The Macs » Blog

monday.

Yesterday I was really missing Cora.
I think it might be the anticipation of her birthday coming up.
It is so hard for me to believe that she would be two.
I haven’t really been looking forward to this week at all.
I’ve been fighting back the tears and just feeling sad.
But this little guy helped me start off Monday with a smile.
He went back to sleep this morning and let his mama sleep until nine.
That’s right, I said NINE!
What a great way to start off the week.
He must have known his mama needed a few extra hours of sleep today.
And then he woke up with those big bright eyes.
He just cooed and smiled.
So sweet.
After a slow morning we headed into town to pick up Annie from preschool.
We had lots of fun with her.
We drove through Wendy’s for lunch.
She thought that was so great.
And then we went back to her house to eat.
Annie gave “Le-bi” lots of love. 
She told me she LOVED babies.
And I think Levi loved her too.
Look at that smile.

She bounced all around him and he just watched and watched.
It made me wonder how things would be different for Levi if Cora was here.
I am so sad for him that he won’t get to grow up with his big sister.
Thankfully we are blessed with so many friends to keep him entertained.
Annie came along with us to Walmart too. 
She was very good at checking on Levi to make sure he was okay.
She’ll be such a good little mama someday.
Levi had his eyes closed the whole time.
He didn’t know he was missing out on all the Walmart fun.
Annie’s mom is heading to Africa today.  
I know that she would love it if you would pray for her and her group!
Levi and I ran home for a few hours after hanging out with Annie.
I was hoping to get this posted then…but obviously that didn’t happen.
We ended the evening at my brother’s basketball game.
They are starting sub-state this week and won tonight!
Way to go Owen!
And that was our Monday.
*************************************
Hopefully you heard that Calla is home!
I got to see her yesterday and she looks great.
Ian and Julie are so glad to have their family together again.
So…this week we are finishing up Cora’s for Calla.
I have lots of donated items left, so it is going to be a busy week.
There will be a giveaway each day.
More auctions too.
So keep checking back.
Help me welcome Miss Calla home!
Pray for Calla.
Stop by and encourage the Johnsons.
And if you are interested in leaving a donation for Calla and her family 
you can use the donate button on the sidebar.
Now for today’s giveaway…
Corduroy Dress
This dress is size 12 months. Isn’t that big pink bow adorable?
Flower Onesie
Gerber long sleeve onesie size 12 months.
Giveaway participation is free. Anyone can enter by leaving a comment on this post. As you leave your comment please remember to pray for Calla and her family! Comments will close Tuesday at midnight (central standard time). The winner will be randomly selected.
And…Ellen at The Little Sweet Peas has so generously offered to donate 15% of her Etsy sales to Cora’s for Calla through the end of the week.  Just mention “The Macs” in the notes to seller.
Kathryn at Creative Glory has also extended sales of the Calla Tutu. She will be setting aside a portion of each Calla Tutu sold to give to Cora’s for Calla through the end of the week.
Thanks ladies!
More to come in the morning…

sharepinTweet
  • Wired Whimsy - So happy to hear that Calla is home. Praise God!

    Mr. Levi is more adorable every time you post new pics. How’s that possible?ReplyCancel

  • Kristi M. - Yeah! Calla is home. How exciting!ReplyCancel

  • Tristan - Sorry you are missing your precious baby girl 🙁

    Levi is such a doll!!

    Praise God that Calla is home!!

    I LOVE that little dress!ReplyCancel

  • Rose - It is a fabulous news that calla is home.

    The dress is soooooo cute. love the bow!would love to have it on my darling daughterReplyCancel

  • Rachel E. - I am so happy to hear that Calla is home! Praying that she continues to grow and stay healthy & out of the hospital.ReplyCancel

  • Devon - my boys would have been 2 on march 5th too…so i feel your pain and i’m having a tough week with you…

    i have a five month old at home so she’s a blessed distraction.

    know i will be thinking of your cora this week!ReplyCancel

  • Marla Taviano - My dear friend Amy gave birth to a beautiful baby boy today. And last year on March 6 she said good-bye to her baby daughter Abigail.

    I told her about your blog a few months ago, and she’s always telling me how encouraging it is to know that someone understands.

    Please pray for Amy and Billy this week as they celebrate Gregory and miss Abigail.

    Thanks, Jess! Praying for you as you long for beautiful Cora!!ReplyCancel

  • Jessica B - Cora is home…great news!

    Your little Levi is the cutest thing. I am sending thoughts your way as you head into this tough week.ReplyCancel

  • Cyndi - I’m so glad that Calla is at home with her family.
    Levi is simply precious. I continue to pray for you and Joel.ReplyCancel

  • Selina - Levi is gorgeous! He is going to be such a spunky man!ReplyCancel

  • Tyler and Gillian - Praying for you guys! Love that dress!!ReplyCancel

  • louise - How gracious God is to bless the Johnsons with sweet Calla being home! May He bless her with continued good health.

    Levi is such a handsome boy! What joy he must provide for your family!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - YAY so happy Calla is home and praying so hard for your family as well as Calla and sweet baby Layla Grave praying they find a cure for childhood cancer as well to many babies are taken from this dreadful disease.
    Love and prayers from Summer & family in CaliforniaReplyCancel

  • Teresa Peschke - oh my gosh that dress is so cute and my little angel is almost big enough for it. I’m so happy that Calla is home! What a great Blessing!
    Your little Levi gets cuter each time you post pictures of him!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - It is so wonderful to read that Calla is home -what a wonderful service you are doing for the family!
    Levi is precious too!

    Thank you,
    Rebecca EReplyCancel

  • Sue - Good luck for the week ahead. It will be tough, but it will also come to an end. Enjoy your little guy and plan something special to do on Cora’s birthday. Sue XReplyCancel

  • Diana - How wonderful that Annie and Levi spent time together… adorable smiling laughing sharing day! Mr. Levi is just so handsome and huggable!

    Praise the Lord that Miss Calla is home! What a blessing for her family!

    Sending you {hugz and prayers} for your week. The Lord is with you, dear one.

    Love the dress!ReplyCancel

  • Kristie - I have been following your blog for awhile. I was wondering where can I find some pictures of Cora’s playground? You are doing an awesome job with your little guy. I have lost a baby born at 34 weeks and went to be with Jesus after her to short 15 hours here on earth. Ohh how I miss her so. I feel your pain. Please know that God is always near:)ReplyCancel

  • The Mumaw's - So happy Calla is home! ALways praying for both of you 🙂
    Amy Marinello MumawReplyCancel

  • Beth C. - I have been following your blog for several months now. My heart will be with you during this difficult time.

    I am also very happy to hear Calla is home!

    My sister just had the first grandchild and my first neice on Jan 18th! See is just starting to show her beutiful smile (Levi’s smile is amazing!)

    God BlessReplyCancel

  • Melinda - What wonderful news! So happy to hear that Calla is home.ReplyCancel

  • amy - Levi has an adorable smile!

    Yay, Calla!

    Hugs to you, Jess…ReplyCancel

  • L ~ S - That dress is adorable indeed!ReplyCancel

  • Keith and Laneigh Freeman - Praying for Calla and her family as they transition into this time with her at home.ReplyCancel

  • kristin - it was nice to finally “meet” you and put a real life person to my prayers. your strength and perspective continue to comfort me.

    take care.ReplyCancel

  • kristin - it was nice to finally “meet” you and put a real life person to my prayers. your strength and perspective continue to comfort me.

    take care.ReplyCancel

  • kimalli1 - Levi is just the cutest, and apparently a genius for knowing his mama needed a bit of extra time in bed. :o)ReplyCancel

  • torinem - So glad to hear Calla is home! Your little Levi is so adorable!ReplyCancel

  • Rebecca - Happy to hear that Calla is home!! Praise God for that wonderful blessing.

    HReplyCancel

  • Patricia - Those cheeks on Levi ! I could kiss them forever !!ReplyCancel

  • Colleen - Levi is absolutely adorable and I’m so glad to hear that Miss Cala is home with her family. More prayers coming their way!!!ReplyCancel

  • Nicole - I’ve been following Calla’s story thanks to your blog. So glad she is home!

    Levi is absolutely precious. Squeeze and love on him extra in these hard days to come.

    In my thoughts and prayers.ReplyCancel

  • Jodi - That dress is adorable! I’ll be praying for you and Julie this week.ReplyCancel

  • Bridgette - YEAH!!! So glad Calla is home… Praying for your heart- hang in there Jess!

    — Bridgette

    smilin.bridge@gmail.comReplyCancel

  • Kimberly Anne - So glad Calla is home – Praise the Lord!! Sending prayers everyday!ReplyCancel

  • Tina Coleman - Praying for Calla–praise God she’s home!
    Loving your little Levi–he’s precious!
    Lifting you up this week as you remember and miss sweet Cora!
    Love,
    Tina ColemanReplyCancel

  • Courtney and the Boys - Praying for Calla…and you!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Praying for Calla! Such a cute dress!

    RebeccaReplyCancel

  • Ashley - So glad to hear that Calla is home where she belongs, and that your friends can finally adjust to being a family all together! I am sorry that you are struggling right now with missing Cora. I will keep you in my prayers, I can’t imagine… Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

    On a lighter note, the dress and onesie are so beautiful! They would fit my daughter and I’d love to be entered into the drawing. Thanks for reminding us through this raffle how important it is to do everything we can to support our friends.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Little Levi is so adorable!!! So happy that Calla is home!!! What a great friend you are!! Praying for you and Calla’s family too!!!

    Samantha D.ReplyCancel

  • JESSICA - Levi is always wearing things that my son wore. My son turned two in January, but I remember those Old Navy & GAP outfits like it was yesterday. He is adorable, and his momma has good taste in clothes. 😉

    What a blessing that Calla is home. YAY!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Denise - I have been keeping up with Calla, so glad that precious baby is home.

    Levi is so so adorable! I love looking at Cora’s pictures, she was (is) the most beautiful baby, her complextion, perfect. I know you miss her!ReplyCancel

  • Holli Taylor - I know Julie is so relieved. Cute onesie!ReplyCancel

  • C Golden - So glad Calla is home!ReplyCancel

  • Caroline - Praying for you, your family and sweet Calla! Levi is a cutie patootie!ReplyCancel

  • Megan - This will be a hard week but God is unfailing in his mercy and grace. I am so glad that Calla is home. Going over there to leave some encouragement now…ReplyCancel

  • Tara - So happy baby Calla is home. Thinking and praying for them all the time!

    Also thinking and praying for you and Joel as you face another tough week. The good news is Cora is going to have one AWESOME party up in heaven with Jesus! And even better news is someday you are all going to be up there celebrating with her. Levi is precious beyond words…I am so glad he is here to help you through the difficult times.

    Hugs!
    Tara G.ReplyCancel

  • michelle - so glad calla is home!ReplyCancel

  • linzypooh49 - Love the dress! Exciting that Calla is home!ReplyCancel

  • Amy - LOVE the dress. Might just have to buy one.

    So glad calla is home.ReplyCancel

  • Beth - What a cute dress!!! SO glad Calla i home!!

    tbmroberts at yahoo dot comReplyCancel

  • Blaze - Glad to hear Calla is home! She is adorable and so it little Levi! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Amanda - I am so happy to hear that Calla is home. I’ve been trying to follow their blog as well but you got to break the good news.

    I was wondering how this week was going for you. Are you doing anything special for Cora’s birthday?ReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - Yay for Calla being home! Your Levi is so cute too!ReplyCancel

  • Trisha Larson - Jess-

    Friday is my Nate’s 2nd birthday too. I am worried about this day and how I will handle it. I want to celebrate his life but I am sad that he is not with me to do it.

    Eventhough we do not know each other, we will be going through this experience together. I hope that God carries us both!

    Hugs,
    TrishaReplyCancel

  • Shannan - All these babies are so precious..praying for them all!ReplyCancel

  • Kate - So glad Calla is home. What a blessing!ReplyCancel

  • Vicki - I’m so glad Calla is home! I remember those days of anticipation – will it be today? That is a very sweet dress!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - So glad to see Calla is home. What a miracle. I will continue to pray for her family and for your family as well!

    Tiffany
    vballtf@hotmail.comReplyCancel

  • Jennifer - Amazing to hear that baby Calla is home with her family! Wow! God is good! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Tina Coleman - I LOVE the dress and the onsie!

    tcoleman@iisd1.orgReplyCancel

  • ShelbyRose - oh how cute is that dress! please enter me in the giveaway! thanks i will continue to pray for calla!
    🙂ReplyCancel

  • Brandi - I’m so happy that Calla is home! The dress is so cute!ReplyCancel

  • Angela - How exciting for Calla and her family!! I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers!!ReplyCancel

  • Lane - So cute! Praying for Calla and her family!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Just wanted you to know that I am praying for you this week as I can only imagine how much you are missing sweet Cora with her birthday coming up on Friday. So glad to hear that Calla is home, what a blessing for your friends.

    God bless your family, I hope you find strength to get through the week and love up on little Levi lots 🙂

    babykatesmomReplyCancel

  • Heather - Praying for you and your heart as you long for Cora and also enjoy your precious Levi.ReplyCancel

  • Melissa Joy - This post (as per usual) put tears in my eyes. We are so thankful that Calla is home. And we are so thankful that Levi is encouraging you through some of these awful dark days. The Lord be with you.ReplyCancel

  • The Perfect Trio - Hey, I recognize that Annie! She’s so cute! It’s great of you to help out while her momma is away doing a great thing for others.

    I would love to win that dress!!!

    Melissa
    jakemelissajakea@aol.comReplyCancel

  • Lara - Your little Levi is adorable.

    I have been following Calla’s family’s blog and I am SO glad she is home!

    I LOVE that dress, my baby girl would love it too!

    I will continue to pray for Calla, and for you and your family as Cora’s birthday approaches.

    *Hugs*ReplyCancel

  • Karla Stephens - So happy that Calla is at home with her loving family! Still praying for her to continue to grow and thrive. I can’t wait to get the Calla tutu for my two year old that I ordered!ReplyCancel

  • Karla Stephens - So happy that Calla is at home with her loving family! Still praying for her to continue to grow and thrive. I can’t wait to get the Calla tutu for my two year old that I ordered!ReplyCancel

  • Cass - what a sweet little dress!ReplyCancel

  • Shelley - So glad to hear Calla is home. We will continue to pray!ReplyCancel

  • Joyanna - Yay for Calla!ReplyCancel

  • Melanie - Yeah for Calla and her family! What a beautiful dress.ReplyCancel

  • LL - So glad Ori has met his sister! Love the Levi pictures!

    Laura
    Lauramlyons-at-gmail-dot-comReplyCancel

  • Todd and Courtney - I am soooo excited that Calla is home!!!!! CourtneyEStephenson@Gmail.comReplyCancel

  • Ali (alistells@hotmail.com) - Praying for you and Joel as Cora’s bday
    approaches.ReplyCancel

  • Hailey - Prayers in NC.

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway. The dress and onesie are too cute!ReplyCancel

  • Jamie - I will be praying for you as you remember Cora’s birthday and for Calla’s family as they adjust to a new schedule this week.ReplyCancel

  • Patty - So happy to know Calla is home with her family. What great news! And your little guy is absolutely adorable..love that smile!ReplyCancel

  • mytwoboys - Glad Calla is home. Continued prayers for the Johnsons. Levi is adorable.ReplyCancel

  • CJAlabama - Horray for Calla being home! Love the cute dress give away!ReplyCancel

  • mommyofkgrc - hooray that precious calla is HOME!!!ReplyCancel

  • julie - Love your blog and your clothing.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Still praying!

    Susan Wilke
    wilkefamilyemail@gmail.comReplyCancel

  • The Hams - So happy to hear that Calla is home! Your little Levi is so handsome =)ReplyCancel

  • April - That little dress is so adorable but not as cute as your little boy!

    Thanks
    April

    guy015 (at) gmail (dot) comReplyCancel

  • Kati Mendez - LOVE that dress! And that Calla is home!! Praise the Lord!ReplyCancel

  • The Simonsons - So glad to hear that Calla is home!! What a joyous occasion for all of them!
    Levi is just beautiful!! Knowing that your heart is aching for your precious little girl leads me to prayer even more! Thinking of you this week!!ReplyCancel

  • purplemoose - Sleeping in is so lovely!! Please put us in for the giveaway.ReplyCancel

  • megan - Glad to hear Calla is home I have been praying.
    Levi is so cute!!!ReplyCancel

  • Nicole - So thankful to hear Calla is home!ReplyCancel

  • Micah - This is so cute!ReplyCancel

  • Watch Calder Grow! - Thrilled to hear that Calla is home!ReplyCancel

  • gwswenson - Happy Homecoming, baby Calla!

    I know the sweetest baby girl who would look precious in this cute dress!ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer - praying for you and baby calla

    jenniferReplyCancel

  • Sarah - So happy to hear that she’s home! I read their blog the other day, about the possibility of being able to take her home, but hadn’t checked back in yet. So awesome that they’ll all be together now.

    What a fun time with Annie, I love that big grin he has while Annie hangs over the couch.

    Lots of prayers for you this week…ReplyCancel

  • Sarah - So happy to hear that she’s home! I read their blog the other day, about the possibility of being able to take her home, but hadn’t checked back in yet. So awesome that they’ll all be together now.

    What a fun time with Annie, I love that big grin he has while Annie hangs over the couch.

    Lots of prayers for you this week…ReplyCancel

  • Ethansmom08 - So happy to hear about sweet little Calla! Wonderful news! 🙂 I think that Levi and Cora look so much alike…both equally adorable! Sending many prayers your way.ReplyCancel

  • The Sieberts - so happy Calla is home!ReplyCancel

  • Hope - I’m glad Ms Calla is home! And your little Levi is too cute 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Jane - so happy to hear Calla is home!
    love the photos of your little fella – he’s just amazing!ReplyCancel

  • Wehaf - I’m glad to hear that Calla is home. She is in my thoughts.

    urchiken at gmail dot comReplyCancel

  • Tony and Lindsay - I love following your blog. I’m so happy Calla is home!
    PS: I love the cute clothes! 🙂

    Lindsay SlategrethReplyCancel

  • Mindy M. Harris - I hope to get to see the Johnson’s soon; i’m going nuts!ReplyCancel

  • katherine - So glad Calla is coming home!ReplyCancel

  • Kelly - So happy Calla is home and your lil’ man is adorable!

    Blessings~ReplyCancel

  • The Mershawn's - Super cute girly stuff. SO glad that sweet girl is home where she belongs. What a breath of fresh air for them. Praying for you…keep lovin’ that sweet, sweet boy:). And Miss Annie….so cute:).ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - you are so inspiring – praying for you and Calla!
    allysonroach@yahoo.comReplyCancel

  • LibraryGirl62 - I have little girl in mind who would LOVE these 🙂 Praying for all.ReplyCancel

  • McArthur - So awesome that Calla is home – God is good!ReplyCancel

  • Betsy - Thank God that Calla is home, my prayers have been answered.

    Thank you, thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Ashley - YAY!!I’m so glad she’s home! That dress is adorable!ReplyCancel

  • Amy Croley - Praying for Calla! Little Levi is so cute!ReplyCancel

  • Whitney - Levi is so handsome.

    🙂ReplyCancel

  • texasinafrica - SO CUTE!

    Glad to hear that Calla is home and safe!ReplyCancel

  • Jerri Walker - What a miracle for baby Calla! And how wonderful for them to have a friend like you to help out so much!ReplyCancel

  • Stacy - This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyCancel

  • Stacy - I was thrilled to learn Calla made it home. I will continue to pray for her.

    Your little Levi is precious!!

    God Bless you Jess and your sweet family, especialy Cora : )ReplyCancel

  • forr2girls - So thankful Calla is home! Still praying!ReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - I am so glad to hear that Calla is home, and Levi is so precious!ReplyCancel

  • katesmom - So happy to hear that she is home and well!ReplyCancel

  • Jody - Great news about Calla! And I’m thinking of you Macs this week.

    I love the dress!! My niece will be 1 in August and that would make a sweet outfit for her to wear in pictures by Aunt JoJo.ReplyCancel

  • Jess Reimer - Cute cute giveaway items!!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - We are so happy Calla is home! What a wonderful blessing for Julie and Ian!
    Missy GreenReplyCancel

  • cupcakefitz - The photos of Cora and Levi as look alikes is so neat. You can see so much of her in him. I’m thinking about and praying for you this week.ReplyCancel

  • haydee - I am so happy to hear that Calla is home.

    brasma1@hotmail.comReplyCancel

  • meg duerksen - how did i miss this?!!
    so cute! thank you so much for watching her and helping her feel safe. she loved it. 🙂ReplyCancel