getting ready
Only three weeks left...
Everything looked good at my appointment yesterday.
And I am even feeling a little more prepared for the arrival of Baby Mac.
My mom and I tackled Cora's room this week.
I was SO hard to go through all her things.
Toys, books, blankets, clothes, hair clips...
So many of those things I hadn't really looked at since we took Cora to the hospital.
So many memories came flooding back.
I was so thankful that my mom was there to help me.
To cry with me when I found things that made me burst into tears.
And to help me just keep going.
I think I would have been tempted to shut the door and not face it when I really needed to.
Before we went through anything, we just cleaned the room.
I wanted to leave it just like it was and take some pictures.
I don't think I ever took any pictures of Cora's room when we finished it before she was born.
I had wanted to add blue or pink later since we didn't know if she was a boy or girl.
I wanted it to be perfect first, and of course it never was (at least I didn't think it was).
These were Cora's three favorite things.
Her blankie.
Her pacifier.
And her dog book.
Joel read this book to her every night.
She would reach out and touch all the dogs.
And she would giggle and giggle when Joel made the dogs bark.
It was so cute.
I put these three things in a box along with some other special things of Cora's.
We even managed to get the bassinet sheets, blankets and burpies washed.
I think everything is almost ready.
I need to pick up a few things like diapers...
Otherwise, I think we are as ready as we will ever be.
Nothing like preparing for a new baby in one day!
Please pray for us as we prepare to meet this little one.
The past few weeks have been emotional for many reasons.
We continue to seek the Lord for renewed strength to get through each day.
How thankful we are for His unfailing love and comfort to us!
We wouldn't be where we are today without Him.
posted by the mcclenahans @ 12:50 PM
102 Comments:
You are both beautiful - you and your belly - you and your baby's room - you and your mom - you and your Joel.
I will be praying for you and your husband over the next few weeks. I cannot wait to see if you will be having a little boy or girl!
Praying for you, Joel and Baby Mac!
Your nursery is beautiful and you look great! You all are in my prayers.
I struggle with what to say.
I know it is so hard, but you've done it. I took pictures of everything in Peyton's room too. I didn't want to be ready mentally and not ready physically, so I took the pictures well before I cleaned it. When I knew I was ready, I put most of his things away. It was several months after that I changed the comforter on the bed. Everything was hard to do, but I knew I wouldn't regret doing it.
Eagerly awaiting the arrival of Baby Mac right along with you!!
I'm asking the Lord to bring you to mind more frequently so you are covered in prayer throughout the next few weeks and months.
The room is beautiful and I'm so glad you took pictures of it as it was. I can't imagine how hard it was for you to go through all of Cora's things, but thankfully we have a God who understands just what you feel. Cling to Him over the next few weeks...I know you will.
I think the baby's room is perfect. Praying for you and your new arrival!!!
Thank you for sharing Cora's room. Its beautiful. Her memory will not be forgotten.
Praying for you, sweet girl, and Baby Mac, and Joel. You are so strong. Can't wait to see if it's a boy or girl!!
Jess, This is so exciting. A new baby will be such a blessing to your family. It will surely be the most wonderful thing when you get to hold her/him in your arms! A blessed and bittersweet day it will be.
Very cute room. Inspires me to spruce up our little Nyla's room...
You are an amazing woman. I love reading about your family and especially your memories of Cora. She is a very loved little girl. I too am anxious for your new arrival. I will continue to pray for you, Joel and the new baby!
HUGS!
Dear Jess and Joel
Our little family in Australia will be praying for your little family especially often during the next few weeks.
M x
You look beautiful. How strong you are, how strong Joel is, how strong you both are holding on to God. He will strenghen you, hold you and be joyful with you as you bring this precious little one into the world. Remember, Cora has played with him/her and told him/her what a great mommy and daddy you are and how lucky he/she is going to be having you both as a mommy and daddy.
Praying for you, Joel and Jess. I can't imagine how hard it was going through Cora's room. Can't wait to hear the news of your baby! Love you so much!
you look so cute!! I think you are having a girl!!! Prayers are sent your way:)
i don't know what to say...my heart goes out to you...but, i love the belly picture...you look wonderful and have that glow.
i am praying for you all...and thinking of you a lot, even if i have never meet you.
the room looks great...so cute!
blessings to you!
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Praying for ya'll. Can't believe how fast these 9 months have flown!!!!!!
Oh, how hard this must have been for you. My heart aches for you as I think of you surrounded by Cora's beautiful things, preparing for a new baby to be with you in the world. The room is so lovely, I'm sure Cora felt so cherished with you and Joel in her home. Praying
When I read your posts, I get teary-eyed and goosebumps tingle my arms. You really have no idea how special of a young Christian lady you are and how inspiring you are to those around you. Well, not only those around you. I have never met you and live hundreds of miles away, yet you still inspire me! Keep up your faith. Many are praying for you DAILY! God Bless Baby Mac!
Something about seeing that binkie just brought tears to my eyes. Maybe because a bink is something that doesn't get shared. Books and blankets can be, but a binky in such a personal favorite. And to see hers and realize that she doesn't need it anymore just tugged at my heart. Oh how I still ache for your loss of little Cora, but rejoice as you prepare to meet your 2nd amazing Baby Mac! Always prayin!
-Mandy
PS You, my dear, look fabulous with a capital F! Thanks for posting that picture!
God bless you and your family and Cora up in heaven above.
Perhaps your new little one knows Cora, and is right now hearing all the wonderful stories and memories about you that Cora has...she's passing her love to you through her little brother/sister.
Cora's room is beautiful! I love the decorations that you used. I am looking forward to the post that says new baby mac has arrived. The burpies I ordered for my Lauren are now in her stocking, waiting for Santa to arrive. Praying for you!
Praying for you as you get ready to welcome this new blessing into your arms.
Sitting here with tears in my eyes...
You look beautiful
and I loved getting to peek into Cora's room and see all of the wonderful things she played with.
Praying for you as your prepare to welcome Cora's baby brother or sister into the world.
Good luck Jess and Joel! Our family will be praying for you.
You look awesome Jess! We so can't wait to meet baby Mac. We are praying for a Christmas baby. Can't wait to hear!!! Love you guys, Andi
So beautiful. All of it. Cora. Everything. Praying for you!!
You are such an amazing woman, wife and mother. What led me to your blog last spring was your daughter's name since it is one we considered too. I check it often and my daughter and I add you to our prayers each night. Our girls are near the same age. Bless you and your new addition!
I have been following your journey for quite some time from here in Iowa...You are absolutely stunning with the new little Baby Mac! I absolutely love Cora's room and thank you so much for sharing the pictures. What an honor for new little one to have big sissy's room! Praying for a safe, healthy arrival! What a holiday blessing!! Be well!!
Prayers, prayers, prayers. Thank you for the glimpse into the nursery--my wish would be that every child in the world would be loved as much as your children are.
PS you have a great "eye" for fabric and color-- the nursery and the Cora's etsy items are so cool...
Wow, 3 weeks. Our family will be praying for yours! :)
I've read your blog for several months now, and am amazed by your strength. You are truly beautiful! Many blessings to you and your family. Can't wait to see pictures of your new little bundle :)
I will continue to pray for you all.
My best friend and I always donate to a charity for Christmas each year instead of getting each other gifts, and this year, I chose charity: water in honor of you and Cora.
Love and prayers going your way! Your strength and dedication to the Lord are inspirational.
Cora and Baby Mac have been blessed to have you and your husband as parents. A December baby is a tremendous gift, my December baby will be 20 next week.
Your faith is inspiring. Good luck!
Been praying for you especially knowing you would be dealing with a lot of emotions working in Cora's room. Your post made me burst into tears for you as I saw the picture of the Dog book. I just bought that book for my daughter who is also named Cora. She, too, adores dogs. I cannot possibly fathom what you have gone through, but my heart and my prayers are with you!
I'm praying for you, sweet girl. I don't know you, not here on this earth, but I know you in my heart. I pray for you. I will KEEP praying for you. May you feel His hand upon you, know His perfect peace . . .
You do look beautiful. Positively beautiful.
And you were wrong about something. Cora's room IS perfect.
such a beautiful room for cora and her new brother or sister. seeing cora's favorite things made me smile... what a sweet girl. saying prayers for you... and of course new baby Mac :)
Prayers for the Macs as you prepare for this new arrival! :-)
Jess, you are so beautiful, both inside and out. I'll continue to pray for you. Cora's room looks lovely, I am sure baby Mac will feel her love when he/she gets to stay in the nursery for the first time. May you be surrounded by love, comfort and joy.
This post brought me to tears, as so many of your posts do. This is such a tough time, Jess. I can't even begin to imagine what you're facing. I'm so thankful that God knows exactly what you're going through, and can give you just the amount of strength you need to face each day. Praying for you, as always...
Because I understand the crushing emotions that come with expecting a second after sending the first to heaven...
Why can't they understand?
If I become blind
In one of my eyes,
Of course I am still grateful for the vision that remains in the other.
But I will never stop mourning the absence of
My precious eye
The one which I lost.
My vision has changed forever.
I will never, ever
Seen things the same way again.
- Joanne Cacciatore
Cora was such a blessed Child......I know she will be waiting to see the arrival of her sibling. Cora's room is beautiful....I love her closet.
Take care and I will be praying for you/baby/family
You are lovely, and so is the room. This new baby is so lucky to be joining your special family, and he/she will be proud to have Cora as his/her older sister.
Many prayers for the next few weeks, and beyond!
~Keri
Here I am crying again I remember her with that blanket at the hospital from the photos you had back then. Praying for continued strength and peace for you and Joel. Your faith is amazing and you are so strong Cora was so lucky to have you as her parents!
Summer & family in California
http://fourlittleladybugs.blogspot.com/
mAybe this would be a nice connection for you.
Best of luck to you!! You look so beautiful!
Praying for you and your new baby. I cannot imagine the emotions you feel. Cora is looking down on her new sweet brother or sister and will protect her and you and Joels hearts.
That had to have been so hard. My son never made it home and it was near impossible getting "his" room ready for our little girl. I admire your strength. The pictures just brought me to tears for you - this new baby is so lucky to have you guys as parents and to have Cora as his/her own special angel.
I will be praying for you.
You are such an amazing person. Its amazing to see how God is working through you to speak to others. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Merry Christmas!
Bless your sweet heart! I will be praying for you. God has carried you all so far....you're a true inspiration.
My 1st son died 16yrs ago and even though I didn't have another baby for 7 more years, it was so hard being pregnant w/her and anticipating her arrival.
You're all in my prayers.
What a precious room! I love it!
Prayers to you and Joel as you take this bitter sweet journey of meeting your new little bundle of joy! What a lucky brother or sister to have Cora as a big sister! You two are amazing and you inspire me all the time to be better and let God be the center of my life!
Crying for you, rejoicing for you, praying for you.
Oh Jess, I'm trying not to cry. My sister's 30th birthday would have been yesterday. I prayed for you and Joel, while I prayed for my mum and dad.
http://friendlyblackandwhitedog.blogspot.com/2009/12/happy-birthday-little-girl.html
Cora's room is beautiful. I cleaned and put away clothes etc. for a friend who lost (at Christmas2000)her handicapped 3 year old daughter suddenly, it was hearbreaking as she could have no more children. she now has an adopted daughter from China, God is good and faithful.
Oh Jess - I will be praying for you, Joel & Cora's little brother or sister.
I cant imagine having to go through Cora's room. I love that you took pictures & your mom was able to be there with you.
Earnestly & fervently praying my dear!
A What a perfect room. Praying for you all :)
Praying for a safe arrival and comfort. It must be so exciting and yet so difficult!
I am so excited for you! We will be praying for peace, health and comfort for you as you welcome baby Mac into this world! Your story has touched my heart so much.
I don't know what to say, your strenth is astounding. I'm so glad you have that mammoth task over you now. Cora's room IS perfect, just as it will be for Baby Mac. He or she is already so blessed. You look fab in your photo but of course you do, all that goodness and strength just has to shine through. You are an inspiration, you have changed my view of the world and I will always be grateful. Enjoy these last few weeks of waiting for Baby Mac. I will be eagerly awaiting your annoucement x
You precious girl. My prayers are with you and your husband during this time. Praying blessings all over you both.
I'm so excited for you guys and can't beleive baby Mac will be here any day! Love the belly pic to. I enjoyed looking at the pictures of Coras room as well. I'm praying for you guys!
You are so beautiful! I'm sure it was hard going thru Cora's room. But I bet she was with u as u got everything ready. God bless u and Joel. I hope you will feel Cora's presence when you have new baby Mac. God Bless you and Merry Christmas! You are in my prayers!
You, my sweet, beautiful friend continue to amaze me. My heart hurts for you all in so many ways, and sings to the heavens in so many ways. Your sweet baby Mac will have the most amazing little family ever. Praying for abundant blessings.
With love and continued prayers,
XO*Tricia
When people go through something like this, I wonder how in the world they can do it without walking with Christ and knowing that there is something greater for us.
This brought me to tears, reading about Cora's favorite things.
I'm excited for you and Joel and for Steve to point out the rose and announce the new Baby Mac. :)
Grieving and hoping with you tonight. You look wonderful and your little one is lucky, lucky, lucky to have such a faithful mom. Peace of Christ be with you.
I cannot imagine how hard it was to go through Cora's things and her room. From all accounts, your mom is amazing, and I'm glad that she was there for you.
Hi Jess,
This is the first time that I have commented on your blog, but have been reading it for a while now. I think I came upon it through a friend of a friend of a friend? I can only imagine how difficult it was for you to go through Cora's things...I think the room was/is perfect and am praying for you as you await your second miracle.
Beautiful picture!
I just can't imagine how hard it must have been to go through Cora's things. Just the thought of it makes my heart hurt for you.
My love and prayers are with you.
Wow-how emotional to even read-the Lord was good when he gave you such a wonderful Christian mother to help you through these times-there is nothing like a great mom. We will be praying for you and that new bundle of joy God is giving you. God Bless you all.
The nursery is lovely - as are you. You are in my prayers. I too am looking forward to seeing if you have a boy or a girl!
God bless all of you.
Praying for you... And the room does look perfect.
I can't wait to find out if Baby Mac is a boy or a girl. I'm praying for an easy delivery and comforted hearts. Merry Christmas & Happy Baby Day!!
PS - I can't wait to see my niece in her Cora dress :)
Thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way.
I don't comment too often on your blog but I just wanted to let you know I still pray for you guys - your story has really touched and inspired me. This baby will be a huge blessing for your family. I'll be praying for you guys the next few weeks!
Praying for your delivery, for your strength, for your memories to stay fresh & for your new little one!!
I don't know that I have every shed so many tears asI have over this blog post. My heart aches for you, it smiles for you, it cries for you, it smiles for you some more because you are going to be holding a baby in your arms again and I as a person am so happy for you. The room is precious, Cora's things beautiful, and I cry some more.
When Cora got sick I was holding my brand new baby in my arms (December 30th is when she was born) and I cried and held her a little tighter as I read your story. I cried when Cora went to Heaven, I cried when you had to celebrate her birthday without her, I cried when Easter came and every holiday that has passed because I can't imagine how hard it would be to face those days and yet your faith amazes me beyond words. I have cried when I see happy posts because you are smiling through your pain, I have cried......nearly every post.
Thanks for being such an open book. You have no idea how much you have changed me as a Mom and the way that I look at my 3 gifts that I am so blessed with.
May your CHRISTmas season be blessed, and May the next 3 weeks go flying by for you so that you can do again what you do best.
Many Many Blessings
Your reader"Trasi Bressler" wrote perfectly how I feel...Still thinking ofand praying for you, Joel, Cora and Baby Mac EVERYDAY!
Thank you.
Kim
Cora's room is adorable. i cannot even imagine how hard going through her room & her things must have been. cora will always be a part of your family. i continue to pray for you, joel, & baby Mac.
What a beautiful room. Thank you for inviting us into your home and your lives. This was the first thing I saw this morning as I started my day, and just couldn't post earlier. The reality of this nursery, empty but soon to be filled, is something that just tugged at my heart so strongly today. I know this is a reality that you live with daily, though, and I'm praying for you.
I can't wait to "meet" Baby Mac. May you feel the Lord's presence in an awesome and undeniable way as you prepare to bring this little one into your home and lives. God bless :)
Many thoughts and prayers for you, Joel and baby Mac.
Keeping your family in my prayers. Your strength is so inspirational. You are so beautiful inside and out and Baby Mac and Cora are so lucky to have you as their mommmy!
you are amazing...beautiful.....and so strong. I am so happy for your happiness.
You look wonderful!
Every time I read your posts, I end up in tears. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I hope the next 3 weeks pass quickly for you!
Yes, that is such a beautiful photo, and you are such a beautiful lady. The room is absolutely wonderful, what a sweet, special place.
I praise the Lord for your strong support system, for your mom, for Joel, and for your own faithfulness. His faithfulness is the reason we are able to go on during any given time. Thank you for sharing your journey, Jess. I can't imagine how hard it is, but I pray that there is healing in it as well.
You look absolutely beautiful! I can only imagine how hard and bittersweet this is for you all. I am praying for you all. Cora's room is perfect. :)
bless your heart, I know that going through her room was the hardest thing to do, it brought tears to my eyes and memories of losing my little girl just came flooding back, I remember telling my mother that I couldn't go home and walk by her empty room and she told me to just shut the door until I was ready to go in there, I didn't look at that room until I found out that I was pregnant with a little boy and decided it was time to put away her things, and it was very heart wrenching to look at all of her things and just know that all the hopes and dreams we had for her were all not lost, but just put on hold, because I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will see her again and hold her in my arms. I hope that all goes well with your pregnancy (not too much longer!) and that you enjoy your new baby very soon!
Jes, Cora's room is BEAUTIFUL! It is so exciting for me to know that y'all did not know if she would be a boy or a girl and you have that sweet adorable room. We do not know if our little one will be a boy or a girl either.
You did good just "doing the next thing" as Elizabeth Elliot would say.
Oh Jes, I pray that these next weeks will bring joy, peace and comfort in the midst of such emotional times. Kelly
Jess, I'm praying for you and Joel and your family. May God bless you all as you bring home your new little one and start the 'busy'ness of tending a newborn again. Hope you can find a minute to drop in a see us at TDG!
her room is so beautiful. i saw it once and remember thinking how i loved the color it was. :) funny to hear you wanted to change it.
it looks so cozy and welcoming for a sweet baby.
well i am sad i didn't get to help you deliver a baby this weekend...HA...but i cannot wait to hear the news of this new baby entering your life.
Yeah, what everyone has already said... and then some! Keeping you, and Joel, and Baby Mac covered in prayers! {{hugz}}
As I've said many times, you are so brave. Thinking of you all the time through this emotional time. I cannot imagine having to go through what you are having to face on a daily basis and cleaning out Cora's room must've been so difficult. I feel so strongly that your new baby is going to be such a wonderful blessing and while he/she can't replace what you've lost in Cora, he/she will definitely help fill part of the hole that's been left in your lives. I am so excited for you, just try to keep focusing on all the good things around you.
Take care of yourselves over the festive season, I'm glad to see you setting new traditions, the old ones must just so hard to face again this year.
Sending you both the hugest hugs and lots of thoughts and prayers as you travel this road. Can't wait to meet the bump (you are still looking fantastic!!)
Sue x
Wow, only three more weeks! You look amazing, and so does the baby's room. Keep strong, mama!
I've read this post over and over this weekend and just couldn't comment. I cried each time.
My heart is still crushed for you Jess. I hope you know how loved you are, by soooooo very many people.
The room is precious. I can't wait to see baby Mac!! You're probably due for some new jewelry, right? Haha!
I think of you often and pray for you almost nightly. I hope that you can enjoy every minute with your new baby and hold no fears for your future. We will be going through Kansas over Christmas and I always think of you when we drive through. Good luck with everything!
I was literally holding my breath as I read this post and looked at the pictures of Cora's room. For some reason your story has affected more than any I've read and I can't explain why. I hurt for you, I rejoice for you, I pray for you. I hope that everything continues to go smoothly as far as your emotions with the situation. Joel has been an amazing source of strength to you and it's encouraging to see. I finally let my breath out when I saw the pictures of her pacifier, blanket and dog book only because that's when the tears actually started. Bless you Jess, and everyone involved.
I can't believe it is already time to meet little Mac.....
We have missed seeing you and hugging you soooo much! you are absolutely beautiful! wish I was there to rub your little belly!
We pray for peace and comfort everyday for you! We know God will bless you with a precious healthy baby! I hope this one has chunky cheeks just like Cora did!
I am late on getting out the holiday cards of course, but will of course send you one soon!
Love to you all! and take care and RELAX these last few weeks! :)
I have followed your blog for quite some time now, and have been so heartbroken over the loss of sweet Cora. The Lord brings you to mind so many times. I am praying for you, and your family all the time. I am so excited for your arms to be filled again with a sweet baby to love. You are a wonderful Mother,and such a Godly example.I will be praying for Baby Macs' safe arrival! God bless your sweet family:)
I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you to go through Cora's room! I am praying for you guys and little baby mac!
Dear Jess,
I have never commented before, but I have followed your blog ever since Cora went into the hospital. I have ached along with you. My sister, Nicol, and brother-in-law, Greg, were at the grieving retreat that you and your husband attended. I do not know what it is like to lose a baby. I have stood there helpless as I have watched my sister grieve.
I want you to know that you are suffering well. You are bringing such honor and glory to Jesus. Nicol often says that she didn't want this kind of ministry, but we can see Jesus in you. You exude His hope even in the midst of your aching heart.
I am so thankful that you will soon be joined by a sweet baby. The room is beautiful. That baby will be so blessed to have you and Joel as parents.
Thank you for light of Jesus that shines so clearly each time you share your beautiful, broken heart with all of us.
Shawn
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