A year ago today are hearts were broken.  5 days before Christmas we had learned that our unborn son's heart did not develop properly and would require multiple surgeries to live.  It is a day I will never forget.  I can still hear the doctors voice, see her expression and feel the tears swell up in me.  I was scared, terrified, and felt so alone.  Christmas was hard last year...life was hard last year.  I tried to stay together on the outside but on the inside I was an emotional mess.
This year is much different.  My heart still hurts when I think about the reality of Stephen's condition, and at times I shed tears, but I know how fortunate we are to have him in our lives and I find comfort in the hope that comes from the Christmas story.  I am amazed that our savior humbled himself and came to earth as a baby.   Christ came in human form to redeem humanity.  He came to serve, not to be served.  The Christmas season renews our faith in the hope of our savior and all that he accomplished.  He conquered death, suffering, and pain.  The victory is guaranteed.  I will always pray for Stephen's heart to be completely healed but I pray with confidence knowing that one day it will be made whole...if not in this life then at the resurrection.  That is the hope of Christmas.  Christ our Savior brings us joy and hope through our sufferings.   
Another aspect of the Christmas story that has encouraged me this season has been Mary's faith and her trust in God.  As a mother I am amazed at the task that was given to her.  She was to deliver, care for and raise the very son of God.  After Stephen's first surgery I remember feeling like I was holding my own little miracle.  I can't even fathom how she felt when she held and kissed Jesus.    The words to the song "Mary, did you know?" combine our saviors divinity and humanity so beautifully...and bring me tears every time.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I Am.

The lyrics  are so beautiful and resonate to my core.  Because Christ came the blind will see, the deaf will hear and those with half a heart will be made whole.  I gave birth to my little hero but Mary gave birth to her savior.  She kissed the face of God.  I can only imagine the joy she felt as she wrapped Jesus in cloths and the pain she felt as he was being nailed to the cross.  There are so many Biblical heros we look up to, and this Christmas season Mary is mine.  There is a reason that God chose her to bring about the birth of Christ.  She wasn't randomly selected but was handpicked by God for her faith.  She chose to trust God even when it seemed unfathomable.  Can you imagine being told you were going to become pregnant with God's child?   What a scandal that would have been.  Can you imagine trying to explain that to your fiance, family, friends?  She was a women of faith and courage and surely is blessed among women.

So tomorrow as we go down for a sedated echo I will inevitably have to remind myself of these truths.  I know how fragile this life is and how quickly things can change.  I am thankful for Christmas.  I love celebrating our savior's birth and I am in awe that God loved us so much that he chose to come down from heaven and live as we do to be the atonement for our sins.

A year ago I questioned why?  Why us?  Why Stephen?  I can't say that those questions don't pop up time to time but this year I am saying Thank You.  Thank You for life, thank you God for your Son, thank you for my incredible family and thank you for Stephen and his special heart.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

8 Months

Oh how Stephen has grown!    He turned 8 months yesterday and is cute as ever.  He is mobile and crawling all over and can find even the littlest of items to put in his mouth.  He has 6 teeth and is becoming less and less interested with baby foods and much more interested in what we are eating.   We lowered his crib when we found him sitting up in his crib and pulling up on the bars.  How can this be?  He is growing up too fast!  He still loves to smile and laugh and even bobs his head and "dances" when we sing.  He has started to entertain his siblings and has made the connection between his actions and their laughter.  So when he bangs his head back on his high chair and his siblings laugh...he smiles and does it over and over.  I love this stage =0)
He is finally sleeping better...I think I have been getting 3-4 straight hours some nights, and he has taken a larger interest in Joe which frees up my arms a bit.  His smile is adorable, his laugh is contagious and I am loving watching his personality come out.

Please pray for Stephen as he goes in on the 21st for a sedated echo.  It is our prayer that is heart looks great and that no procedures would be needed from now until his next surgery.  And pray that we can all remain healthy for Christmas...I am doing my best to keep the kiddos in a bubble until then =0)

Update in Pictures

Just wanted to share some pictures from life lately.  Stephen is one happy little boy and always wears a smile on his face =0)  

He is seriously adorable =0)  

6 Months!

I can't believe that Stephen turned 6 months today!!!  We are so grateful for his precious life and God's faithfulness.  We have had our ups and downs but God faithfulness has remained the same.  

Stephen is loving life!  He is sitting up on his own, eating baby food like crazy and is about to get his upper teeth any day now.  He has the most kissable cheeks, an incredible smile and daily melts my heart  with his charm.   In the midst of a chaotic day, the kind where you want to just scream, I laid on the floor, sat him on my belly and ended up laughing as he smiled down on me and blew bubbles.  It was just what I needed.  A reminder of how insanely blessed I am.   

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.  Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the LORD is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations".

Psalm 100

HAPPY 6 MONTHS Stephen Joseph!  We love with all of our hearts!!!

Shamu and You Family Walk

Our family had such a great time on Saturday at the Shamu and You Family Walk to support Rady Children's Hospital.  Team Heart Hero has raised $12,653.00 so far!  It turns out you can still raise money until October 31st so if you were still wanting to contribute to an amazing cause just click on the link below.  All donations are tax deductible and will benefit the cardiology department to help other heart heros like Stephen.
http://shamuandyouwalk.org/stephenrussell

A few highlights from the walk...

#1 The Heart Heros

I believe there were 15 heart heros there!  It was great to see some of these amazing families again!
They each have incredible stories and strong little kiddos.

Even Heros need to sleep =0)

#2 We got to get up close to some fun animals along the way!  My personal favorite was Penny Penguin...I wish we could have pet her!

#3  Best Friends

It was adorable watching them all morning long.  I love that they held hands as they walked...warmed my heart.

#4 Making God Proud

I think this touched me the most.  I loved that as a family we got to raise money to support a place that is extremely dear to us.   I cannot state enough what an amazing place Rady Children's Hospital is.  What they do for our community is incredible.  50% of kids in San Diego are uninsured and they wouldn't turn a single one away.  The staff are incredible and you can always tell that they love kids and what they do.  On our way home Michael said "I think God is proud that we raised money for kids"  I beamed!  He gets it.  Yes...God is proud that they were a part of this.  God calls us to help others and to look outside of ourselves.  He calls us to give... whether it is time or money.  He calls us to care and to love.   I will feel like a successful parent if my children love God with all their heart, mind and strength and love others.  The walk was such a simple and easy way for our children to get involved in something great.  I love that they came down to the Ronald McDonald House to serve when we brought the High School group, that they helped bake for the NICU, they walked to raise money for Heart Heros and they daily pray for a child from Rady's who is battling Leukemia and for the four children we have sponsored in other countries.  I love it because they are actively doing the will of God in their lives.  I have been so inspired by some families in our church who have done a great job teaching their children to be servants.  Joe and I look up to those families and I want to continue to find ways for our family to serve together, pray together and grow together.  Needless to say we will be doing this again next year!

I also want to again thank you all for your faithful prayers for our son.  We are grateful for you.  I wish I could give each and every one of you a hug!  And Thank You to those who joined team Heart Hero on Saturday or made a donation in honor of Stephen.  We feel very blessed to be supported by so many people.

Stephen is doing great.  We had a follow-up appointment with his pediatrician in Fallbrook today.  The plan right now is to finish the 14 days of antibiotics and then go in for another urine test to make sure the infection is gone.  She will in the meantime be consulting a urologist to decide if further testing will be needed to determine the reason for the UTI.  My prayer is no...but I want what is best for the little guy.  Please continue to pray for sleep.  We don;t get much of it.  The night before the walk he literally woke up once every hour...yes...every hour.  11, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 when we finally had to get up and get ready.  It can be rough.  Last night I think he went 2-2 hour stretches and 1-3 hour stretch which was amazing.  By the grace of God we are able to function on a daily basis without caffeine...impressive I know.  I decided that I will be Wonder Woman the day I actually get a straight 6 hours of sleep.  I can only imagine what I may be able to accomplish then =0)

Until then I am learning to go to bed early...so Good Night All!!!

Much Love

Kim

Thank you for all your prayers.  We just left the hospital and checked into the hotel!  God is soooo good!  I can't wait to post pictures from the walk!!!!

Stephen is doing well.  He is happily eating his huge arm cast that protects his IV as I type.  The doctors first said they were going to hold him one more night to watch the urine cultures a little longer.  But after showing them his cute Heart Hero Cape and mentioning the walk they are willing to let us go home if his ultra sound of the kidneys comes back normal.   The urine cultures would just tell if they would need to change the antibiotic so they will keep it to be read tomorrow and if any changes need to be made they can just contact us and our pharmacy.  I am really praying that he will get cleared and be able to go home tonight.  He will most likely need further testing in a few weeks once the infection is completely clear.
Please pray for no major kidney issues!
I don't have my camera here but have been taking pictures with Photo Booth...hence the mirrored image and backwards Stephen

Today is the last day to donate to team Heart Hero!!!  We are so grateful for this hospital and all they have done for our family.  Rady's Children's Hospital always provides us great care and we would love your help in supporting their efforts.  THANKS!!!

http://shamuandyouwalk.org/stephenrussell

Much Love

The Russells

Last night actually went really well.  Stephen's fever has gone done to only 99 so it seems that the antibiotics are working.  He has not been given any tylenol since the 103.5 episode, so that is encouraging, and I was even able to get some sleep!  They just did some more blood work to make sure his counts are going down and will be doing a kidney ultrasound sometime today and then we will most likely be coming back in a few weeks for some other tests were they inject dye of some sort into his bladder?  I can't remember.  It was 12:30am when the doctor was explaining the tests so I will make sure to ask again today =0)  They are still waiting on the urine cultures to come back so they can narrow down the antibiotics that he will be on.   If they come back as they expect, and his lab work form today looks good, will we hopefully be able to go home late in the afternoon.

This morning Stephen and I were able to Skype Joe and the kids...he loved it!  He has been a pretty happy kid today.  He is back to flirting with the nurses and playing with his toes.  =0)

Please continue to pray that the antibiotics will take care of the infection and that the fever will not come back...and that we can go home today of course =0)
THANK YOU!

Little update... since getting the tylenol his fever is gone and he is doing well.  He is sleeping and I would like to too but we are in a shared room with people who think it is okay to blare the Jersey shore at midnight...lame.  Just wanted to clarify that when Stephen was shaking it wasn't a seizure.  It was more like crazy chills from his fever.  He sure is a trooper though!  I love this kid to pieces =0)
Good night all...I wil update tomorrow when I hear anything.

A bit of a scare...

Oh my word it has been a roller coaster of emotions today.  Joe and I took the 2 girls and Stephen down to the ER at Children's Hospital at noon while a good friend picked up Michael from school and brought him to her house to play.  After blood work and urine tests they concluded he had a UTI.  No big deal...put him on antibiotics and possibly go home.  After further watch cardiology decided they were going to keep him overnight to give him the first rounds of antibiotics through an IV to be on the safe side.  Everything looked good and Joe left for home with the girls.  Stephen and I were having fun playing, singing, reading the bible ect and then all of the sudden he got super hot, turned purple and started shaking.  My heart sank.  I am still recuperating from it.  His whole body color turned blotchy and purple, his lips were blue and he didn't look like himself.  He had quickly spiked a 103.5 fever and his body was reacting to it.  I for sure panicked on the inside but rather calmly grabbed a nurse and said something was wrong.  The doctor came and they gave him Tylenol, oxygen and some IV fluids and called the cardiologist.    Right now he is stable but will be closely monitored through the night.  The hospital is packed so we haven't been given a room and have been in the ER holding area since 1.  Depending on how he does over the next few hours will determine what type of room we will hopefully be placed in.  This is not a fun place.  Poor kids are crying and screaming all the time so getting out of the ER will be a relief.  Please pray for Stephen.  Pray that these antibiotics will kick in and fight off this infection.  Pray for peace for me.  It was scary.  I clung to him and prayed, but coming of the adrenaline I just feel like crying.  Eventually they will have to run some kidney and other tests that I can't remember right now to help determine the reason for his UTI.  Whether that happens during this stay or we come back another day is yet to be determined.   
I am not anticipating any sleep for me since we don't even have a room, but please pray that he gets the rest he needs and God gives what I need to care for him.
Thank you friends!  I will keep you posted as I learn more.
Here are a few pictures from before we had this little scare

"The LORD is my strenth and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me".  Psalm 28:7

Headed to the Hospital

Stephen has a random fever of 101.  It completely goes away with tylenol but comes right back 4 hours later.  We took him to the pediatrician today and she can't see any reason for the fever so she is sending us down to the hospital to have blood work done.  He has no signs of a cold, no runny nose or cough, his ears and throat look great, etc. and the fever is too high to be caused from teething.  Who knows...it may be nothing more than a simple virus but due to his special condition they want to be cautious so San Diego here we come.  Please pray that all is well and there is no scary underlying reason for the fever...I don't think there is but prayer is always good!!!  We will let you know how it goes.  I just feel bad that the poor guy will have to be poked more =0/

We just wanted to give a little update on Stephen.  He is doing AWESOME!!!  He is staring to sit up on his own (he sits tripod style with his hands) and is even scooting forward on his belly.  2 Surgeries sure didn't phase his development...he is right on track!   He is laughing and cooing and cracks us all up when he flails his arms in excitement.  He amazes me.  He is so strong and wonderful and has the best chubby cheeks to kiss.
Tonight I teared up as I held him and prayed.  He is such a miracle.  His life has taught me so much and I am so blessed to be his mom.  Joe and I took the family to Legoland today...it was Stephen's first trip from outside my belly =0)  We bought passes 2 days after we found out about Stephen's condition.  At the time it was just what we needed...a fun distraction from a scary reality.   We easily went a dozen times before he was born and had a blast watching the kids faces light up each time.  Today we got to share that with Stephen...I smile just thinking about it.  Our family of six got to be there together.  It may seem so simple but to me that is a huge deal.  Being able to create memories together with ALL OF US at Legoland...we have come so far.   6 weeks ago he was in the hospital undergoing his second heart surgery and today he got to stroll around a fun theme park with his 3 best buddies and go on his first rides!!!  A cute little train ride on my lap and a boat ride on dad's.  God is so good.  I wish I brought my camera so I could share his smiles with you.
Our family is blessed beyond words for so many reasons and today was great reminder of that.  I remember feeling so broken 9 months ago when the doctor delivered the news about my sons heart.  It crushed me hearing that part of his heart hadn't developed correctly and that he would have to undergo multiple surgeries to live.  I can still replay that day vividly in my head, and looking back, I would have never believed my life would be filled with as much joy as it today.  I am happy, joyful, grateful and blessed beyond measure.  I have grown so much, learned a ton and look forward to seeing how God will use his story/our story in the future.
Here are a few recent photos of the big guy...next time we go to Legoland I am bringing my camera =0)

One last thing...we have 1 more week before the big Shamu & You Family Walk.  Our family will be walking with team HEART HERO and all money raised by our family, and our team, will be benefiting the cardiology department at Rady Children's Hospital.  I first want to thank everybody who has already contributed or has joined our team and will be walking with us...your donations and support mean so much to us.  Every time I get an email saying a donation has been made I jump for joy.  We feel so honored and blessed to have your support.  THANK YOU!!!
If you haven't yet had a chance to do so, please consider making a donation in honor of this sweet heart hero.  It only takes a moment and will make a difference!  Just click on the link below...it is easy peasy!!!  And if you are looking for something to do next Saturday...sign up and walk with us!!!
Either way we appreciate your support and hope to raise some more money during this last week!
http://shamuandyouwalk.org/stephenrussell
THANK YOU!!!
With Much Love
Kim

We just had Stephen's follow up with his cardiologist yesterday and everything is looking great!!!!  

He doesn't have another appointment scheduled until December 21st...that means a 3 1/2 month break!  He will go in at 6:30 that morning for a sedated echo and EKG and then if all is still well he will only be followed by the cardiologist every 6 months.  I can't begin to tell you how odd that will be.   The crazy amount of doctor visits began in pregnancy when I had to drive down to San Diego twice a week for fetal ultrasounds and non stress tests.  There were some weeks when I had to make the drive 3 times.  Then a month hospital stay, 2 months of twice a week nurse visits, monthly cardiology appointments, X-Rays, a Cath Procedure, and another surgery...this break will be sooooo nice!!! 

It is hard to believe all this little guy has been through, but through it all he has been so blessed.  We are so grateful for all of those appointments, as crazy as it has been, because we were blessed with amazing care by some truly great people.  

Stephen is thriving now.  He nows weights 15 1/2 pounds and is LOVING solid foods.  I think he is our only child who scarfed down peas =0)  Sleep has not come yet...we were up 5 or 6 times last night, but he is happy and "healthy" and we are just so glad we have him.    

I need to figure out how to put a video on here because he is a crack up.  He is loud and fun and loves to laugh.  Yesterday he just looked up at his doctor and babbled babbled babbled.  He was a crack up and made the whole office fall in love with him again.  God has given him such a sweet personality.   He is so joyful and smiley and I am just one blessed mommy =0)

Thank you for your continued prayers.

We pray that God would continue to strengthen Stephen's heart and use his story for His glory!

1st Cold

Stephen seems to have got his first cold this week.  He is pretty congested and has a little cough.  We took him to the pediatrician right away...it felt kind of weird doing so.  I would not have taken any of my other 3 in with his symtoms, but with Stephen we have to be cautious.  The pediatrician decided to put him on a 10 day antibiotic to be safe.  He even said the same thing...he wouldn't have prescribed anything if it was any other child.  So once again Stephen is a special case =0)  I am thankful they are so careful with him and that they wouldn't wait until it got worse to treat him.
Please pray that the drugs take care of this and that it doesn't develop into anything else.  He was already having a hard time sleeping at night and this has made things so much worse.  Last night Joe and I were up from 2am-5am with him...not fun.  I almost grabbed the camera to take a picture of his big smiles but I was too tired to search for it.  I look forward to him sleeping well again.  He was almost sleeping through the night before this last surgery and now things are just a little crazy.  Even just 2 or 3 hours of straight sleep would be a dream =0)  I used to be able to sleep in but now that I have kids in school I have to be up by 7 too...yuck.  This morning I was a little crabby but I have since been able to chill out and be extremely grateful for what I have.  I got to spend the morning with a good friend over a cup if coffee.  It was just what I needed.  
Thanks for your prayers friends!  We see the cardiologist on Monday and will let you know how he is doing =0)

The sleeping is getting a little better, he is waking up every 2-3 hours instead of every hour, and he doesn't always let out a blood curdling scream... so that is nice =0)  I decided to introduce rice cereal to see if it would help the sleeping situation any.  He was way into it the first 2 days but has been a little hesitant since.  I did however capture some cute pictures...

I can't get enough of those big blue eyes!  Well things are hopefully slowing down on this blog.  We have a appointment with his cardiologist on the 10th (I will post an update on it) but it will hopefully be quite for awhile after that.  He does have one more planned heart surgery (around the age of 3-5) and after that who knows.  There is not a whole lot of research since he surgeries are relatively new (30ish years).  We have been told he will most likely need a heart transplant in his 20's or 30's, but with God's grace we will take it one day at a time.  I can't thank you all enough for being a part of this journey with us.  Thank you so much for your prayers...we watched God work miracles through them.
I will periodically post updates on here as Stephen hits some milestones to keep this blog as a journal of his life but in the meantime I have also started a new blog to capture our crazy/fun life at the Russell house.  If you would like to check it out go to  www.russellpartyofsix.blogspot.com 
We have a lot going on here these days....My oldest starts Kindergarten tomorrow and our second child starts preschool on Thursday!  I look forward to capturing some of our life and sharing it with you =0)
Once again THANK YOU for your love and support.  I recently went back to the beginning of this blog and read my way through this journey.  God has been so faithful and we have grown so much as individuals, a couple, and a family.   I am humbled by our saviors love for us and grateful for his mercies.
As crazy as this road has been it is only the beginning of what we pray is a beautiful life.  He has so much joy inside him and I can't wait to see what God has in store for Stephen and his special heart.

Thank you Lord for this life, may you be honored and glorified through it.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen".

Ephesians 3:20-21

This post is long overdue...it has been a long week.  Stephen is back to himself during the days but the nights have been a whole different story.  His new pattern had been waking up every hour screaming.  It has been exhausting to say the least.  If it was any other child I am sure we would be frustrated with them but we pretty much just feel bad for him.  He had his post-op appointment with the surgery office on Monday and they said this behavior is normal and will eventually go away...lets hope so!  Other than getting no sleep he is doing so good.  He is smiling, cooing, blowing bubbles out his mouth and sticking his tongue out to rub it over his 2 new teeth...my personal favorite to watch =0)  He is a little more clingy, and prefers to be in my arms, but I figure he deserves the extra attention for all he has been through.  Our church has been blessing us with meals which has been amazing.  I don't think Stephen would let me put him down to prepare anything nor would I have the energy to cook.
After his post-op appointment they gave us the green light to start baths back up and let the steri strips come off.   I forgot how the fresh incisions look.  I was a little worried at the red ring around one of his chest tube areas and took him to the pediatricians office to double check that everything was normal.  Last time we were in the hospital for this part and I remember thinking the same thing, and the nurses assured me then too it was normal, but I went with the "better safe than sorry" motto.  It was a little irritated, but not infected, so they prescribed an antibiotic ointment which I have yet to use.  The next morning it looked much better so I think it is safe for now.
He has a follow-up with cardiology on September 10th and after that I have no clue how closely or not closely they follow him.  I get the feeling it may only be a few times a year until his next surgery if all goes well and he has no major illnesses.
As for prayers...
Please pray that he continues to heal well.  He has another month before the chest bone is fully healed.
That the incision sites do not get infected.
For sleep...we can all use it!
For his overall health.  We will be entering cold and flu season and we just pray that he will remain healthy and not have to fight off nasty bugs.
For his heart.  We are often reminded of how truly blessed we are that he is as strong as he is and we pray that God would continue to strengthen his heart as it works extra hard to support his body.
I hope to have some pictures up in a few days...but first I need some sleep =0)
Much Love
Kim

It is good to be home =0)  I am so thankful for how well things went.  It is not something we take for granted.  A little boy in the room next to us had the same surgery in the beginning of July and suffered a stroke from a blood clot to the brain.  While I know we would have to be okay with any outcome, we are so grateful that Stephen is as healthy as he is and that he has done so well during both surgeries.  God has protected him and we know he was surrounded by so many prayers...thank you.
We are still in an adjustment period around here.  It is strange coming home so quickly after such a major surgery.  Last time we were in the hospital for 17 days post op so he did a lot of the major healing under there care.  This time is much different.  He still has his steri-strips on the incision sites and cannot be bathed for another week.  He is still sore, or at least we think he is.  He gives out these sad little cries every now and then.  The chest bone and muscles will take about 6 weeks to fully heal so we have to be extra careful when picking him up and holding him.  He is also requiring quite a bit more attention, which he rightfully deserves and got his first 2 teeth in the midst of this.  But he is a fighter our little Stephen.  He has been through more in his 4 months of life than I have in 30 years.  And through all of this he has kept his charm and sweet disposition =0)
It is also a little strange coming back from such an emotional week and having to return to the every day tasks of life.  Our oldest starts kindergarten next week and tomorrow I have to take him for registration and school pictures.  Part of me feels like a need to a little more time to debrief.  I have almost been having one of those "wait a minute...did that just happen?" moments.  It is crazy how life just continues even if you are not ready for it to =0)
We will go back on Monday for a follow up appointment with the surgery team.  Please continue to pray for Stephen's healing and that no infection would develop around the incision sites.
This has been a crazy journey and we are so grateful for everyone who saw us through it.  Your prayers have no doubt played a role in our lives and we are so thankful for them.   Sometimes it was just the simple things that came at just the right times.  Your responses on the blog, facebook, emails and texts lifted our spirits.  The morning of this surgery I received a text from a friend I hadn't seen in a few years.  I can't tell you how perfect it was.  A simple text at that moment was just what I needed and it came at just the right time.   Joe and I were pacing the waiting area waiting for him to be taken back.   I was trying my best to keep my mind off of what was about to happen and when I looked down at my phone and read her sweet words I just smiled.  I was happy to hear from her, happy to know she was praying for us and happy to know that God had just given me exactly what I needed through her text...thanks Sarah =0)  A pie date a mini reunion is much needed (Sarah, Heidi, Erin, Julie and Lisa)
You see God has been so faithful to us.  He has given us strength when we were weak, encouragement when we were down and peace when we were fearful.  He has heard your prayers and used your words to lift us up.  Thank you.  Truly...thank you.  We know this journey is not over but we know God will be with each of us every step of the way.

"For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end"

Psalm 48:14

He loves to snuggle his "moo moo"
A little cow his siblings bought him when he was born

Waking up from a nap...that smile hardly leaves his face =0)

His joy amazes me...he is just as smiley as before =0)

Going Home!!!

Stephen was just unhooked form the monitors and we are awaiting discharge instruction...we are going home soon!!!!  Oh happy day =0)  Thank you all for your prayers...we know how much they help.  Hope to have some more pictures up tonight.

God answered our prayers!!!  Stephen has been eating through the night!!!  They just drew some labs and wheeled him off for a chest ex-ray, but I would assume we will be going home today!  Praise God!  JOe was even able to sleep in the room with us last night and we got some rest...who would have thought =0)  It was such a great night and I am just so thankful for your prayers and God's provision...hopefully we will have some "going home" pics later!!!!

Well we are here for at least one more night.  Stephen seemed to have completely lost his appetite which is unusual for this little chunker.  They want to continue watching him through the night to see if he does any better.  Please pray that he begins to eat and that there isn't some other underlying reason other than the surgery recovery causing it.  The doctors don't seem to be concerned but it is a little disheartening to not be able to get him to eat anything.
On a brighter side his siblings came to visit him today.

We look forward to being home soon!  Please continue to pray for no infections and sleep also!
Much Love
The Russells

Please pray that Stephen will eat.  The plan was to go home today, but we don't know why he has completely lost his appetite, so plans may change =0/   He is still a happy little guy...but we want him home.   I am hoping it is just the two teeth poking through but who knows.

Last night went as I expected...no sleep for me.  Hopefully I will get a nap in today.  Collectively I may have slept for an hour or two.

Thanks for your prayers!!!