don’t think I’ve ever commented before.

    I am praying that all goes well when baby brother arrives and I know that he will fit into your beautiful family wonderfully.

    Also, I can’t imagine how it must feel to be going through another change without your precious Cora. I hope and pray that the change won’t be difficult.ReplyCancel

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  • melissamevans - I follow your blog every day…this is my first time commenting. I’ve gone back quite a ways: reading your posts and catching up to this point. I really, really enjoy your blog and all that you write. You are inspiration to me.

    All the very best to you and your family in the coming days!…wishing you a speedy delivery.ReplyCancel

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  • Susan - Hey Jess! So excited to meet the newest “Mac”! I have commented a few times in the past, but not a lot. I just have to tell you though, that of all the blogs I read, yours is my favorite. You are so real and so normal. We are both farmers wives, and I just truly enjoy what you write. I wish you were a Hoosier 🙂 Anyway, I am really looking forward to watching your family grow. You are such a wonderful witness of God’s faithfulness and goodness in all circumstances. May He continue to bless your beautiful family.

    P.S. I want to follow you on pinterest…did you ever get signed up??? 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • BEK - Well- I haven’t blogged for almost 6 months and had not read others for obviously over 40 wks!!! Congrats!!! So happy for you!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I have a feeling ‘baby brother’ is on his way, and the last two posts were pre-posted. Couples, and family want their privacy. If I am right I hope everything went smoothy and they are enjoying life with a new member. But If I am wrong, then I hope that SOON everyting goes smoothly. Good luck Jess and Joel and Levi. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - What does the calendar say at the bottom. Levi is covering up the first word or words? This is such a cute idea!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Brooke - BEAUTIFUL!! Just gorgeous! Well, at least your nursery was clean! I was due September 23rd…with my first baby to bring home…after losing a baby at 33 weeks last year..and I want him to come home any day…but my house seems to be a mess…. 🙂

    CONGRATS on your new, handsome guy. I know Cora is still a wonderful part of your family as you enjoy your two sweet boys!ReplyCancel

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This week things are going to be changing around here.
I have been spending as much time with this little man as I can…and cleaning and getting ready for Baby Brother in my spare minutes. While I can hardly wait to see Levi and his brother TOGETHER, my heart is aching a little at the thought of not being able to give Levi my undivided attention. Baby Brother will be my third child, but I have never been mama to more than one child at a time here on earth. Cora had me to herself and Levi has had me to himself until now. I know it will be such a good thing and we will adjust. I know I will love being mama to two boys. But it is a change.
I never used to struggle with change like I do now. I think I have told you before that I moved around my whole growing up. My life was constantly full of new places, new houses, new schools and new friends. While every move was hard, I grew to embrace change in many ways. And I learned to see how good change was for me because it forced me to rely not on my surroundings, but on the One who never changes…Jesus.
When Cora died I faced a new kind of change. A change that was painful. A change that would change my family forever. A change that would change me forever. And ever since then I have struggled with change. I think the hardest thing is that I know with each new change {good or bad} it means we are moving on again without Cora. My family is about to change in an awesome way…a new precious life…but that means my family is changing again without Cora. And that is hard for me. I long for her to be a part of these changes too.
As my growing family is about to change, I am thankful for the One who never changes. I am thankful for God’s truth that is an anchor in my life even when I am feeling emotional and uncertain about the future. I don’t quite know what to expect with this new sweet baby, but I am confident that I can trust Him to be faithful no matter what the upcoming days look like. Although I hate facing change, I am learning that change is often the window through which God shows his faithfulness in my life.
This week I have been thinking on this:
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

Lamentations 3:21-24
We taste God’s faithfulness when we begin to trust him with our tomorrows and then watch to see what he does. Every morning presents us with an opportunity to experience a brand new creation, beyond the unique design of the day itself, unlike any other in history. Jeremiah learned to greet each day with an assurance that the Lord was his “portion”–that God is the one solid, unmovable, reliable part of any day. No one else delivers like he does.
– Chip Ingram

So, here we go…it is time for a change.
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  • The Moffats - Praying, sweet friend. Cora will forever be in our hearts and never far from our thoughts. Can’t wait to see this new little one… your 3rd precious miracle.ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - You’re in my prayers, Jess! Hoping tomorrow goes well. You’ll do well, and I’m sure Levi (sharing momma with baby brother) will, too!ReplyCancel

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  • Davene Grace - Oh my! This post brings back such vivid memories of how I was feeling right before our second son was born. As silly as it sounds (and believe me, I felt ridiculous), I almost had to go through a little time of mourning that the stage of just-Mommy-and-Josiah was ending. Of course, God eased me through the transition; and it didn’t take long until I couldn’t imagine our family without our second son. But I, too, clung to those final moments and days of being a mommy to just one.

    Thank you so much for the way you share your heart in such an open, uplifting way. You are an inspiration to many!ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy Harris - so excited for you guys and u r precious to me. thank you for sharing your heart.ReplyCancel

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  • Nirupama - thank you for sharing your heart with us! It is a big change having to take care of two babies at once, and, for me to be honest, it comes with lots of mixed emotions. I love seeing them together, but I feel guilty lots about ignoring one or the other. Good luck and God bless. Having a new newborn is so precious!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - This is a beautiful post! Thank you for being so transparent and real. Praying for you this week!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I felt the same way when my second son was born…like I “missed” my first son. And then people would take him to help me out and I would be sad b/c I didn’t want him to be away from me! Good thing the emotional beginning goes away! 🙂 Now we are about to celebrate my second son’s first birthday. I love the relationship between these two, and am so glad they have each other! 🙂 May God give you the grace you need during this change! ~KristinaReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Like others, I felt the same way when I was about to have baby #2. My kids are all 2 years or less apart, and my first 2 are 21 months apart, and I was so sad to think of my time ending with just my oldest. But as soon as my daughter was born, it was fine. My son acted as if the baby was always there; he actually woke up each morning and signed “baby” as soon as I got him :). And my mom reminded me of all the love the next baby gets from the older one(s). My babies (4 now) have always thought their older siblings were the best things ever.
    And I am so sorry about the loss of your sweet Cora. She will always be a part of your family, and you are moving on with her, just in a different way…
    I think your blog is lovely :). I’m a mom of 4 up in Alaska, so quite a bit different from where you are! I LOVE your decorating/crafting, and was so excited to see your post on ohdeedoh, one of my favorite sites. Blessings to you this weekReplyCancel

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  • Erin - So excited for you! Come on Baby Brother! (I still suggest Boaz or Cort, just in case you’re still not sure of a name.)

    I have two boys, and it is so much fun!ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - I went to take the package to the post office today. And in my haste to leave the house with two children in tow, I left the package at home!!!! Can you imagine how silly that felt when I was standing at the post office with nothing to post??? So Baby Brother will win the arrival race. Hooray for him.

    I will be praying, praying, praying, praying for you all on Tuesday.

    God Bless you and your family Jess.

    Michelle from Australia xxxxReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - The wonderful thing about having another child join your family is that you won’t have to divide your love, it naturally multiplies with each child you have. You have such a sweet family! You can rest knowing that you have an angel watching over you all. Good luck with your new addition!ReplyCancel

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  • TimandCeri - I do not like change. So I totally understand your emotions. Although I have not yet moved on to baby number two I hope to one day, and then at the same time I think about all the things that will never be the same. It was the same way right before I gave birth to my son. I remember laying on our bed with my husband just holding him and sobbing because it was never going to be just us anymore. Not that it was a bad thing just a different thing. Oh from what I hear be prepared to be how shocked and grown up he is all the sudden. It happened to every one of my friends. 🙂 I’ll be praying for you!ReplyCancel

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  • Anne588 - You are in my prayers and one thing I know is that God will make it all ok. Maybe there are struggles in the beginning but they are worth it. And Levi will certainly love bis baby brother. His brother will be the best gift you ever gave him:)ReplyCancel

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  • amber - The verses from Lamentations have been a huge comfort to me too over the past years. Thanks for the reminder. Praying for your changes!ReplyCancel

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  • Natasha - What a beautiful post……change is so hard and it’s even harder after losing a child. Every change feels more and more like you are leaving them behind. I’ll be praying for you all as you welcome Baby Brother this week. I can’t wait to see him and hear his name!ReplyCancel

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  • Shannon - Good luck! Raising two boys will be an exciting adventure!!

    Just keep breathing!! And remember to be kind to yourself!ReplyCancel

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  • Beth Norman - Can you share this with your readers please? Mother with a week old baby and a 4 yr old suffers brain bleed. In ICU. Urgent prayers needed! Thanks so much! https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=253571274681255ReplyCancel

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  • Carla - Such a beautiful post. I thought I could sense in your posts the last few weeks that you felt the same twinge of regret at no longer having all your time for Levi as I felt just before my little boy (my No. 2) came along. But as you know already, when you see Levi with his new little brother for the first time, or the first time you see Little Brother gazing adoringly at Levi or giggling at each other’s tricks, you will know that what Levi looses this week in your time he will gain immeasurably and forever, in having a little brother. Before long, you will feel ganged up on lol and they will play together in ways that much as we try, adults just don’t do. I hope i’m making sense, a little sadness is so understandable and in your case, its always even moreso but these two together, with big sissy looking down on them from above, are going to be quite the unstoppable duo. Thinking of you and very much look forward to the update xxReplyCancel

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  • This Farm Family's Life - I felt the same way! My daughter was 2.5 when I had my second and I suffered from some huge mommy guilt, but now I ask her if she remembers what it was like before Mel. She says she doesn’t and she thinks we bought her at the store!;o) Best of luck to you. Can’t wait to “meet” the little guy.ReplyCancel

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  • Krystal - Praying for you at this time! Exciting, but unsure! God is good all the time and he is always with us!ReplyCancel

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  • Rachel - Continuing to lift you all up in prayer! Can’t wait to see the new baby and to see big brother in his new role 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Meggie - Praying for you as you face this change and transition with your family! I’m going through a change/adjustment period myself now that I’m mama to 2 boys. I keep worrying about my oldest and hoping and praying that he’s okay with everything, especially me taking care of his baby brother. Thankfully it seems I’m the one needing time to adjust instead of him!ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - praying for you TODAY!!!!! 🙂
    you can write out your feelings so well.
    i love that.ReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - Thank you for your words today. my husband and children and I moved over 1000 miles from our family about 6 weeks ago. I am learning to rely on Jesus for the stability that life can never provide. I wrote about the things that do not change, namely God’s love: http://warmaspie.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/finding-normal/ReplyCancel

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  • McKenzie - Thank you for this post, Jess, as this is how I am feeling right now with our upcoming 2nd boy on his way. My husband had been gone several nights the past few weeks and my son as learned “Just you and me today, Mommy?” It breaks my heart that the time of just him and I is coming to a close, but he is excited about his baby brother and helping his Momma with him (he is about to turn 3) It has just been him and I for so long! Good luck to you and prayers for your family as always!ReplyCancel

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  • Cristin - Prayers for you all. Just keep having faith that God will provide all the strength you need. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • My name is Amee - Change is hard!!!!
    I had the same feelings as you years ago…my boys are 2 1/2 yrs apart. I PROMISE it will happen so naturally you will get to a point that it’s hard for you to imagine when you didn’t have two boys. 🙂
    My heart aches for your Cora. I’m so sorry she’s not hear to be with y’all. I know she’s watching down & smiling. 🙂
    ((hugs)) to you! Good luck in the delivery room too! I’ll be praying everything goes smooth…well as smooth as it can go! lol
    God Bless Y’all…..ReplyCancel

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  • Selena - Bless your heart, Jess. I can’t, in any possible way, understand your heartache. And I am so sorry for the continual ache for your sweet Cora… and I so admire your courage and faith as you carry on. I hope in the coming days that God’s constant will be very clear in each new step as the mom of two earthly children and one heavenly child. You are going to do a great job. All three of your babies are gifts from God and He chose YOU to be their mama… long before they were thought of… isn’t that beautiful? I remember the waiting for our 2nd little boy. My biggest fear was “can I do this and can I do it well?” Mine are still thriving, and through the strength of God, life has continued to move full-speed ahead. Our boys are 23 months apart… now 3 and 16 mos. Beautifully busy. Keep your chin up with your eyes on Him who is never changing. 🙂 I am excited to meet him and to see Levi love on him. Our oldest was soooo sweet with the new baby!! My labor and delivery was a breeze and I hope yours is, too. Much love to you and your family… thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life and esp for sharing our Lord. He loves you so… may He bless your heart with peace that surpasses all understanding in the days and weeks to come. I hope you will “see” Him today and that He will cause you to smile!ReplyCancel

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  • I'M MEG! - Jess, as I clicked on the link for your blog in my favorites, I was so humbled to see and read exactly what I needed to hear today, and in the coming weeks as I, too, am faced with handling change (though of a different sort). Thank you for your sweet message. Your family is in my prayers as you prepare to welcome Little Brother to the family! xoReplyCancel

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  • I'M MEG! - This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyCancel

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  • Shawn - I know exactly how you feel, Jess, about the sadness of not being able to give Levi your undivided attention. My daughter came along when my son was just 13 months old. I cried a river over not being able to have enough time, thinking that Chase was going to be short-changed somehow. How awesome it has been to look over these last 13 years since my daughter arrived and be able to say, with my WHOLE heart, that Jesus knows the exact best time for sibling spacing. And something amazing will happen–you will soon never imagine it any other way! You are a doting momma. It makes sense that there is a little ache there. I so enjoy reading about your mothering experiences. My heart is with you as you welcome a new child and remember the one who is waiting for you in heaven. Much love to you during the transition, ShawnReplyCancel

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  • Melissa Joy - This is beautiful, Jess. Gave me chills. Thank you for sharing your heart with us in the midst of your changes!
    While I am mother to nine, I too have never been mother-on-earth to more than one. As I close in now on having two boys in my home, too (God willing), your thoughts and encouragements really hit home for me. So thank you.
    Your timing, thanks to our great God, is impeccable.ReplyCancel

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  • The Drama Mama - Praying for you, sweet girl! You have been an amazing mama to three beautiful children and you are right, HE never changes! Prayers & HUGS!!ReplyCancel

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  • January Britt - So excited for you and this new adventure. Knowing your heart is torn and memories of sweet Cora are raw! She will have another precious soul to angel over! Can’t wait to hear about that precious, God sent baby Boy!ReplyCancel

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  • erin reeves - You should read “Heaven Is For Real”. It is a 3 year old true store of heaven and back. It gives you a real peace and comfort! It might help you think of things as not moving on without her but moving closer to seeing her again!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Ekeland's - Praying for you today Jess! You will be an awesome momma to both of your sweet boys! I really struggled too with the thought of adjusting to two and not having as much time with just Julia…but you already knew that! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - We just bought our little boy those same Puma shoes!! So cute 🙂
    Praying for you!ReplyCancel

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  • Beth - praying, praying, praying….for you, your babies, your heart.

    I remember having those same feelings of guilt about sharing one mama. know what’s awesome? Levi will soon never remember having you all to himself. he will do GREAT as a big brother! And you will do great being a mother to all three of your babies.

    blessings from Michigan,

    BethReplyCancel

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  • Kelly Ford - Thank you so much for your honesty and willingness to share in this journey. I know it must be such a mixed bag for you… hating that life must go on w/o Cora and being so excited for the blessing God continues to give. I cant begin to imagine. But i’m praying for you and Joel and Little Levi as you prepare your hearts to welcome this precious baby into your lives and hearts!
    EXCITING times, friend!ReplyCancel

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  • ss fashion world - so cute 🙂 and congratulation for giving a birth 😉
    great blog:)
    Im just having giveaway, so if you want you can join it 🙂 Its free and easy
    ⓈⓈ ⒻⒶⓈⒽⒾⓄⓃ ⓌⓄⓇⓁⒹReplyCancel

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Happy Friday!
I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that this might be my last week of having just one little boy around the house. Crazy. No baby yet…hopefully soon. In the meantime, we are busy trying to get lots of little things done around here before Baby Brother arrives.
It was so fun to read all of your comments and stories from my last post. Levi is still doing great without his paci. Nights have been no big deal at all. Amazing. He is still crying himself to sleep at nap time, but it is getting better each day. And he still loves Ally. We are praying that the transition to having a baby brother around goes just as smoothly! 🙂
To answer a few of your questions…
You can get your own Ally the Alligator here. There are lots of other cute animals too. And after reading your suggestions I might be ordering myself a second Ally…just in case.
Levi uses GumDrop pacifiers. You can get them here. They are the same ones that they give the babies at my hospital.
A couple people have asked me about the layout on my InstaFriday posts. There are no big secrets. All I do is load my photos directly into blogger and then change them to the small size so that two will fit side by side. That’s it!
Here are a few pictures from our week:

1. No trip to Target is complete without sitting on a big red ball. He asks EVERY time.
2. Goodbye pacis…hello Ally the Alligator. First morning without a paci. All smiles.
3. BSF started this week. We are studying Acts this year. I am so glad to be back.
4. After a trip to JoAnns I left with some cute boy fabric. Maybe something for baby?
5. Haircut #2…this time from Grammy.
6. Another thing finished on my huge to-do list. Clean baby clothes and blankets. Check.
7. A trip to the Vintage Soiree today. Tomorrow is the craft fair…I hope I am feeling up to going.
8. Trying out the new chair. Slipcover is almost finished {thanks to Grammy}. Yay!

Have a great weekend!

I’m linking up with Life Rearranged.
life rearranged
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  • Anonymous - Is that the basket (photo 6?) your mom bought in the Philippines? I had one too…. wait, we ALL had one! Hope it is the same one, it looks great.
    All the best with baby boy #2. You’ll have a wonderful time playing with the boys
    Hugs,
    Lindy WReplyCancel

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  • Morgan - Where is the vintage place at???ReplyCancel

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  • Jody - I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Baby Boy Mac arrives on 9/25!! It’s literally the best day of the year to have a baby. (: Hope you have a great last few days of pregnancy and that your delivery is quick & easy.ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - Looks like a great Friday to me! Have a great weekend!!ReplyCancel

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  • ems - We’ve been mirroring activities the past few weeks – so funny reading your blog b/c we went to the fair and Shep gave up his paci’s last week too. Thinking of you and praying for your family as you get ready and transition to the new babe:)

    xoxoxoxo
    ErinReplyCancel

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  • DianeTaylor - Love these pics of your week, Jess. Come on baby Mac! Hope you get a little bit of rest, hon, I think you’ll need it for later. So exciting for all of you. Praying for you all.ReplyCancel

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  • Carrie - Love that picture of Levi on the red ball at Target. It cracked me up because I just recently found a picture of my niece on one several years ago and tried to make her recreate it. But she wasn’t having it. She’s in high school now so apparently its not fun to her anymore. Lol!

    Love your blog, btw 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Kimberlee - So fun to see you today at the Soiree!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - Ummmm where is that vintage soiree at?!? It looks awesome! I want to go.ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - I, too, want to go to that Vintage Soiree!! What’s the scoop?ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.ReplyCancel

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  • Allen and Debby Graber - Hannah and Sophie have to stand on the red ball EVERY time! When Mindy was a toddler, someone told me to poke a hole in her paci and that really worked. She did not want it at all after that. She was pretty mad about it though. We really miss you in Bible study! We are doing David with Beth Moore.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Trust me that you will always need a second copy “comfort item”. I have finally learned this, after going through the first two children out of five (guess I am a slow learner). God Bless your family!ReplyCancel

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  • Carisa - Sad to miss you at the Soiree…have a wonderful last week of being pregnant!ReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - Missing you and cant wait to see the two boys in pictures soon! praying for you ask this last week of being pregnant approaches! take care always and we can’t wait to hear the big news!ReplyCancel

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  • the breedens - You DEFINITELY better get an extra Ally in case he gets attached to it. We cut our daughters favorite green blanky in half when she was younger (since we could no longer get another one by the time we realized she was attached) and it was the best decision we ever made! one can be in the washer, one can be forgotten at gma’s, one can be temporarily misplaced… maybe he won’t get attached to it, but just in case he does it probably won’t work to cut Ally in half. 😉ReplyCancel

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  • Courtney Cloud - I love watching your family grow. You are such an inspiration to me. Praying blessings over all of you!ReplyCancel

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  • The Mershawn's - You will love having 2 sweet babies at home. And, I think Levi will do great with his new baby at home! He seems so easy going anyway…praying for you guys though! I know the Lord will bless this time for all of you…ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - thanks for all the information you share! i’m getting ready to place an order for the gumdrop pacis. we’re expecting a little girl in november and they sound like a great product.ReplyCancel

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Levi’s pediatrician told us that we should take Levi’s pacifiers away by the end of the summer…especially before Baby Brother arrives. Levi’s pacis stay in his crib for the most part. He only uses them to sleep. But he loves them. And it is hard to take away something that your baby loves…maybe I am just too much of a pushover. We have been talking about it for weeks now, but putting it off. Mostly because we really like to sleep and a baby crying for his pacis at night didn’t sound too appealing. Finally this weekend we decided that if we were going to take them away we had better do it now. We weren’t sure if that was a good decision with the baby coming so soon, but we decided to give it a shot.

 We went around the house and collected all the pacis we could find. He usually has three in his bed. One in his mouth and one in each hand. We put them all in a box. Levi had fun packing them all up and then dumping them out again. 
 A few sweet moments with his beloved pacis. The orange one is his favorite.
 We packed them all up one last time. 
 We told Levi that we were going to mail his pacis away because he was a big boy now. When daddy came home from feeding the cows I snuck out to the mailbox and put a box for Levi in it.
 Joel and Levi walked out to the mailbox with the box of pacis.
 He loves getting the mail, so we were just crossing our fingers that this would work.
 Really we had no idea what we were doing. What would we do if he wouldn’t leave the pacis in the mailbox? What if he couldn’t sleep without them? Parenting is such hard work. 
 Levi got out the box that was in the mailbox and put his box of pacis in.
 Goodbye pacis. So far so good…no tears.
 Daddy helped Levi open his “paci replacement”. Again, we had no idea if this would work.
 Thankfully, when he opened the box he loved his little alligator. He thought it was great. We went to Wichita and the alligator came too. That night when we got home he went to bed with the alligator and his blanket. He didn’t even ask about his pacis. No tears. Nothing. It was a miracle! I was ready to give myself parent of the year award…just kidding…I know it had nothing to do with my parenting skills.
 In the morning when I went in his room he was holding his alligator and all smiles. It is his new bedtime buddy.
 Levi has been doing awesome at night. I really can hardly believe it. Now, naps have been a different story. I have had to let him cry himself to sleep most days. Sad. But he is already getting better. Yay! We are just praying that this doesn’t all backfire on us when Baby Brother arrives.
Goodbye pacis…hello Ally the Alligator.
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  • Karen - what a wonderful idea. good job Mom and Dad! such a sweet story!ReplyCancel

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  • Marie - I had such a hard time with taking the paci away from Lincoln when we did because like you said, it was something he absolutely loved. I hate taking something away that he loved so much, but like Levi it was a fairly easy transition. Hope it continues that way!ReplyCancel

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  • Allison - Oh my goodness, what a cute post! That was such a sweet idea you guys came up with & I’m glad it worked! Parenting is hard work… flying by the seat of our pants sometimes!ReplyCancel

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  • Kimberly - YAY Levi! (He’s soooo stinkin’ cute! 🙂 Bravo momma & daddy!ReplyCancel

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  • The Mershawn's - That was so sweet. I’m a sucker for night time stuff too & know I’d be a pushover if I had paci kids. Unfortunately I have thumb suckers. Can’t mail them…darn it;). He is precious. He & my little buddy sure would be good friends…he reminds me so much of our little boy:). Sweet!! Way to go Levi!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - How precious! I’m going to make note of this method for when I have kids. I’m impressed!

    Do you have an extra ‘Ally’ just in case he decides to head back to the swamp? 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy Harris - brilliant idea, jess. levi is too cute for words. i say it all the time. he simply must marry story!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - We are thinking it’s time to get rid of our son’s paci’s also (he’s 17 months). This is a good idea! My son sleeps with 3 in his crib also…1 for his mouth and 1 for each hand!
    MelissaReplyCancel

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  • This is the day! - Our oldest was almost three when he finally gave up his pacis and we made a Build A Bear and he put them all inside. We were going to Great Wolf Lodge for the weekend and we said they weren’t allowed there. That did the trick for us, but he sure did love his pacis. I hated to take it away too!
    Levi is so adorable, his alligator is an awesome sleeping buddy!ReplyCancel

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  • Danielle H. - Oh, the paci. I’m embarassed to say my little girl threw away her last paci on her 4th bday. She really didn’t use it much towards the end but liked to hold it with “blankee”. I wasn’t so lucky with the paci fairy trick! Your little guy really is adorable!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Repeating another commenter – do you have another Ally? It could save you some heartache in the future if you have two (and be sneaky and trade them out every once in a while so they smell the same and have the same amount of wear). An adorable idea!ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - Oh man. This post almost made me cry. Tanner is EXACTLY the same. 3 paci’s at bed time – one in mouth and one in each hand. I am DREADING the day we have to get rid of them. If it works I will be doing exactly the same thing 🙂 I loved all the pictures. SOOOOOO cute. You captured it all perfectly. He will love to look back at it some day. Our walk to the community mailbox would not be nearly as exciting though! haha.ReplyCancel

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  • Katie - We had a equally hard time making the decision to toake my daughter’s pacifier away. And she reacted the same way at night – didn’t care at all. But just like Levi, during the day it was a completely different story. Being a momma is hard!!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I absolutely love that big smile and him holding onto his alligator in his bed. I love all the pictures, will be so great to look back at this day later on. And I adore the alligator.

    Had wanted to do something like that with Kenzie a few years ago when we felt like it was time to start thinking about getting rid of them (I saw something similar on super nanny)
    But she finally lost her last one and after searching for a little while, we told her it was all gone and we had no more. She went to sleep without so much as a tear. She asked for it at nap the next day and then again at bedtime… and that was the end of it. We completely lucked out!ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - Way to go! Ugh, I don’t want to have to think about taking the paci away, but I know I should!! We waited until our first two were a little older, and it was very tough on them! I feel like it would be an easier transition if we did it with our “baby” now… He is just so sweet when he asks for his paci and blankie at bedtime and naptime. Ah! The joys of motherhood. Glad you guys had such a fun and easy transition for Levi! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Regina - This is such a great post- he is so cute, and what a great idea about putting them in the mailbox and fetching out his new replacement. I am glad it is working so well for you!ReplyCancel

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  • Megan - Oh, this made me so sad! I even showed the post to my husband and he was like, “I’m not ready to do that yet! It will be a sad day for me!!” Our little guy is a few months younger than Levi and we are also expecting a little brother around New Years. I know that we need to take away Bennett’s paci very soon … but, oh, my heart!

    Where do you find your pacis? Are they Nuks?ReplyCancel

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  • Jaclyn - such a cute little alligator, and SUCH a cute little Levi 🙂
    My son was also obsessed with his paci, and when we took them away this year I could not believe how great he did. But the naps, oh the naps…they got worse for sure 🙁 At least now at night he is super worn out and goes to bed really well!!

    I love your package exchange idea. SO fun!!ReplyCancel

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  • lona - great picture documentation and great idea!!….just get another alligator for back up!! i learned the hard way 😉ReplyCancel

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  • The Boccias - So, so cute. And yea, Levi! This makes me think I need to get on the ball with Talia saying bye bye to binkies, especially since she’s a little older than Levi! Nathan said she had like 5 binkies in her crib the other night…he said she was probably rolling around in them, just enjoying the good life. 🙂 I’m so scared…she’s a good sleeper now and already has a stuffed cat that she sleeps with and ADORES.ReplyCancel

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  • songskatesang - Great job, mom! I’m in love with Ally!ReplyCancel

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  • Miss Jordan - Levi is almost the exact same age as my son, Brayden.. I am also struggling with the pacifier! Brayden usually only has it for naps & bedtime but he just loves it so much I feel mean taking it away! Might have to try “sending them away”! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • deut306 - What a great idea! I may have to try this with my lil guy when it’s time for paci to go away.

    Try a different brand paci for the new baby – it may help Levi realize they’re not his. This worked for us.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - I’ll give you the parent of the year award! Seriously – where do you come up with this stuff? Your boys are super-d-duper blessed to have you as their mama. And so was Cora!ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - What a good job he did (and what a great idea)! Pacis were the last thing we made Diego give up right before Eliana was born. It was hard… I loved that little pacifier face! Neither of my other two babies have been pacifier babies, although, Cruz thinks it’s really funny to take Finley’s on occasion. Praying for you this week!ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle, Queen of Everything - I don’t know if I’ve ever commented on your blog before, but I just had to on this post. We are trying to get our daughter to stop sucking her thumb (she just turned seven!) and it’s so hard. You can’t take it away like a paci. Today is day two and we are so proud of her for quitting cold turkey, especially when the temptation is right there, 24/7. I can’t imagine how hard it’s been for her to do this. She’s been sucking that thumb since she was four months old. It’s so hard to watch your baby go through “withdrawals”, I know. Good job for getting him off his paci, though. Love the blog!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - Such a cute post and love the pictures! Those are definitely ones to put in a book, such a big milestone! Congrats!ReplyCancel

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  • Adrian - Great idea, I love it! When my youngest arrived my niece gave all her paci’s to him. She brought all of them over in a little bucket the day after he was born and she never asked for them again. It’s amazing how well kids adjust. Sometimes I think it’s much harder for us. 🙂
    p.s. I’ve followed you for a while and have never commented. You have a beautiful family and it’s been a joy to watch how God has worked in your life. He is amazing, isn’t he?ReplyCancel

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  • Inkless Memoir - hi jess! i really love reading your blog! anyway, i’m so impressed with this post… you’re so blessed to have such a cute and good lil’ boy. i’m sure that he will grow up a fine young man. i can’t wait to see your next bundle of joy! God bless your family always!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - good for you guys! Pacis have been the hardes to let go of in our house, for the same reasons you listed – its a nice quiet distraction for baby while Mommy and Daddy sleep 🙂

    I’m glad his transition went well!ReplyCancel

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  • Carla - Such beautiful photos, your house and surrounds are really stunning. When I was little I was obsessed with the American MidWest (I live in Ireland and our landscape is so different) and I always think its funny that I ended up following so many Kansas blogs, I guess it was just meant to be 🙂
    Well done on the peaceful paci removal. I’m still breastfeeding my 18mnt old boy and I think it might be a bit harder to remove that though weaning was much easier than I expected with his big sis so hopefully I’ll be pleasantly surprised too. I’m very very jealous about the night time, my guy is a terrible sleeper.
    Lastly, I’m going to give you some advice…go buy two more Ally Alligators, incase Ally One ever decides to take a vacation 😉ReplyCancel

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  • Martha - What a wonderful post! I remember stressing each time we had to stop using pacis at our house. You would think it would get easier when you are doing it for the third time but nope – even child number three was an emotionally difficult experience…. for me! We did the paci exchange, like you, for one, a visit from the “paci fairy” for another and for the first child (when we didn’t know any better) we took advice from a friend and had his pacis “pop!” In other words, we cut off the tops and put them back in his crib. I still can’t believe we did that – how traumatic! You are so right about parenting being hard. You should pat yourself on the back for getting through such a big hurdle!ReplyCancel

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  • Aubre and Gary - I admit, I cried at this post for a variety of reasons. We have a boy that loves his pacis too. He’s 4 now and I can’t imagine not having the pacis around. And bedtime, naptime…..holy cow, I can’t even begin to imagine! Thanks for the great idea, it gives me some hope!ReplyCancel

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  • Givinya De Elba - Well done! That’s awesome, and the alligator is so cute. Our little Joseph has sucked his thumb since he was a baby and now that he’s 2, we were wondering if we should try to stop him. All the information we’ve read says that it’s really quite impossible, and it’s better to wait until they choose to stop.

    Then, after a lot of sickness this (Australian) winter and plenty of antibiotics, the poor little love got quite bad thrush in his mouth. He was so miserable for days, and didn’t tolerate food or drink in his mouth. He stopped talking for a few days too, and also stopped sucking his thumb.

    Thankfully, he’s better now: back on his food and talking even more than before. But … no thumb-sucking! We are amazed!ReplyCancel

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  • A Long - We recently took Carter’s beloved paci away, too. He’s done great with Avery – he loves “giving” (aka pushing it in her mouth) her paci to her. We talk a lot about how pacis are for babies.ReplyCancel

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  • The Harner's - Just plain AWESOME!!! You guys got off so easy!! It was easy for Logan too but I know some people have a horrible time of it! Yeah Levi and yeah for Ally!ReplyCancel

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  • Zoe - Good job, Mama! I think it was harder for me than it was for my girls when we said goodbye to their pacifiers shortly before their baby brother was born (they were 2 and 2.5)… it felt like the last bit of ‘babyhood’.
    Love the alligator – where did you find him? Bedtime pals are so great – my girls both have special stuffed animals and they go EVERYWHERE with us. They are really members of the family!ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - So cute!! Way to go Levi! Give it another week and I bet he won’t even cry during nap. I really think cold turkey is the way to go with those things, I think I liked them more than my daughter did before we stopped giving them to her. I wasn’t ready to take away this one last “baby” object. Love the alligator, where did you get it?ReplyCancel

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  • Christy @ MCH PHOTOGRAPHY - Good idea, I have been putting this off with my daughter she still has hers and she’s 3!!! eek.ReplyCancel

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  • Aimee - This is such a sweet story. I love the photos, too! You won’t regret this, as I have two kids that will most likely need braces because I did not do this. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Alyssa - that is awesome. Ava cried herself to sleep for a month when we took her paci away. hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I would leave her room and cry outside the door. still makes me teary eyed just thinking about it!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Where did you get the alligator?ReplyCancel

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  • jennifer rogers - too cute! I just really hope that when he sees the new baby with a pacifier he doesn’t want his back…… good luck!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • waiting - So sweet! You are right! Parenting is VERY HARD work! My 10 year old is wearing me out!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Melanie - What a sweet story! It reminded me of when we had to take our little guy’s paci away. Luca loved them just like Levi….always had them in his crib. So sweet!ReplyCancel

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  • TimandCeri - Oh Jess, I feel your pain! We did not give the paci up till my son was over 3. The paci fairy came. We tied them to balloons and sent them “up up up in the sky to the fairy” Then the fairy left us a double lightsaber… he was excited and never asked for it again. But the lead up for us was hard. He only used it at naps on the weekend (it was the only way we would get him to take a nap!) not even at bed time… and -every- once in a while in the car. We made it. He still even kinda naps on weekends. (He will be 4 next month) so there is hope! And I LOVE those photos!!! Levi is SO SO cute!ReplyCancel

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  • brandonlk - I love this. Levi is too cute.ReplyCancel

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  • the breedens - That is absolutely amazing! I am impressed!!!ReplyCancel

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  • DollBaby - I have been reading your blog for ever and never commented but I had to on this one! =)
    I have a little girl that is about 2 or 3 days older then Levi (she was born Dec 31). We recently took her paci away about a week ago. It was sooo hard for Momma but she didn’t cry either and she was SUPER attached. Naps were a little rough for us as well but now she’s completely fine!
    Another funny/similar thing is that she has had a blanket since birth but when we took the paci away we tried to get her a stuffed animal and she attached to a green dinosaur that we call Rexie! Hehe
    I just thought it was cute how similar our situations were with this whole paci thing and wanted to tell you. =)ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Good for you! We took our son’s pacis away at 2 1/2 years old and he did very well at night too. He continued to nap for a week after and then, poof, bye-bye naps. That was the only drawback to taking the pacis away but it was time. Hope Levi continues to do well.ReplyCancel

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  • L ~ S - Good idea! He is such a cutie!ReplyCancel

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  • Cindy@Crayon Wishes and Popsicle Dreams - So cute, Jess! And that alligator is adorable!!ReplyCancel

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  • Faith - what a super stinkin’ sweet idea!! love this post!ReplyCancel

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  • Mary - When it was time for my son to ditch the paci, he took them, threw them in the garbage, and that was that. I was in complete and utter shock. I have no idea it could ever be so easy.

    Bravo to Levi, and the 2 of you, for having such a smooth transition to a new kind of bedtime lovey. 🙂

    ~MaryReplyCancel

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  • Kristi - Good for you. Our oldest daughter is 2 years and 4 months and our new one is 2 weeks. I just didn’t have the heart to take the pacis away before baby’s arrival. I know that they will have to be gone at some point, but like you said, it is just so hard to take something that they love. I love your idea of mailing them. We may have to give that a shot one of these days.ReplyCancel

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  • lala - Seriously, Levi is stinkin’ adorable and that alligator is cute too!ReplyCancel

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  • Tonya - That alligator is darling!!! Way to go, Mom & Dad, getting rid of those pacis!

    My 7yr old still sucks his thumb and we’ve tried just about everything to help him stop…nothing’s worked long term. It was awfully cute when he was a baby, but now I wish he’d taken a paci that we could take away.ReplyCancel

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  • Bridget - That is so cute! Our oldest was 18 months when our second child was born. We told him he needed to give the binky to the nurse at the hospital so they could give it to the baby. 🙂 Worked like a charm! Of course we didn’t use the actual binky from him–she got a fresh newborn one! Our third child never liked his binky and found his thumb around 3 months. So cute!ReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - I happen to believe that I am the mother of two of the cutest little boys ever, but oh my…your Levi is SO adorable. Love the pictures. Love the post.ReplyCancel

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  • AKK - Love little Levi! A “veteran” Mom here, just wanted to tell you to go buy 2 more alligators (noticed quite a few commented the same.) Learned this the hard way. Let each alligator get as worn as the others. Rotate them and Levi will never know.

    Good luck with the delivery of little brother, can’t wait to see photos of your new little one with Levi!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristi - loved this post!ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - Here’s a funny story about another “Ally the alligator.”

    My mom is a teacher at a preschool. She works with 2 year olds. They did a unit study about baby animals. All the baby animals had names. The baby alligator was named “Ally the Alligator”.

    Now there was a precious little girl in her class who was expecting a baby sister just any day. The baby sister was to be named…you guess it Ally.

    One day baby sister finally arrived. Big sister was so excited to go and meet her new baby Ally. When she arrived at the hospital, she was very disappointed to discover that Ally was a baby girl not a baby alligator. In fact she cried quite a bit and said she was expecting “Ally the Alligator”.

    True story!!!

    I’m not sure if this story is funny or sad. Maybe a little of both. I guess considering the name thing, one can see where Big Sis got this idea. Fortunately by the time baby Ally came home from the hospital, big sister had adjusted and was excited.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Great Idea!ReplyCancel

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  • Nicole - Seriously you really might be parents of the year. I’ve never heard of a story that ended so well (all my kids have been/are paci babies)! Way to be strong. And that alligator is so adorable I can hardly stand it! 🙂 Great job!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Terrific idea and what a perfect choice…Ally is adorable, just like Levi! Congrats on it being so successful! Yes, go ahead and give yourself Parent of the Year Award, you two deserve it!ReplyCancel

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  • Mary Kaisand - I’m a nanny for a family with an almost three-year old sweet little girl and now she’s a big sister! Before the baby arrived they had their daughter give her paci to a friend who had a baby as a “gift.” However at home she found an old one that was broken and desperately wanted it. She was allowed to use it and a couple times during nap she went with out it (if it was hiding literally). About a month ago I put her down for a nap and she randomly decided to say, “No! You hold this. Set it on the counter for Mommy and Daddy!” That was the last time I ever saw it. She never asks for it again!ReplyCancel

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  • Cammie - That was a very cute way of giving up the paci. Our daughter stopped using hers a few weeks before the new baby arrived, we were a little worried she would have a problem when she his paci & we haven’t had any [we used different brand maybe that helped?]

    Someone stated having a second ‘Ally’ & swapping them out, that is an awesome idea, wish we’d thought about that. We washed our daughters bear ‘Hugs’ with new sheets & it came out all yucky looking so we bought a new one & told her we gave ‘Hugs’ a bath. well she knew he was not the same bear & is still upset to this day. [had to give her the old one back]ReplyCancel

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  • Care - I have a feeling Reese is going to be a pacifier lover, too! Love this idea, and I think I may copy you in a few years!ReplyCancel

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  • That's Moi! - Oh my gosh – that is the cutest thing ever! New blog follower. Love!! Congratulations on your new little one. Caryl (www.heycaryl.blogspot.com)ReplyCancel

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  • Jami - I am a first time reader – a friend sent me to your blog after I just wrote a paci post myself! I am seriously going to use that idea some point…not ready yet i don’t think! My little guy (our foster – soon to be adopted) son adores his paci like your son does too – they remind me of each other. I also read Cora’s story and I am just sitting here without words. That is the greatest fear -and yet you can see the beauty from the ashes in your story. I am going to pray for you tonight though for continued grace and peace. Thanks for your blog – I’m a fan now! 🙂 Is it okay to add you to my blog roll?ReplyCancel

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  • goodbye pacis, hello mr. foxy » The Macs - […] Levi said goodbye to his pacis we had him put them all in a box and “mail” them away. When he took them to the mailbox […]ReplyCancel

I’m guessing that most Kansans go to the State Fair to ride rides or see the animals or go to a show or maybe browse through the many display buildings. Not us. We go to eat. Seriously…that is our main purpose of going. We love fair food.
I wasn’t sure if I could make it to the fair this year. It has been so hot and I didn’t know if my pregnant feet could handle all the waddling. But this weekend the weather was beautiful and we were craving some fair food, so we decided to give it a try.
We ate…
…and ate…
…and ate some more. Even Levi seemed to enjoy the fair food. His daddy was proud. My favorite fair foods…a big turkey leg, gater taters {with cheese}, and a big glass of Dr. Pepper. I know, really healthy for a pregnant lady, right??
Once our bellies were full we were off to check out the lawn mowers and tractors. Levi was in heaven.
He went from one lawn mower to the next yelling, “bon-mow wide, bon-mow wide”.
And of course we had to check out the tractors too.
Levi even scored an awesome John Deere hat which he didn’t take off for the rest of the night.
I’m not sure who enjoyed the tractors more, Levi or the “big” boys.
Me and my fair food eatin’, tractor lovin’ hubby. Gotta love him. And I do!
This was Levi’s only real ride of the night. The big yellow slide. He loved it and was ready to go again.
We checked out some animals on our way out. It was so fun taking Levi to the fair this year. I love that he is at an age where he is starting to get excited about going places. He talked about the bon-mows and tractors and cows and pigs all weekend. He thought it was great. He is easy to entertain. 🙂
Can’t wait to go again next year…with TWO boys.
* * * * * * * * *
ohdeedoh
You are probably very tired of seeing Levi’s room {if you are just ignore the rest of this}, but I just had to share another room tour with you. I was so excited and honored when Ohdeedoh contacted me about posting a tour of Levi’s room. It went live this afternoon and you can check it out here! I love Ohdeedoh and get so many great ideas there. Thank you Roni for your kind words about the space we created for Mr. Levi! 
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  • Sarah - We go to the fair to eat too. Love love love eating at the fair. My family has missed the state fair of texas maybe twice since I was born. I’m hoping I feel like going once the fair opens… at least for a half day. And hoping we have some more cool days once it opens too!

    I love Levi’s room.ReplyCancel

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  • The Carters - We only go to the fair to eat 🙂 We just did the MN state fair for the first time a couple of weeks ago. It was a HUGE fair!!ReplyCancel

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  • Rachel - I pray that there is fair food in heaven. Is that too much to ask for?
    (BTW…you look simply wonderful! Can’t wait to see baby bro when he makes his debut!)ReplyCancel

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  • Erin - I’m glad Levi’s room is on Ohdeedoh! I thought it deserved to be there. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - What a great article! You have an amazing talent in decorating! I know that is one of many, but you make every room look PRECIOUS!!ReplyCancel

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  • Meggie - Love all the pictures. And you look great, by the way! Just had to share: Our due dates were exactly one week apart (if I’m remembering correctly) and we just welcomed our 2nd baby boy on Saturday the 3rd… exacatly 2 weeks early. Just thought I’d share so you can make sure you’re ready, because we definitely weren’t! Thankfully we had lots of help with our surprise early arrival! =) I can’t wait to hear/read about Levi’s baby brother!ReplyCancel

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  • Leslie - Cute=Levi’s little feet in those flip-flops! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Leslie - Cute=Levi’s little feet in those flip-flops! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy Harris - congrats on ohdeedoh! i love these fair pictures. so cute. i kissed levi on the cheek yesterday and thought it was “out of my system” but then you posted pics. he is just so adorable.ReplyCancel

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  • Kelly - We skipped the fair this year but we only go to eat too. 🙂
    That picture of you & Joel (and baby brother!) is so cute! Baby #3 is going to love it someday!ReplyCancel

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  • Pamela - Okay, your little boy is just so cute!!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristi - Looks like a great trip to the fair. I think that you are in good company in as far as the fair food eating. That is my main reason in going to the fair!
    And congratulations on the Odeedoh feature!! I love that site!ReplyCancel

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  • Allison - Congratulations on making it on Ohdeedoh!! As I read the {great} article, I couldn’t help but wonder about baby brother’s room… I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up on Ohdeedoh in the future!

    God’s blessings on your mental and physical prep before brother’s arrival!ReplyCancel

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  • katherine - I saw the room tour on Ohdeedoh. Levi’s nursery is one of my favorites so I’d never get tired of seeing it! Congrats.ReplyCancel

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  • Wanting What I Have - SO! MUCH! FUN!

    And…just went over to check out Levi’s room – great post and as always, beautiful photos!ReplyCancel

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  • karen - My kiddos are heading to Hutchison this weekend with the grandparents while I am in Hillsboro for the craft show. The state fair is something my sweet peas look forward to every year and just love the big yellow slide too!ReplyCancel

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  • the breedens - Jealous! We love the state fair for its food too!ReplyCancel

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  • Maria - Every post takes my breath away. God Bless you and your adorable family. I know I am just a stranger to you…but I really want you to know that your strength inspires me!

    Levi is so cute…he kinda reminds me of my Mateo! 🙂ReplyCancel

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