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!!!

Happy Easter!

Last year our family spent Easter in a hotel.  I had been discharged from the hospital 2 days prior with semi-strict "bedrest" instructions.    As crazy as life was at the time it turned out to be a pretty spectacular day.  My family came down and brought everything for a fabulous Easter dinner.  Luckily the lobby/dining area was empty so we just set up camp...all 16 of us.   I wish I had taken pictures because it was pretty fantastic.
It was fun reminiscing this Easter.   Remembering all little things that made last year perfect.   When I say they brought everything...they did.  My dad even brought their espresso machine.  The boys went over to the basketball court with the kids while the girls talked in the lobby.  When the party thinned out enough to fit in our hotel room we sat and played cards.  
This easter was much the same...minus the setting.   I have a large family who loves being together.  Its hard to spend a day with them and not feel completely blessed.  And whether we spend it at a hotel or my dads house, the meaning of Easter remains the same.  Christ is Risen.  He humbly came to this earth and conquered sin and death.  He is preparing a place for us with no more sadness and no more tears.  The hope that comes with Easter is the hope that makes our earthly trials bearable.  Christ gives meaning to our suffering and hope in this life.
Happy Easter from the Russells...a few days late =0)

10 Months Old!

Here are few cute pictures of our 10 month old!

Reading the Bible with his siblings...such a big boy now!

Sporting his Valentine's Day shirt..."My Heart Beats...4U"

LOVE it!

Stephen is doing everything a 10 month old should.   He is constantly on the move, pulling himself up onto everything, climbing on whatever he can, exploring under tables...he keeps me on my toes!  I can only imagine what it wil be like when he starts walking =0)  

He is still quite the charmer and has a smile that melts your heart.  He has learned to give high fives and kisses and likes to fake cough squeal...he will do anything for a laugh... and his audience finds it all very amusing =0)  Sleep has yet to come but we are making some progress.  We are loving watching him grow and seeing his personality come out more and more.  He is a fun little guy!

Please continue to pray for his health.  A little cold landed us in the ER for 8 hours.  We luckily avoided a hospital stay, but pray that he can steer clear of the nasty bugs going around everywhere.  

With Much Love,

The Russells

CHD Awareness Week

Well today is day 6 of Congenital Heart Awareness Week and I am finally getting around to blogging about it.  The truth is I wasn't sure what to write.  I am still very much so in the learning phase of all of this and don't fully know what I can do help...but I do want to make a difference.  
The fact is Congenital Heart Defects (CHD's) are the most common type of birth defect and are the leading cause of all infant deaths in the United States.   Nearly one of every 100 babies is born with a CHD.  Crazy right?  Single ventricle defects, such as Stephen's, are among the most complex and challenging forms of congenital heart defects to treat.  His specific defect is rare, occurring in just five out of every 100,000 live births.  
Research is critical.  It is amazing to read how far treatment and care has come for children like Stephen.  30 years ago most babies died and now with multiple heart surgeries these Heart Heroes are reaching adulthood.  Amazing.  I want to help.  I want to give.  I want to spread awareness and pray that others join in too.  In October our family was able to raise over $2,000, and our team around $13,000, to support the Heart Institute at Rady Children's Hospital.  I want to keep that up because it matters.  Research matters.  It changes lives and offers hope.  The advancements that are being made are incredible and I pray that 30 years from now they will be doing even more amazing things for these little warriors and their families.  
So it is my goal to better educate myself on these matters and to find ways to join in and help.  I would love to do a fundraiser one day, even a simple one to start, and help raise money for the hospital and the Children's Heart Foundation.  In the meantime we will continue to cook meals and make blankets for the Ronald McDonald House with our youth group and find little ways to say thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff that have touched our lives.  
I again want to thank you all for being apart of this journey.  For taking time to read this post and learn a little more about CHD's.  And mostly for your prayers for Stephen.   Can you believe that in 2 short months he will be a year old!  What a blessing!  I have some fun ideas planned and maybe even some ways people can get involved...stay tunned =0)

Stephen doing a little research of his own =0)

Goodbye 2012...

2012 began with heartbreak, uncertainty and well...fear.  It brought us to our knees, exposed our frailty and taught us to trust in ways we had never imagined.  But it also brought new life, deeper love, and grateful hearts.  Looking back on 2012 there are many moments and days I would never care to relive but with them are ones I will treasure forever. 

We are only 2 weeks into 2013...but so far no complaints.  On January 4th Stephen had a cardiology appointment that was full of only good news.  Everything looks great and he will only need to be followed every 6 months until his next surgery...that means no more appointments until July!  CRAZY!  I again thank you all for your continued prayers.  It has been so encouraging hearing from people and how they faithfully pray for our son. 

On January 4th we also hosted another dinner at the Ronald McDonald with our youth group.  I can only begin to tell you how special that is to us.  I was able to speak with a mom from Menifee whose 6 week old daughter was hospitalized with RSV and will potentially need to undergo an open heart surgery in the future.  She had just checked in and was telling me how welcomed she felt and how when she walked in the door they gave her 2 blankets for her daughters.  My heart was filled with joy.  Those blankets were made with much love by some girls in the youth group and myself.  It was just perfect and felt like one of those "devine appointments".  Joe and I love that we have an opportunity to give back to such a amazing organization and getting to hear that it made a difference to someone made my day =0)

Soon Stephen will be 9 months!  He is crawling, babbling, clapping, blowing bubbles, laughing and shaking his head no.  He loves when we sing to him and bounces and bobs right along.   He is pulling himself up onto furniture and keeps me on my toes as his little hands grab EVERYTHING.  He has 8 teeth now and prefers whatever we are eating to to baby food...so he has already tasted his first pizza.  The only thing he isn't yet doing is walking or sleeping  =0)  

I am looking forward to all of Stephen's firsts that 2013 is going to bring, and as much as I want him to remain my baby forever, it will be a joy to watch him learn and grow.  

Please continue to pray that his heart will be strong and pray that we will all remain healthy during this cold and flu season.  Thank you!  And Happy Belated New Year!

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)