My 1st Christmas- By Jimmie Gravitt

Wow- there is so much to tell you about my 1st Christmas! It has lasted for days! (-: I'm blessed to have a big family on both sides that can all get together so I've had 4 Christmas's so far with one more to go!

Guess what I did? I pulled up to standin all by my SELF! I'm awesome. It was exciting until I fell and bonked my head. That hurt a little, but mostly just scared me and made me mad. I am very determined to get this standin thing down. I just started crawling too! Yeah-- I'm amazing. (-:



Ma made us stockings. Mine is so cool because it has a...



TRACTOR on it! The snowman has a hat just like mine too.


My dad has a buddy at his fire station who was supposed to work Christmas Eve, but his wife and kids were going to be driving out of town without him and he'd have to catch up with them later on Christmas. My dad didn't have any major plans for Christmas Eve so he told his buddy he would switch with him. Wasn't that so nice of my dad? Well- a blizzard hit our area Christmas Eve and as my dad was trying to drive home from his shift Christmas morning his truck slid into a ditch out on our country roads. He was still about 2 miles from home. Mom couldn't really do much to help him because it would involve too much risk for little ole me. We have great neighbors. A nice neighbor guy drove down there and tried to help get the truck out. It wasn't comin so he drove my dad home and dad got his tractor out and they went back out with his most awesome tractor and towed the truck out of the ditch.

Good thing my mom had baked a plate of very tasty Christmas goodies for that very same neighbor a week ago.


So mom, dad and I opened Christmas gifts during the whole truck stuck fiasco. Santa Clause visited my house and brought me some pretty cool things. Mainly the tissue paper was my favorite.





I put it in my mouth. Mom dug it out, but what she didn't know- was I kept a piece hidden in there.


Later when I was playing in my new bouncer toy. I suddenly gagged violently and threw up. Mom was snapping pictures of me to document me in my new toy. There is actually a picture of me puking, but Auntie Amber wont let me post it because she says it looks too disturbing. I'm a little boy though and I think it's totally awesome looking. Auntie Amber said she would compromise and post the picture right after. If you look closely at the puddle of puke you might see the reason. A very small piece of red tissue paper. That gosh darn piece of paper wouldn't go down my throat when I finally decided to swallow it.



Ewwww . . . Awesomly gross if I do say so myself. Mom was really worked up about the fact I was chokin on tissue paper and she didn't even know it. tee hee . . . I do like to keep things interesting and exciting. After that I was hardly allowed to open my own gifts anymore cause I'm desperate to put that crinkly cool paper in my mouth!





Dad and mom then packed me up and braved the drive into town for the day. Yes, my dad had already gone in a ditch, but what do ya do when a horse bucks you off? You get right back on! That's right, people a little snow- well A LOT of snow was not going to keep us down. We are a pretty strong-willed determined little family if I do say so myself. Auntie always says it's a darn good thing I got my mom and dad's fighting spirit cause I sure did need it when I was born.

We triumphed on the drive in to town. No more ditches. We went to Auntie Amber's house and opened more gifts...





Everything, I mean absolutely everything I touch must also be tasted and gummed.


Isn't my mommy so purty? Do you see those pearls around her neck? My dad gave those to my mom for Christmas. She makes those purty pearls look good!




I make the most perfect little Christmas present don't I!?




I listened to Auntie Amber's crazy fish stories.


My cousin's Cole and Kenna got fish for Christmas and it's not going so well.


Their fish keep disappearing without a trace.

I let Pa hold me . . .


Sort of . . .


Daddy got confused about which end he is supposed to hold up. Wow I'm just as cute upside down as I am rightside up.


Pa helped me fly . . .


My very soon to be Aunt Rachel held me for the first time.




I took a nap- yes I did. It kept snowin . . . and snowin . . . and snowin . . .

Mommy had the crazy idea that McKenna, Cole and I pose together with our hats!

How's this mom!?


Or this? Why does Kenna want to get away from me? I don't know . . .


I'm makin my crazy eyes just for you mom!




Then I went to Grandpa and Grandma Gravitt's. Boy did I get a lot of loot there! Everybody was so generous. I got some money to go in a savings account for my future too.

Mom took a picture of me with all of my new stuff . . . When she put me in the middle of all my new toys I promptly went for the remote. She took that away and I was then totally interested in my wipe container. What?? Yeah I have all these cool new toys, but the remote and the wipe container I mean those things are timeless, two of the more fascinating play things in the history of the world. Plus it's just a universal baby rule that we choose normal household objects to play with over a roomful of scientifically engineered super duper just for us baby toys. Duh- people!

Mom got me to hold one of my new toys for the picture though.




Two of my coolest toys are not pictured there cause I got so much stuff that these two things wouldn't fit in the truck. So we left them at Grandpa and Grandma's house.

A wagon!


And a four wheeler!




Man- I'm big. I have my own vehicle now!

Okay so the SNOW. By golly it just would not stop snowing. It snowed for 4 days! Some places in KC got over a foot of snow! Mom and dad took me out in it to play, but I was bundled up so tight I couldn't move so that wasn't so much fun.







2 days after Christmas we went and celebrated at my Great Grandpa and Grandma EuDaly's house. (Pa's side of the family.)

I showed off my beautiful dimples- yes I did!


I have family and friends that gave generous financial gifts to me this Christmas. Mom says we are blessed. But a card she opened up in the mail blessed and touched her heart so much that she cried. Old friends and fellow Odessa residence... a big beautiful family, they just stunned my parents with their generosity.

This world is a wonderful and beautiful place. Life is beautiful! Don't let anyone tell you differently!

Most of all I am grateful to God and grateful for His son Jesus. For He is the reason life is indeed beautiful.

Merry Christmas everyone!
Jimmie Jim Jim

P.S. Mom says I need to tell you that I'm fighting through my 3rd illness of this cold and flu season. I'm doin ok, but I have so much snot it's really hard for me to sleep and even harder for mom to sleep. Prayers would be much appreciated!

P.S.S. Sheesh Auntie Amber- it took you long enough to get this published. I'll forgive you though and I'm sure everyone else will too. (-:

Preveiw- by Jimmie Gravitt

Hi guys!

I'm workin on a totally awesome "My 1st Christmas Post" . . . I got my part done, but Auntie Amber is my editor and she is runnin behind. She promises that she'll publish my post tomorrow at some point. The holidays are insanely busy.

I'll give you a preview though- My 1st Christmas involves tissue paper, puke, a foot of snow, Daddy in a ditch, lots and lots and lots of gifts, amazing surprises and lots of VERY cute pictures of little ole me!

You are NOT gonna wanna miss this post- so check back tomorrow k??

Yours truly,
Jimmie Jim Jim

Swish! And Surgery Date...

You have to watch this video my Dad took of Jimmie! About 42 seconds in Jimmie throws a toy cup and it lands inside of a bigger cup. It's amazing and hilarious!


.

Go Jimmie go!

Jimmie's g-tube surgery date has been set for Janurary 20th! Pray that he stays healthy so that it will happen and we can get this thing over with.

Jimmie's puking has escalated just a little the last few days. He's been having a couple of gushers a day. Yesterday's were not even related to him gagging himself on his fist. He seems to go in phases with this. Hopefully this time it won't get worse and be over with quickly. It's just tough when there is not any obvious rhyme or reason.

Thank you for your prayers!

Love,
Amber

What Has Rachael Been Up To?

She's been a good little mommy, wife and neighbor and been baking Christmas goodies! She and Jimmie delivered these yummy little gifts to 4 of their neighbors out in Odessa. Everyone was thrilled and happy to see Jimmie looking so well. These neighbors have been looking out for Rachael and Justin's property throughout the year. There has only been a few short months they have actually been able to live there in 2009.

I'd wager a guess that Rachael and Jimmie enjoyed none of those goodies themselves though, apart from the fun of baking them. They are still adhering to a very strict diet.

Justin's fire station buddies threw him a surprise birthday party Thursday evening at Jack Stack Barbecue! Rachael and Justin had a great time. They left little Jimmie with my mom, so I walked down to her house (I live one block up on the same street) with my kiddos and we got to hang with Jimmie for an hour or so.

That child is NON STOP, holy cow! Right after Rach left mom handed him to me and he kept gagging himself on his hands. He had just finished eating so he was still in the danger zone for puking. One time I didn't get his fist out of his mouth fast enough and he puked a big puddle on the floor. Then my kids started walking in it so while I was clutching Jimmie under one arm I was trying to grab a towel. Jimmie then grabbed his NG tube and almost yanked it out. Mom started shoving it back in all the while he was gagging and spewing again. Mom took him from me sat down in a chair, I piled toys on his lap and she basically had to sit and hold his arms down at his sides for a while until he had digested what was left in his little tummy.

We are fairly certain he is working on cutting his first tooth. He has a white bump showing through his gum. He is desperate to have his hands in his mouth ALL the time. His nuckles, cheeks and chin are chapped and red from all the gnawing and slobbering. He is fairly unphased though. He moves constantly! I have never seen such a energetic busy kid in my life. He is WILD!

Jimmie can now go from laying on his back to sitting upright all by himself! Rachael caught him doing that on video. I'll post it as soon as I can get my hands on it. (-:

As long as he's not gagging himself on his fist he is still doing well as far as the puking goes, praise God!

Thank you for your prayers!

Love,
Amber

Lots Of Stuff

We are home from Vancouver safe and sound. Rachael arrived Sunday evening, I Monday evening. Dad went and traveled with Rachael and Mom traveled with me. We had a wonderful whirlwind of a time!

Our children and husbands did fine!

Little Jimmie had Grandpa and Grandma Gravitt and his Daddy doting on him. Justin said he couldn't tell that Jimmie missed Rachael, but Kathy said she could tell he missed her! (-: He did very well, didn't hardly puke at all. His puking has continued to be much better this past week so continue praying. It's very encouraging.

The first thing Rachael said about her reunion with Jimmie to me was how incredibly thankful she was to have such awesome in laws! She was very blessed and impressed by their care for Jimmie while she was away. When she arrived at their house all of Jimmie's stuff was clean and packed up perfectly, every bottle washed, his clothing clean. They were able to get back to Odessa that evening before bedtime. Rod and Kathy are AWESOME!

Rachael said Jimmie was obviously very excited and relieved to see her.

Justin was onery while she was gone. She left her email open (signed in) and a bunch of family and friends got this email:

The subject said, "changing my name" . . .

"Everyone please know that I am changing my name to Shaniqua yes thats right. Please when you see me call me by that name, I have wanted to change my name for a very long time and feel now is the time. This sudden change might come as a shock but it is true. Brought to you by Shaniqua's loving husband who is tired of her leaving her email open."

(-:

Stinker!

Yesterday was Justin's birthday! Happy happy birthday Justin!!!

Today has been very exciting for him. Justin fixes cars as a second job and today they have been putting up a building on their land for Justin's shop where he can work on cars. Rachael has been bringing hot chocolate and coffee to the crew all day because it is FREEEEEZING here right now!

This afternoon they met with the surgeon who will perform Jimmie's g-tube surgery. Rachael said he didn't say much, just explained the procedure and answered Rachael's questions. Rachael is still having a hard time with this whole scenario, but is hopeful that it will make Jimmie more comfortable. The scheduler should be calling her in the next few days to pick a date for the surgery. It will most likely be in January.

The procedure itself is fairly minor. A scope will go in through his belly button with a light on the end. They will shine the light in his stomach outward and be able to see it shining through his skin. That is how they will decide where to cut the hole in his abdomen. A little button will be installed where the tubing plugs in for his feeds. He will probably be intubated and he will be under general anesthesia.

The most common side effects are problems with the anesthesia and granulation scare tissue forming around the button with bleeding and perhaps a painful leaking of stomach acid.

He will be in the hospital 48 hours. Probably only the first day or so for recovery and the rest of the time spent training Rachael and Justin how to use the g-tube.

Although we are glad to be assured this is a fairly minor procedure, we do not take ANY procedure with anesthesia and cutting lightly. It's safe to say Rachael is dreading the whole thing. Please keep us and especially Jimmie in your prayers!

I'll let you know as soon as we have a surgery date.

Love,
Amber

Dear Jimmie- Happy 10 Month Birthday

Dear Jimmie,

Happy 10 month birthday!

This is you right after you were born.

This is you at 1 month.

This is you at 2 months.

This is you at 3 months.

This is you at 4 months.

This is you at 5 months.

This is you at 6 months.


This is you at 7 months.


This is you at 8 months.


This you at 9 months.


And this is you today!


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























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




















This month:

You have gained 14 ounces. You are 13lbs 1oz!

You have gained 1 inch in length! You are 27 inches long!

Your head circumference has increased by 3/4 of an inch. It is 17 inches around.

Your mommy is still following the "less aggressive tube weaning plan". You are doing so good eating solids, but you still do not drink well. The St. Luke's OT thinks you should get a g-tube and Dr. H. agrees. We are sad it has to come to that, but also hopeful that getting the NG out of your nose and throat will help you with your drinking. Your first appointment with the surgeon about the g-tube is coming up soon, Dec. 15th.

Your mommy is still on a VERY restricted diet right now to help with your food allergies and a probable over growth of yeast. She has stuck to it. She has amazing will power- your momma! I am in awe of her dedication to do everything to help you.

Physically you are doing great, above and beyond your developmental age of a little over 6 months. You started sitting unsupported last month. You are now pushing up on your hands and knees and rocking back and forth!

Your mommy put you in a laundry basket a couple of days ago to try to contain you for a few seconds and you pulled up using the side of the basket to standing!!! That's crazy- your mommy was shocked and delighted.

You have 107 followers on your blog! (1 more than last time).

Your Faithfulness Video Montage has been viewed 6026 times. That's 629 views this month!

Your "Jimmie's Wonderful World" montage has been viewed 676 times! That's 25 times this month.

Your blog has been viewed 6,336 times this month for a total of 64,269 hits! You have a lot of very cool people who love to check on your progress Jimmie.

This month you celebrated your first Thanksgiving.

Grandma Kathy suggested you chew on a turkey leg just like you daddy did on his first thanksgiving. Then we posted your daddy's pictures after yours!











It's so crazy cool to see how much you look like your daddy did!

After Thanksgiving you and your mommy and daddy moved back home. It has been good! Your mommy even put your NG tube back in all by herself the other day. Your mommy and daddy are working to be more independent and get by taking care of you more on their own.

You have had a harder time this month with your puking. For a few weeks it was pretty bad. Right now you are doing pretty good. Maybe 1 or 2 big gushers a day . . . sometimes you'll go a few days with hardly any gushers. We are praying really hard for you to not puke gushers at ALL!

You got your first Christmas tree this month Jimmie!



All you were interested in was the tractor.


Like father like son . . .


Words cannot express how precious and cute you are!




This month we have all experienced some mixed emotions Jimmie. Each of us coming to terms with the likelihood of you having the g-tube procedure. Your mommy has fought so hard to avoid that for you. But it is becoming clear that it is what you need. You have tried so hard Jimmie you really have. This has just overwhelmed you psychologically. You have been through a lot and you have associated a lot of pain with drinking liquid. It's almost as if everything you have been through since you were born has found an object/action in your psyche to blame and that would be drinking . . . We are hopeful that this g-tube will be your friend. That it will clear the way for some healing physically as well as psychologically.

To look at you now and remember you the night you were born makes me weep. You were so small I could not even see you in the doctors hands as he handed you to the NICU team. The doctor was holding some sort of towel and you were laying on that in his hands. I could not see you Jimmie, but I could hear you. I will never forget the little sounds you were making then. You were not expected to to make a noise, you were not expected to breathe on your own, but you did. You were born fighting! You are a champion Jimmie. You are blessed with such a strong fighting will. I am so proud of you Jimmie and I'm always touched by your bright and shining spirit when I'm with you.

I love you more than words could ever say- my sweet Jimmie Jim Jim,
Your Auntie Amber