The Macs » Blog

 The worst part about today…
having to face Cora’s hospital again
the nervousness
the waiting and waiting
The best part about today…
still a boy!
baby brother is healthy {so relieved}
showing Levi pictures of his baby brother
I had my last sonogram and appointment with the specialist today. I am approaching 32 weeks already! The nerves always start to kick in a little as we face these appointments with the specialist. I think it is not because we really having anything to worry about. But more because we are reminded of why we are having to see a specialist in the first place…our baby girl died of cancer. 
Thankfully, everything looked great today. They checked Baby Brother’s adrenal glands, just like they did with Levi. They looked good. And my placenta previa corrected itself. Yay for no c-section! They said our little guy is about 4 pounds 9 ounces right now and still on schedule. He has at least a little bit of hair and I’m in love with him already.
I miss the days of blissfully going through a pregnancy without any cares. I never thought about specialists, or cancer, or the “what ifs” when I was pregnant with Cora. My biggest worries were getting the nursery ready on time and making sure I had all the right baby gear. But I also took a lot for granted back then. I now have a different perspective. Today I am thankful for each healthy doctor visit. I am thankful for each time the doctor gives us good news. I am thankful for every kick I feel from this precious life inside of me. And I am thankful for each day the Lord gives me with my children…even these days before I get to meet my little guy.

Being a parent is such a privilege. I can’t wait to be a mama again.

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  • Kat - He’s a lucky little dude to be born into such a wonderful family!ReplyCancel

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  • Meghan - Ah, that is so wonderful to hear. I am so excited for you guys!ReplyCancel

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  • Judy - You’re a great Momma!! Praise the Lord for a great doctor’s visit today! I’m continuing to pray for peace in your hearts and a healthy baby boy!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - Yay for healthy doctor visits, and for sweet baby boys!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - SO glad baby looks healthy! I’ve been praying for you, Jess.
    I recently had my 3rd miscarriage {after having 3 healthy kids pretty close in age} and God has taught me a lot through it all, but mostly, He’s taught me that His path is best and not to take any miracle as an everyday “thing” – every child is in fact a miracle and a blessing.ReplyCancel

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  • Givinya De Elba - I too was so relaxed in my first pregnancy. Now I’d have a history of pre-eclampsia and placenta praevia (that didn’t correct itself!) to muddle with my thoughts 24/7. I understand.

    I am so glad that your baby is doing well, and I pray that your last weeks before he is born are filled with bliss as you relax after hearing such good news today!ReplyCancel

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  • Christina - I was wondering…. when you had ultrasounds with Cora….did they see any problems then? {I’m thinking maybe they weren’t checking for anything specific with her ultrasounds}.

    {The only reason I ask is because they were checking Levi’s and the new baby’s adrenal glands.}ReplyCancel

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  • Rachel - Praise God for continued good news! Thank you for encouraging me and reminding me how blessed I am to be a Mom.ReplyCancel

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  • Meggie - Yay! Praise the Lord for good news! I had a normal, healthy pregnancy with my first little man and so far this one is the same. I’ll be 33 weeks tomorrow so we’re right there together! This time I am a little more anxious as I wait to meet our second baby boy. I’ll be praying for you too as we get closer and closer to adding another member to our families. =) selphpartyof3.blogspot.comReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - Praise God, for your healthy boy! That picture of Levi is so sweet. He seems like an incredibly smart little man.

    Your reminders to never take things for granted are a blessing. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the daily and other days I’ll never forget just how huge a privilege it is to be called Mommy.ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - Praying for you guys during this next journey!! So thankful that your baby boy is ok! Yay for no C-section!ReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - Every good report is treasured! I’m glad all is well.ReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - Jess,

    So glad to hear your appointment went great…. I had just said a prayer for you and the baby Tues. night and prayed especially for Cora to watch over you as you are getting closer to the big day of meeting this baby boy! Sure do miss you guys and hope you continue to feel great through the last 8 weeks 🙂 Stay cool and give your boys a squeeze from me!

    love always,

    Amie 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - This is wonderful news! Can’t wait to “meet” him. He’ll be perfect. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy Harris - your heart is so beautiful.ReplyCancel

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  • Miss G - Great post, Jess. I think of you often as my little guy is just a little younger than Levi. We have hit that always wanting to go outside stage that you’ve talked about and it helps me to think that there’s someone else who has to comfort and distract her son when we stay inside.

    Also, I have found that having my quiet time right after I put him down for his morning nap is working great! Thank you so much for the 30 day challenge.

    KellyReplyCancel

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  • Melissa Joy - This post blessed my heart. Thank you, Jess.
    I am expecting my second little boy too; my boys will be 3 1/2 years apart. I also have seven children in heaven. Like you, only my first pregnancy was carefree and whimsical. I miss some aspects of that greatly, yet the perspective you mention is such a gift to me as well! I take nothing for granted, and as I sit here reading about Levi and his Baby Brother, my own baby boy is kicking away in my womb which has me in joyful tears.
    God’s ways are not our ways: blessed be the name of the Lord.
    Thank you for constantly sharing your sweet perspective and beautiful family with us.ReplyCancel

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  • Marla Taviano - My friend and I were JUST talking about this (and you) last night. She lost a baby girl, had a healthy baby boy a year later, and is 16 weeks pregnant now. She loves and trusts Jesus but is still so anxious. There’s no such thing as carefree after you’ve lost a child, huh. Praying for both of you–that God fills your heart so, so full of his love and peace. Hooray for a wonderful report!!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - still a boy! love it 🙂 i can’t wait to see the little man in pictures!!ReplyCancel

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  • Jody - Yea!! I can’t wait to find out little brother’s name!!ReplyCancel

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  • nichole - praising with you:)ReplyCancel

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  • Carpenter's - I understand that feeling of high and low! But I LOVE LOVE the fact that you know being a mommy is an honor! I am excited for you!ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - Oh Katie. You have such a beautiful way with words, they give such a wonderful glimpse into your precious heart! Prayers of thanksgiving for a good visit are certainly in store! Praise be to God!ReplyCancel

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  • Jane In The Jungle - Amen….we are blessed with each and every one….especially the ones we’ll have to wait awhile to hold again.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I’m glad it went well for you.
    CarleyReplyCancel

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What do you think of our new hairdo’s?
Yesterday Levi and I had a little mama/son date to get our hair cut.
Don’t worry if you can’t really see the difference on me.
No Locks of Love this time…I just got a trim.
But I reluctantly decided it was time for Levi to have a haircut too.
It was time to say goodbye to those sweet baby curls…
or at least his daddy thought it was time.
Levi was very unsure about the whole thing.
He didn’t like the cape.
He had to have one arm out at all times.
My friend Aimee was so sweet with him.
{She is the best!}
And her little girl stayed close and fed him fruit snacks.
It did the trick for a while.
He sat perfectly still.
He was completely quiet.
And there was no sign of the smile that usually covers his face.
Very unlike him.

And just before it was time to cut the back and say goodbye to his sweet baby curls…
his big pouty lip came out and he cried and cried and cried.
I had to hold him for the rest of the haircut.
And then he sat on my lap for almost my entire haircut.
He sat so still and barely made a noise.
The haircut must have been as traumatic for him as it was for me to say goodbye to those curls!
He recovered quickly though once we left.
Here he is last night playing with his new big boy haircut.
He is seeming more and more like a BIG brother everyday.
{I had to keep those little sweet baby curls for his baby book…I just couldn’t part with them!}
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  • Liz - We are getting ready to get our little guy his first hair cut too and I am SO sad to say goodbye to his baby curls. Curls on a little boy are just the cutest!ReplyCancel

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  • Danielle H. - Of course you had to keep those curls! He is adorable! Your hair grows SO fast!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Katie - Awww… such sweet photos. He looks like such a little man!ReplyCancel

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  • Trish - awww… my little levi has baby curls too. he just turned one. i am hoping to keep them around awhile longer 🙂 they are just so sweet!

    so funny that he had to have his arm out of the cape 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Aww! He is so sweet! I think I would have cried as well! My daughter is almost 4 and I don’t ever want to cut her curls off! 🙁

    Your hair looks great as well! I need to get mine done soon!ReplyCancel

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  • The Fishers - I nearly cried when we finally had our sweet Eli’s baby curls cut at 21 months ~ his daddy also decided it was time. He’s had one more haircut since then but his daddy has graciously agreed to let them come back a bit this summer, agreeing to let him look like our little surfer boy. But alas, the next cut is scheduled in two weeks.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Oh, those sweet curls, so sad they are gone! I cried when mason got his first haircut – but then again, dave buzzed it, and it was quite traumatic seeing all his blond locks go. So I feel ya! In fact, seeing Mason’s hair go was harder than Taylor’s first haircut.

    You both look adorable!ReplyCancel

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  • Rich and Carolyn Dewey - I think that first haircut is harder on the momma – even though the little man has tears. He’s very handsome!ReplyCancel

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  • Meghan - Your pictures just make my heart melt. His little expressions are priceless!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Susy M. - He is so precious. God Bless him.ReplyCancel

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  • Erin Tagle - Awe, so precious! What a trooper though, you and him! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Ashley J. - WOW his first haircut looks good!
    I went home almost in tears after our sons first cut. He wouldn’t sit still (he’s a fighter, lol) so it was all uneven, and she did a horrible job in the first place.
    I told her I wanted to save as much of the hair as possible. She gave me a tiny little piece, about 6 little strands not even an inch tall. I was so angry.

    Levi’s hair looks great, and he did an amazing job sitting still!ReplyCancel

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  • The Drama Mama - It never fails, they look SO much bigger after that first haircut…and you’ve GOT to keep those precious curls! He is such a handsome boy!ReplyCancel

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  • Kelly - I just buzzed all the curls off my youngest boy. His hair was adorably long and curly but it was just too hot for summer. They’ll be back in the fall though! I love them!ReplyCancel

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  • Brigid - I just have to comment b/c I really think you may have cutest little son I’ve EVER seen. I’m expecting a little boy in a few weeks and I hope he’s half as cute!ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - Aw! It’s never easy to part with baby hair. My boy never had curls and I think it made it easier. It looks cute! I love that you had a friend who could do the cut for you.ReplyCancel

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  • Jen - Oh my word! Talk about tugging on heart strings! What a sweet post about a precious little boy. He looks so big now!! I thought it was hilarious that he had to have his arm out of the cape the entire time. And the seriousness of it all! Whew! haha! Thanks for sharing this big step with us, too! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - He’s so cute! That lip is precious!ReplyCancel

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  • Sharon - Jess, he definitely looks very big brotherly now! So cute and he was so serious during his haircut. Keeping those curls will be a sweet reminder.ReplyCancel

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  • Wendy McDonagh-Valentine - He’s turning into such a little man!! I love the photo with his lip sticking out!!! Looking at your photos reminds me so much of when my boys were babies. My daughter was born 14 months ago after having three boys. I’m thrilled that I have a little girl but there always be a soft spot in my heart for the boys. : )

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

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  • Faith - aww he looks absolutely handsome!!! great job levi! and great job mama! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy Harris - levi is so beautiful..i love his light blonde hair. i’m sorry you had to trim it. wilder is 3 and has had trims but we can’t bear to part with the long locks.
    it will probably be long until he is old enuf to decide what he wants. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - “Yesterday is history.
    Tomorrow is a mystery.
    Today is a gift.
    That’s why it’s called the present.” 🙂

    Wish we could just bottle our little ones up and keep them this way forever! Instead, we’ll just have to enjoy all that today has to offer. It’s a gift, after all.

    Sweet little curls or not, Levi is a doll!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - Jess, what kind of camera do you use? I’m sure you get asked that a lot! Your pictures are awesome! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Cindy - Awww…I am right there with you. My son is about 6 months behind Levi and has lots sweet baby curls too! I am torn on how long to let them go before I cut them…I’m not ready for my last baby to have a big boy look yet, but I don’t want him to start looking girly either 😉 Here’s to hoping I can keep those curls around another 6 months too 😉ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - he reminds me so much of sean when he was that same age and we brought talby home shortly after that first haircut. we couldn’t believe how old he looked after losing all those curls. and i did cry during the haircut.

    i don’t think levi could be any cuter.
    it’s impossible.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Levi looks so much like Joel. In the fifth picture down….its like looking at a side view of Cora, he totallt looks like sis in that picture…..so handsome…love himReplyCancel

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It was a long weekend. Mr. Levi kept me on my toes while his daddy put in lots of hours on the farm. Usually corn harvest isn’t until the beginning of September, but it is so dry this year that they are having to salvage the corn crop by bailing and cutting it for silage (which they use for cattle feed). Bummer. I guess this year we can be really thankful for crop insurance.  
And it is still hot. Really, really hot. We are really thankful for air conditioning too. 🙂
Friday morning when Levi woke up I decided that maybe since his sheets were turning brown from dirt it was time to wash them (boys are so dirty). I had him throw his favorite blanket into the washing machine too. He thought that was a great idea until he saw that it was getting covered in water. He cried and cried for his “baa-baa”. See his poor tear stained eyes?

 It took him quite a while and a little distraction before he recovered. I had no idea it would be so traumatic. I guess I will secretly wash his blanket next time.
We tried to keep ourselves busy inside that afternoon because it was too hot to play outside. Levi decided he was going to entertain his mom by trying to pick up and eat his bread without any hands. Silly boy.

We got tired of being cooped up inside, so we took a trip to the farm to ride with daddy. Unfortunately when we got there they had a truck breakdown, so we couldn’t ride along. Levi made sure to check out all the tractors anyway. He loves to be on the farm and climb in the tractors even if they are not moving.

He even thinks he is getting big enough to climb on everything himself. He was trying so hard to climb up that ladder, but his little chubby legs couldn’t quite make it.

And he still loves to ride the four wheeler with his dad and check on all the cows.

 Levi stays right by his daddy’s side and wants to do everything that he does.

 He will only stop for important things…like emptying the rocks out of his shoes.
The truck got fixed and the guys headed back to the field. Levi fed the cows before we left. He was trying to be so brave and put grass in the bunk, but when he got too close he threw it instead and ran away.

 At home the next morning Levi was still taking care of his cows (he likes to give them kisses)…
 and driving his tractors. Already such a little farmer.
Saturday we went back to the farm and this time Levi got his tractor ride.
In fact he got to stay and ride by himself for two whole hours. He was in heaven and I got to go to the grocery store all by myself. A treat for both of us.
These busy times on the farm can be wearing, but I am so thankful for the time that Levi gets to spend with his daddy. I know that he will learn so much from Joel during these times spent riding together…even while they are working. 
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  • Bethany - Wow! I can’t believe that about the corn. Yes, that goodness for crop insurance.

    The picture of Levi trying to climb the ladder was my favorite. Love those legs. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • This Farm Family's Life - Ugh! I feel so bad for you guys because of your corn. It is really dry and hot here in Indiana also. We are having our crop specialist out today to see how our crops are fairing with the weather. Fingers crossed, but yes thank goodness for crop insurance!

    Love the last pic!ReplyCancel

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  • HeatherS - I’m sorry to hear about the corn. But you’re right, it’s been incredibly hot and dry in Kansas this summer. Our worst summer in probably at least 30 years I’d say.

    When I would put my little girls’ favorite blankies in the wash we would say that we were taking them swimming (it was traumatic for my girls at first, too). My girls LOVED to swim and so I thought they might like to let their blankies swim. It worked!ReplyCancel

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  • Davene Grace - These pictures are precious! I especially like the one that shows Levi beside the tractor. Those wheels are HUGE compared to him. And then the one where Joel is sitting on the wheel and watching Levi–wow, how neat to see a father’s delight in his child like that picture shows!

    My boys have never been attached to any particular blanket, but when I have to wash their stuffed animals, I say that the animals are getting to take a swirly bath. Since my boys love baths, they’re willing to let their animals get the pleasure of a bath (in the washing machine), too. It works for us! 😉ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - so so so precious!! one day soon he’ll be working the farm with dad.
    sorry about your corn crops 🙁 it’s so HOT and dry. nothing’s growing is it?!
    my boys were so attached to their blankets i would wash and dry them after they fell asleep, and sneak them back in their bed before morning. i cried so much when we had to put them up for good at age 3.5 🙁 they were falling apart.ReplyCancel

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  • Debbie - My brother in law is a farmer down in indy, ks. His corn crops are the same as your 🙁 My sister is beyond thankful for the crop insurance! We live up in the city but my oldest son thinks farmers are the best. He’s only six but for the past 2 years he has said he wants to be a farmer like Uncle Kurt when he grows up. We just visited and he got to help feed the cows. MADE HIS WHOLE SUMMER! Love the pics of mr.levi.ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - The Baby saw these pictures over my shoulder and wants to know if that tractor was moving. 😉 And if Levi got to steer it all by himself.

    There’s a little bit of John Deere envy going on!

    (Levi is such a cutie!)ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - They are so cute together! Love the pic’s of your hubby smiling @ his boy!ReplyCancel

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  • esther - Love that Levi gets to spend so much time with his daddy at the farm…times like these are priceless—Joel seems to be an awesome dad…we did the same with our children and now we make lots of memories with the grandchildren, they all sit around and tell stories!! love it!!ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa Jensen - Jess–you take such AMAZING pictures!! I just love them and keeping up with your family! Cannot wait to see pics of your new little man:)ReplyCancel

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  • Shosh - he is so cute!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Have I ever mentioned that you take the BEST photos??!! Of course it helps that you have so many lovely subjects, right? God bless your week!ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - When my daughter was little, she would camp in front of the washer/dryer while her “booie” blanket was laundered. Your photography is amazing! (Of course, you have some great subjects to photograph!)ReplyCancel

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  • Brady and Nick - I may be biased because I have a fondness for sweet little blond haired boys (I have a 6 month old w/ blond hair and blue eyes), but Levi is so stinkin cute!! I’ve been praying for the crops in Kansas. We live in the middle of a bunch of corn fields around Andover, KS that our neighbors farm and it’s devastating to see what they’re going through. Prayers for your family and SO glad to hear you have insurance!!

    I also just wanted to say, I found your blog through a friend who I think may have taken care of Cora when she was in the hospital in Wichita. I started reading your blog while I was pregnant and now that I have my little baby to hold every day, it breaks my heart to think about what you and Joel must have gone through–and still go through–every day. I just want to make sure you know that even though I never met Cora, she has changed my life and made me hold my baby a little closer. I pray for you whenever she pops into my mind, which is almost daily. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us and Cora will NEVER be forgotten.ReplyCancel

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  • Wanting What I Have - This made me smile so big! How absolutely precious for Levi to spend that time with his daddy-seeing how he works hard! Learning what it means to grow up and cherish your wife and provide for your family. Wonderful and so precious! Beautiful pictures, as usual!ReplyCancel

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  • Erin Tagle - PRECIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • justme - my son grew up in the tractor with his daddy too. He is now 22 and is NOT planning to ‘come home’ to farm. But he treasures the lifestyle that allowed him to spend so much time with his dad as he grew up.ReplyCancel

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  • Congo Hope - So, so sweet to see the relationship between Joel and Levi. It is heartwarming!ReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - Jess…. he is getting sooooooooo big! Summer is flying by! Hope you are feeling good! School is just around the corner again so of course we are busyyyyyyyy! Miss you lots and love catching up with you and your family with your blog! Hugs to you all! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - absolutely love the “kissing the cows” picture!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Kimberly - Levi is such a doll! Love his blonde hair! : ) Do you mind if I ask where you found his shirt that says Half Pint Half Back? I saw a post awhile back of yours and loved it then also. I have a baby boy also and just love that. Thanks. : )

    Morrissey.Kimberly@gmail.com

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Your family is just so sweet. I have been following your blog for quite awhile. I prayed and prayed about Cora and as a momma my heart just ached for you. When I see these pics of your cute little Levi it makes my heart happy. My two boys are getting ready to start their freshman and senior years in high school. Boo-Hoo! I know you hear this all the time but enjoy EVERY second because I feel like I blinked my eyes and their grown. I would love to go back in time and just be starting my family.
    AndieReplyCancel

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  • Momma H - I wouldn’t think it possible, but Levi gets cuter on every post. Love the kissing the cow. What a sweetie.
    Sorry about the crop and all – this relentless heat is really trying!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Frenchs - What an amazing, amazing life this child has to be raised in the country! And, I LOVE the jammies!ReplyCancel

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  • Lana - I love, love, love the picture of Levi kissing the cows! Thanks for sharing. Blessings!ReplyCancel

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  • The Boccias - I know Joel pretty much always smiles anyway, but I love how he smiles when Levi’s around! Your pictures are SO good, Jess!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I love that your hubby is so willing to take your son with him!! My husband does a lot with my boys, but he woudn’t ever take him while working. I bet he loves the bonding time too! I love the pics and can’t wait to see the little brother! 🙂

    Tressa
    http://myblessedfamily-tressamomof3.blogspot.com/ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - the picture of Levi with the cows behind him made me LOL – so cute! And then the one of him kissing the cow … even cuter!ReplyCancel

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  • Chantel - HI – I have been following your blog off and on for awhile now. I love your stories about Levi, your crafts, and especially your photography. Your timing is great…the expressions you catch on Levi are just priceless!

    My husband also farms and we have a two year old boy and another baby on the way, so I can really relate to a lot of your stories. I think for a little boy, growing up on the farm is just like heaven 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Bridget - Your pictures are so great and so priceless! I love his new hair cut. He looks like such a big boy now!ReplyCancel

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  • Maria - Levi is a doll…his tear stained eye melted my heart! You seem like an amazing mom…the best compliment anyone can pay a mommy is to say her kids look happy….and Levi sure looks happy in his pictures! God Bless your sweet family….and congrats on the bambino to come!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - The first picture of Levi sitting on the counter looks like an ad for Multi-grain Cheerios! So cute!!ReplyCancel

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  • Beth - I love the picture of Levi sitting on the kitchen counter! He is so cute! Reminds me a lot of my almost-2-year-old.ReplyCancel

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  • Clownis - So sweet that he can farm with daddyReplyCancel

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Last week Joel and I took Levi to the park. I really wanted to try to get a few 18 month pictures. Joel came along to make Levi smile for me…and of course because we like his company too. But instead of looking at his mama and smiling, Levi ran and ran and ran…
and played and played and played…
and gave his mama “the look” when she pointed the camera at him.
I even tried to do one quick family photo and this is as close as we got. It was way too stressful for this little man to stop playing and take a picture with his mama and daddy. So I gave up.
And we just let Levi play instead. These pictures do a much better job of capturing Levi at 18 months anyway. He is constantly on the go.
And constantly performing. We were singing “Read your Bible…
pray every day…
and you’ll grow, grow, grow.”
While an 18 month old sure can wear a pregnant mama out, I am loving this age.
I love watching Levi’s little personality grow.
He is constantly making me laugh…just like his daddy does.
And he is a daily reminder to me of the blessing of life and God’s faithfulness to our family.
This is Levi at 18 months {just so his mama doesn’t forget}:
*You are a BIG boy and very heavy for me to carry around. Good thing you love to walk. Your official stats are 26 pounds and 2 feet 9 inches tall.
*You babble constantly and are saying so many words. My favorites are ma-ma {of course}, wide (ride), bon mow (lawn mower), ba-be (baby), mil (milk), du-see (Lucy, our dog), nay-new (thank you), duck (stuck) and wok-wok (rock, rock). You are starting to say people’s names too. It is so cute. And you even say “Joel” just like mama says it and then laugh. So funny.
*When you say goodbye to me you yell “bye-bye” and blow me a kiss or lots of kisses. Love it.
*You love to help your mama. You like to put away the silverware when I empty the dishwasher, throw trash away for me, walk down the driveway with me to get the mail, pick up toys, vacuum and sweep.
*You would stay outside all day if you could…even in the crazy heat we have been having this summer. You like to play in your sandbox, push your four wheeler, swing, play in the water, and collect rocks and sticks.
*You love wrestling with your daddy. You run and jump on him and laugh and laugh and laugh.
*You love to “wide” with daddy. He always gives you a ride in his truck up and down the driveway when he gets home from work. And if you get to ride on his four wheeler or in one of his tractors you think it is the best day ever.
*Actually you love doing ANYTHING with your daddy. 🙂
*You are a major performer and love it when people laugh at you. You like to show people how you know all the different parts of your body, your “fast feet”, give people “the look”, dance, give high fives and fist bumps, and sing songs.
*You are such a good sleeper at night and usually take a long afternoon nap. You like to rock-rock, read books, and sing songs before bed. It is one of my favorite parts of the day. Hopefully your brother gets your sleeping skills!
*And speaking of brothers…you are going to be a BIG brother in about two months. So hard to believe. You are a sweet, sweet boy. It is such a privilege to be your mama and spend my days with you. I can’t wait to see you as a big brother!
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  • Amy - I love this post, Jess. Levi looks so much like Joel in some of these pictures! Such a sweetie!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - I just love your little guy so much!!ReplyCancel

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  • tmezzy - Beautiful photos 🙂 I love action photos better than the posed ones when I take my daughter’s pictures, too 🙂 (and I take a lot of pictures! LOL) You are right, it captures their personality! Perfect 🙂

    I really enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for sharing with a “stranger” like me. . .

    I’ve followed your blog for a very long time, but don’t know if I ever posted, except for a recent giveaway perhaps? I can’t even remember how I found your blog in the 1st place. . .but your story touched my heart, and I couldn’t look away. I’ve been peeking in and following your journey every since 🙂

    Terra M.ReplyCancel

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  • Littlest Learners - The picture of him zooming around the slide is beautiful. I’d take that over a posed pic anyday. You did a great job capturing him at this age.

    ❤Jodi from…
    ★★The Clutter-Free Classroom★★
    Helping Teachers Get OrganizedReplyCancel

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  • Stef - “the look” cracks me up!

    Happy 18 months, Levi!!ReplyCancel

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  • Wendy McDonagh-Valentine - He’s so beautiful, Jess!! I have to say your husband definitely has the dominant genes in your relationship!! First Cora and then Levi ~ both “mini-me’s” of your husband. I’ll bet you can’t wait to see what the next little one looks like. God bless you all. 🙂

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

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  • Rich and Carolyn Dewey - Absolutely precious!ReplyCancel

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  • This Farm Family's Life - I think 18 month pix are the hardest. Both of my girls are on the move in their 18 month pictures. As a photographer, I try to just capture them in the moment, but when you are the mom trying to take the pictures it’s even harder. You did a great job!ReplyCancel

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  • Sharon - Levi looks so adorable. He is definitely a bundle of fun. Happy 18 months Levi!ReplyCancel

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  • Elisa Seaba - I just love his “look”!! It is so darn cute!ReplyCancel

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  • mama b - oh my goodness…i feel for you! my 13 month old boy weighs 26 pounds too! but i am not pregnant – can’t imagine carrying him around with a baby in my tummy! his THREE year old sister only weighs a pound more than he does! they are built so different. i hope sweet levi is not making you carry him too much! you poor thing!ReplyCancel

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  • mama b - oh my goodness…i feel for you! my 13 month old boy weighs 26 pounds too! but i am not pregnant – can’t imagine carrying him around with a baby in my tummy! his THREE year old sister only weighs a pound more than he does! they are built so different. i hope sweet levi is not making you carry him too much! you poor thing!ReplyCancel

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  • Melanie Martini - Jess, your pictures are great! You have perfectly captured Levi and his beautiful, sweet spirit.ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - His smile is so precious!
    I think he could be a toddler boy model 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • molly - Ha! I love that you said he ran and ran and ran. That reminds me of when I was 32 weeks pregnant and getting maternity photos. My boy was about 19 months at that time and all he did was run during the photo shoot. But because our photographer is good we still got amazing shots!

    These photos turned out really great. He is so cute. My favorite is the big smile after coming down the slide!ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - This fills my heart with so much joy for your family. Thank you! (And: you are an excellent photographer, Jess!)ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - Levi is an absolute DOLL, just like his sister. No doubt baby brother will be, too. Bet you can’t wait to find out! 😉

    Reading your blog is like a breath of fresh air. You inspire, entertain, and educate through every post you write. Most importantly, your faith shines through everything you say and do. Thank you. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Faith - Aw sweet post! He is so cute! Love “the look”!!ReplyCancel

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  • Bridget - He is just so cute! He reminds me of my first boy at that age. He too never wanted to come inside or stop playing. They just have so much energy! I had our second child, a girl, just two days after my first turned 18 months. Exhausting! Best of luck to you. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Gosh, he’s just beautiful and he’s SO happy!!! What joy!!! He brings a smile to my face every.single.time I check your blog and it has pictures!ReplyCancel

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  • Barb - Levi is an absolutely beautiful little boy and it is obvious that he is much loved. These pictures are much better than anything posed…shows his outgoing and precious personality!!ReplyCancel

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  • Krystal - I think you got beautiful pictures! He is a cutie pie!! Enjoy them, they grow soooo fast!ReplyCancel

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  • Patricia - OH MY Goodness ! This is a precious baby ! So beautiful….ReplyCancel

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  • danielle @ take heart - he is so sweet. what a great big brother he will be!ReplyCancel

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  • AshleyAnn - Great shots…love all the slide ones!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin Stegent - He’s adorable!ReplyCancel

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  • griffin :: eighteen-ish months » The Macs - […] you want to see Levi at 18 months click here. I always think it’s fun to compare and see how much they have […]ReplyCancel

The winner of A Place of Quiet Rest is…
Arianne
Congratulations Arianne! Send me your email address and I will get your book in the mail.
* * * * * * * * *

I keep forgetting to mention that Levi’s room was featured on The Good Stuff Guide last week.
You can check out the post here.
* * * * * * * * * 
Just a reminder…
If you haven’t checked out the Keeper of My Heart giveaway, you should.
The giveaway ends this Thursday.
Lots of great stuff you can win.
And a sweet little boy to help bring home.

* * * * * * * * *

Hope you are having a great start to the week.
Baby Brother’s room is getting painted tomorrow.
Yay for getting lots of things done!
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