Cassie and Peggy came for a visit and we were able to spend the weekend with Matthew Gracen. He is just so cute and sweet and growing up! He is truly a Miracle Baby!

He is learning sign language and a few words. What a cutie! Watch out world!

How We Met

Once upon a time, there was girl. She was a hard worker, doing her little job, living in her little home, doing her little thing. She liked to have fun, but also had all sorts of rules and expectations to follow.

Once upon a time, there was a boy. He was fun loving, creative, and liked to make other people laugh. He worked with people, sharing his creativity. But, there was something missing.

One day, the girl went to the boy's job, with a simple job for him to work on. His eyes sparkled, his gait was happy, he was tall. And cute. She left thinking about him, glad that she wore her cute red and white skirt (maybe he had noticed).

A few days later, she had an e-mail from him. It was business related....but it was sent to her personal address. Soon, the boy was chatting and e-mailing with the girl. Lots of fun, lots of banter, a little flirting. The girl couldn't keep the smile off of her face. The boy was intrigued.

After talking for several weeks, the girl was bold and sassy and invited the boy to her house to share her favorite cocktail: Scarlett O'Hara. In an EXTRA bold move, the girl decided that having dinner ready for the boy would show off her womanly skills.

The boy was mesmerized by the girl. She had a lovely home, a strange little cat, and could make a mean drink! There was a little awkwarness, but talking and joking quickly made the evening more comfortable.

By the end of the evening, the girl was giggley and the boy's interest was piqued.

Our Nephew

10/31/06

I just had word from Ellis that his sister, Cassie, is in the hospital in Toledo. She has been diagnosed with either Toximia or Pre-eclampsia. We don't know much about the situation, except that both she and the baby need prayers. The baby's original due date is at the end of January. There is a possibility that they might have to induse labor or have a c-section in order to keep Cassie safe. Again, we don't know much about what is going on. But please keep Cassie and her baby boy in your prayers.

10/31/06

Hello friends and family, I just got word that my sister, Cassie, is having problems with her pregnancy. She has developed a condition called Preeclampsia (link) that is particularly dangerous for her and the baby. She isn't due until late January, and the only cure is to deliver the baby who is just over a pound right now. I will know more soon and will update you all as soon as I know more, and we all appreciate your prayers and any good feeling mojo you can point her way.

Thanks all,
Ellis


11/01/06

I spoke with Cassie last night and she is in good spirits. She has been given several drugs to boost the health of the baby when they decide to deliver. She is now just sitting in the hospital, waiting for things to change.

I just had a case of beer and a carton of Marlboro lights sent to her room to help calm her nerves. Boy, does that girl love to drink and smoke.

She's normally a Camel smoker, but the baby prefers the Marlboro; he kicks whenever she tries to switch.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.

ELL!S


01/05/07

Good news! Baby Matthew is out of the isolation crib! He is in a regular crib now! He is also weighing in at 3 lbs, 14 ozes! He is a growing boy! Ellis's dad sent some new pictures and he is so sweet, I almost cry!

Wakie Wakie Ellis!

Ok, here is the newest story on the funny things Ellis says when I wake him up.

This morning, I was about half-way finished with my morning regime when I went in to the bedroom to wake Ellis. I laid down for a second and kissed his cheek. He stirred a little bit. I said "I love you." And usally, if he is really tired, he will just mouth the words. Well today he mumbled them and something else (his eyes were still closed), so I said, "What?"

"I love you, because that is what it says I am supposed to do."

So I replyed, "What says you are supped to?"

Then, he pulls his hand out from under the covers (his eyes still closed) and points up to the ceiling.

I don't know what he was dreaming about somthing, if there was a huge book in the sky, maybe God, I dunno. But I had to hold my laughter in! It was so funny!