Thank you for your many sweet comments as we welcomed Griffin into our family. We loved reading through them all. I noticed some of you mentioned that it was a good thing that I took that 40 week picture when I did…well…I just might have known that I was going to need to take that picture a few days early. I scheduled that post knowing that we would be heading to the hospital Tuesday morning to finally meet baby brother. A blogging girl has to keep a few things secret, right?
I am not big on sharing every detail of my birthing stories. For some that is great…for me it is too much information. I am kind of a private gal…which is a little hard to believe when so many of you know so much about me.
With each of my pregnancies I have had Joel keep a little journal of what happened the day each of our babies was born. My dad kept a journal the day I was born and I love having a record from his perspective of my birthday. So, here is just a little peek {without all the details} of the day Griffin was born…
With each of my pregnancies I have had Joel keep a little journal of what happened the day each of our babies was born. My dad kept a journal the day I was born and I love having a record from his perspective of my birthday. So, here is just a little peek {without all the details} of the day Griffin was born…10:45 – check in
11:30 – IV is in, monitors going, baby sounds good
11:40 – dilated to a 3
11:45 – start pitocin
12:15 – Joel goes to hospital cafeteria and eats a disgusting cheeseburger
{Jess is starving}
1:45 – contractions every 2-3 minutes, starting to hurt
2:30 – epidural
3:15 – water breaks, dilated to a 4
3:30 – dilated to a 9
4:00 – feeling ready to push…waiting on doctor
4:13 – Griffin James born after one push
Griffin must have been ready to meet his mama and daddy because he came fast! We of course fell in love with him the instant he arrived. He is such a sweet, laid back baby. We think he looks a lot like his big sissy which is bittersweet…but I love that he has some of her features. Here are a few more pictures from the hospital:
All ready to go home in his new stripey outfit. We were so excited to get home and finally be together. My blogging will probably be a little sporadic for the next few weeks. I might be a little busy snuggling with my sweet baby boy and lovin’ on my big boy too! I’m sure I won’t be able to resist sharing a few pictures though.
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by Jess
Mallory - Great pics! Will you tell us how you chose his name? I love all three of your babies’ names, so I’m just curious!
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Ingrid @ thesunnyside.me - Congratulation! He is so sweet….
You would have been so moved to hear Meg talk to all of us @ Blog Sugar last night…Cora was at the root of all good. Cora and God!!!
Many blessings to you and your beautiful family!
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Jamie - So sweet! Thanks for sharing your pictures! I totally get keeping your life private.
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Amy - He is so sweet, Jess! I see many glimpses of Cora in his sleeping pictures. But those eyes wide open?? I see his big brother. You are going to have so much fun with a houseful of boys! (all 3 of them!) Hugs to you!
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Anonymous - Delurking here…
I think he looks JUST like Joel in the pic of you holding him up in his striped outfit! Such a beautiful baby – congrats to the whole family!
Carrie in FL
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Kelly - Congrats! I think he looks alot like Joel
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Cora Bouch - Awww! He is SO sweet! Now I really have baby fever!
Congratulations! I am so happy for you. Know that I am praying for you and your precious family during this wonderful time. Enjoy those adorable little boys!
Cora Bouch
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Courtney Mayfield - Congrats! He is so adorable! Have fun snuggling your boys!
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The Lynch's - What a cutie!! Great pictures! Keeping a journal is such a great idea! Can’t wait to see pictures of Griffin with big brother! Enjoy your time with him!
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Ashley - The Christian Wife Life - Oh my word, he is beyond precious. That picture of you holding him up makes his cheeks look so squeezable. What a beautiful newborn. Congratulations.
Much love,
Ashley
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NickandKatieAdams - He is the most beautiful baby. And you look gorgeous. Glad that you all are happy and healthy. Congratulations
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Kristin - Beautiful photos! Congrats to all of you!
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Lara - Oh, those lips! Your entire family is gorgeous – can’t help but fall in love with the bunch of ya!
Enjoy your newest blessing!
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Amanda - I agree that he looks a lot like Joel in that first picture!! Congratulations I am so thankful to God for your newest blessing!
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Anonymous - He is so so cute. He is one lucky little boy to have such wonderful parents, a cute big brother and his angel sister in heaven watching over all of you. Congrats to all of you. Thanks for sharing the pictures and your life with strangers. You are an amazing woman and such an example to all who know you and those of us who read your blog. Mary from SLC Utah
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BriBedell - Love the pictures!!! He looks so sweet & chunky (my two favs in babies) One push? You go girl!!!
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meg - he is beautiful.
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Stacy - Congratulations Jess, Joel, Levi and of course, Cora too!! Griffin is absolutely perfect and precious. God Bless Griffin and your sweet family.
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Vera - In that first picture, I thought how much he looks like Cora. He is gorgeous! And he looks to content. Congrats again!
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Stef - what a cutie pie and what a fun birth list! I can’t get over the one push thing. WOW! My first took 5 hours of pushing, my 2nd took 45 minutes of pushing and my 3rd too 90 minutes. I’m jealous!
Also, I think Griffin does look like Cora. I can see Levi too, but I definitely see Cora <3
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Miss G - I love that you keep some secrets.
I think he looks so much like Joel. You look beautiful and yea for one push. Rest and enjoy! Kelly
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Jennifer - He is soooo cute!!!! Thanks for sharing such an important part of your life.
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Amanda - You’re a good secret keeper – not me!
I see his big sissy in him SOOO much!!! What a special special thing. I loved getting to see all these pictures – you got some super good ones!
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Kara Janzen - LOVED seeing more pics!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
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rae - My first thought when I saw the first picture of Griffin was how much he looks like Cora. Thanks for sharing pictures and about your day!
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Ashley - aw soooo cute!!
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Beth Ann - he is SO beautiful!
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Meghan - He is so beautiful! LOVE these pictures. Hope you can relax rest, and enjoy these cuddly moments with your boys.
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Kristen - He is perfect and you look gorgeous just after giving birth! Congratulations on the newest member of your family
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Auntie Mip - Oh Jess he is so beautiful. And he does look like Cora Paige! And that must be so bittersweet. And you look stunning and so naturally beautiful and the joy, the sweet contented joy. It radiates through the pictures and I am so silly happy for you.
There is nothing that can ever completely heal the broken piece of your heart. But two, healthy boys can certainly fill it so full that you can wait with joy until you are called to join Cora. God bless the Macs. Welcome to the world Griffin James. You are an eagerly awaited, much loved promise fulfilled!
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Anonymous - awesome!!!!
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Ailmik - He looks so sweet and just perfect. Congratulations and thank you for sharing his birthday. In one of the pictures he looks so much like Cora. The colored picture where he is on his side and his little aems a stretched out. What does Levi think of his little brother?
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AllTheKingsBlessings - I love it! He’s beautiful! I wonder if you could post pics of all three of your babies at the same age? I’d love to see how he compares to his big sister and big brother!! What blessings from God!!
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Sarah - Oh my! I struggled to keep back tears. You look beautiful and he’s so precious!! Loved all the pictures and his cute little going home outfit. It sounds as though everything went very smoothly, and I’m so glad for that
Congratulations to you all!
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Jennifer - Very handsome!! Yes, he does look like Cora! Love those lips!!
Love the swaddle blanket! Suzy Zoo!! Where ever did you find a Suzy Zoo receiving blanket!
Congratulations!!!
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The Sieberts - AWESOME pics Jess! congrats again!
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waiting - He is so cute! And so alert and bright-eyed! Can’t wait to see pics of Levi with him;) Hoping he is loving his new baby brother:)
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Melissa - LOVE those adorable lips!!! I’m sure they are just yummy for baby kisses
I’m glad to hear that everything went well. I can’t wait to see introduction pictures of Levi and Griffin. Rest and enjoy your sons 
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bayleesmommy07 - I love that your hubby writes down each of the births, that is an awesome idea
Griffin is adorable & he looks just like his daddy & I can see a lot of Cora in him too <3
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Anonymous - Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us. I have followed your blog since Cora’s illness and have never posted until now.
Griffin is beautiful and healthy. He does indeed look like big sister! Perhaps in time, that will bring some peace.
Congratulations to your family and thanks again for sharing with us
P.S. My husband and I had a baby daughter who passed away on 2/4/2006 and though our world will never be the same, we have managed to find peace in all that happened. JMK MD
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Carla - Oh he’s just so adorable. The first thing I thought when I saw the announcement pics was how like Cora he is. I even went back and looked at her newbie photo and the similarity is uncanny. He looks like Joel and Levi too….its just mommy I can’t see in there..that’s just not fair, sure it isn’t,after all your hard work!! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful family, enjoy the babymoon
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Anonymous - Oh my, he is adorable… he looks just like Cora. These pictures melted my heart and made my day! Congrats Macs, you’re in my thoughts and prayers! Love to all, Annabel x
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maticki -
))))) enjoy your wonderful baby! he does look like Cora
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vonFRINKenhagen - Precious! Stripes on a boy just might be one of my favorite things.
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Jenny - He is soooo precious!
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Nancy - He is so handsome & I love his head full of hair. You look spectacular!!!
Congrats to you both!!
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Sue - Congratulations! He is beyond handsome and you look so beautiful in the pictures. Some day he will treasure his daddy’s journal and the beautiful pictures of him with his beautiful mama who’s so obviously in love with him. So, so happy for you all.
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DianeTaylor - Oh Jess – these pictures speak volumes to me. What a sweet journey for you and Joel. I can understand being in love the second you saw Griffin. Enjoy loving on those precious babies – you know that Cora is smiling down on you and watching her new baby brother just like a big sister would do!
With love and God’s Blessings,
Diane and Dave Taylor, Baltimore MD
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Mum2twopreciousgifts - Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful pics Jess. And I was right. The package made it into the mail the day AFTER Griffin’s arrival. Which is shameful since it was sitting on my desk since last July. Sorry! I hope Levi is coping well with the addition of another person to his world and that you are getting enough sleep to think straight. Michelle from Australia xxxx
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Rachel - Adorable, so much sweetness! Thanks for sharing…
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Krystal - He does look like sweet cora! Wow! And his daddy
He is a beautiful boy!!! Congrats again!
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Mama Mia - Many congratulations all the way from England! All your children are beautiful
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Toni :O) - Been checking every day for new pics and boy was it ever worth the wait!!!! He is just a beauty and just so so cute!! Crazy you pushed once, wow, you are super woman! Congrats again and savor these sweet moments
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Andy and Cari - OOOOHHHH! He is just beautiful! I LOVE the second pic. And you look so beautiful…esspecially in the second to last pic.
Bittersweet is a great word for baby brothers who looklike there sister. However,I can tell you how wonderful it is to realize how many people remember what she looks like when you hear them say “He looks just like his sister”
we have the same infant carrier… does yours have nasty dried spit-up inthe cracks? or is that just me? after 3 babies… those things take a beating!
Congrats, again! 2(at home) is a BIG game changer. I will be praying for your days!
C
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Anonymous - He is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing him…and Levi and yourselves. And huge kudos for not sharing tooooo much! Too many blogging Momma’s share things they shouldn’t. Love that you don’t. I’ll be praying for sleep for you and a stress free adjustment period for everyone! Enjoy every little newborn snuggle!!! Such a precious time.
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Karina - He is gorgeous! He does look a lot like sweet Cora, but I think he is also the spitting image of Joel. Please give in to the urge to share more pictures any time!!!
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Tina - So happy for your family! I love the name you picked out, too. He is adorable! God bless!
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Baby Kate's Mom - He is gorgeous! Congratulations! I see some of Cora in his face too, especially the pics of her on your blog header. So sweet. I love his blanket, and those lips of his are soooo kissable!
God bless your sweet family <3
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Sarah - Congratulations. So sweet!
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Rachel - What a blessing! Thanks for sharing…praying for sleep
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Meggie - He is so, so adorable!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures! I’m excited we’ll share this season of life together (virtually at least!) because I have a 2 year old little boy and 3 week old baby boy. =) And I have to ask what type of paci he’s using. We are struggling with our paci’s because baby boy can’t hold onto them for long!
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Arianne - Aww, Congratulations!! Love the name!! We both have a Levi and a Griffin! (Grady Griffin)
He is adorable!! And one push, really? That is awesome!
Praying your ‘new’ normal will feel normal soon!
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SaffaKate - WOW! What a handsome, handsome little guy. Happy Birthday Griffin! (I love the name too.) Your labor and delivery sounds perfect (or maybe that was from the lack of details, hehe!) But I can only pray that in 7 months my delivery will be the same.
Thanks for sharing such sweet pictures.
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Kristin - wonderful pictures – you all look great! don’t blame you a bit for not sharing “all” the details.
enjoy getting to know the new little guy.
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Cow Pies & Mud Pies - Such a beautiful baby…congratulations to you and your family!
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Melinda - He’s absolutely beautiful, thank you for sharing with us!
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meg - I’m curious how you decided his name too! Like the first commenter said, I loved all three of your kids’ names, although I can’t remember what Levi’s is I remember loving it!
And I commented on your first post of Griffin how much he looked like Cora, and I pray that it turns more “sweet” than “bitter” for you, although I can imagine how it must feel a little bittersweet for you both.
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Kimberly - Such a precious post … praying for you & your family as you nestle in & get aquainted with your sweet little one. BTW, I love the stripey sleeper! Looking forward to hearing from you again soon but praying you get lots & lots of quiet time with your boys
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Kristin Stegent - Oh my goodness…he is just precious! Congratulations!! I cannot believe I missed the post that he was born! Love his name!
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kharner - GREAT post! We don’t need all the details! Just perfect! He is totally precious! And looks so snuggly! Gosh I love babies. So happy for your little family!
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Kelly Ford - He is seriously BEAUTIFUL!
Enjoy your time together… we can all wait on the pics (although, i might hit refresh every few minutes hoping for one! HA!)
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Allison - Griffin is precious! Congratulations!
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Anonymous - Oh, he is soooo sweet! I want to squeeze him now! We will be coming for a visit at some point to meet the newest Mac!! Andi
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Amy Williams - Gotta love those 3rd babies! They come quick! You went from a 4 to a 9 in 15 minutes?! Good thing you had an epidural in place or that would have been a wild ride! Congrats to your family. Babies are such a blessing!
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Dena - He’s beautiful! Congrats! Looking forward to seeing the boys together in pictures.
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Susanne - just had to say–that is one beautiful baby! and i’m not just saying that (all babies are so precious, but some really are not very cute). how did you select his name? i love griffin. congratulations!
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65 Roses for Marcia - SOOOO adorable!! Enjoy!
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Mandy - He is so beautiful, congratulations! Enjoy snugglin with your new bundle of joy!!!!!
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EricaG - Beautiful photographs. Thank you for sharing!!! Enjoy every moment with your precious family.
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Anonymous - He is BEAUTIFUL! He does look so much like your sweet Cora…by the way we are so glad your share your life and your sweet babies with us!
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Anonymous - He is so cute! I think he looks alot like Cora too. Congrats again!
Carley
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Paula - He is absolutely beautiful! I love all of the pictures. He looks so content and relaxed. I love the way he touches his paci, like he wants to do it himself. I think he will be strong and independent like big brother Levi! <3
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Maria - my heart is so happy for you..God bless!
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Aja - Congratulations!! He is just gorgeous!
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A Mother's Love - Awwww, he makes me want another one! How beautiful, and wow, he does look a lot like big sister! How is Levi doing?
I’m crying tears of joy for y’all!!
Congratulations, Kelley
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Kat and Crew - He’s gorgeous!! First thought of mine was that he looks like Cora. Blessings to you and your family.
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The Gambrel Family - Such sweet pictures!
What a wonderful idea and special memory to have your husband right down the details of that special day.
You look great, I wish the best for your family.
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molly - Congratulations! Griffin is SUCH a sweetie!
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Anonymous - More picture goodness!!! He is so, so precious! I think I see some of Levi in Griffin as well. What does Levi think of him? Is he ready to share Mommy and Daddy?
Hope you are feeling well and getting some rest. Lisa
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The Mershawn's - He is precious. Congratulations to you guys! Enjoy those sweet boys…
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Andy and Cari - I just came back to look all over again…still just as cute…
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Anonymous - So perfect
Thank you for sharing, he is just adorable. And I agree, so many similarities with Cora! She is the sparkle in both her brothers’ eyes! Take care and enjoy this stage, so precious! Tiffany
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Krystal - I’m thankful that Griffin is here delighting you. I’m praying for rest and recovery, and I’m praying for your hearts in this time that is so sweet and yet somewhat sad as you remember Cora.
Griffin will take on his own looks, as you probably know, and I think he will just look like himself to you as time goes by, but I think it’s neat that he resembles Cora. That’s just family resemblance. (I hope this comes across the right way; I mean it kindly.) I totally see Joel in all three of your kids.
Anyway, thanks for sharing the pictures! Griffin is just as adorable as Cora and Levi!
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Katherine - Wow! Your children are so beautiful. And yes he does look like Cora. Congratulations! Love the pictures.
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Jody - God is so good!!
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Julie - I’ve never commented before, but I had to say congratulations…when I saw Griffin’s 1st photo it took my breath away because I instantly saw Cora, and I think that is a beautiful thing. But also having lost my first baby (and being 32 weeks pregnant now) I was in tears thinking of how you must have felt the first time you saw him, love at first sight but remembering your sweet girl at the same time…but I think he is absolutely beautiful . Wishing you guys nothing but complete happiness:)
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Nicole - Congrats to you and your precious family! What a blessing to have brothers so close in age. I know you are so happy and proud and wow, he is a super cute newborn! Enjoy this sweet time as you adjust once again to having a new baby in the house. Blessings!
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We4Kingz - Congratulations!! Griffin is precious!!! I love his name. Can’t wait to her how “big brother” is doing.
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Jen - Your pictures are beautiful! Beautiful boy, beautiful Mama, beautiful family!
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Anonymous - Congratulations!! What a handsome little guy. He certainly looks like Levi and his dad. Of course babies change every day initially…. So happy for you that everything went well. Enjoy those little ones as you ‘train up a child in the way he should go’. God bless you all!
Brenda
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Melissa - Congratulations Jess & family! Griffin is seriously GORGEOUS! I thought he looked like his big sis right away too. I’ve got 2 boys myself (4 & 20 mths) & it is the biggest joy. To watch brothers interact, love each other, and the sibling bond form and grow is a miracle I feel blessed to be able to witness. I’m sure you will feel the same! Enjoy babymooning! Can’t wait to watch Griffin grow!
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Anonymous - You have such a beautiful family! Enjoy all your boys
Can’t wait to see more pictures and the stories of them growing up.
~Heather
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Sarah - Congratulations! Griffin is such a sweetheart. I can’t wait to see posts about Levi loving on his baby brother. And you look amazing in your pictures.
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Nancy - Precious!! Congrats!!
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Melanie Martini - Jess, thank you SO much for sharing the pictures of Griffin. I agree that he looks a lot like his big sissy…which I think is very sweet. Blessings to you ALL!
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patsy - i just found your blog and am in tears reading about your sweet cora. i am so inspired by your strength and look so forward to following your beautiful family…and congratulations on your new baby boy, he is a doll and you look amazing in your hospital pics!
http://www.missmaggierae.blogspot.com
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It's just Mommer - Such a handsome little man, congratulations.
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Holly - Congrats! He’s so precious!
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Tami - I don’t blame you for keeping things private! Thank you for sharing what you do. He’s precious just like your other 2 babies!
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Anonymous - Congratulations on the birth of Griffin! He is adorable and I definately think he has Cora’s mouth and when he is awake I see Levi…Glad everything went good and I wish you all the best with little Griffin! Melinda (New Jersey)
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Jennifer - Immediately I thought he looked so much like Cora!! Praying for you as you will always miss your sweet girl.
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Polka Dot Moon - Congratulations! Another beautiful addition to your family
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whitney tomlin - I was going to say he looks a lot like sweet Cora! Congrats!
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Jennifer C - Griffin is so beautiful! Congratulations to your whole family!! It sounds like a perfect birthday!!
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Anonymous - Beautiful, beautiful boy. (I think when they are babies you can call boys beautiful)
Those sweet lips remind me of Cora’s sweet face. AND you are giving me baby fever – thank you Jess! 
Blessings to you and the transition of 2 boys at home! Love, Carrie M.
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Anonymous - My husband has the same shirt and insisted on wearing it the day we had our daughter. “Start her off right!” was his remark.
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Bridget - He’s perfect! I miss two days of the internet and you go and have yourself a brand new baby! I am so happy for you, Joel, Cora and Levi. What a beautiful blessing Griffin is! I just love those newborn pictures and I can almost smell that perfect newborn head through the screen.
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Lane - PRECIOUS pics! He is adorable!
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Faith - He is beautiful Jess!!!
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Rachel - He is simply beautiful.
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danielle {breakfast at toast} - Jess, Griffin is so sweet! Congratulations! I’ve been thinking of you and am so excited for this update!!
When you are ready to add his
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jenn - Aw, what a blessed baby boy. Big congratulations Mac family! He is precious
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L ~ S - He is beautiful! He was born on my mom’s birthday =) I love the stripey outfit.
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Elisabeth @ www.modestbungalow.com - He is beautiful and you are too! SO happy for you. Can’t wait to have you back at BSF.
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nichole - I’m so happy for you!! He is just as beautiful as can be! Praying you are doing well:)
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