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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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