1 is around the corner!

In 12 days Stephen will be 1!!!   We have been blessed beyond measure with his life and we are looking forward to celebrating all God has done this past year.  We couldn't think of a more perfect place to celebrate Stephen's birthday than right back where it all began.  On April 17th we will be going down to the Ronald McDonald House to make and serve dinner there and at the NICU.   My mom and I are hopefully sewing some soft little cuddle blankets for the babies in hospital this weekend and we are hoping to bring some gifts down to the Ronald McDonald house too!  When we checked into our room on Stephen's birthday they gave each of our children a stuffed animal.  It is hard to describe how much that meant to Joe and I.  Seeing our other 3 children full of joy helped ease the difficult situation we had just entered.  I know I have said what a special place the Ronald McDonald House is before...but that is because I mean it.  They go above and beyond to make families that are hurting feel loved and cared for.
On Stephen's birthday we would love to shower them with gifts for families like ours.  If you would like to join in our efforts in buying new stuffed animals, coloring books & crayons, or toys that kids could use in a hotel style environment we will be taking all donations down with us on April 17th.  If you are in the Orange County area gifts can be given to my family members and they will bring them down to us on the 13th and of course if you are in the Fallbrook area you can drop them off with Joe or myself.  We feel so blessed and would love to be able to bless others on such a joyous day!  If you have any questions feel free to email me at kdrussell04@aol.com

As for a little Stephen update...he is doing great!  His personality has been coming out more and more. He is a crack up.  He loves to smile with all his teeth and has the best giggle.  He plays peek-a-boo, climbs up and down stairs, points to his nose and says mama all day long.  He adores his siblings and they think he is pretty great too!  Here are a few pictures of the almost 1 year old =0)

Stephen loving on his cousin Dominic...so cute!!!