Sunday, November 24, 2013

Mackenzie Grace

Mackenzie Grace Sloan was born early Friday morning at 12:40, on her due date (a girl who knows how to be on time?!).  She weighed 7 lbs, 1 oz. and is 19 inches long.  Mommy and Mackenzie are both home now recovering.

All of the pictures in this post are from the first 20 hours after her birth and are all iPhone pictures.  They are not perfect quality, but are precious nonetheless.  It felt nice to keep things low-key and easy, not worrying about the perfect Kodak moment.



{Below}  Ah... THIS MAN.  He was my strength, and I could not have done it without him by my side.  He is the perfect husband and daddy.  My children and I are unbelievably blessed to have him lead our home and love on us.

{Below}  Thursday evening, when labor was imminent, our children were picked up by friends' parents for sleepovers. They rode to school with their friends the next morning, excited to share the news that their sister was born; however, they had not seen her yet.  Hubby went to their school mid-morning, picked them up (They loved being called out of their classes!), and brought them to the hospital for a visit and lunch with Daddy.  Here they are with a hospital dog that visits patients. 
Nearly everything about Mackenzie's birth was different from my previous four children.  One of those things was the fact that this was my first time to not need an induction after being at least a week overdue. Mackenzie apparently wanted to be part of the 5% of babies actually born on their due date.  So, unfortunately, I was counting on getting my 40 week picture on her due date and missed it altogether. Instead, here is what I have (crooked, imperfectly designed collage) which I think is a great substitution.  I'd rather be holding that baby in my arms than in my tummy anyway!
A huge thank you to hundreds of deserving people who have sent congratulations, bought gifts, flowers, and balloons, brought home-cooked meals, and loved us through this time.  Our family is overwhelmed by the loving response of so many people who are dear to us.  We are undeservedly blessed and oh, so grateful during this Thanksgiving season when we have so much to be thankful for.

185 comments:

  1. Congratulations Jolene and David! So happy for you!

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  2. Precious little girl! I thought she looked like her Daddy, and then I looked at the other children. She looks like your little girl, and like her brothers and sister. :o) So sweet. I love that 40 week picture. You both look lovely!

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  3. Congratulations! She's beautiful and I love her name!

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  4. Congratulations on another beautiful baby girl! I am so happy for you. Enjoy those newborn days - makes me a bit jealous to think of you snuggling with a tiny little one. :) I LOVE those days. Such a beautiful name, too. ♥

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  5. Oh Jolene, she is beautiful. Brianna must be ecstatic :). I'm so happy for you that she came on her due date--what a nice treat! Hope your labor was fast and easy, but either way, it's over now and she's in your arms! Hope you are resting and enjoying these moments. <3

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    1. Beautiful baby and Mama! Congratulations!

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  6. Congradulations! God bless you and your little princess :)

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  7. She is BEAUTIFUL! I think she looks a lot like her sister. Precious! Congratulations!

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  8. Oh Jolene, Mackenzie is just precious! So beautiful like her mommy and sister! Congratulations my sweet sister and I will write you an email soon. Lots of prayers for your family of "7" this Thanksgiving season! And, I'm thankful for you, my friend!

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  9. Beautiful! Congratulations to you and your family!!!! Enjoy every moment of your precious gift!!!
    Just rest and enjoy :)!!! So happy for you!!!

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  10. Congratulations! She looks so much like your other children...so precious. :)

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  11. Oh, my - it seems such a short time ago you were down the road from us having Micah - right after our great-grandson Micah was born in Granbury. So quickly many things have changed. What a blessing for all!!

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  12. She is beautiful Jolene.So happy for you!! Enjoy those baby snuggles....her smell....they grow so fast! Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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  13. Congratulations to you and your family!!

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  14. Congratulations to you and your family - Happy Thanksgiving!

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  15. Oh she is just beautiful!!! Such precious pictures! (Most of our hospital pictures were from our phones too. :) ) Congratulations!! I pray that you are recovering well, and enjoying your sweet girl...and life as a family of 7!!

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  16. Replies
    1. Praise the Lord that all is wonderful! We will tell the church tomorrow the great news! Love you guys!

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    2. She is so beautiful! Congrats!

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  17. Awwwwww congrats!!! She's a darling

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  18. Andrea Helm ChambersThursday, November 28, 2013

    Beautiful! Congratulations!!!

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  19. Congratulations!!!!! Beautiful!!!

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  20. Congrats to my sister, shes Beautiful !!!

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    Replies
    1. Happy Birthday to my Niece. shes looks just like you! Hope to see you all , Jack birthday tomorrow.

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  21. She's beautiful ! Congratulations and God bless you !!

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  22. Congratulations! She's beautiful!

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  23. Ohhh! How sweet!! Congratulations. I am so glad all is well.

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  24. Rebecca Danielle DiazThursday, November 28, 2013

    Congratulations

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  25. Kimberly Shaw IrwinThursday, November 28, 2013

    So beautiful! Glad all is well with y'all! Can't wait to meet her.

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  26. "Congratulations!"

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  27. Congratulations, she's beautiful.

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  28. Jill Trieber SmithThursday, November 28, 2013

    Congratulations to the Sloan family! God is so good!

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  29. She is beautiful!

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  30. God bless you and your family. Congratulations.

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  31. Congratulations!! She's a beauty!

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  32. she's beautiful! Congrats!

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  33. Awwww! How exciting. Congratulations and hope Daddy gets some rest!!

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    1. She is beautiful, Bro. and Mrs. DavidandJolene Sloan! She looks like Micah! Praising God with you guys for you newest blessing.

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  34. Congrats. Love you guys.

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  35. Longvue Baptist TeensThursday, November 28, 2013

    Congratulations! So happy for you guys

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  36. She is beautiful...love her name:) just like our Mackenzie:) congrats on a beauty!!:)

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  37. Congratulations

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    1. She's absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!

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  38. congratulations! she's beautiful!! Love from Kansas.

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  39. Bill N Loretta WilliamsThursday, November 28, 2013

    Awww! Congratulations to you!

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  40. Congratulations! We're so happy for you!

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  41. She is beautiful-congratulations!

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  42. You can get rested up in about 18 years or so;-P

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  43. Congratulations. I wasn't aware you were having another one. She is a doll.

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  44. Gorgeous! congrats!

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  45. Congratulations!! She's so beautiful.

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  46. She is beautiful! Congratulations!

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  47. Yay!! Congratulations! Can't wait to meet her!

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  48. Welcome, sweet baby Mackenzie!

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  49. Christine SempergerThursday, November 28, 2013

    Congratulations!

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  50. Praise The Lord!! She is beautiful! Can't wait to hold her! Give Jolene our love.

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    Replies
    1. Absolutely precious!

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    2. Sweet picture. Congratulations daddy!

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  51. Praise God for the gift of new life! Our biggest congratulations!

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  52. Such a beautiful baby.

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  53. CONGRATULATIONS!

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  54. AaronandJessica HarrisFriday, November 29, 2013

    Yayay:) Congratulations!! So happy for you and your family:):)

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  55. Connie Shannon PollockFriday, November 29, 2013

    Welcome to the Family little one!! Congratulations!!

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  56. Very beautiful baby! Congratulations!!

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  57. How precious! We are so happy for you! (Spain)

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  58. Congratulations!!! She is adorable

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  59. Congratulations. She is so beautiful.

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  60. Praise the Lord! God bless you

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  61. She is beautiful!!!!!!!congratulations!!!!!

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  62. Simon and Elizabeth JacobFriday, November 29, 2013

    Congrats

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  63. марина серенковаFriday, November 29, 2013

    Very nice...

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  64. Congratulations!!!! Beautiful baby girl!

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  65. So beautiful! Congratulations!!!

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  66. Linda Benson McCraeFriday, November 29, 2013

    Congratulations Jolene. Love from NJ to you and your new little baby girl.

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  67. She's beautiful! Congratulations!

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    Replies
    1. Love this picture!

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    2. Such a special moment/picture. Congratulations Sloan's.

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  68. Congratulations!!!

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  69. Congratulations! God is sooooo good!

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  70. Congratulations! Very precious bundle of joy!

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  71. Congratulations! God is sooooo good!

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  72. Congrats! Next month is my due time)))

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  73. Лена ЩербаньFriday, November 29, 2013

    Поздравляем родилась девочка благодарит с богом)))

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  74. Congratulations! Beautiful little girl!

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  75. Oh, Jolene! She's beautiful!!! Congratulations!!!

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  76. Alina ShashkevichFriday, November 29, 2013

    Congratulations!!!

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  77. she's beautiful!!

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  78. Congratulations!

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  79. Debbie Myers LloydSunday, December 01, 2013

    Congratulations!!

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  80. congratulations!!!!!!!!!

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  81. Just thinking about you yesterday and wondering if baby had shown up....she's a doll!

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  82. Beautiful like her mom.

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  83. Congrats cuz.... She's beautiful

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  84. Sarah Geiss-TreadawaySunday, December 01, 2013

    Congratulations!

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  85. Congratulations!! She's beautiful. Love yall

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  86. Congratulations!!!! Give them all a hug from Auntie Belinda!

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  87. Congratulations! What a beautiful little girl! Pastor and Mrs. Silva love all of you!

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  88. Congratulations! She's so beautiful!

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  89. Congratulations!

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  90. Congratulations Sloan Family!

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  91. She is beautiful..

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  92. Congrats! She is so cute

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  93. What a precious gift!!

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  94. What a beautiful baby!

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  95. Congratulations!!!! God is so GOOD!!!

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  96. Игорь-Лена КобзевыSunday, December 01, 2013

    Congratulations!!!! We love you!!!!!!

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  97. Phyllis HunsuckerSunday, December 01, 2013

    How did I miss this? Congrats!

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  98. Congrulations!

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  99. Donna Parker InfanteSunday, December 01, 2013

    Congrats! Glad everything turned out great and you have a beautiful gift from the Lord

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  100. She is so beautiful. Congratulations and God bless you.

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  101. She is adorable! Congratulations to Mom and Dad!

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  102. Tom-Connie RobertsonMonday, December 02, 2013

    What a little cutie. Congratulations!

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  103. Congratulations!! And she is very beautiful. :o)

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  104. Awe!!! Congratulations!! Poor Dad having to go through all that work! Ha! Hope you all get some rest!

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  105. Beautiful baby!! Congratulations!

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  106. Congratulations! What a little sweetie pie!

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  107. Congratulations! A girl who arrives on time! Now that's something indeed!

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  108. felicidades!

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  109. Congratulations!

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  110. Congratulations! She is adorable!

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  111. She looks beautiful!

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  112. Beautiful!!

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  113. Precious!!! Congratulations!!! How are you doing, Mama?

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  114. Congrats! She's adorable!

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  115. She's gorgeous!! Congratulations!

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  116. Oh how sweet, you did a good job

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  117. Andrea Patterson SangjunMonday, December 02, 2013

    Beautiful Mama and baby!!

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  118. Congratulations!!

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  119. Jennifer BontragerMonday, December 02, 2013

    Congratulations!

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  120. Debbie Weido LawsonMonday, December 02, 2013

    Congrats...she is beautiful!!

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  121. Rosemary LechnowskyMonday, December 02, 2013

    So happy for you!!

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  122. Heather Kimbo PolasekMonday, December 02, 2013

    oh my... shes so perfect!! Congratulations!!

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  123. She's beautiful!!! Congratulations! Can't wait to meet Mackenzie! - Helen

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  124. Dmitry GospodarevMonday, December 02, 2013

    Congratulations!

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  125. Надежда РоманченкоMonday, December 02, 2013

    поздравляем обильных Божьих благословений вашей семье

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  126. Debbie Wilson ForsytheMonday, December 02, 2013

    I love you Jolene!

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  127. Congratulations soooo beautiful both mom and lil one.Praise the Lord for both of u

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    1. very sweet-Congratulations

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  128. Beautiful...both of you!!!

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  129. Поздравляем! Очень красивые!

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  130. Congratulations! She is beautiful! Love her name

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  131. Beautiful baby with her beautiful momma! Miss you! Congrats!!!!

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  132. Congratulations David, Jolene, and big brothers and sister!!!! We are sooooo excited for you all, and know that God couldn't have chosen a better family to entrust with such a precious treasure.

    Love you all!

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  133. Congratulations on the new baby! She is absolutely beautiful! Can't wait to meet her in person(:

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  134. congratulations on your newest daughter! She's beautiful!

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  135. Congratulations!!!! Welcome to another Sloen! We so happy to see baby Mackenzie at last! She is true little miracle. Let God bless her and her family. Love All our's

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  136. MikeandLori KranzFriday, December 06, 2013

    Congratulations!! She's beautiful!!

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  137. Congrats on your new daughter and God bless.

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  138. Congratulations! So happy for you!

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  139. Congratulations!

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  140. Congratulations! She is beautiful!

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  141. Congratulations! She surely looks like the Sloan child)) Adorable little baby))

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  142. Timofeev Vladimir-OlyaFriday, December 06, 2013

    Congratulations!!!!!!!!

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  143. Congrats.. she is beautiful!!!!

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  144. Congratulations Jolene and David what a sweet little girl.

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  145. Sarah Geiss-TreadawayFriday, December 06, 2013

    Congratulations!

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  146. Congratulations! She is a beauty!!

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  147. Very sweet baby hope everything going good

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  148. I am so happy for you and so glad she came on time. She is beautiful!

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  149. Very good pictures

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  150. Congratulations on your new Baby Girl!!!

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  151. Congratulations!!! She is absolutely perfect!! A beautiful combination of you and David. Give her kissies from her Aunt Anna.

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  152. Congratulations!! Praise the Lord!

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  153. Hello, Sweet Lady!

    It is a delight to get to keep up with you and your family through your blog posts! I have not had the opportunity to check out “Focus on Missions”, but I look forward to doing so when I have the opportunity! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your mom-in-love’s radio interview this summer that you had in one of your blogs. Thank you for posting your pregnancy pictures. It is really exciting to watch the baby grow and see the radiance in the face of the baby’s mommy! I am happy that you and baby girl are doing well.

    *Big hugs*
    Suzie Staples

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  154. Congratulations Jolene and family: I am so happy she was born on my birthday!!!

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  155. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Sloan! She is beautiful.

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  156. Congratulations! She is beautiful!

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  157. Congratulations! Sloan family. She's a beauty, just like her Mommy.

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  158. Jolene, She is beautiful! I am so thankful she is here and healthy. I know my girls are so precious and my boys are, well - all boy! Love you, Mary

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  159. Honey you are so blessed WIth such a beautiful family I prayed the whole time for that little beautiful girl I love hearing from you
    Love to all

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  160. Congratulations ! Mackenzie is absolutely beautiful. I pray you and your family enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving. We love you and pray for you.

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  161. Connie Shannon PollockFriday, January 17, 2014

    She is beautiful!!! I showed all four kids their new cousin and I got one big "AAAAWWWW!!!!"... Hope your doing well... Sending all our love...Cousin Connie

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  162. I cannot believe that I missed these pictures and posts of McKenzie!!! I have been waiting and waiting! But for some reason, your posts stopped coming to my inbox, and I thought it was just a while between posts. I was about ready to write you an e-mail and say, "Pictures please!" And here they were all the time. :) I will try to resubscribe! I am so happy for you all. She is beautiful, and she reminds me of Brianna, whom I saw as a newborn when we were on deputation.

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Thank you for your encouraging comments! "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Proverbs 25:25