Jimmie's Miraculous Journey

What I Have Been Up To! (By Jimmie Gravitt)

2012-01-22T17:00:00.000-06:00

Alright folks, so now that it is cold and nasty outside I'm going to post about my summer. Tantie has been very busy with her new baby so Mommy is helpin me write this.

In June my Mom decided to leave me and Daddy home alone for 5 days. She went to visit Amy and her little boy "Jon Miguel" I call him "Denda". Here he is with Mom, he is pretty cute. I don't know if I like it when my Mom holds him though.

I had a great time with Daddy! We tore down this shed..

I helped by picking up all the rusty nails. Don't worry I was really really careful. I heard Daddy tell Mom on the phone "not to worry that he had me picking up tetanus filled nails". 0-: I don't know what that means but I had a good time helpin out.

Oh yeah, I also helped Daddy out on the ladder. I love climbing!! It was just us boys workin and hangin out. Then Mom got back and we had to clean the house. (I had a better time with Daddy) My 2 years old adjusted birthday party was coming up. It was a little later than my real adjusted birthday, but- oh well... (end of May was too crazy for a party) We had a huge group of people come out to my house.

My Mom said no gifts, I don't really understand why.. But everybody sang to me- which I LOVED!

And I got to blow out candles and eat cake and ice cream with practically all of my cousins from both sides of the family!

Mom said there was something like 60 people here!

Boy was it fun. Some people brought gifts anyway so don't feel too bad for me.

I was in a friends wedding in June. I was the ring bearer. My Mom kept shoving this pillow in my face and makin me carry it to Daddy. She said "I was practicing" whatever that means... I thought it was pretty funny to throw it. Mom didn't think so. The day of the wedding was hot and it was outside. I had to get all dressed up in a bow tie and everything. I thought I looked pretty darn cute.

I think I did a good job. Here you can watch the video of me.

I had a pukey on myself before we got the pictures taken. I had a little reflux. (hey it happens) Mom cleaned it up. She said something like "it figures".

In July we went down to Table Rock Lake. My Mom set up my crib in a closet. I thought it was really cool and cozy. I got to go swimming everyday, I love the "wawa" (I know its water but let me say it my way) I love the boat, although I say that I am scared- but I am just foolin everyone. I got to jump off the dock and everything.

We saw fireworks for the 4th of July.

Mom said I might be scared of the boom booms. I thought it was cool for a few minutes, but I wanted to see the cool train track we were parked by.

We also went to this "drive by Zoo". I saw this funny lookin goat.. Daddy said something about "Mom lookin like him." I don't see the resemblance. I may or may not have dropped my sippy cup out the window. I did get it back, only after the buffalo and donkey drank some. That may or may not have happened, I can't rightly say. (-:

I got to go to Vacation Bible School. It was at "khunkhun". (that's church for those of you who don't know my language)

My cousins "Cun" and "Min" ("Cole and Micky" come on guys keep up!) got to come with me.

I only got a few spankings. I guess you have to be pretty quiet for this kind of thing. We got to sing, hear a story, and do crafts for a whole week. It was really fun. One day we got to make a bandanna. Everyone kept callin me "hey dude?"

I'm pretty cute if I do say so myself.

In August we went to the state fair. I loved the cows and chickens.I think I am over my fear of birds. darn things you never know where they are going to go. We got to see a pig race...

...and I rode a wild stallion!

*Sigh* - Mom says to not tell fibs, so OK it was a little pony that walked in a circle. It seems everywhere I go people say something like, "oh what a cute tow head!" or "You have such beautiful blue eyes". I don't really know what it means, but my Mom always smiles and says, "thanks". I guess its a good thing. I have to say my favorite thing about the state fair was I got to climb on huge tractors. It was a fun day.

We went to Table Rock Lake. I learned how to kick my legs in the wawa (water) to get where I want to go.

I kept fallin asleep in that darn boat.

I went down a huge water slide.

It was fun. I also found a funny face I can do and make anyone laugh. I am just a regular ole comedian.

At the end of August I got to meet Denda for real! He is a real live person, not just on the computer. I even shared my toys and house with him. It was fun having him here.

Here we are at a Pizza place. I ate the sausage off of everyone's Pizza, boy was it good. Oh yeah, I was gettin tired so Daddy took me back to MeMe and Papa's for a nap. I was there, just not in this picture.

We went and watched my Pa play his guitar at Bebe's Lawn side Barbecue. Denda and his Mom and Dad joined us later. Here is a video, it was the first time I went out to see Pa play. I didn't know everybody liked to hear him play. I thought he just played for me.

So you see I had a very fun and busy summer. I'm lovin and livin life! My 3 year old birthday is comin up in just a few weeks. Can you believe that!?? Can't wait...

Love,

Jimmie Jim Jim

She is Here!

2011-10-07T08:34:00.004-05:00

She is here! Born on Oct 5th at 11:37pm. This is an email Mom sent.

Hi all,

Evelyn Claire Eames is here! She weighs 7lbs 7oz and is 19.5 inches long. She was born last night on 10-5-11 at

11:37. Amber was in active labor for 1 and half hours. It was crazy fast, Love you all Ma

Baby is doing great she seems very observant. Passed the hearing screening. The drugs that Amber was on can cause hearing loss , so we are pleased about that. Amber lost too much blood and was on the edge of needing a transfusion. But is recovering. They arrived at the hospital 20 mins before Evelyn was born.

Cole and McKenna are over the Moon. They are so proud of their baby sister. Cole asked if her breathing was OK and if she was healthy. The nurses in the room looked at him and said" how old is he?" Jimmie and I went to the hospital in the afternoon. He knew exactly who the baby was and said eaea (Evey) He wanted to hold her and feed her.

She is a mix between Cole and McKenna, But beautiful.

Love, Rachael

A boy and his dog

2011-09-16T17:05:00.007-05:00

I know this is not the post you were all looking forward to. That one is still in drafts at this moment. Instead you get this little story.

It has turned colder here. So that means not as much time outside. Jimmie would spend all day outside if I let him. I did this summer, you should see his tan. When Jimmie is outside he is playing with his dog Mack, they are inseparable.

I know where Jimmie is because Mack lets me know. I have witnessed Mack gently taking Jimmie's arm in his mouth and lead him away from places he is not supposed to be. If I ever lose track of Jimmie I call Mack and say where’s baby? He takes me to him. Did I mention Mack is an outside only dog? Jimmie has never really seemed to want him inside. Until today, well really it all started yesterday. I was folding laundry in our room, I knew Jimmie was in the living room playing. I came out to put some towels away and Mack was in the house, not just in the house, but with his paws on my kitchen table licking Jimmie’s tray. I quickly shooed him out told Jimmie not to let the dog in.

Fast forward to today. I was cleaning the kitchen listening to music. I knew Jimmie was in his room playing with toys. I went to check on him, he had shut the door and the light was off I could hear he was playing with a light up toy in the dark. I left him alone, I checked again same thing, I did not open the door. Then he comes out with you guessed it- the DOG! He was in his room for at least 20 min? Now his room smells like dog. I might be fighting this battle all winter long.

Blessings, Rachael

Dear Jimmie- Happy 2nd Developmental Birthday!

2011-06-12T08:21:00.021-05:00

Dear Jimmie,

On May, 28th you officially turned 2 years old.

This is you the right after you were born!

This is you today!

Look at how you have grown next to your Rottweiler Puppy!

Look at how you've grown in your father's hands!

You weigh 20 lb 3 oz.

You are 33 1/4 inches tall.

Your head 18 1/2 inches around.

You have 131 followers on your blog Jimmie!

Physically you are continuing to progress very well. You are jumping with both feet coming off the ground. You are running and climbing everywhere. It takes a lot of energy to keep up with you and keep you safe. You absolutely love the water and now that the weather is warm your momma takes you swimming and you've visited Table Rock Lake twice. You will just charge right into the water- NO FEAR. You don't really mind when your face goes in the water. Your momma keeps floaty devices on you and you maneuver around like a fish!

You are finally done cutting all of your teeth! Yeah!

You are sleeping very well. You sleep in your own room all through the night and you go down without a fit. You love to put your doggie and your other stuffed animals to bed yourself.

You recently had a visit with your Developmental Pediatrician who is now pretty convinced that you have Apraxia of Speech. You are doing very well though. You are trying to talk a lot. You pretty much says the 1st consonant of a word but you have a hard time with vowels. Your speech therapist says your speech pattern is very "different". For example you say "thun" for "all gone". It seems that you make up words for things but you stay consistent with that word. You have about 25 words, but only maybe 5 or 6 are understandable. You are continuing to sign very well, and are not getting frustrated.

You eat very well overall! You do have good days and bad days, but no hunger strikes for long stretches. You are drinking a lot more now that it is hot. You are such a big boy Jimmie, that you are drinking water from an open cup sometimes!

Now that you are 2, your doctors and therapists will no longer be adjusting your age. Your real birthday of Feb. 11th will now be the only date considered in your development. This is a huge milestone for you. 2 years old is also a huge milestone in your history of "house arrest". Your doctors and therapists are now encouraging your mom and dad to socialize you more and relax a bit in the quest to protect you from viruses. It is now time to allow your immune system to grow and develop and being exposed to the normal colds and flu's is part of that.

So you have started going to Sunday school! Your momma stays in the room with you and helps when you need direction. You are also having play dates with friends and cousins! You are very apprehensive to join in the play on your own. You have to be taught how to play with other kids. You have had hardly any opportunity to socialize with children so it is very new and overwhelming for you. But you will get used to it and be the life of the party soon- I'm sure!!

Jimmie- I am so excited about this next season of life for you! Your world is opening up and you are now living life as a "normal" child. I am overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving that this time is now here for you. Jimmie, you have conquered the crucial 2 years after a traumatic early birth. You have conquered those 2 years in a glorious fashion. There have been trials and tribulations, but you, our "small but mighty warrior" are victorious!! Your momma and daddy have fought beside you and for you every step of the way, so the victory is also theirs!

Our Holy Father has held us up, given us strength and wisdom in your care. He is faithful!

Your scripture- the theme of your journey is so true that I can't help but quote it again and again!

"For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?

God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places."

Jimmie in a couple of weeks we will celebrate this milestone with family and friends! We are running, jumping, dancing, singing and playing with you on our "high places" on "your high places" Jimmie! It is good to be here..

I thought I'd repost your montage I made for you this year. You love it and you watch it all the time. I also linked it for you on the side of the blog. (-:

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Love you forever,

Auntie Amber

P.S. The pictures and Jimmie's stats were taken at the end of May. (-:

My Easter And Other Things- By Jimmie Gravitt

2011-05-30T08:49:00.023-05:00

Well guys- It's been a while since Auntie let me write a post.

My new baby girl cousin who's growing in her belly has made her really sick. But Auntie is feeling much much better now, FINALLY!!

I'm going to tell you about my Easter, but first I want to let you know what I've been up to lately. I'm a hard worker. I'm also very big. I have my own tractor and I've been hauling a lot of gravel lately. Here is a video of me hard at work:

Okay so Easter was fun. I got to dress up cute and go to church and then I went over to Great Grandma Paula's to hunt Easter eggs. My Grandpa and Grandma Gravitt were there too. I got the hang of "the huntin Easter egg thing" pretty quick and boy did I find a lot of eggs! Here is a video of me right in the thick of the hunt:

Later we went to my Great Uncle Kevin (My Pa's brother) and Aunt Nadine's house for more egg huntin. Uncle Kevin has the best digital camera IN THE WORLD and he took some great pictures of little ole me.

I like hangin with my Pa!

I like pullin silly faces with him too.

I also love ridin things with wheels!

Look mom! I'm awesome!

Ok, now I know this is starting to look bad . . .

Real bad!

Real real bad . . .

But it's cool, I'm tough, no biggie...

What's a little spill when you were born so early you have to fight to breathe and eat?? (-:

Well that was my Easter.

I have a few other things to tell ya'll. I started Sunday School yesterday! Mom is finally letting me out of seclusion. AND my developmental birthday was Saturday, May 28th. I am now OFFICIALLY 2 years old! This is apparently a very big deal and mommy is plannin me a big ole party and working with Auntie on a new "developmental post" coming soon.

Thanks for prayin and carin about little ole me!

Love,

Jimmie Jim Jim

better

2011-05-10T19:01:00.006-05:00

Things in both houses are going better.

Amber went to the hospital on Monday. They tested for the flu and gave her an IV for fluid. She was negative for the two flu strains they tested for. She was relived to not need to be medicated. She is feeling better, still sick but better. David has been very sick too, He is feeling better, McKenna seems to be getting over it. Cole still had a high fever today. He should start feeling better by tomorrow.

Amber had her regular OB appointment today. She has not lost weight! They want her to eat iron rich foods and not supplement right now. This was the first Doc. visit that her urine was clean yea! She is basically back to where she was before she got pregnant. The Doc. was happy about that. They are going to start weaning her off the zofran pump when she is feeling better. (getting over the flu) Her BIG ultrasound is next week. Please pray with us that the baby looks great.

My household seems to be better. I am feeling better. Jimmie still has a ton of snot, his cough seems to be better. I do not hear any crackling in his chest but he is still congested.

Lets pray Mom and Justin stay well.

Jimmie was playing outside yesterday in the shed. I caught him in the old firebird. If you look closely you can see the snot. He is sporting a nice farmers tan these days.

Love, Rachael

Sick :(

2011-05-07T16:47:00.002-05:00

We could really use prayers right now. First and foremost Amber is sick, she is trying to stay out of the hospital. She has had trace to moderate keytones in her urine. She is in communication with the nurse and they are monitoring her closely from home. Well from my Mom's house. She has a fever that she has to take Tylenol every 4 hours to keep down, it is still 99.7. She has given herself two bolus of Zofran to keep her food down as well. She feels horrific. She really hates taking meds so she is really sick to be taking them like this. The baby is moving around a lot and even kicked Cole's hand. He was delighted.

McKenna has a fever of 102.7 and is lethargic and has the chills

I have a fever of 100 and a very full head and sore throat

Jimmie still has a lot of snot, he has been kinda gaggy, and a few coughs here and there. I am listening to his lungs with my stethoscope (yes I do that) I don't hear any crackling but I do worry about his lungs.

Andrea (my Mom) she is trying to tend to everyone. Mom is not sick but lets pray that she stays that way. Thankfully Justin is home today and I think Rod and Kathy will come out tomorrow to help me.

I know this is not the end of the world but it feels like it. Can I just keep Jimmie in a bubble please!

Love, Rachael

Developmental Peadiatrician visit

2011-05-05T13:07:00.006-05:00

Jimmie Recently had a visit with his developmental Peadiatrician Dr. H. I was expecting him to not be pleased with how skinny Jimmie is. Dr. H was not happy about his weight but was very pleased with his variety of diet and how much he eats. He was also pleased at how much he has grown in head circumference and height, He felt like he had made a huge cognitive jump and is not worried about Jimmie getting enough nutrition to feed his brain. He also said he seems to be "caught up" (minus his weight and speech) A huge relief for me. I went in to the appointment feeling like it was D-day.

However he is very concerned with his lack of speech. His language is very good, i.e. he understands pretty much everything we say. It is looking very much like apraxia (the same diagnoses that Amber's daughter McKenna has) Interestingly enough it is not something related to his prematurity. He communicates very well using signs, he has about 50 . He has about 20 words/sounds. but the average person could understand maybe 2 of them. We are moving to speech therapy two times a week. We have 1 hour session, he is not yet two adjusted so his attention span is short, he concentrates and works hard for 10 min out of the hour. I work all day with him on sounds and words. It is just really hard to see him struggle for every sound. He wants to communicate and has a lot to say. In the long run will be OK, but part of me wants to say "give him a break breathing, eating, and talking should not be this hard" I know that we are so blessed at how well he is doing and how much worse it could be.

The big change: Dr. H. wants me to have him involved with peer groups. Jimmie's therapists have been pushing me to do this for a few months now. They think it would really help his verbal skills. I am really trying to let go and not worry about him getting sick. Dr. H said he needs to get sick and build up his immune system. I know this but I really hate it when he is sick ugh. So he will start Sunday School at the end of May (two adjusted) I will try and do play dates with cousins and such. I could really use prayer to let go.

So all and all very good, Dr. H wants to see him in December to start talking about when he turns 3 (gulp) we will lose all of our in home therapist and have to transition to the school district, or private therapy.
Love, Rachael

PS Amber has managed to stay out of the hospital for 3 weeks. She is on the Zofran pump 24 hrs a day (with a few min off to change the site) She is having some anxiety for the next few weeks. They will try weaning her from the pump. If that doesn't work it is assumed she will stay on it for the whole pregnancy. She also has the anatomical ultra sound in a few weeks. Given my history with it she is anxious about that as well. She is having pain in the needle sites around her belly button she is now changing them every 12 hours and it is helping. She is gaining weight just very slowly (sounds like someone else?) She is doing better at staying hydrated and able to eat but is still experiencing extreme fatigue. Her Iron levels are low but they don't want to supplement right now. The supplements can cause stomach upset, she had this side effect from them in the past. The low levels are contributing to the fatigue. Over all she is better.

PPS Jimmie and Amber and her kids are sick fever colds etc.. Pray for them.

4 year anniversary

2011-04-23T19:37:00.013-05:00

April 7th is our (Justin and I's) anniversary. This year was the first year nothing horrible was happening. Our first year we had just found out about Gracie and were waiting for our level 2 ultra sound. Needless to say we did not feel like celebrating. Our 2nd year Jimmie was in the NICU. I had no idea what day it was much less the actual date. I was exhausted from pumping around the clock. I don't even remember if I knew when it came. Our 3rd year Jimmie had gotten the G-Tube and was vomiting around the clock. I vaguely remember thinking about it.

This year we were not in crises. Two days before "the day" I asked Justin if he wanted to do a 24 hour get away. He said sure, he did NOT think I would make it happen. He had no idea how much I wanted to celebrate. I called Grandma Kathy, "yep she and Grandpa would love to have Jimmie for a "sleep over" I called the Elms

a beautiful historic hotel about 30 min north of us. Booked a room and told Justin we were leaving tomorrow. He was very surprised.

After Speech Therapy. I took Jimmie over to Grandma and Grandpa Gravitts, and away we went. Boy did it feel weird, we went to Red Lobster for lunch, the whole 24 hours we ate way way to much. We visited a museum and the homestead of Jesse James. (yes the outlaw) We have always wanted to do that.

We saw a movie, and swam in the pool and had a wonderful relaxing time in the hot tub. Oh and did I mention sleeping in? I woke up at 7am not much sleeping in but still an hour longer than what Jimmie will let me do. I then WENT BACK TO SLEEP. We did a little shopping. I should say looking, we didn't buy anything. Took a walk over the grounds of the Elms.

Then went back to pick up Jimmie. I do want to let y'all know I only called twice to check on him, I give my self a pat on the back. I do have to say I was not worried about him, I love my in-laws. Jimmie was napping when we got back. Grandpa said he slept through the night in bed with them. He ate good, and only asked for me once right before bed. He woke up from his nap in a foul mood. I was picturing this wonderful snugly reunion. After all I had been gone ALL NIGHT. Ummm no he was mad, I don't think at me. It took him a bit to come out of the mood. But he was fine. It was a wonderful anniversary.

Love,
Rachael

P.S. Amber is doing better. She has been set up with home health and is on a Zofran Pump. This works by pumping the Zofran in under her skin through a small catheter. She has to stick herself every 24 hours to change the site. However she has started developing painful lumps under her skin so now she has been advised to stick herself and change the site every 12 hours. It's all worth it though because this pump is keeping her from needing iv hydration. She is finally able to eat and drink enough to stay out of the hospital and gain just a little bit of weight. She still suffers from nausea when she moves around too much and when she drives so she still could use your prayers. We are so grateful to have you all praying for us!

Gracie's Day

2011-04-19T08:01:00.002-05:00

Today is the day Gracie was born. It's been 3 years! My heart aches with joy and sadness over her life.

I wrote the following on her 1st birthday:

Gracie's foot prints

This video is about the song! The images were just stock images.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Gracie Anne Gravitt passed away in her mother’s womb Thursday, April 17th 2008. She was born Saturday, April 19th 2008 -- and spent 90 precious minutes in the loving arms of her parents Rachael and Justin, her Grandparents Rod, Kathy, Jay and Andrea, and her Auntie Amber. She was 1 pound 8 ounces and 10 and a half inches long.

Gracie Anne Gravitt is buried at the foot of her Great-Grandpa Gravitt. Her Grandpa Rod said his dad (who had 5 boys) always wanted a little girl. It seemed very fitting to lay Gracie to rest there.

Rachael wrote the following in September 2008:

When we found out how very sick Gracie was I knew inducing labor while her heart was still beating was not an option for me and I received the grace to continue on with my pregnancy. I decided not to go to work and try and be thankful for the time I did have with her. I received a vision from God of a white robe that was the garment of grace and the Lord was holding it out to me all I had to do was take it and put it on. I did, once I had it on it disappeared like water and I was wrapped in grace. I had to keep putting it on. He also told me to name her Grace because that is what he gave me.

“It has now been five months since Gracie passed away and I have good days and bad days. I am comforted to know that I will be with Gracie in eternity and this time apart is so short. I am looking forward to the day I get to see Gracie's face as God created it. I know I will never be the same. My little girl took a part of my heart and I feel her absence every day. What I can hope is that this experience will make me a better stronger person. That is what Gracie would have wanted. She lived so short a time but taught me so much.

Through Gracie God has given me this: that all we have to do is chose to love in all situations. Love our selves, love others, love and know we are loved. If we love, we don't fear, hate, have bitterness, self pity, anger, or envy. The by products of love are Joy and Peace! And I realized that I need to love. I did love Gracie and still do and it is beautiful that God gave me that. If we love in all situations only good will come of it. Nothing evil ever came out of love. When I start to have the negative emotions I remember that I love(ed) her. Just LOVE. This was the verse I used at our wedding it means so much more to me now.

“Love bears all things

believes all things

hopes all things

endures all things

Love never ends”

Much Love in our Fathers Name,

Rachael” Sept. 2008

Grandma Andrea wrote the following for Gracie's funeral:

“Rachael knew that Gracie was a girl because God told her so and He named the babe Grace. Her middle name is Anne. Guess what? That means grace, too. It comforts me that we have received a double portion of grace! She was God’s Grace! God only gives grace to the humble. Thank you, Rachael and Justin for being humble servants of God.

The apostle Paul spoke about grace often. In 1 Cor. 15:10, Paul said, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me did not prove vain…”

Grace is God’s presence in our lives empowering us to be who He created us to be and to do what He has called us to do.

Thank you for sending us this message through little Gracie Anne. And I give thanks for the hope that our Father will make all things work together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose. I have hope that we will be better people because of Gracie’s life. And while Gracie did not get be all that she was made to be in this life, I have the hope that she will continue to become all God intended her to become. And for now, she has made a deep impact on us in a very good way.

Because Gracie’s tissues were so fragile and swollen, the nurse was not able to make the little clay molds of Gracie’s hands and feet. But it didn’t matter to me. I have the impression of her feet deeply set in my heart. And her little footprints have walked all over me and I have changed forever! It is good.

Jesus said, “Let the little ones come to me.” So Gracie Anne lept into Jesus’ arms. And He blessed her saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”

Written by Gracie’s Grandma, Andrea EuDaly.

April 22, 2008”

Grandma Kathy arranged the above with Gracie's little foot prints at the bottom.

I remember driving home from the hospital that Saturday afternoon after Rachael had Gracie. I remember trying to not cry so I could see the road. I had been gone over night. When I got home I hugged and kissed my children and looked up into my husbands face and as the tears welled up I just shook my head and said, “I have no words…” I didn’t and I still don’t truly have words that come close to the reality of Gracie and my experience of her birth, but words are all I have that I can share. Rachael and Justin have a box of little keepsakes from the hospital, they have her ink foot prints and yes- they have pictures that we have decided will remain private. They also have a few ultrasound pictures which we will always treasure as those are pictures of her alive. And we have her spot in the cemetery. Obviously we hurt because we do not have her. We do not have Gracie. Not now . . . We have the hope and belief that some day we will be together. But until then all we have are memories and words.

There are a many memories that stand out for me from the day Gracie was born. Here are the ones I'd like to share:

I remember the picture of a faded leaf they put by Rachael’s door at the birthing center.

I remember waiting in the waiting room surrounded by strangers excited about babies who were being born that day. I remember trying to hide my pain from them.

I remember the ultrasound confirming Gracie’s heart was no longer beating. Seeing the stillness on the screen and seeing Justin’s shoulders slump as he shook his head. And then Rachael looked up and smiled at me through her tears and said, “it’s okay.”

I remember looking around at Mom, Dad, Kathy and Rod and thinking how joyful and exciting this day would have been. And hoping desperately for that experience with Rachael and Justin in the future.

I remember the disappointment that Gracie and McKenna- who were supposed to be only a year apart- would never play together.

This one is hard to explain, but I remember being happy for Rachael that she got to spend the time she did with Gracie while pregnant with her. But sad that the rest of us missed out. I wish I could have gotten to know Gracie even that much.

During the weeks we knew Gracie was dying and after we buried her I remember I didn’t want to leave my house. I remember feeling sick with anxiety about being in public and going to the dance studio alone (without Rachael). And then I remember being so surprised and grateful to God by the strength and grace I received right when I needed it.

I remember the pain and love in the eyes of the people in my life when they looked at me.

I remember the words of prayer, love and encouragement spoken and written by the wonderful people in our lives.

Most of all I remember Gracie. I remember how sad and how wrong it felt that there was no medical focus or concern on Gracie during delivery. I remember the moment she was born wishing that the Doctor or someone would have caught her instead of letting her slide into that big plastic container. I remember how she landed gracefully on her side and how beautiful and peaceful she looked.

I remember being filled with awe at the miracle of life in the moment of her birth. The feeling was much more intense and real then at the birth of my own live children.

I remember thinking how much bigger she was than I thought she’d be and how beautiful and precious she was. (She looked so much like Jimmie.)

I remember going out into the hall with Mom and Kathy after her birth where Rod and Dad were pacing and waiting. I remember their faces searching ours for any response or news. I remember Kathy walking into Rod’s arms, Mom walking into Dad’s arms while I slid down to the floor with my head in my hands and wished David were there with me.

I remember Rod and Dad going in to see Gracie.

I remember my Dad’s face as he held her.

I remember Justin’s face right after she was born.

I remember tears, everywhere, continually.

I remember Justin and Rachael giving her up and watching the Nurse walk out of the room holding her.

I remember the blanket they wrapped her in and the hat they put on her head.

I remember thinking that my cousin’s (Camilla) bridal shower was starting right when Gracie was born.

I remember that evening taking a walk with Dave and feeling that there was a wide chasm in between us of this thing I had just experienced while he was home taking care of our kids. I remember trying to use words to bridge the gap.

I remember the world looked, felt, smelled and sounded different.

I remember not being able to fathom that I would have to cook dinner that evening and clean the kitchen. I couldn’t wrap my brain around how life would go on.

I remember my son asking me why.

I remember knowing I would never be the same and being grateful and sad at the same time.

I remember Gracie’s tiny coffin.

I remember everyone’s faces at the funeral.

I remember walking into what would have been Gracie’s room.

I remember feeling close to God, in touch with the Eternal and knowing without a doubt that the Lord does draw near to the brokenhearted.

“My Grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9

We are sad today Gracie. We miss you so much. But there is also joy in remembering you today on your birthday. I will never ever forget being with you that day you were born. I will never be the same for looking at your beautiful face and being touched by your life. You will be in my heart forever. We miss you and we love you and we will see you again.

God is good.

Love,

Amber

trucking along

2011-04-05T19:14:00.003-05:00

Sorry about the MIA again. This is Rachael writing (I know gasp) I just wanted to update.

Amber is still very sick. She finally saw an OB today. She needed fluid and had an elevated heart rate because of dehydration. Last I talked to her they had her hooked up to IVs They found the baby on the ultrasound. It looks great. She will be going back to the Doctor on Monday to set up a long term care plan. She will be 12 weeks at the end of the week. Please continue to pray for her. She sounded upbeat and relived that the Doctors would be watching her closely. My Mom has been taking care of her and the kids. Amber’s good days are laying on the couch not feeling nauseated. Bad days are laying on the couch feeling nauseated and vomiting.

Last week We (Amber and I) were supposed to visit out dear friend Amy in Vancouver Canada. Jimmie ended up getting sick along with Ambers two children. Vomiting, fever, that kind of thing. We cancelled the trip. We were very disappointed but knew with the kids being sick it would be no fun. Turns out Ambers health went way down hill (see above).

Jimmie came though the sickness very well. He is 100% better now. I don’t think he lost much weight. We are going though a little rough patch with the sleeping, He decided to do the behavioral puke thing again. It only happens when I put him down. So Daddy gets to take a turn with the bed time routine. He is still sleeping about 11 hours at night in his crib and about two hour naps. This morning he was looking outside doing his unh? unh? I look over at him in his high chair he was making the sign for sun! He wanted me to talk about how the sun was coming up. I love that kid! He is still having a hard time speaking but is trying to say more things. I will leave you this this recent picture. It really captures Jimmie's need for movment!

Blessings, Rachael

MIA

2011-03-10T09:13:00.003-06:00

So sorry! I've been missing in action the last few weeks. My life has consisted of dry heaving, ER visits for iv and then dry heaving and more dry heaving. I'm very excited to be 8 1/2 weeks pregnant, but not very excited AT ALL to have been diagnosed with "Hyperemesis Gravidarum". That big fancy name basically means- severe morning sickness. UGH!

Anyway-- Jimmie is truckin along doing great! Rachael texted me this hilarious picture of the goofy smile he's pulling lately.

Jimmie is still sleeping really well through the night in his own bed in his own room. He's eating pretty consistently and gaining weight (just slowly) as always. He's working hard in speech therapy. All signs still point towards Apraxia. It's a little early yet to know for sure though...

Tomorrow Jimmie will be 25 months old! Rach and I have decided that we will do 4 developmental birthday letters this year instead of 1 every month. So the next big developmental letter I will write to Jimmie will be May 11th. My plan for the blog this year is to post once a week with a picture and an update for the week. If I'm unable to do that perhaps I can talk Rachael into doing it. (-:

Thank you for your care and prayers for Jimmie!

Love,
Amber

Video Montage

2011-02-17T07:41:00.005-06:00

Here is the tribute I did for Jimmie's birthday!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We are singing it from the rooftops! Our precious Jimmie is 2 years old!

Love,

Amber

My 2nd Birthday- By Jimmie Gravitt

2011-02-14T07:46:00.016-06:00

Hi Everybody,

I had the best birthday party the other day! I'm 2 years old. That's big...

I was so happy when I got to Grandpa and Grandma Gravitt's and saw everybody there to help me celebrate.

I looked around and saw my cousins Cole & Micky!

My Grandpa & Grandma Gravitt.

My Auntie Amber, GG Paula and Pa!

I saw my Ma!!

And of course my momma and daddy were there too.

As soon as I got down I made a beeline for the laundry room. I love the buttons on the washer and dryer. I love to watch them spin. But I'm not supposed to touch those buttons...

So I got scolded... That made me sad.

I got over it quickly though. There were other things to do. Presents to open.

Wow! I'm so big now I got my own computer!

Momma's probably hoping this will stop me from messing with her laptop.

This is pretty cool, but momma's hopes better not be up about that.

I needed help getting some of my new toys out of their packages. I told momma, "open" with my hands.

This new train . . .

. . . is totally cool!!

Sometimes you just need a break from unwrapping. I chose to recharge by riding my horse I got for Christmas.

I rode so fast the camera could hardly catch me for a picture.

Everybody cheered for me!

I wore that horse plumb out. So while the horse had a nap- I opened more presents.

I love books! So does my cousin Cole.

I made sure he knew this ladybug book was mine too.

After the books I opened a barn full of farm animals!!

And then colors and a coloring book.

Grandma helped me color. . .

I decided to taste the pretty yellow crayon.

It wasn't very yummy.

Then I went back to my horse to work on him with a tool Grandpa used to put him together at Christmas. I love tools and working on stuff.

Speaking of tools I got a hammer and something to pound!

I am wild when I hammer. My cousin Cole almost got hammered cause he was too close to the construction zone.

After the hammer fun I opened . . .

A whole tool set!!

I even have my own safety goggles.

These will keep my baby blues safe while I'm sawing and drilling and stuff.

Everybody made a big deal about how cute I looked and I got a little shy.

After that I surveyed my loot. I got so much stuff there is not time for me to tell you about all of it. But lets just say- I heard momma say she was putting up all of my toys at home to make room for my new ones. Don't worry- she rotates my toys so I'll see my old ones again soon. Momma is smart like that.

The presents kept coming! You guys will not believe what I got next!

A John Deere Tractor of my very own!

It has a pedal that makes it go.

And a steering wheel.

And shovels on the front and the back that I can control with levers.

Man I'm big!!!

I even took my cousin Micky for a ride.

She may have been nervous.

I told her not to worry. I'm a good driver.

Micky also liked riding my horse.

I was worried about her being up there by herself so GG Paula helped me up with her.

Yee haw!!!

Riding double was fun!

My daddy and I showed off our matching tractor t-shirts.

My momma put fire in front of me.

Which I thought was a bit foolhardy.

Then I was supposed to blow out the fire after everybody sang.

But I couldn't make a big enough breeze. Ma helped.

I was so grateful about that I fed her cake.

I think she liked it!

I sure did!

All in all that was a pretty awesome birthday party.

Life is good!

Love,

Jimmie Jim Jim

P.S. Make sure you read my 24 month birthday letter!

Dear Jimmie- Happy 24 Month Birthday!

2011-02-13T07:33:00.009-06:00

Dear Jimmie,

Happy 24 Month Birthday!!

This you right after you were born.

And this is you today!

Look at how you have grown next to your Rottweiler Puppy!

Look at how you've grown in your father's hands!

Here is your special "Watch Me Grow Montage"!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

You did not gain any weight this month. You are 18 lb 13 oz. Your mommy has figured that you are consistently gaining 1 pound every 2 months. Last month you gained a whole pound in only 1 month, but then this month. Nothing... So you stayed on the 1 lb every two months track.

You are 32 1/2 inches tall!

Your head is 18 & 1/2 inches around!

You have 125 followers on your blog Jimmie!

Your "Faithfulness" Video Montage has been viewed 15,288 times. That's 391 times this month!

Your "Jimmie's Wonderful World" Montage has been viewed 1016 times. And your "High Places" Video Montage has been viewed 752 times!

Your blog has been viewed 2,877 times this month for a total of 123,378 hits! You have a lot of very cool people who love to check on your progress Jimmie.

You were evaluated by a physical therapist this week Jimmie. Your momma wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything major with your legs and feet that need therapy. Your ankles roll inward so your momma is working on getting some special insoles for your shoes. Other than that everything looks great!

You are working on cutting your 2 year old molars this month. You have felt pretty rough at times and this has caused your eating to be very "up and down". We will all be very happy when you are done cutting teeth!

Vast improvements have been made with your sleeping issues this month. Your momma found this book:

She has been doing everything recommended and for the last week or so you have been sleeping in your crib in your own room 11 hours a night. You are still early in your "sleep training" so things are not totally settled , but compared to the excessive puking and crying for hours on end things are AMAZINGLY better! If your day is too full then your nights are unsettled with multiple wakings, but you are able to self soothe and go back to sleep with no trauma.

You are still struggling with speech, although your language development is going well with signing. You have about 33 signs and you are putting them together. You have become a little more verbal this month and you seem more ready to copy sounds. Your speech team has decided to go with speech therapy 2 times a week soon. They will be operating like you have Apraxia. You are coming up on a season of hard work with speech. I know you will overcome!!!

One of your favorite things to do lately is work on cars like your daddy and your Grandpa Gravitt. You are so smart Jimmie!!

You are enjoying using your fingers to work little things. This shows good development of your fine motor skills.

Your mommy and daddy are working on being very consistent with discipline. You understand pretty much everything they ask of you. You do a pretty good job of picking up your toys!

We had a very fun little birthday celebration for you Jimmie.

I'm going to save that for a different blog and let you write a blog about it. (-:

Jimmie I started this blog as a way to keep family and friends informed about the situation with your momma while she was still pregnant with you. It turned into an outlet for me. It was therapeutic to write and a comfort to know people were reading and praying. Then after you were born this blog evolved into your story. And again it was a comfort to know many dear ones were lifting you up in prayer. After you came home from the NICU I considered quitting, but I couldn't stop. So many people love you and enjoy reading about your progress, but more than that I love writing about you.

While you were still in your momma's tummy we made plans and dreamed about after you were born. We planned for you stay at my house with Cole and McKenna as much as once a week while your mom was teaching. I was so excited to bond with you like that. For you to be very close with your cousins. After your birth I knew that was not going to happen... And although giving up all of our plans and dreams of "normalcy" has hurt, the joy of witnessing you live and the miracles surrounding you have filled me with joy!

I don't get to see you very often Jimmie. During "cold and flu" season I see you "maybe" once a month. Writing this blog helps fill that hole in my heart made by your physical absence in our lives.

Most of all though- I am writing this blog for you. You have endured a lot of pain and trauma in your young life. The day you were born was supposed to be the most exciting and glorious days of your momma and daddy's life. This is what I wrote 2 years ago about that day:

"Now as to how Rachael is doing? I believe this will answer how Justin and the rest of us are doing as well. It is really hard for me to communicate but I’ll try and hopefully it’ll be close to the truth/reality. She is absolutely devastated and grateful. Yesterday was one of the worst and best days of her life. We were all hoping and believing for so much more time for baby Jimmie and it all happened so fast I think there is some shock. She is scared and hopeful. Most of all just completely overwhelmed beyond words. Many many tears . . . We don’t understand why this has happened to them. After what happened with their firstborn the pain is really intense about again not having the birth experience for your child that you hoped, prayed and dreamed for. We trust God though. We trust him to be with us in our pain and our joy. We are so grateful that she had the month that she did. We realize this could have happened 4 even 2 weeks ago and he wouldn’t have had the fighting chance that he has. And for that we praise God for helping her get this far. "

Now Jimmie when you have a birthday we are all so joyous we are almost giddy. Your Ma says she feels like a kid on Christmas morning when it's time to celebrate your birthday.

I hope that some day Jimmie you will read this blog and that you will know how much you are loved. That is what I want you to know most of all. Through all of your "ups and downs", through all of your momma and daddy's up's and downs", through all of the things that happened to you that were out of our control. Through every situation where "hindsight was 20/20" you were loved! You are loved. For love is the power that overcomes any tragedy.

I will love you forever,

Auntie Amber

Happy Birthday Jimmie!

2011-02-11T08:08:00.002-06:00

Jimmie is 2 years old today!! One of our dear ballet students, Hannah -sent me this blog header that she designed for Jimmie a few months ago. She did a wonderful job! I thought it would be fun to put it up in honor of Jimmie's birthday. It shows how far he's come! We will have some special stuff to post. Tomorrow we are having a tiny little party for Jimmie. I am also working on a new montage and of course we are working on his birthday (developmental post).

So for now- HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET JIMMIE!!!

More to come this weekend. (-:

Love,

Amber

Sleep Sweet Sleep

2011-02-08T09:53:00.004-06:00

As you know Jimmie has developed some major sleep issues this past year. Rachael and Justin really wanted him to sleep in his crib, but that had become impossible. Jimmie would scream for hours on end, puke all over himself on purpose etc... He has been sleeping in the big bed with mommy and daddy for a few months now.

However Rachael in her characteristic determination decided that this could be fixed! After much research she came across this book:

Rachael has read this extensively and done everything recommended. She is still in the early stages of what is called "Sleep Training" with Jimmie, but so far it has been a HUGE success. The past 5 nights Jimmie has slept 11 to 12 hours a night in his crib in his OWN room with little issues compared to what used to happen. Rachael and Justin are thrilled about this!

So now not only are Rachael and Justin "Dog Whisperers" they are also "Baby Whisperers". (-:

Can you believe that Jimmie will turn 2 years old in 3 days?? The big celebration will be at the end of May when his adjusted age is 2 and cold and flu season is over. We will do something small this weekend though.

Go Jimmie go! (-:

Love,

Amber

Speech Update

2011-01-30T14:09:00.004-06:00

Jimmie is doing well! There is not a lot new or exciting as Rachael and Justin are keeping him isolated to protect him from the winter colds and flu.

His 3 therapists came for a visit this week. His speech therapist (and the rest of us) continue to be highly suspicious that Jimmie has Apraxia. Especially in light of the raving review coming from his cognitive therapist. She is just super impressed with Jimmie. Anything she would give Rachael for him to work on is at the 2 year old level. As you know it will be a couple of weeks before his birthday and he is not actually considered 2 years old until his due date May 28th. In other words- Jimmie is one smart little cookie!!! (-:

However those cognitive abilities being so advanced sheds light on the huge gap between that and his speech. He does not say much. He is becoming very advanced with signing, even signing 2 or 3 things in a row to make a sentence. This shows advanced language skills. All the while he is struggling with basic vowel sounds much less full words. He is often accurate with one vowel sound, but as soon as he tries to put another sound with it they both break down. This is all very much deja vu for us as my daughter McKenna has Apraxia.

Jimmie is so sweet. I did get to see him last week as Rachael agreed to bring him by my house for a rare visit. He was so cute! He's developed these adorable little shy mannerisms. When I say, "HI Jimmie!! Auntie is so happy to see YOOOOU!" He stands there and covers his face with his hands, but you can see his huge dimples peeking out between his fingers. Of course there is always the possibility that my over the top excitement to see him freaks him out. (-:

I can't help myself I love my Jimmie SO VERY MUCH!

Love,

Amber

P.S. Jimmie has been pretty hit or miss the past 2 weeks with his eating. He has been cutting his 2 year old molars. Rachael has done very well staying calm and not freaking out when he doesn't eat. This is a big victory for Rachael so give her virtual pat on the back! (-:

Snow Day

2011-01-20T13:01:00.004-06:00

We have had 5 snow days here in the last 2 weeks! Jimmie went out to help shovel this morning. (-:

The snow went up to his thighs so he couldn't really move around very well.

Plus it's COLD!!!

He did have fun walking up and down the shoveled sidewalk though.

Jimmie is doing well. He's had a few grumpy days this week where he was not eating or sleeping well. At first Rach thought he was getting sick again. )-: But as it turns out he was cutting teeth. They've finally broken through so he seems to be feeling better.

We love the snow, but cabin fever is starting to set in. 0-:

Love,

Amber

Dear Jimmie- Happy 23 Month Birthday!

2011-01-14T16:02:00.007-06:00

Dear Jimmie,

Happy 23 Month Birthday!!

This you right after you were born.

And this is you today!

Look at how you have grown next to your Rottweiler Puppy!

Look at how you've grown in your father's hands!

Here is your special "Watch Me Grow Montage"!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

You have gained 15 oz this month! You are 18 lb 13 oz. This is so awesome because you gained even though you got sick again and didn't eat well.

Your height has increased almost another inch. You are 33 inches long!

Your head has increased to 18 & 1/2 inches around!

You have 123 followers on your blog Jimmie!

Your "Faithfulness" Video Montage has been viewed 14,897 times. That's 394 times this month!

Your "Jimmie's Wonderful World" Montage has been viewed 996 times. And your "High Places" Video Montage has been viewed 728 times!

Your blog has been viewed 2,290 times this month for a total of 120,501 hits! You have a lot of very cool people who love to check on your progress Jimmie.

Physically you are doing well. You are now doing a very good job eating with a spoon! You have most of your teeth and when you are healthy you eat very well.

Sleeping is still an issue. You still wake up in the night, wake up early (4:30am) wanting to eat and you will not sleep at all unless you are in the big bed with mom or dad.

Communication wise you are now putting 2 signs together which is excellent for language development. However speaking is just not happening for you. You worked hard on saying "all done" the other day. You would say "ahhh" and then "dnnn" separately with prompting, but when you tried to put both sounds together it came out, "dnnahh". We are still highly suspicious that you may be dealing with Apraxia.

Christmas was wonderful and you got to come to Ma and Pa's and celebrate with us. You are so sweet and so much fun.

Our new thing that we do together is play "hide and seek". When ever you see me now you manage to communicate by acting it out and signing "more" that you want to play. You were so happy Christmas morning with the gifts, the people and the food! You are truly precious.

New Year's Eve was very low key. You were still getting through the latest virus and your daddy was working. So you and your momma rang in the new year together- sleeping. (-:

Dearest Jimmie, I can't believe it, but in a few short weeks you will be two years old. At this time 2 years ago your mommy was in the fight for your life! Today (Jan 14th) is actually the day 2 years ago that your mommy had the surgery to put in the cerclage that helped to save your life. Jan. 12th 2009 was the date it was discovered that you were in extreme danger. So amazingly and against all the odds you stayed in your mommy's tummy almost a month to the day we were told you were lost. That was an amazing time. While it was one of the darkest times in our lives it was also one of the most miraculous.

By the time your mommy was in the operating room she had almost no cervix left. She was mostly effaced and dilated to a 3. The situation was so dire that the surgeon could hardly do the stitch. Your bag of water was bulging out the opening. There were so many things that could have happened to end your life. The bag of water was eased back up where it should have been without breaking and the amazing surgeon was able to create a sort of a stitch that was better than nothing. However we were told things did not look good. Your mom was labeled the "sub-optimal cerclage patient". We were told almost everyday how little hope there really was for a good outcome. It was horrifying and exhausting, but we fought through. We fought for hope. We, who loved you, truly were "Much Afraid" (from the book Hinds Feet On High Places) Our companions were "Sorrow and Suffering". We climbed up the "Precipice Injury" stumbling and bleeding along the way, attacked by "Craven Fear". I will never forget how terrifying and hopeless that time was. How utterly impossible it seemed that your mommy would make it 3 weeks with you still safe inside her, when every few hours storms of symptoms would come crashing in.

I will also never forget how we were lifted up.

The Shepherd was faithful to us, he gave us his cordial of "Grace and Comfort" while Sorrow and Suffering tied their bodies to ours and helped us up the Precipice.

We were lifted up by the prayers and good wishes of family, friends and strangers. We did everything we knew to do to help you grow strong and healthy. TKM and electrolytes around the clock. The amazing doctors and nurses did everything medically they could, and they did so excellently. People brought meals, cards and words of encouragement. Friends and strangers sent prayers and support. People shared with me how they were up in the night led to pray, I was told about churches all over the country lifting us up in prayer. This blog started as a way to get updates to friends and family also brought us encouragement from strangers who became friends as they sent words of prayer and encouragement.

All of that was our cordial of "Grace and Comfort".

In the end we did make it to the top of the precipice. You were still born tragically early, but your life has been anything, but tragic. Right away you were special! You worked hard through your NICU days Jimmie. The nurses and doctors called you , "small, but mighty"! You only had one really rough patch that you fought through amazingly. We who love you had a new name, instead of "Much Afraid" we were now "Grace and Glory"!

I often think about how you are now and the little struggles of day to day life that sometimes bring us down. I think about how if back then, 2 years ago, before you were born, when all of the doctors were telling us how very grim your future was- if back then we had one blog post to look at- with perhaps a picture of you how you are now, beautiful, strong and healthy...

How stunned and awe struck we would have been at that peek into the future! It seemed impossible that your situation would be ok and yet it is.

It's much much more than ok . . .

You are here living life!

You are truly a miracle Jimmie and I will be forever grateful for you- my little hero!

Love,

Auntie Amber

Over The Worst

2011-01-08T08:24:00.005-06:00

Jimmie seems to be over the worst of this latest virus. Although he did start a runny nose yesterday. This virus consisted of off and on fevers and runny stools for about a week. He did not eat well during that time, but thankfully the last couple days he has started eating well again. We are also thankful that he didn't lose much. Yesterday he was about 18lb 11oz. I swear we are going to want to have a party when our skinny little Jim Jim hits 20lb!! The poor kid is so scrunched up in his rear facing car seat. He is tall so his long legs are smashed up against the seat back. He has to be 20lb to face forward.

Remember when we used to pray "fat prayers" for Jimmie when he was in the NICU? Lets pray him to 20lb!! Here's a hint- staying healthy is KEY! He gains slowly, but steadily when he is healthy.

Lord help us keep Jimmie healthy so that he can gain weight!

He's in for more house arrest I guess. Rachael is pretty sure this latest virus was a result of mingling for Christmas.

Guess what??? Jimmie POOPED in the potty yesterday! It was more of a- mom noticing some signs and rushing him to the toilet- type of thing, but still... Jimmie is very interested in the big toilet and he knows what it is all about so he was proud of himself!

Go Jimmie go!

Thank you for your prayers!

Love,
Amber

A Very Merry Christmas- By Jimmie Gravitt

2011-01-02T09:48:00.037-06:00

Hi guys!

Remember last Christmas how I puked while mom was taking pictures of me in my new toy? You don't remember... Well- here, let me jog your memory! That puke involved a rogue piece of tissue paper...

HA HA HA!!!

Okay so puking is not nearly as common of an occurrence for me now as it was last year, but I managed to keep this tradition going! I found some yummy chocolate in my stocking. I got a little choked up and- BLEH!

HA HA HA!!! Ewwwww gross!

Ahhhh Christmas traditions... Gotta love them.

So after I fulfilled my duties in "our" Christmas tradition I got to open gifts from Santa!

That yellow dish is part of a set that is mine! I'm very serious about those dishes because it's a grown up gift. I feel so big.

After gifts at my house I got dressed and we went to Ma and Pa's house!

Yes I'm wearing a sweater vest. And yes I know I make that look GOOD!

While we waited for the food to be served Daddy helped me fly. Warning- if you have a weak stomach for dare devil stunts don't watch!

If you are brave enough to watch me fly notice how I sign "more" every time I land.

After flying. . . I ate . . .

After eating.. (I ate good too!) We opened more gifts!

Pa took a video of me opening my gift from Uncle Eric and Aunt Rachel. There are no dare devil stunts in this video so all of you chickens can watch this one. Notice how I sign "open" when I get the box out of the bag.

My loud cousins were subdued for over an hour by my mommy's gift for them. Eggs with baby dinosaurs inside. They had to excavate them out. Things were peaceful for a LONG time! That was a stroke of genius mom!

Then good friends Ted and Pam sang Christmas carols just for little ole me! They have a long standing tradition of caroling the family, but we live kinda far. So I got my caroling on Christmas morning!

I LOVED it!

Here is a video of me enjoying the music.

I signed "more" . . . .

and "more" . . . I LOVE listening to music. Especially when it's live.

After that I took a nap and then went to a Christmas party with Grandma Gravitt's family.

Then the next day I opened gifts at Grandpa and Grandma's (Gravitt) house.

I got my own table and chairs to go with my own dishes!

AND I got a rocking horse!! Yee haw!! I make the cutest little ole cowboy!

Momma had more pictures from Christmas at Grandpa and Grandmas, but her computer and camera are not being friends right now and are in "time out".

I ended up missing Christmas at a couple of extended family get togethers because my momma and dad are trying to keep me healthy. I was doing good until about 5 days ago and then I came down with something. )-: ARG! I know you will pray for me to get better and start eating and gaining weight again.

My Christmas was awesome!

God has blessed me with so much love.

Love,

Jimmie Jim Jim

Dear Jimmie- Happy 22 Month Birthday

2010-12-18T18:51:00.028-06:00

Dear Jimmie,

Happy 22 Month Birthday!!

This you right after you were born.

And this is you today!

Look at how you have grown next to your Rottweiler Puppy!

Look at how you've grown in your father's hands!

Here is your special "Watch Me Grow Montage"!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

You have gained 3 oz this month! You are 17 lb 14 oz. That doesn't tell the whole story though. You actually broke 18 lbs at one point this month, but you got sick and lost weight. )-:

Your height has increased by a whole inch!! You are 32 1/8 inches long! You are the definition of the term "Growing Like A Weed". (-: You are tall and very very skinny.

Your head has increased by an 1/8th inch to 18 & 1/8 inches around!

You have 124 followers on your blog Jimmie! That's 1 more than last month.

Your "Faithfulness" Video Montage has been viewed 14,503 times. That's 624 times this month!

Your "Jimmie's Wonderful World" Montage has been viewed 983 times. And your "High Places" Video Montage has been viewed 714 times!

Your blog has been viewed 4,446 times this month for a total of 118,211 hits! You have a lot of very cool people who love to check on your progress Jimmie.

Physically you are doing well. You can now reach up and take things off the counters in the kitchen! You love to help your momma unload the dishwasher. There have only been a few things broken. (-:

You have 11 (almost 12) teeth now!

Sleep has been a huge issue the last few months. Your momma thinks that you have finally become aware that you are by yourself in your bed. It seems to be causing you a lot of anxiety and upset. This past week- your momma has given up fighting you on this and you are sleeping MUCH better in your mommy and daddy's bed. Your momma is not settled about this though, she is not sure that's the direction she wants to go- so we'll see.. (-: I co-sleep with your cousins so I'm not much help on this front.

Communication is moving along. There is still great suspicion that you have "Apraxia" like your cousin. You have so many signs your momma can't even count how many. The only words you speak spontaneously that sound consistent are - "dog (buf buf), cat (meow), tractor and truck (tu tu)". You will say, "mama" on request. You learned this month that your daddy works on a fire truck! So now whenever you see a fire truck you do the sign for "work" and "dad". You are so smart!

This month you celebrated Thanksgiving! And boy did you celebrate! Here is a quick video clip of you dancing with Ma. Your arm swinging like crazy is so funny!

We totally failed and nobody took pictures though. So I'm going to post the totally awesome ones from last year. We posed you to match a picture from your daddy's first Thanksgiving.

This is you Jimmie!

And this is your daddy!

This is your daddy!

WOW! You look just like your daddy!

You also like to "be" just like your daddy. You put his shoes on the other day and walked around in them.

You are spending A LOT of time at home right now Jimmie because it's "cold and flu season". Your mommy and daddy try to play with you, but lets face it- being cooped up has it's consequences. One day you arranged all of your various balls around you on the couch. Your momma found you like this. It was not just fun and games.

You were very serious about it.

Your momma took a video of the incident.

Um- yeah, you need to get out more! (-:

Thank goodness you did get out for a whole weekend! You went with mommy and daddy down to the lake with Grandpa and Grandma Gravitt. Branson at Christmastime is wonderful.

You really "lived it up" Jimmie.

The goats filled you with joy!

You were adopted by a nice snowman family . . .

Grandpa made you tall so you could see a snowman sing.

You watched a Christmas Lights Parade.

And then you fell asleep in the car looking at more beautiful Christmas lights.

The biggest thing that happened this month for you Jimmie is your g-tube went "bye bye"! Saturday November 13th your Grandpa and mommy removed it with the doctor's permission.

Here it is before . . .

It's gone! There is a tiny hole in it's place . . .

All bandaged up!

This was a huge milestone for you Jimmie on the road to full health and normalcy. You have come so far and you have overcome so much. Thanksgiving inspires us to proclaim what we are thankful for . . . Jimmie, I am thankful for you!

Someone said to me recently with great love, prayers and support, that they felt so sad or sorry for us (me and your mommy) for all we'd been through with our children. I'm happy to say that I responded with a smile that I am not sad or sorry for us. Now don't get me wrong Jimmie, I am sad that we lost your sister Gracie and I am sorry that you were born so tragically early. However on this journey we have met others, we have connected with many who have suffered in similar ways. This has given us a perspective that will never allow us to feel sorry for ourselves in a "pity party" way. There are certain "hurts" that we have to learn to live with, but with a "thankful" heart it is possible to live with joy!

You bring me great joy Jimmie!

I will love you forever!

Auntie Amber

On The Mend

2010-12-18T18:49:00.001-06:00

Jimmie is finally doing better. Check back tomorrow! His 22 month post should be ready...

Love,

Amber

Jimmie Is Still Sick

2010-12-13T09:48:00.002-06:00

Jimmie is struggling with this virus. We think it's the same one. He is running low grade fevers, has lots of snot, is not eating well and of course not sleeping well.

He turned 22 months old on Saturday! We will get his 22 month post up. It's just been a rough weekend with sick kids. )-:

Thank you for your prayers.

Love,

Amber

Jimmie And Jon Miguel

2010-12-06T08:21:00.005-06:00

Update on Jimmie and Jon Miguel:

Jimmie- It's been a very rough 5 days. His high fever went away, but he has not been eating or sleeping well. Saturday he ate next to nothing. Yesterday was a bit better. This morning Justin and Rachael are weighing the pros and cons of taking him to the Pediatrician.

The sleeping situation has been rough for almost 2 months. He seems to have developed a bit of separation anxiety and even though his crib is in Rachael and Justin's room a few feet from their bed, he wakes up screaming and refuses to calm and go back to sleep. Of course being sick has made this even worse. Rachael and Justin are stressed and exhausted! Prayers are needed!

Jon Miguel- Little Miguelito has made major improvements. He is breathing with no support, his lungs are clear, he spent a day under a bili-light, but his levels are already normalizing. He is also breast feeding well! So now he just has to finish his i.v. antibiotics and he'll be free to go home. I think that will be Wednesday or Thursday. Amy and Jorge are doing as good as they could possibly do crammed into a tiny room with no private toilet and no shower- while trying to adjust to the major life change that just happened with the birth of their first born son. They have inspired me with their attitude. God has given them much grace to get through this week. Truly all that matters to them is that Jon Miguel is doing well! Of course!!

I was thinking about how Amy came to visit the spring Jimmie was still in the NICU. She spent 2 whole days with Rachael in the NICU. Now I know that could not possibly have prepared her for the birth of her own son and subsequent hospital stay, but at least the incubator, oxygen, heart monitors and the whole setup was not foreign to her.

Speaking for myself- knowing what Rachael and Justin have gone through with Gracie and Jimmie has at the very least provided me with some major perspective when dealing with my own kids.

I will update again later if Rach and Justin end up taking Jimmie to the doctor. Rach was encouraged this morning- because he was eating.

Thank you so much for your care and prayers!

Love,

Amber

Jimmie Update & Pray For Jon Miguel!

2010-12-02T08:01:00.003-06:00

Okay- first Jimmie! He is doing better! His fever is low grade and he seems to be feeling much better. Yesterday was hard for Rachael. He was so lethargic with the high fever. Jimmie never stops moving so it was really scaring Rachael to see him like that. Keep praying that he heals from this virus quickly.

Second- Our best friend Amy (Remember we were in her wedding in Vancouver last year at this time.) had her firstborn baby boy- "Jon Miguel" yesterday at 40 weeks. From what I know the labor and delivery went well. He is 8 lb 2 oz and BEAUTIFUL! However he is having trouble with his lungs. From what I understand he is in the special care nursery in an incubator on oxygen. It seems he may have aspirated some fluid. They told Amy to expect him to be in the hospital for 5 days. So we ask that everyone please please pray for baby Jon Miguel! Pray also for Amy and Jorge!!

Love,

Amber

Jimmie is SICK!

2010-12-01T09:13:00.005-06:00

Update: 10am -Rachael gave Jimmie some motrin a little bit ago and it has definitely made him feel better, so that's good! If it were something more serious that would usually not be the case.

It is likely a virus as we have had heard there is something going around that presents with a high fever and a rash. Jimmie did have a weird rash this weekend. So anyway we are feeling a bit better about things now. It's so hard, especially with Jimmie- to not let the worse case scenario rattle around in your head.

Jimmie has been able to drink about 8 oz and eat a little yogurt.

Thank you for praying! Keep it up!

Original Post:

Rachael called this morning pretty concerned for Jimmie. He is running a high temperature and is very lethargic. My mom is on her way out to Odessa to help. Rachael is talking to Jimmie's Pediatrician. He doesn't really have any other symptoms other than a molar trying to come in. His temperature is over 102 under his arm which is too high for teething. And he's never run a fever cutting teeth before.

Jimmie is not getting out of bed. He's just laying there moaning.

So we are concerned!

Prayers would be very appreciated!!

Love,

Amber

Halloween 2010- By Jimmie Gravitt

2010-11-21T09:00:00.002-06:00

Hi Everybody,

Auntie is letting me tell you about Halloween. My mommy had the idea to make me a Dalmatian Puppy. I was pretty awesome.

I felt a little funny at first, but I got used to the ears and the tail. My Halloween was full of fun.

Fun at Great Grandpa and Grandma EuDaly's house.

Fun playing with these cool old wooden clothes pins.

I had fun making Auntie Amber laugh while...

I panted like a dog . . .

Um- yeah you all didn't see that . . .

The fun STOPPED though when mommy and auntie tried a photo shoot with my cousins...

I was not and I mean NOT going to go through that again.

That Fall Photo Shoot we had was not far from my mind . . .

I posed perfectly the whole time for that shoot. . .

while my cousins messed around . . .

So this time I gave them a dose of their own medicine . . .

What?? You want me to smile and pose for the camera . . .?

Not gonna happen . . .

Is there a way out of this . . ?

Cause I'm finishing this before it gets started . . .

There was one great photo . . .

This one right here . . . It even includes Ma's dog's rear end. HA HA!!

And that's when mommy and auntie gave up.

The fun continued when I trick-or-treated Great Grandpa and Grandma Hester and last, but certainly not least . . .

Grandma and Grandpa Gravitt!!!

Grandpa is . . .

always FUN!!!

So that was my happy Halloween!

Love,

Jimmie Jim Jim

P.S. Auntie wants me to tell you my doctors visit Tuesday went great. My g-tube site is healing wonderfully. It's pretty much closed up already. I have no bandage, my tummy is free and bare!! Woohooo!!

G-Tube Adieu

2010-11-14T09:58:00.010-06:00

A lot has happened since my last post about Jimmie's g-tube!

Rachael received this letter of referral from Dr. H.

"Dear Dr. S.

I am referring James Gravitt to have his G-Tube discontinued as he is no longer using it. More specifically, his mother discontinued using the G-tube in mid-July, and James even managed to continue oral intake though a gastrointestinal illness in August. He is maintaining his height growth. While he may be falling off a little in his weight growth, mother professes she is unlikely to resort to the G-tube. Rather she will optimize even more the food choices she is offering (wheat germ, peanut butter, fortifying his milk, etc.) as he does eat pretty well.

Removing his G-tube now, before the winter season seems more prudent than waiting.

Please give me a call if you have any questions or concerns."

Sincerely,

Dr. H."

Rachael was a bit chagrined at this letter. She wasn't sure she liked how it read. It seemed to place it ALL on her. I laughed out loud when she read it to me. I told her to take it as a compliment. Dr. H. respects her. He did not try to talk her out of this line of thinking. He did put the responsibility squarely in her lap. I'm sure he has to. This is not the normal mode of operation with g-tubes and kids like Jimmie. (here in the states-anyway) I think Rachael has reconciled herself to the tone of the letter. She has fiercely advocated for her son. She has done all of her own research and found a doctor who would work with her not against her. This is what she wanted and she got it. I think there was just a little bit of last minute second guessing herself. Of course that's understandable, but she does not need to doubt this!

So Jimmie was scheduled for g-tube removal November 16th!

Amazingly the last few days have just served to encourage her and bring her peace with this decision.

First and foremost - Jimmie has been eating like a HORSE!! AND-- he's gaining weight!

Second - His g-tube has been having trouble. It hasn't been rotating like it should and Jimmie hasn't wanted Rachael to touch it at all. On Friday it started coming out on it's own. Justin refilled the inner balloon thing with a few mls of water and tried to get it back into place. Friday night Jimmie had a horrible night. His g-tube was making him uncomfortable, the stoma looked really red and inflamed and by morning it was starting to come out again. So Rachael called in to the clinic and they gave her permission to take it out herself and dress the wound/hole. They told her to keep his removal appointment so they could check everything out and make sure the healing process was starting properly.

Unfortunately Justin was at work yesterday so Rod and Kathy drove out to help Rachael remove Jimmie's g-tube.

Here it is before . . .

It's gone! There is a tiny hole in it's place . . .

All bandaged up!

Here is Jimmie holding the g-tube . . .

The end!

This is so exciting for us! While Jimmie's time in the NICU was relatively easy, his reflux and resulting eating issues once he was home were very very challenging. The months of Jimmie screaming in pain and refusing to eat were probably some of the darkest months of Rachael's life. A lot of stuff caved in on her during that time including hormonal/mood issues, post traumatic stress and extreme exhaustion. Exhaustion that was not only physical, but also emotional. A complete weariness of fighting what felt like a constant state of crisis involving her child. And all this while still trying to recover from enduring the death of her daughter only 8 months before the crisis with Jimmie began.

Rachael sent me her thoughts about yesterday:

"I did not realize how aware I was of the tube. It is so freeing to not have to worry about it when he slides off the couch, or when I pick him up, or when he is naked. I don't have to watch him constantly making sure he's not pulling at it. It has been a great day. I thought I would be apprehensive and scared. I wasn't!! I was so happy and proud of Jimmie at how hard he has worked and how much he has overcome. We had the G-tube for less than a year! I let Jimmie run around today without a shirt! I know it sounds silly, but it was huge for me. When I see him eat and drink I get teary because he is eating! We take these things for granted until they are taken away. As we were preparing to remove the g-tube I explained to Jimmie what we were doing. The process did not seem to bother him at all. He has been very happy and comfortable today."

It feels wonderful to say "goodbye" to the g-tube! It is symbolic I think to that time of Jimmie's crisis. I am so grateful to our Holy Father for His presence, His leading and wisdom for all of us during this. God is truly our Shepherd!

Love,

Amber

P.S. Please scroll down and read the next post! Jimmie's 21 Month Birthday Post!

P.S.S. Little Gideon is being released to go home with his mommy and daddy tomorrow!! After 16 weeks in the NICU he begins this new part of his journey. Pray for Reghan, Kaleb and Gideon as they adjust!

Dear Jimmie - Happy 21 Month Birthday

2010-11-11T09:40:00.024-06:00

Dear Jimmie,

Happy 21 Month Birthday!

This you right after you were born.

And this is you today! (This is the very funny face you've suddenly started making!)

Look at how you have grown next to your Rottweiler Puppy!

Look at how you've grown in your father's hands!

Here is your special "Watch Me Grow Montage"!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

You have gained 11oz this month! You are 17lb 11oz.

Your height has increased 1/8 to 31 1/8 inches long!

Your head is 18 inches around!

You have 123 followers on your blog Jimmie! That's 3 more than last month.

Your "Faithfulness" Video Montage has been viewed 13,879 times. That's 565 times this month!

Your "Jimmie's Wonderful World" Montage has been viewed 973 times. And your "High Places" Video Montage has been viewed 683 times!

Your blog has been viewed 3,007 times this month for a total of 113,765 hits! You have a lot of very cool people who love to check on your progress Jimmie.

Your g-tube removal date is this Tuesday, November 16th!!

Physically you are doing great. You are jumping on the beds and furniture and you love to turn on the radio and dance to the music. You are pointing to many body parts and you will climb up in your chair when you want to eat. You love to watch your momma cook and you "help" her sweep, fold clothes and change the laundry over.

You have 9 teeth and are working on your 2 bottom molars right now.

Unfortunately you've started having night terrors, especially when you are over tired. You scream, cry and twitch. It's hard for you to settle into peaceful sleep. There isn't much mommy or daddy can do to help except try to get you to take a good nap during the day and sometimes you refuse to nap. This bad cycle of you being over tired and then having night terrors which makes you, mommy and daddy very tired is driving your momma crazy! She is trying to remember- "this too shall pass."

You are saying, "momma" and "dadda" and learning 2 or 3 new signs a week. You learned the sign for "Grandpa" recently and are very excited about that. You love to be read to and you will bring books to your mommy all day. You only sit for a few pages though before you want to move on to a different book.

This month we had a photo shoot out on your land with my kiddos. It was fun!

You also went on the annual church hayride!

Your daddy's cousin took these next 2 pictures!

You loved jumping on the trampoline!

Here you are with your momma and dadda!

You also helped Grandpa Rod prepare to lay some cement in your daddy's shop!

And you dressed up like a Dalmatian Puppy on Halloween for Trick-Or-Treating!

(There is another post coming with the rest of the Halloween pictures in a few days.)

Jimmie, I love writing you these letters and keeping this blog for you. It helps me feel a little more a part of your life. The truth is, I don't get to see you very often. Especially during cold and flu season. If I dwell on how little we get to interact with you it makes my heart hurt and tears come to my eyes. So instead I choose to focus on the good! How amazing you are doing and how important it is to keep you healthy. I know some day we'll have sleep overs and campouts and there will be no reason to stay away from you!

I love you so much!!

Auntie Amber

Big News!

2010-10-31T08:42:00.004-05:00

Jimmie had an appointment on Friday with his Development Pediatrician Dr. H. Rachael and Dr. H. talked about a lot, but the best news is that he is going to write an order for Jimmie

get

his

G-Tube taken out!!!!!!!!!!!

Rachael thought he would balk at taking it out right away, but I think Dr. H. respects Rachael's mode of operation surrounding Jimmie's g-tube and he understands where Rachael is coming from. It's no secret that most of the medical professionals that see Jimmie are not entirely happy with his weight gain. Most of them would have Rachael use to the g-tube to get more calories down him to help bulk him up. But Rachael has documented how when she feeds Jimmie through his g-tube he takes in less by mouth. In fact if Rachael were to feed Jimmie 4 ounces through his tube he has proven over and over that he'll take exactly 4 ounces LESS by mouth that day.

As you all know Rachael has worked tirelessly to prevent Jimmie from becoming tube dependent. I think that could have happened easily and she dodged a huge bullet by being so incredibly stubborn and independent. She spent many hours researching tube dependency, feeding issues, tube weaning etc... She found that the US doctors mode of operation where these issues are concerned was not the road she wanted to go down. She adopted a much more European mindset when it came to feeding. She found advice and support from the Graz Clinic in Austria and from a tube fed/tube weaning group on yahoo.

Rachael also found support from Dr. H. He was the 1 doctor here in the city who agreed to help her tube wean Jimmie. He also referred Jimmie to an amazing OT!

The arguments for Jimmie keeping his tube go like this:

1. He needs to gain more weight it would be a good way to get more calories down him.

Answer- He will take less by mouth creating a scenario where he is not self regulating. Tube feeds increase as feedings by mouth decrease. This is the road back to tube dependancy.

Extra notes- His height growth curve looks great as does his development in most other ways. He is not "failure to thrive" he is just really skinny. He also takes in an acceptable/normal amount of calories a day by mouth. And back when he was mostly fed by the tube, he did not gain weight very well and spent a lot of time puking his feeds.

2. What if he has a nasty illness this winter and stops eating/drinking?

Answer- Why would you treat him different from the normal toddler in this scenario? If he needed it he could be hospitalized and given an i.v. for nutrition. Rachael would not allow any sort of tube feeds in that scenario. Jimmie has gone 4 months eating and drinking everything he needs on his own and longer than that taking in most of what he needs.

The way I see this whole thing is like this:

Jimmie developed a really bad case of reflux after he was taken off oxygen. During that time he associated drinking/eating with pain, so he stopped. While trying to get his reflux under control his medical team put in an NG and were not concerned at all with possible tube dependancy. They did not take any steps to encourage Jimmie to eat by mouth as he had been doing since he began feeding in the NICU.

Rachael felt uneasy to say the least with the whole scenario, but the damage after a week in the hospital on the NG was already done. The reflux treatments were not very effective either. Jimmie was now well on his way to tube dependancy.

Rachael started doing her own research and enlisted the help of a naturopath for Jimmie's reflux. She took Jimmie off the reflux medication and began to treat his reflux with diet and nutritional supplements. She followed a very strict diet designed to help Jimmie with suspected food allergies. This diet purified her breast milk and Jimmie's reflux began improving.

Then she set out to wean him from the NG. With the help of Dr. H. and an amazing OT they gave it a very good try, but they could not quite get Jimmie off of the NG. They decided perhaps the NG (irritating his nose and throat) was the problem and made the hard decision to get the g-tube with the hopes that it would assist in the weaning process. Sure enough- 3 weeks after the surgery Jimmie began to eat solids. A few months later he began to drink liquids again.

This has been a long hard road, but it could have been much longer and much harder were it not for Rachael's tireless advocating and Justin's support for Jimmie in his medical care. Rachael is well aware that there are some children whose circumstances necessitate a tube fed life for a few years. She now has a taste at what those parents go through to take care of their children and she has the upmost compassion and respect for those families. She just knew that Jimmie's problems were not severe enough to warrant that road and she stuck to her convictions in the face of many in the medical community who were telling her the opposite.

So we are rejoicing in this latest victory in Jimmie's life!

I won't lie- Rachael is a little nervous to let this go completely. The g-tube has been a kind of a "peace of mind" option to fall back on. She knows in her head that is not what she would fall back on, but it's still a little scary to let it go.

We don't have a date for the removal yet, but you'll hear about it when we do!

Praise God!

Love,

Amber

P.S. Happy Halloween! There will be a fun post with pictures of Jimmie in his costume coming soon.

P.S.S. Jimmie's toe is healing- just slowly. Keep praying for it!

Still Struggling

2010-10-28T11:04:00.004-05:00

Well I just talked to Rachael again and Jimmie did not eat dinner last night and he's not eaten much to speak of yet today. As the morning has progressed it's become more clear he's still in pain and the toe isn't really better. So please keep praying.

Love,

Amber

P.S. I gave the blog a make-over. (-: Hope you like it.

Prayers Needed For Jimmie

2010-10-27T08:54:00.004-05:00

Update: (Thursday morning 10/28)

Justin took the first shift with Jimmie last night so Rachael slept for about 5 hours or so until 3:30am. During her shift Jimmie was really restless, but not screaming in pain like the night before.

This morning he seems happy and the red swollen hot area on his toe looks a little more concentrated so hopefully it is starting to heal. Poor Rachael did have nightmares about the worst case scenarios all night long. We were laughing about those fears this morning, but the whole thing has been worry making for Rachael and very painful for poor Jimmie.

Thank you for your continued prayers!

Update: (Wednesday evening 10/27)

Jimmie was put on an antibiotic and Rachael is soaking his toe in salts and applying a salve. Please pray that he sleeps better tonight and it heals quickly. I'll update again in the morning.

Thank you for praying!

Yesterday Rachael noticed one of Jimmie's big toes was bugging him. It was a little red and a little swollen. In the night it got much worse and no one really slept. Jimmie is in A LOT of pain with a very obviously infected big toe. They are on their way to Urgent Care now. Please pray this can be taken care of quickly. Poor little guy. Rachael really has no idea how this happened.

I will update later . . .

Love,

Amber

Fall Photo Shoot- By Jimmie Gravitt

2010-10-22T08:00:00.010-05:00

I have not gotten to write a post here in a while. So I convinced auntie to let me tell you about last Friday.

Mommy organized a fall photo shoot with my cousins out on our land! Mom invited Cole and McKenna, told them to wear orange, told them to bring their pumpkins and camera- while she got a hay bale, more pumpkins and mums.

We started in a place that had too much sun and shadow, but there were still some cute shots.

That's because I am skilled and I don't squint.

Yes- I'm workin it, different angles and everything.

My cousins on the other hand. Oh my gosh!

Okay so this one is not too bad.. Enjoy this picture because I believe it's the only one where both Cole and McKenna are lookin at the camera and Kenna is almost smiling..

Cole open your eyes! McKenna look at the camera! See! Just like me.

Okay good Cole! BUT McKenna!

Lets try again, this is fun! Oh dear!

So then mommy and auntie thought we should move to a different place with more shade.

This spot was PERFECT for pictures, but my 2 cousins still couldn't get it right.

Guys, look! Just look at the camera and smile!

Like this!

Oh for crying out loud . . .

I'm done- I can't work like this!

That's right- it's time to go solo..

Watch and learn oh cousins of mine.

What!!?? We have to try the 3 of us again!

You got to be kidding. This is just not happening.

Ok, maybe if I touch her head she'll look up and smile..

Um- nope . . .

Alright that is it! I'm throwing my pumpkin!

That's right- I'm officially finished.

Get me out of here!!!

Ahem, yeah- I kind of lost it at the end, but I can only take so much. I mean I gave mommy and auntie lots of good material. It's not my fault that Cole and McKenna are not as highly trained in the art of looking cute for the camera.

Lets end this post on a good note.

I just know you enjoyed lookin at these awesome pictures of little ole me. And just so you know, Cole is better behind the lens.. That's right- he takes awesome pictures. And McKenna- well she's very photogenic when she doesn't know her picture is being taken.

And one more thing, I do have hair- believe it or not! It's just very very blond.

That's all for now,

Jimmie Jim Jim

Dear Jimmie- Happy 20 Month Birthday

2010-10-14T10:02:00.011-05:00

Dear Jimmie,

Happy 20 Month Birthday!

This you right after you were born.

And this is you today!

Look at how you have grown next to your Rottweiler Puppy!

Look at how you've grown in your father's hands!

Here is your special "Watch Me Grow Montage"!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

You are struggling to gain weight. You are still about 17 pounds.

Your height has increased 3/8 to 31 inches long!

Your head is 18 inches around!

You are not on either the preemie or regular growth chart for your weight. You are on the regular growth chart with your height though. You are at about 8%. Because of this your nutritionist does not feel you have an endocrine/growth hormone problem. You are just very skinny. You have always gained weight slowly even when you were tube fed so your mommy and daddy are trying to be relaxed about it. Your mommy has a lot of thoughts, opinions and feelings about all of this that she is organizing on paper for your Developmental Pediatrician Dr. H. Over all your mommy is pretty positive about how you are doing!

Here is your little bony back! (-:

Here you can see your g-tube that is not being used anymore.

You have 120 followers on your blog Jimmie!

Your "Faithfulness" Video Montage has been viewed 13, 344 times. That's 620 times this month!

Your "Jimmie's Wonderful World" Montage has been viewed 949 times. And your "High Places" Video Montage has been viewed 651 times!

Your blog has been viewed 2,457 times this month for a total of 110,758 hits! You have a lot of very cool people who love to check on your progress Jimmie.

You have cut 2 molars this month Jimmie! Now you can really chew!

Physically you are doing well. Your OT has noticed a few motor planning issues. You've had to work pretty hard at learning to throw a ball this month and also learning to stack more than 2 blocks. You work hard, you get frustrated, but you eventually succeed.

I could probably dedicate an entire post to a speech update, but in short- we are starting to suspect a more serious issue than just a delay. Phonological Disorder and Apraxia are 2 of the possible diagnosis' being discussed. Cognitively you are doing great. Your receptive speech is on target if not ahead. However your speech is gibberish with a lot of guttural noises and nasal resonance. There is hardly any consistency in your speech. You have maybe four or five approximations of words that are consistent. You spend a lot of time grunting and screaming in frustration. Unfortunately this is a strange feeling of deja vu for me Jimmie. My daughter (your cousin) McKenna was diagnosed with Apraxia at age 2 a little over a year ago. After a year of intensive speech therapy she is doing really well. (I'm working on a new update for McKenna's blog! ) It is still a little early to know for sure what you are dealing with Jimmie, but we'll know soon enough. I know that no matter what . . . you will overcome.

You are picking up signing really well. You sign "more", "dog", "bird", "eat", "open". It's so cute to see you signing to communicate. You are so smart Jimmie!

You didn't get out much this month Jimmie because cold and flu season has started. Your mommy and daddy go in lock down mode to protect you from germs. You go to Ma and Pa's on Sunday mornings while your mommy and daddy are at church. Pa took this video of you walking the rock path in their back yard. When Pa asks you if you are walking the rock path it sounds like you say "yep". (-:

You did get to play at the park with your cousins.

Cousin Jennette and her daughter Maddy came in town from Colorado!

We all had a wonderful morning at the park together!

Here you are saying, "hi" to some little boys.

And here you are climbing up the slide with cousin McKenna.

Here is your beautiful cousin Maddy!

And Jennette took this picture of you and ME swinging!

I love you so very much Jimmie! Your mommy invited us out to your house the other day and I canceled all of our previous plans for the day. We were healthy and we don't get to see you that often so you definitely get priority! You are getting so grown up. You shared your toys with your cousins so well! My heart has hurt a little bit this month because of the realization you will have to work hard for your speech. You've had to work hard for so many things most of us take for granted already. You have worked hard to breathe, to drink, to eat... However *you* don't feel sorry for yourself, of that I'm sure. So I will not pity you Jimmie. You are strong and beautiful and you have a wonderful life! You have life! Life should never be taken for granted and with you it is easy to remember that.

Love you forever my sweet Jimmie Jim Jim,

Auntie Amber

Misty

2010-10-13T08:18:00.005-05:00

Jimmie turned 20 months on Monday! We are working on his post. Unfortunately Rachael had to put her 19 year old cat down yesterday. Misty was Rachael's best friend for many years. Rachael found her in a litter of kittens in the neighborhood that nobody was taking care of. Little Misty was the runt and wasn't doing well. She was starving, dehydrated and couldn't walk because one of her back legs was broken. Rachael rescued her and fed her with a dropper, splinted her back leg with a popsicle stick and loved her to health and a long life.

Misty has been really struggling the past few weeks, not eating much and having trouble hitting her litter box. Yesterday morning Rachael found that she may have had a stroke in the night. She was practically dragging her whole back end. It was sad. Misty was lame, dehydrated and starving just like when Rachael found her. Of course at this point the humane thing to do was let her go. Our local vet helped. Justin watched Jimmie and built Misty a little wooden box and dug a nice deep hole on their land and my mom went with Rach and was her support as she held Misty and waited for the end.

Good bye Misty. I can't say you were sweet, but you were feisty and full of character. Your golden years were definitely playing tag with Cheerio (golden lab). I still can't believe you guys NEVER got a long. Now perhaps you are both in the same place and have resumed the mayhem. (-: Jimmie will miss pulling your tail. Thank you for treating him gently.. (mostly)

Rachael and Misty are on the left.

Jimmie is doing well. We'll get his post done soon!

Love,

Amber

Squeaky Shoes! And Flu Season.

2010-10-06T09:45:00.006-05:00

Rachael saw on the Leblanc Triplets blog that mommy (Heather) had bought these awesome shoes for her precious little ones. Rach thought they were so CUTE she had to have a pair for Jimmie. He loves them!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I love the end of the video! "Jimmie!! What are you eating??"

Jimmie is doing well. He is cutting quite a few teeth though. He's cut 3 and has 2 more on the way. Consequently he is really fussy and Monday he didn't eat at all. Yesterday he did a bit better, so hopefully once these teeth cut through he'll feel better.

Rachael has gone into flu season mode with Jimmie so no one will see much of him until spring. It's hard, but worth it. His immune system still needs to be OVERLY protected. He stays with Ma and Pa (Rach's parents) when Rachael and Justin go to church. Ma was supposed to watch him yesterday at her house, but Pa woke up with a sore throat so she washed up put on fresh clean clothes right before she walked out the door and went to Rod and Kathy's (Justin's parents) and watched him there instead. Rachael is teaching 3 days a week at the dance studio. She washes her hands a lot and when she arrives home she changes her clothes before she really interacts with Jimmie. Rachael feels sorry for Jimmie because he has such a lack of interaction with other kids. She and Justin play with him a lot and she lets him have outdoor time and sometimes she'll take him to a park. He also gets to interact with both sets of grandparents when they watch him, but nothing replaces peer interaction. )-: It is worth it though and he'll catch up with the other kids soon and really learn to play with and enjoy his peers.

The doctors initially said the first 2 years are the most important for protecting the immune system. Jimmie will turn 2 during/after this cold and flu season. So maybe next year will be a little closer to normal. I know all of you, our close family and friends will understand throughout this season and will be supportive of Rachael and Justin as they effort to to do what is best for Jimmie.

Thank you for your support and prayers for Jimmie!!

Love,

Amber

Ha Ha!

2010-09-23T10:45:00.005-05:00

I just had to share these two pictures Rachael texted me recently.

Blurry, but funny!

Jimmie for dinner. (-:

Jimmie is so awesome!

Love,

Amber

So CUTE!

2010-09-20T09:38:00.005-05:00

Jimmie could not possibly be any cuter!

Love,

Amber

Dear Jimmie- Happy 19th Month Birthday

2010-09-14T09:59:00.023-05:00

Dear Jimmie,

Happy 19th Month Birthday!

This you right after you were born.

And this is you today!

Look at how you have grown next to your Rottweiler Puppy!

Look at how you've grown in your Father's hands!

Here is your special "Watch Me Grow Montage"!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

You have gained 6 ounces this month in weight. You have finally made it over 17 pounds! You are 17 pounds & 3 ounces.

You are 30 and 5/8 inches long!

Your head circumference has increased by 1/8 of an inch! Your head is 18 and 1/8 inches around.

You have 120 followers on your blog. That's 1 more than last month!

Your "Faithfulness" Video Montage has been viewed 12, 724 times. That's 708 times this month!

Your "Jimmie's Wonderful World" Montage has been viewed 931 times. And your "High Places" Video Montage has been viewed 594 times!

Your blog has been viewed 3,549 times this month for a total of 108,301 hits! You have a lot of very cool people who love to check on your progress Jimmie.

You have cut 4 teeth this month! You now have 4 on top and 3 on bottom.

You are hanging tough with no tube feeds. Your nutritionist isn't entirely happy with your weight gain. She suggested an appetite stimulant, but your mommy and daddy have decided against it. Instead your mommy is doing some natural things to try to help with your immune system and your weight gain. One of those things is coconut oil. Your mommy adds some to your smoothies and vegetables. She even sauteed your cheerios in them the other morning.

Physically you are doing great. One thing your PT has noticed is you have a little bit of trouble throwing your ball. Your mommy and daddy have been working with you on that by playing catch. You tend to let go too late and throw it right to the ground in front of you. You are improving though. This month you figured out how to open the doors at your house! Now you have to be watched even more closely and doors have to be locked.

This month you have started using sign language to communicate. Words have been slow in coming so this has been like a light bulb flashing on for you. Yesterday you got up from your nap and were playing on the bed with mommy. Suddenly you stopped and started signing "more". So mommy asked, "more? what do you want more of Jimmie?" in answer you signed "eat". So mommy took you to the fridge and you chose lasagna and were VERY happy eating it.

Your mommy went back to work at the dance studio last week. You enjoy staying with your daddy or grandparents while mommy is at work!

Your friend and fighter in the NICU- Gideon, is doing well. After his very rough start he is impressing the doctors with how well he is doing. He is now on a nasal cannula for oxygen and has finally hit the 2 pound mark.

This month you have had a few special outings. You visited a fair celebrating a new magazine in KC for Parents Of Children With Special Needs. There may be an opportunity in the future for your story to be featured. This is a wonderful magazine/organization and your mommy is excited to take part in connecting more with this wonderful community.

Here you are at the fair riding a train.

And riding a pony!

Our long time friend Shawna actually connected us with this magazine and took the following pictures at the fair!

We had a Labor Day cookout at my house Jimmie.

You were so cute when you tried to talk to the other kids. You are very serious when you are speaking. It's so cute because no one can understand a word you are saying, but you sure are saying something - in your own head anyway.

You also attended your annual NICU reunion! Here are some of your friends who were in the NICU with you!

It was wonderful for your mommy to see everyone and catch up. It was also slightly comforting to find that none of your friends are speaking intelligibly either. (-;

You also vacationed at the lake this month. You had an awesome time! You loved floating in the lake! You learned how to motor boat and you ate like a horse! You enjoyed when my family and I came down to join you for a few days. I think you like having your cousins around even though you get frustrated with sharing toys. You also enjoyed being with Grandma and Grandpa (Rod and Kathy) for 10 days down at the lake. I'm quite sure Grandma and Grandpa had Jimmie withdrawals after you all went back home. (-;

Jimmie you are getting so big. I can't believe it, but you really are not a baby anymore! You are doing so good and I'm so proud of all you have accomplished. You have overcome so much in your short life and you've done so with a steady fighting spirit. I know that someday you'll be talking our ears off and eating your mommy and daddy out of house and home! I know this because these are small obstacles compared to the mountains you have already climbed. You are so brave Jimmie! And though you are our little lion, our warrior, you are also as sweet as a lamb. My heart melts when you flash your HUGE smile at me! I love you so much Jimmie, always and forever!

Love,
Auntie Amber

Yesterday . . .

2010-09-12T10:20:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was Jimmie's 19th month birthday! Yesterday was also the annual Overland Park Regional NICU reunion! A fun post coming later...

My family and I have a nasty virus so I'm moving slow on this.

Love,

Amber

Open Doors

2010-09-02T15:11:00.008-05:00

Rachael and Justin will have them all over their house. Jimmie taught himself how to open doors this afternoon. Rachael was in their basement doing something when she heard a noise and then Jimmie's voice. She went to check and there was Jimmie standing at the top of the stairs with a self satisfied smile on his face. Rachael quickly went up the stairs and shut the door again and asked Jimmie, "show momma Jimmie.." So he smiled, went up on his tip toes, grabbed the door handle, pulled it down and the door popped open!

This is BIG TROUBLE! Rachael and Justin will now need to install some sort of safety locking system on some of their doors.

Jimmie is doing okay. He's gaining weight very slowly though. Only 3 ounces this past month. His nutritionist (yesterday) suggested an appetite stimulant. Rachael researched it and really does not want Jimmie to use it. She feels strongly about Jimmie naturally taking in what he needs to. She is trying to be relaxed with his weight gain and accept that this is just where Jimmie is right now. He is continuing to grow in height and is developing well. Remember she is not supplementing what he eats with tube feeds anymore. She never did very many tube feeds and even back when he was on tube feeds almost exclusively he never responded to it with good weight gain. So she knows that is not the answer.

What Rachael really wants is for him to not get sick as much and for him to get over the sicknesses he does get faster. She feels that will help at least in part with his weight gain.

She is doing a lot of natural things to try to help with his immune system.

We would appreciate some fat prayers and prayers for health for our little Jimmie!

Here are those videos I promised! Jimmie motor boating, Jimmie honking the boat horn and Jimmie in the aftermath of some brown sugar shenanigans . . . . He's so CUTE!

Love,

Amber

Vacation And Stuff

2010-08-26T13:46:00.037-05:00

Jimmie has a small stomach bug this week. He's had a lot of dirty diapers and has not eaten or slept well. Today though he seems to be feeling a bit better.

He is stuck at 16 lbs it seems. He was around 16 lb 12 oz a couple weeks ago and when Rachael weighed him the other day he was down to 16 lb 8 oz. Rachael is trying to be relaxed about it. He is thriving in many other ways so that is encouraging, but I know it's hard for her to have that constant niggling worry about his weight gain. It would just be really really nice for Jimmie to have some extra fat on his bones.

Jimmie did really well on vacation last week. He slept well and he ate like a horse!

He loves swimming in Table Rock Lake!

This is how Rachael covered up his G-tube site for swimming . . .

Jimmie learned how to "motor boat" with his mouth in the water. I have a very cute video of that. I'll post it as soon as I can figure out how to get it off the camera.

He loves riding in the boat. He fell asleep almost every day with the sun shining down and the wind blowing as they sped around the lake.

He also enjoyed watching mommy, daddy and Grandpa Rod water ski. And even Auntie Amber! Me and my husband and kiddos stayed with the Gravitts for 3 days at Table Rock Lake. We had a blast.

This is Rachael and I skiing. It was my first time which is why I'm hanging on for dear life while looking a little "knock kneed". I loved it though!

Justin skiing . . .

When it got too hot Jimmie and daddy would crash indoors and play video games.

And then back out for more skiing . . .

Rod, Rachael and Justin are a bit crazy if you ask me.

Here they are skiing a pyramid . . .

You think this is it? Oh no...

She's going to stand on their shoulders...

You think this is it? Oh no...

She's going to "one hand it" and wave at everyone gawking!

Yeah- um, I have no doubt in a few years that will be Jimmie. Justin was water skiing at age 5!

And then there is Grandpa Rod . . .

He had Justin speed up the boat . . . He kicked off his board and water skied BAREFOOT!

Yeah- crAAAAzy!!!

On their last trip to the lake a couple of months ago, Justin and Rachael took Jimmie to visit Dogwood Canyon . . .

It's a beautiful spot . . .

Jimmie loved wading in the cool water . . .

This time- Rod, Kathy, Rachael Justin and Jimmie took a day trip to Eureka Springs Arkansas. There is a "Big Cat Rescue" there.

Jimmie didn't take his eye off of that tiger. . .

Smart of him . . .

While my family was visiting we all went to Silver Dollar City! This is Jimmie's first ever park ride!

Look closely and you'll see Jimmie is waving just like momma!

This ride the wait in line was too long for Jimmie's tastes.

So he started out of sorts . . .

Yeah . . . by now- he was done with the frogs!

My kiddos loved it though! (-:

So Jimmie had a really great summer vacation! Now he's back to the grind. (-:

Today he had speech therapy and his therapist decided he should have a session every week now. He is really taking off cognitively and with his receptive speech, but not so much verbally. He is not gaining consistent intelligible words. So Rachael and his therapist decided it is time to buckle down and get a little more serious, expect a little more and work Jimmie a little harder. As of right now Jimmie is not following any pattern for any speech diagnosis. His therapist says he's a mystery. Hmm- this seems to be Jimmie's style! Over all though no one is seriously concerned.

As soon as I figure out the camera computer interface problem I'm having I'll post some totally cute videos of Jimmie!! He's so smart and cute and sweet and feisty...

I love him!!

Love,

Amber

P.S. Gideon graduated to Bi-Pap last week and as of yesterday to C-pap! He had his last dose of that steroid yesterday and they are praying he adjusts well without it and can stay off of the ventilator. He also had his first eye exam today I think... Keep praying! These are awesome improvements from where he was just a couple of weeks ago.

Home from Vacation

2010-08-22T19:57:00.002-05:00

Justin, Rachael and Jimmie have been down at the lake for 10 days with Grandpa Rod and Grandma Kathy. We joined them there earlier this week. We had a great time!! More about that with video and pictures in the next few days. Jimmie is doing GREAT!!

Gideon is doing better! His mommy Reghan got to hold him for the first time yesterday! He is a few days over a month old. He still needs a lot of prayer, but the fact that he is stable enough to be held is very good news!

Love,

Amber

Dear Jimmie- Happy 18th Month Birthday

2010-08-14T21:55:00.001-05:00

Dear Jimmie,

Happy 18th Month Birthday!

This you right after you were born.

And this is you today!

Look at how you have grown next to your Rottweiler Puppy!

Look at how you've grown in your Father's hands!

Here is your special "Watch Me Grow Montage"!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

You have gained 7 ounces this month in weight. You are 16 pounds & 13 ounces. You had a virus and lost a little weight so you went backwards before you slowly went forwards again.

You have gained 7/8 of an inch in height. You are 30 and 5/8 inches long!

Your head circumference is 18 inches.

You have 119 followers on your blog that's 2 more than last month.

Your "Faithfulness" Video Montage has been viewed 12,016 times. That's 623 times this month!

Your "Jimmie's Wonderful World" Montage has been viewed 908 times. And your "High Places" Video Montage has been viewed 573 times!

Your blog has been viewed 3,977 times this month for a total of 104,752 hits! You have a lot of very cool people who love to check on your progress Jimmie.

So you got a cold at the beginning of the month and it hung on for a couple of weeks. Right as this cold was making it's exit you started cutting your top canine teeth. You don't have your top two front teeth yet so you may end up with fangs for a bit. (-: Needless to say this month hasn't been a great one for your appetite. However you did not lose much at all with your illness- only a couple of ounces, which is great for you.

AND this is HUGE, your mommy quit tube feeding you 3 weeks ago!!!!

That's right Jimmie, you have been taking in all of your nutrition all on your own for the first time since August 16th 2009. You were admitted to Children's August 17th and that's when you first got your NG tube. So a few weeks shy of a year and you have stopped needing the tube! We are so very grateful. Your mommy and daddy have decided to leave the button in your tummy through this next cold and flu season as a precaution with a scheduled removal approximately next spring. We are so proud of you and all of your hard work with eating and drinking that has brought you this far. You are our superstar! Your mommy is amazing too. In my opinion she has been very smart in the way she's used your tube. Smart and "unconventional" which is sometimes a lonely thing to be, but your mommy has convictions about your health care and is an awesome advocate for you. She always errors on the side of, "No, Jimmie CAN do this!" She believes in you Jimmie and you always rise to the occasion.

You are climbing everywhere. In fact I got this picture in a text on my phone from your mommy. She lost track of you briefly the other day and this is where she found you...

You are constantly moving Jimmie. The pictures your mom took this month for this post are a bit blurry because you will not hold still and every time she brings out the camera you go after it!

You are waving bye bye now. You say "ball" it sounds like "duh". You say "Kitty" it sounds like "hit". You love playing with your cars and sitting in your rocking chair. You reach your arms up and say "momma" when you want to be held. You love the book "Brown Bear Brown Bear" and are very interested and focused on the names of each of the animals. You also are showing good language comprehension. When you get hurt your mommy asks you, "Where does it hurt Jimmie?" and you point to your owie.

Your mommy and I finally finished with our Ballet this month. Rigoletto was a beautiful ballet and a joy to produce. We are enjoying a nice summer break now.

We also reconnected with some dear friends from our past this month. Reghan had her first baby at 23 weeks 5 days July 23rd. Gideon was 1 lb 4 oz and is having a rough go of it. He had a really bad last couple of days, but has been more stable today. Praise God! I know all your prayer warriors will continue to lift little Gideon up.

Jimmie I got to babysit you last week while your mommy got her hair done. You are so much fun! You are feisty and have a mind of your own. You are also incredibly sweet and precious. I love you so much and I'm super excited that we get to spend 3 days with you at Tablerock Lake next week!! Jimmie, as we have been interceding for Gideon as he fights his battle in the NICU I am hit by many feelings and memories. Some are hard, but all are precious to me. I will never ever take your life for granted. I am grateful for your health every day.

You are beautiful Jimmie! We are blessed by you!

I'll love you forever,

Auntie Amber

Gideon

2010-08-13T20:23:00.003-05:00

Jimmie's 18th month post is almost done and that's what I was going to post tonight, but Leigh (Gideon's Auntie) sent me a sobering update. Gideon is very heavy on my heart and I just want all of you to intercede for him and his family. He is *really* struggling. He is at 100% oxygen on an Oscillating Ventilator which is extremely critical. This is the maximum amount of support they can give him. If he crashes or needs more . . . there is nothing they can do. They started him on a steroid yesterday to try and help his lungs develop, but as of this afternoon they were not happy with it's results so they are giving him their "big guns" steroid which they explained - because of the side effects they only use in the very worst case scenarios. He also had another brain ultrasound this afternoon. I don't know the results though...

Pray that Gideon's lungs will start working as needed and that there will be no major side effects from this steroid. There is hope! Where there is life there is hope. Gideon can fight back from this. Pray pray pray! And please remember his loving family in your prayers. As you may imagine this is beyond agonizing for them. He is a beautiful boy and has opened his eyes the last few days. He stayed fairly stable today while Reghan (his mommy) was there...

Jimmie's post can wait until tomorrow evening.

Thank you!

Love,

Amber

18 Months!

2010-08-11T20:47:00.004-05:00

Wow! Jimmie is 1 1/2 years old today... His special post is coming . .
Keep praying for Gideon. He has a hard fight ahead of him.

Love,
Amber

Independence Day- By Jimmie Gravitt

2010-08-08T08:41:00.000-05:00

So this post is a really long time comin... My mommy and auntie have been super busy this past month with their ballet. Don't worry though I have not been neglected. I have some stories about what I was up to while mom was at the ballet, but first I'm going to tell ya about my 4th of July day!

We went to my Uncle Eric and Auntie Rachel's house.

We all sat around outside eating and visiting.

Mommy and daddy were grateful that backyard is fenced in because they didn't have to worry about me escaping. They still have to keep a very close eye on me though.

I made faces! Auntie thinks this picture is hilarious. Somethin about my expression and my mommie's being the same. (Notice the eyebrows and forehead...)

Daddy made faces too...I don't know who daddy was makin this face at, probably Auntie Amber.

I ate pretty well, which always makes mommy very happy...

I thoroughly inspected everything interesting.

I rolled in the yard . . .

Cousin McKenna and I disagreed about some things. She's a stinker if I do say so myself.

I also played with the plants. I love plants! House plants get me in trouble everyday. I like to pull on them...

Mommy gives me a little more freedom with outdoor plants...

Here I am posing with the plant . . .

Auntie says I'm a natural at this modeling thing...

HA! I should be paid for this.

Later mommy put me to bed and apparently I slept right through a 1/2 stick of dynamite blowing up a trash can.

Then my mommy got me up after it was dark so I could see the pretty fireworks in the sky.

I wasn't scared of the loud noises and the flashing lights at all!

It was a fun evening.

Love,
Jimmie Jim Jim

P.S. Auntie says to tell you my fellow fighter and friend Baby Gideon is recovering from his heart surgery and doing well.

Get On Your Knees For Gideon!

2010-08-05T09:11:00.007-05:00

Update- 10:20pm- PRAISE GOD!! Tears of joy and relief!! Just saw a post on Grandpa's facebook. Surgeon just came in with a smile. Gideon did well! The PDA has been sealed and blood flow immediately began improving!!! Thank you thank you thank you for lifting Gideon and his family up and fighting for his life with your prayers! Don't stop he still has a long way to go...

Update- as of 9:10pm (CST) they are just now starting the surgery! Pray for Gideon to stay strong and stable! Pray for everything to go smoothly and safely! Fight Gideon fight!!

Update: Just saw a note from Reghan- Gideon's mommy- that he stabilized sometime in the night. She said the doctors had no idea how as they had done everything they could! Praise the Lord!! Pray that he stays stable through the surgery!!

Update: Gideon is fighting... His surgery is scheduled for 4pm (cst) this afternoon. Pray that he fights hard. Making it through this surgery will be huge for him. I will update as soon as I know anything. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me..." Lord bring supernatural strength for Gideon . . . Thank you all so much for praying for this precious little boy.

I was going to do a Jimmie blog today, but I received an update this morning on baby Gideon.

He is not doing well. Reghan and Kaleb were called up to the hospital last night. He is very weak and they were not sure he would make it through the night. He needs heart surgery to close his PDA, but they are not sure if they can do it because of how poorly he's doing. Reghan's sister sent me a message this morning saying she hadn't heard anything since 5am. The surgery is scheduled for this afternoon.

Please pray for Gideon and this precious family!!! Fight Gideon Fight!!

I'll update when I hear anything.

Love,
Amber

Jimmie is doing good! Pray For Gideon!

2010-07-29T10:53:00.004-05:00

Just a quick update to let you all know Jimmie is doing well. He did lose weight from being sick, but only about 4 oz this time. Pray that he can gain well. He is acting so big lately. He is really trying to talk, but you can't understand much. He is trying though. He points and gestures to get what he wants. He is very strong and continues to be ahead in his physical milestones.

Our big show is this weekend . . . Phew . . . Rachael and I are gone for long hours from our babies this week while we run the show. Pray for Justin, Rod, Kathy and mom (Andrea) as they put in long hours watching Jimmie. My mom jokes that when she watches him she saves his life every 5 minutes. (-: He is very very active and adventurous!

I will catch up on some blogging here next week! I have a couple of fun posts with pictures waiting...

One more prayer request for you all. Rachael and I grew up with a precious family who we lost touch with in high school. We have connected again this past week through mutual friends. The reason:? Our friend, a precious young women named Reghan and her husband Kaleb have had their first son. Gideon was born July 23rd at 23 weeks 5 days. He weighed 1 lb 4 ozs. He is fighting hard in the NICU. Reghan was on bedrest fighting for his life for 40 days. Gideon is doing well, but he has a very long road ahead of him. Pray for them!!

Love,
Amber

Driving!

2010-07-22T20:19:00.002-05:00

Rachael sent this picture to my cell Tuesday. Jimmie thinks he's driving. Don't tell him he's not. (-;

Love,

Amber

P.S. I promise after next weekend my blogging will be back in earnest! Come see the ballet that has us so busy! It's July 30th and 31st. Email me for more information. deames4@kc.rr.com

Dear Jimmie- Happy 17th Month Birthday

2010-07-14T16:22:00.000-05:00

Dear Jimmie,

Happy 17th Month Birthday!

This you right after you were born.

And this is you today!

Look at how you have grown next to your Rottweiler Puppy!

Look at how you've grown in your Father's hands!

Here is your special "Watch Me Grow Montage"!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

You FINALLY made it on to the normal growth chart this month Jimmie! You achieved this feat in height.

You have gained 6 ounces this month in weight. You are 16 pounds & 6 ounces.

You have gained 3/4 of an inch in height. You are 29 & 3/4 inches long!

Your head circumference is 18 inches.

You have 117 followers on your blog that's 1 more than last month.

Your "Faithfulness" Video Montage has been viewed 11, 393 times. That's 682 times this month!

Your "Jimmie's Wonderful World" Montage has been viewed 875 times. And your "High Places" Video Montage has been viewed 533 times!

Your blog has been viewed 3,613 times this month for a total of 100,775 hits! You have a lot of very cool people who love to check on your progress Jimmie.

You are continuing to do well eating solids. Even though you are sick this week, you have not gone on your usual hunger strike. You are definitely taking in less than when you are healthy, but it's encouraging that you are still eating a little. Summer colds are NO FUN!

Your fluid intake is good. Your schedule right now is 1 pump feed 3 days in a row and then for 4 days no pump feeds at all. On the days that you have a pump feed you usually take in about 16 oz by mouth. On the days when you receive nothing in your pump you take in 16 to 24 oz! So you are making good steady progress away from tube feeds. It shouldn't be too long before there is talk of removing your g-tube.

Your Mommy bought you your first pair of hard sole shoes this month.

You have had no trouble adjusting and you need them because you walk or run everywhere!

Your mommy sets you down on the front porch and within a minute you are yards away from the house. You have a lot of land to run around on.

These photos were taken at a family reunion you attended this month. This farm is only about 15 minutes from your house.

You are now climbing up on the furniture. Your mommy showed you how to turn around and go feet first backwards to get off the bed. She only helped you a couple times before you caught on!

You have also discovered belly buttons this month. Your momma caught you pulling up your onsie last night. She was going to stop you because she thought you were going for your g-tube, but, nope- she quickly realized you were looking for your belly button!

Here you are touching your cousin Cole's belly button.

You are so precious Jimmie and irresistible!

You love to point at items and you seem to listen closely when they are named.

You seem to be trying to speak. Often you approximate words and mark syllables, but nothing is very consistent yet.

Last month I forgot to mention that you started "behavioral puking". Mostly at bed time or nap time when you get upset and want attention. You can puke instantaneously with little warning and you do this on purpose because you know mommy or daddy will come running. They have been combating this with a nice bedtime routine that includes reading books and rocking and snuggling. When/if you puke, mommy or daddy comes in and tries to clean you and your bed quickly with no excitement. Your mommy worries about your emotions and your behaviors sometimes. She feels you may have some psychological issues from all you've been through. Specifically "anger". You are so strong Jimmie and have been from the moment you were born, but we do not underestimate the effect such a traumatic early birth may have had on you in ways that are not just physical. I know that no matter what obstacle is in front of you, you will overcome and be victorious.

You had a really great visit to the lake this month.

This is the first visit that your mommy was really able to relax and have fun. She didn't declare it a disaster. (-: I'll do a special post for your visit with more pictures soon.

You also celebrated Independence day. You fell asleep before the fireworks, so your crazy mommy got you up. You were a little bleary, but you loved it. You smiled and pointed and were not scared at all. More about your Independence day, with pictures coming soon.

This month has been very very busy for your mommy and me. We do a big dance production every other year with our students. This takes a lot of time and effort to put together and is especially intense near performance time. Only a few more weeks and it will all be over. Whew!

Jimmie you continue to blow me away with your progress and by the force of your personality. You are always moving, always on a mission. In a room full of people who are all much bigger than you, you STAND OUT! Your voice is heard, you presence is known. We all marvel at your amazing energy. You are also very sweet with lots of hugs, kisses and pats. Well except for your Uncle David, for some reason you are terrified of him right now. This is funny because my kids (your cousins) have been scared of your daddy (their Uncle Justin) in the past.

Jimmie you are a very special little boy. I love you and am thankful for your life every single day! I could never express enough how heroic you are to me. Thank you for fighting like you have to live and bless us with who you are.

I'll love you forever,
Auntie Amber