Thursday, February 04, 2010
Levi Johnston with baby Tripp on ET.
"I think he looks more like me," Levi tells ET. "Everyone I've talked to says he looks more like me."
"Saturday is usually the best day of the week for me. It's the day I get to see my son," says the 19-year-old father, who is in a custody battle with Tripp's mom, Bristol Palin. Right now he only sees Tripp on Saturdays from 9 to 2, but he wants more together time.
Levi takes Tripp to his brand-new home where his sister eagerly awaits their arrival. The baby is brought to a special playroom Levi set up for the time they do get to spend together.
The young parent clearly enjoys every moment he can get with his son, even the part that requires diaper changes. "You know it comes with it -- you've got to do it," he says. "You know you take on a lot of responsibilities with it, and just everything is awesome."
Levi did not get to attend the first birthday party that the Palins threw for Tripp, and he says, "I wish I was there for that but I couldn't be. He looked really cute in all the pictures and I am glad. Just seeing him happy is good, even though I'm not there."
Levi says that despite the split with Bristol and his public complaints that he doesn't get enough time with Tripp -- he still may go to court over it -- he and Tripp's mother find time to talk.
"She tells me if something's new, but, you know, it is as far as we get," he says. "She called and told me he said 'Dad.' [We] actually got together and went into Anchorage and ate dinner, just the three of us, and got him some ice cream. It was pretty fun. We just got to be good parents and work with each other. We keep conversation to Tripp and that's about it."
Only five hours a week to see his only child?
Does that really seem fair to anyone?
These are the most important years in this child's life to form attachments to his parents, and other family members, and for Bristol and her mother to keep that from happening is a form of child abuse, pure and simple.
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Is Bristol violating the terms of her custody agreement?
ReplyDeleteHow about Levi 'Sorry, left the money on the dresser' Johnston?
Sweet, but no resemblance. Get a DNA test, Levi.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the video clip Gryphen. I found it to be quite endearing, however I do agree with you about the limited time he gets with Tripp. One thing I did remark was the happy glow he seemed to have in this segment. Very nice to see. Good for him!
ReplyDeleteAnd Sarah is all about "family values" good god
ReplyDeleteHer family values seem to mean ones that think "exactly" like her or else "sit down and shut up" .. what she likes to say she doesn't do (makes me wonder, since she loves that phrase if Old pervy papa chucky didn't use that phrase a many a times when she was a youth)
I think if ALL the single moms in this big world got together.. ones that WANT their "baby daddy" to be in their child's life.. and stand behind Levi.. he would have an ARMY
It's good he is getting air time showing his true desire and ability to be with his son.
It only proves, once again, Sarah is a Liar with a Grin on her face... a God lover who ignores the bible.. a frugal conservative that .... this could take days
Glad to hear they went to dinner together. But knowing Sarah, I would not put it past her to tell Bristol to build a relationship with Levi so that he changes his mind about what he writes about Sarah in his book coming out.
ReplyDeleteLevi this is your only book you will write... tell all!
Sarah IS all about family values - her own family. Period. Levi is not part of her family. He doesn't count.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the judge will rule in Levi's favor and grant him more time with Tripp. If the judge has any conscience and morals at all, he or she will see how much Levi wants to be in his son's life. Hopefully Sister Sarah will keep the intimidation squad and her big bankroll at home and stay out of it!
Sarah stay out of this?? Maybe when pigs can fly (and wear lipstick.)
I give Levi real credit. It takes a very mature man to say only kind words about the mother of his child. And I don't recall him ever speaking ill of Bristol. He could be making all sorts of accusations and saying nasty things, but he stays above that and I find that admirable.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if sarah knew that Bristol and Tripp went to dinner with Levi - if so, she must have been beside herself due to her lack of control. Imagine the explosion if Bristol runs away from the compound, moves in with Levi and lives happily ever after!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Bristol stays under mommy's thumb due to guilt and obligation (for TriG and Piper).
Levi and Bristol can certainly make a good living on their own - how will sarah keep control of Bristol? Stay tuned.
Levi seems healthy and happy - inside and out.
Compare his words with the venom and idiocy that spews from you-know-who.
Tripp looks like Sarah and Bristol, to me. I have never seen him smile in any photo. He just looks so serious all time.
ReplyDeleteLevi, Don't wait for the Palin's to throw Tripp a 1st birthday party. Throw one for him on your own. You don't have to wait for them to do anything for your son, start your own tradition with your baby.
Also, get you a DNA test.
DNA before you pay, Levi.
ReplyDeleteI would luv if it turned out Tripp isn't even Levi's baby.
Despite his age, Levi appears to be a very good and adoring father. This is the bottom line. Both Tripp and his daddy need to spend more time together.
ReplyDeleteNice sentiments, Ella, but I fear it may be just wishful thinking. I have to agree more with Anonymous 4:10 p.m. because of Sarah's personality and track record. I don't think it is overly skeptical to suspect Bristol is up to something. Her sudden turn to nicey-nice is just too convenient. I hope it is otherwise, but . . . .
ReplyDeleteAlso, I totally agree with many others that a paternity test should be taken just because the Palins are not known for their honesty and sincerity. Sorry.
I will say that at this age, this is a very mommy-centric time, and young babies often have a hard time separating from their parents. Over-night visits may be the hardest.So, overnight visits may not be real easy yet, and he may be respecting this time in a babies development.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like they are doing well, given their age, in working together. I also get the feeling he still is really in love with Bristol.
This actually upsets me. I feel the Palins are just playing Levi. They string him along, dangling the "carrot" of increasing his time with Tripp, hoping to dissuade him from writing his tell-all book. When I hear that he went "out to dinner" with Bristol, it concerns me. I agree with the above commenter who said it's all a trap to get him NOT to write the book. (In reality, I must confess I am happy that Levi gets to see his child. I just do not trust the Palins. Any Palin.)
ReplyDeleteTo the others who already said it, I think Bristol is also playing nice in hopes that Levi won't write the tell-all book, too. Is she going to allow him more time with his son? Five hours a week is pitiful. That's not shared custody. However, if Levi is traveling out of state to work, it may be all he can manage on his schedule.
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope that Tripp is his son as he would be heartbroken if it turned out otherwise.
Levi, please write that book. It was interesting to hear tonight on the Ed Show that Levi's statement regarding Sarah calling Trig "her retarded baby" was used to show her hypocrisy. There was no doubt as to the truth of Levi's statement on the part of the people on the show.
Such a clearly proud father. Now THAT's a role model for young men.
ReplyDeleteForgive me if this is exceedingly bold, dsmyre, as I empathize with what I suspect are your ultimate objectives, but I surely you don't wish that sort of psychic injury on Levi...? However intense our shared determination to see Wasyphilis exit the national stage or, at the very least, suffer added humiliation, it needn't involve further loss for Levi or his family.
ReplyDeleteI can't be alone in feeling significant angst over the degree to which he serves as a surrogate for our desires and/or expectations. Not unlike a birth mother, everyone wants his metaphorical baby, but, ultimately, few actually care what happens to Levi. And while I'm confident most mean well, the whole enterprise is nonetheless diminished by a rather predatory residue.
That said, I do sleep better knowing that Gryphen on the case and in his corner; please take good care of our lad.
How cool...So glad Levi gets time with Tripp..hopefully he will get more time with his little man...he is so cute..Levi is a natural...
ReplyDeleteThanks Gryph for all you do...
Levi Johnston can evidently pick up Trip but cannot pay the child support? It seems only when he is getting a bad rap for letting Bristol do all the heavy lifting with Tripp he stages this video to let everyone knew how great a dad he is.
ReplyDeleteWhat takes the cake though is how all you people criticized Bristol for a magazine article but when Levi pulls something like this it is admirable.
The closest that Palin comes to family values is just mouthing the words. Just another simple phrase that she's managed to memorize. Probably has it on a 3X5 index card.
ReplyDeleteA wife who values her husband doesn't subject the husband to even the appearance of the wife fooling around.
A mother who loves and values her children doesn't humiliate them the way that Palin has publicly humiliated her kids.
A mother who loves a baby -- especially a baby with DS -- doesn't treat the child the way that is recorded on video after video.
A person who loves God, doesn't flaunt God's rules, i.e., lies, betrayal of trust of people who have helped her, cheating on her taxes, cheating the poor people who go without food to contribute to her.
She disgusts me. Family values? I don't think so.
Hi Bristol, just thought I'd tell you that you a hypocritical monster for not letting a child spend plenty of time with his very own father.
ReplyDeleteGod will judge you harshly.
IMO Tripp resembles the photos of Levi when he was a young child. It's apparent that Levi loves that child. Some day down the road, Bristol will regret losing Levi.
ReplyDeleteLevi always looks genuinely happy constrasted with Bristol who always looks tormented.
Levi's limited to just 5 hours a week with the baby. How sad. Sarah is vicious.
Gryphen,
ReplyDeleteOn the Court docket file, there is a certificate posted that Bristol watched a video which I've been told is a requirement by divorce/custody proceedings. There is no certificate showing that Levi has watched it.
If you are in communication with him or Tank, ask why because if he is supposed to -- tell him to get his butt in gear and do it. It's like a half hour video and if it makes a difference in the court proceedings -- then get it done before I believe their next appearance on the 25th. Thanks.
Remember the "begats"? That's all in there for a reason. It shows that fatherhood is seen, evidently, by God, your creator, as perhaps more important than mommyhood or mommy tyrants. Mother as tyrant or mother-in-law as tyrant is the modern preferred parental social abherration. I mean you don't gedda pick and choose which of yer dominions to believe in. If Levi is a begatter then he's as equal if not more so than the mother through whom the child merely passed. Fatherhood is more important biologically, sociallogically, and spiritually than motherhood in the Bible. Whether you support that or not. Serial step fatherhood just doesn't give you that stability which children need to need to thrive the best. Bristol's mommy probably didn't tell her that. She probably doesn't believe it. Oh well; stay with the project Levi it is at least a 20 year project. Also, too even when they are 40 years old and they have problems you want to fix it for them. It never stops. Love never fails.
ReplyDeletewow, 5 whole hours a week? bristol disgusts me.
ReplyDeleteget a dna test levi. I'm sure todd thought he was track's father at first, too. let that be your example to get proof now - surely you don't want your son finding out at 19 he's been lied to all his life. don't assume bristol is being honest. she obviously wasn't in the court documents.
Kathi In NJ said...
ReplyDeleteI give Levi real credit. It takes a very mature man to say only kind words about the mother of his child. And I don't recall him ever speaking ill of Bristol. He could be making all sorts of accusations and saying nasty things, but he stays above that and I find that admirable.
That wouldn't benefit him in the court of public opinion. If it ever does become convenient to do so, rest assured he will.
Sharon in Florida said...
The closest that Palin comes to family values is just mouthing the words. Just another simple phrase that she's managed to memorize. Probably has it on a 3X5 index card.
A wife who values her husband doesn't subject the husband to even the appearance of the wife fooling around.
A mother who loves and values her children doesn't humiliate them the way that Palin has publicly humiliated her kids.
A mother who loves a baby -- especially a baby with DS -- doesn't treat the child the way that is recorded on video after video.
A person who loves God, doesn't flaunt God's rules, i.e., lies, betrayal of trust of people who have helped her, cheating on her taxes, cheating the poor people who go without food to contribute to her.
She disgusts me. Family values? I don't think so.
Sarah Palin has proven herself to be just as good a mother as any in this nation. Casting aspersion on her character without proof puts you in the wrong here.
"Sarah Palin has proven herself to be just as good a mother as any in this nation."
ReplyDeletelmao. pay attention sometime.
"Knowing Sarah, I would not put it past her to tell Bristol to build a relationship with Levi so that he changes his mind about what he writes about Sarah in his book coming out." Well said, anon. 4:10 pm. I assume Bristol's cell phone is rigged to tape all the conversations with Levi also, too, to be remembered and used later if and when necessary. I put NOTHING past the Palin woman/women.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened about not using children as "props"? Or that is only mentioned when it involves Sarah or Bristol?
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there was a time that Bristol was at the "cabin" with Tripp. When Levi said he didn't know where to mail the "voluntary" payment to Bristol, he'd be telling the truth in that there is no address assigned as they would have had to declare the property to the Borough.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to Anonymous 9:22, Levi did not WANT to go on camera with Tripp, but felt he had to in order to refute the allegations being bandied about by the Palin camp.
ReplyDeleteThis video was made right after the happy family photos showed up of Grifter Granny and her family of props on the pages of In Touch magazine.
It's possible that only a parent suing for sole custody needs to watch that 'educational' video.
ReplyDeleteI keep remembering Levi with Trig at the RNC. He's obviously comfortable around, and competent with, babies - and clearly loves Tripp. I don't know what Bristol's problem is, but there's no excuse for it.
emrysa said...
ReplyDelete"Sarah Palin has proven herself to be just as good a mother as any in this nation."
lmao. pay attention sometime.
We are watching, and paying attention.
ANON 8:58 PM, to say that "Sarah Palin has proven herself to be just as good a mother as any in this nation" just plain slaps me and many of Gryphen's readers in the face. Your remark offends millions of other mothers also, too.
ReplyDeleteDid I claim to get on two airplanes while leaking amniotic fluid, while "pregnant" with a premature special needs child? No. Did I schlep said DS child hither and yon, dragging him outside half-dressed in icy weather? When one of my kids legitimately DID have special needs, did I blow off his multiple therapies? No. Have my (not-neglected) teenagers gotten in trouble with the law, become teen parents, or substance abusers? No. Have I embarked upon a money-grubbing speaking tour that takes me away from my children and teens when they need me? No. (And for the record, I could have chosen that path, and turned it down...)
Your standard for "good enough" parenting is set so low that Dr. Bruno Bettelheim, who coined the phrase, might remove his glasses and despondently pinch the bridge of his nose...
The "court of public opinion" matters far less when weighing parenting skills than, say, how those children turn out. In that regard, we have AMPLE evidence of what kind of mother $P is--video and all. I have great empathy for Palin's children; for their parents, not so much.
Are you a parent, Anon? What "standards" comprise your family values? The motto "If the kids are alive by five, I've done my job," belongs on a coffee mug, not as a
guideline for people, like $arah Palin, who hide behind what they consider the "sanctity" of their parenthood.
Jah know.. Child Support is a big issue..
ReplyDeleteBut when it comes to wealthy people.. it gets very petty
The Palin side say he is a deadbeat because he didn't mail the check.. or whatever.. anyhooey..
It's always about the "money" ..that is why he is such a sucky dad
Well hello and another big HEllo!
Bristol Lives with Mum and Dad.. Lives in a Mansion.. Lives with a Millionaire...
That baby is NOT starving, has diapers, has food, has shelter... that is all a given
What that baby seems to lack .. is "family"
Granny Side Show Freak is off on her last ditch effort for fame and fortune before she reaches 50
Tawd ????
Track ???
Piper and Trig... they are there but are no family support.
Bristol works from sun up til' sun down and the only time she spends with him mon-fri is to bathe him twice a day??
This family is more about "working one's butt off" (and in Sarah's case.. Ive seen pictures.. literally it is GONE! like someone cut it off)
than spending quality, nurturing real time with this baby
Where Levi comes in
So quite yim yawning about the money.
And I have zero doubt he has paid his monetary dues and then some..
I say, focus on what matters
Regarding the comments of family values by Sarah P., herself
ReplyDeleteI watched an extremely moving movie
Profoundly Normal
Just IMDB it but it is based on a true story.. two mentally challenged folks get married and raise a child.. live on their own
All very successfully and admirably
They live in D.C. and make round speaking on behalf of those with special needs
This movie was made in 2003?
It was such a moving, inspiration to me
If SARAH had one dot of compassion for Trig and the Special Needs world she likes to be the token mother of (alot like Bristol being the token mother of abstinence.. aye vey)
..she would of taken a similar route
Stir up emotions, inspiration, open minds/hearts ... .Trig "Is" a gift
Zero.
Just a well kept, smiling in front of the cameras while holding/grabbing a little clearly disoriented baby (glasses/hearing aide/shoes/blanket/hair combing - while she wears wigs....)
She sure blabs alot ..but does NOTHING for this child or for other children.
With all her money making "schemes" .. if she had a heart... something could be donated/created for this cause?
Guess that building that second house and focusing on keeping a caring dad from his son... and making speaking engagements for profit.. and pointing fingers ...
her priorities..
-anne s
Since the cart is in front of the horse I believe Levi should get a DNA test. Raising children is a huge investment. Costs in US dollars upwards of $125,000 per child (it takes a village of taxpayers too). The video of young Levi and son can be greatly enjoyed by both of them in the years ahead. Better the video prepared by the media in the absence of maternal familial support for this most primary of all human relationships. If I was the judge I would order the test just to ensure I wasn't regulating some mistaken identy of sorts. Good luck kiddos. Politics is NOT more valuable than family bonds. Regardless.
ReplyDeleteTo the Christians out there
ReplyDeleteHow can this woman be the epitome of one God has chosen?
Every freakin' week she is in the news for something highly unethical/hypocritical
(and using LUST ..one of the biggest sins as far as her aging bones can take it)
Does that NOT raise a red flag???
oh, I forgot.. Satan attacks the ones God loves most
and everyone but "the church" and "Saint Sarah" are Satan
Let me get this straight. Levi does NOT get any money for interviews, he received $25,000 from Playgirl only, he has allegedly given Bristol $10,000 in child support, pays for his mother's utilities, bought a new house and furnished it, bought a new truck, not to mention paying Tank and Butler and has not declared any additional income other than the $25,000.
ReplyDeleteI think Levi should give seminars so he can show the American people who have become unemployed in recent times how they can also accomplish so much with so little money. Either that or set up an investment firm since he is so good with money.
ANON 8:58 PM, to say that "Sarah Palin has proven herself to be just as good a mother as any in this nation" just plain slaps me and many of Gryphen's readers in the face. Your remark offends millions of other mothers also, too.
ReplyDeleteDid I claim to get on two airplanes while leaking amniotic fluid, while "pregnant" with a premature special needs child? No. Did I schlep said DS child hither and yon, dragging him outside half-dressed in icy weather? When one of my kids legitimately DID have special needs, did I blow off his multiple therapies? No. Have my (not-neglected) teenagers gotten in trouble with the law, become teen parents, or substance abusers? No. Have I embarked upon a money-grubbing speaking tour that takes me away from my children and teens when they need me? No. (And for the record, I could have chosen that path, and turned it down...)
Your standard for "good enough" parenting is set so low that Dr. Bruno Bettelheim, who coined the phrase, might remove his glasses and despondently pinch the bridge of his nose...
The "court of public opinion" matters far less when weighing parenting skills than, say, how those children turn out. In that regard, we have AMPLE evidence of what kind of mother $P is--video and all. I have great empathy for Palin's children; for their parents, not so much.
Are you a parent, Anon? What "standards" comprise your family values? The motto "If the kids are alive by five, I've done my job," belongs on a coffee mug, not as a
guideline for people, like $arah Palin, who hide behind what they consider the "sanctity" of their parenthood.
Let those millions of mothers speak up then. You don't speak for them.
That's the reason you fail in your attempts to bring down Sarah Palin. You can't separate the personal from the political. Attacking her as a bad mom is not going get you guys anywhere; you can't conclusively prove it and besides, it only galvanizes her base of support.
How do you know Trig isn't receiving therapy? You don't. She is off on speaking engagements and not spending time with her kids? Its not uncommon for one parent to be off for quite a long time (the breadwinner) while the other provides care and support (Todd).
And yeah, CBJ said it was OK for Sarah Palin to fly back to Alaska.
Certainly Barack Obama in his busy day can't spend all the time he wants with his children. You don't condemn him for that. Yet that is the sacrifice he makes, and you certainly don't see any Republicans of importance critcizing him for that.
wow, now that's loyalty!
ReplyDeletesaying a woman is something she isn't when all of the evidence in front of everyone's face proves the contrary. lmao.
will we see your company listed on sarahpac filings for 2010?
palin's fans may be stupid enough to buy that load, but no one here is.
anon @ 7:05 -
ReplyDeleteso where is the information on what levi has claimed he has made and spent?
we've seen palin's taxes. have you seen levi's?
more bullshit from palin devotees.
O'Biden was home every evening even while he was in the Senate. That was a familial sacrifice he made with an appreciative family as a result. President Obama has to spend too much time away from his family because the repubs are willing to sacrifice everything in order to return to their brand. Which most of us abhor that brand at this time. The nice thing about democrats is they stand for the working man and family and always have unlike the repubs who stand for ?
ReplyDeleteCorny D-bag @ 7:26, President Obama is gainfully employed while Mrs. Wasyphilis isn't, hence the poor parenting critiques.
ReplyDeleteIs this all the visitation Levi wants -- 5 hrs, one day out of 7? Does he not want any custody rights and the ability to make decisions on how his son is raised?
ReplyDeleteI simply don't get it. It's about the number of hours my father spent with my sister and I. It was influential but not enough and hurtful.
And what about Trig?
LEVI... Should get FULL and TOTAL custody of Tripp. Get that child out of the crazy house and away from the crazy PALIN family !!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe most Levi can hope for is shared custody and I hope the judge gives him that.And that they admonish the palins not to talk against levi.
ReplyDeleteThe thought about the cell being a recording devise to be used against levi is a good point as is any tex messages or messages left on voice mail.they can all be sent to third parties.I hope Levi is aware of this.