Owen B-Day Pics

His new pony from Gammy!

Owen's 2nd Birthday!

Owen turned TWO YEARS OLD yesterday! It has been a blessed two years watching Owen grow and develop! We had a great weekend with Nana and Grandpa Wayne visiting from Dallas. Nate also enjoyed celebrating his brother's b-day. I will post pics very soon.

Nate has been doing well. Busy times with school, therapy, and also FUN stuff. His new favorite outing is Walmart, so I've been trying to take the boys once a week on a shopping run. Nate loves it! Owen - not so much. He gets bored and tired of being in the cart half way through my shopping. I try and HURRY! Then ususally he gets to ride the pony after we check out and that makes him happy!

We've had a great summer and everyone has stayed healthy. Hopefully, we still have another month of pool time for the boys since they love it so much.

Thanks for checking in!

Jennifer

6th Birthday Pics

Nate's 6th Birthday

Nate has had a good birthday weekend! On Saturday, Gammy, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Bradette, Grandpa Jody, Grandma Judy, Great Aunt Jill and Great Uncle Hal came over for pizza & cake. Nate had a rough time at first...he didn't do well in his chair and his stats were low while his heart rate was up. We got him back in bed for a little while then brought him back out on his bean bag and this went much better.

Sunday was an easy day around the house with no plans but today we went to the Oklahoma Aquarium. This is an annual excursion on his birthday and he seemed to enjoy it for a little while. As long as we were moving, everything was great. If we stopped to look at things, well, everything wasn't so great. He fussed most of the way home and once he got squared away back in his room, all was right with the world! Mommy hung new Super Hero stickers on the ceiling and dad hung a solar system mobile...pictures to be posted later.

Here are pics from the festivities....

Birthdays Past

Nate's 1st Birthday


Nate's 2nd Birthday
Nate's 3rd BirthdayNate's 4th Birthday

Nate's 5th Birthday

Six years tonight...

Six years tonight, Jen and I decided to go to dinner at Ricardo’s, her favorite Mexican food restaurant. We joked about spicy Mexican food and it's rumored effect of causing expectant moms to go into labor…who knew that it would do the trick for her?

I was awakened very early on Sunday morning, August 3, 2003, with the announcement that she was in labor and that we needed to head to St. Francis NOW!

While rushing there seemed important at the time, our impending delivery was on his own time schedule…

At 4:29PM, Nathan Edward Russell joined us and our lives were forever changed…we did not realize just how much at the time.

The last six years have been a roller coaster of events and emotions and I am so happy that I can post a message about Nate’s SIXTH birthday. If we had believed the neurologist that delivered his diagnosis and followed his advice, we might not have even celebrated Nate’s second birthday.

Thankfully, we took the opposite approach and on August 3, 2009, we reach yet another milestone in his life!

Nate has proven time and time again that he is an exceptional little boy. Numerous times over the last six years, I have thought that we were going to lose him. Each and every time, he has proved his resilience and demonstrated that his mission is not complete.

I have posted the following quote from Aron Moss before and I think it is appropriate on this special occasion. I feel it is so true about Nate, all of our SMA kids and for ANY handicapped child.

Every birth is a gamble. A soul enters the world innocent and pure. But it may not stay that way. This world is a maze of diverging pathways, both good and evil, and the choice is ours which way we go. Once a soul enters a body, it is free and therefore vulnerable to corruption. While acts of good elevate the soul, every act of evil makes a blemish on the soul.
Some souls are so lofty, it simply isn't worth the gamble. These souls are too precious to risk being compromised by life in a body. They are too high to come down to this world. But the other option, not to be sent down at all, to never reach this world, would mean that we would miss out on meeting these holy and lofty souls and hearing their message.
So these souls do come down. But in order to be protected from the potential evils of an earthly existence, they are sent down into a body that will not compromise their holiness. They enter this world in a form that is above sin, above evil. From a purely physical perspective we call them "disabled" or "handicapped"; from the perspective of the soul they are protected. They will never sin. Their sojourn in this world is often brief, and in terms of this world may seem sad. But they have retained their purity. And they have fulfilled their mission.
These special souls remind us that true love doesn't need a reason. We often love others for what they give us -- we love our children because they are cute, smart, and high achievers; we love our spouse for the pleasure and contentment they give us; we love our parents because they care for us. This is love, but it is not pure.
When a child is born that will never achieve worldly success, cannot provide the usual source of pride for his parents, all extraneous reasons to love him fall away and what's left is the purest love that there can be. These children are lovable not because of what they do for you, and not because of what they will one day become, but simply because they are.
These pure souls remind us what love should be. Only such a pure and holy soul can elicit such a pure and holy emotion. We can only stand in awe of them, and the parents and friends who care for them. And we can only thank them all, for giving us a glimpse of what true love really means.

Thank you to all of our family and friends for their love and support over the years…Jen and I really appreciate it!

I know that you all join me when I say “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NATHAN….HAPPY SIXTH BIRTHDAY!!!”

Trey

Nathan's Notes by Erin Breedlove

Erin Breedlove hosts a blog titled "Empowering People and Changing Lives". A few weeks ago she contacted us about doing a little story on Nate and we agreed. You can view her story on Nate by clicking on this link http://empowerpeoplechangelives.blogspot.com/2009/07/nathans-notes-sma-you-cant-bring-him.html or by clicking on "Nathan's Notes" under LINKS on the right side of the page.

ERIN -- Thank you for a great story on Nate! He is an amazing little boy and we appreciate you sharing his story with others!

Trey & Jen

Update

The boys are doing really well! We had a little "cool" spell here in Tulsa, so we enjoyed a couple of days at the park and taking some walks. They have still enjoyed the pool though and Owen has become quite the little swimmer! He only had four sessions of swimming lessons and the difference is amazing! He's a fish!

Nate has his communication device back and it now has internet access. He played on it some yesterday with his teacher and speech therapist and we found a website that he LOVES! It's very fun and educational - http://www.starfall.com/. He's also still "talking", mostly telling us his favorite tv show (spongebob) and his favorite movie (Jonah).

Owen went to the dr. this week to have a little lump checked out in his neck. Turns out it's just a normal lymphnode. (Crazy, worried parents right!). We also had his ears checked because his left ear had failed a hearing test done by his speech therapist. It does have a little fluid on it, so we have to keep an eye on that. No infection yet, but if it doesn't come out in 90 days, we might be looking at tubes. This is probably the reason he's delayed in speaking. However, I swear his hearing is perfect. He hears things I don't. Maybe his right ear is super power hearing??? LOL.

Well, I'm off to Kansas City tomorrow to see my brother and sister-in-law. First time I've been gone overnight in 4 years, so I'm a little nervous (well a lot nervous) about Nathan. But, we have all our nursing shifts covered and Nana (mother-in-law) is coming in to help Trey. I'm sure everything will be fine and hopefully I can relax and have fun. I sure will miss my boys (all three of them!).

Nate turns SIX YEARS OLD soon! We'll have lots of pics!

Thanks for checking in!
Jennifer

Youtube Video of Owen in the Pool

Owen is taking swimming lessons and doing very well! He LOVES to climb the wall (and that's really not part of the swimming lessons, he picked that up himself)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVLh9nyHkg4&feature=channel

Pic of Owen

Owen is trying out a new fashion style. Actually he's starting to undress himself. He's got pants and shorts down, but tops he hasn't mastered yet.

4th of July

We had a great weekend! Friday both boys got in the pool and did great! Nate loved watching Owen play. His nurse Jennifer played with Nate in the pool which he really enjoyed because he has a HUGE crush on her!

Saturday we thought the parade was going to be rained out but it stopped raining a little before it was to start. So, we gathered up the boys and went to the parade. Nate was smiling the whole time ear to ear! He was so proud of his chair! As we started the parade, it was sprinkling a little bit, but as we got to the farthest point from our house, it started pouring! I mean really pouring! Luckily, Trey had bought a golf umbrella for shade in case it was really hot. We brought it and were able to keep Nate's equipment dry. Nate thought it was funny. Didn't bother him a bit! He loved feeling the rain on his legs and feet. Of course, it stopped raining as soon as we got to our house. We got some good pics though! It turned out to be a great parade even in the rain!

Later that day we took Owen out early for a few little fireworks and some sparklers. Then we took Nate out later and did some bigger ones. We posted a video of some of that. Once again our neighborhood was lit up everywhere with firework shows at every corner! I LOVE that we don't have to go out anywhere and can stay home and enjoy the 4th in our own neighborhood!

Nate Watching Fireworks (Youtube Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvUwb3MqMwA

Owen Watching His 1st Fireworks

Before the Parade Pics

During the Parade Pics (Before the Downpour)

Nate loved every minute of it!

After the Parade Pics

As you can see, we are soaked!

Playdate with Charlie and Evelyn

Here are some pictures of the boys playing with Charlie and Evelyn. Charlie was loving putting the tunnel over Owen's head. Owen thought it was funny like one time and then he wasn't too thrilled. But I thought it was hilarious! Nate thought it was funny too!

Busy Holiday Weekend Coming Up

Today we had my friend, Michelle and her two kids (Charlie and Evelyn) over for a play date. Nate was up in his chair and loved watching Charlie rough around with Owen. And Evelyn is darling (she's six months younger than Owen). Future couple I predict! It was great for Owen to play with other kids. I wish he could do it more!!!

Tomorrow we plan on getting Nate in the pool and Saturday we have the neighborhood 4th of July parade. Unfortunately, it's at 11:00 this year and it's supposed to be 100 degrees Saturday! I've already decorated his chair, but we'll just have to see if we can go. If not, no big deal, because he'll be all patriotic in his chair for the fireworks that evening. Our neighborhood is always fun on the 4th. Lots of kids and fireworks around. They also have a pool party every year with a cookout. It's during the boys' naptimes but maybe next year Owen can go. They are having a military fly by during the party. Hopefully, Trey and I will get to enjoy that as we relax during the boys' naptimes on rafts in the pool!

Everything is going well and Nate is enjoying the summer. Owen just started swimming lessons. Pretty much beginner stuff, but it will help. Next comes August - big birthdays for the boys!

I'll post 4th of July pics after the weekend. Have a great Independence Day and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

Jennifer

p.s. One new thing Owen is doing. He's able to get up in Nate's bed now and wants to do it all the time! He likes to rub Nate's legs and love on him. It's the sweetest thing EVER! Nate's not too sure about it. He gets nervous and afraid Owen is going to hurt him. Owen is very gentle most of the time, but sometimes we have to get him down and of course, Owen screams bloody murder! He loves his big brother! Touches my heart!

The Boys at Incredible Pizza

We had a great time at Incredible Pizza last week. Owen gets to burn off a lot of energy (which is great for me!).

Owen at the Aquarium

The sitter took Owen to the aquarium last week. We are planning on taking both the boys soon.

You Tube Videos

For those of you new to Nate's blog, we also have videos of Nate and Owen on Youtube. The account name is - rer3family.

Happy Father's Day!

We had a great Father's Day! We celebrated with my dad, Uncle Jeff and the boys. We all got in the pool, then cooked out steaks and had a fun day. Nate did great in the pool!

Nate is doing well. No major problems. He got his new manual wheelchair - LOVE IT! He is so much more comfortable in this chair. We've been getting him up a lot more. Owen loves hanging out with his brother in the living room. It's so cute.

There's not much really going on. Just the same old busy routine. Everyone is well and happy and that's all I care about!

Trey and I celebrate our 8 year wedding anniversary tomorrow. WOW! We actually get to go OUT to dinner. Once or twice a year out for an adult evening - we don't take it for granted! Our night nurse is generously coming in early and working a 12 hour shift so we can do this! Can't wait!

Enjoy some new pics.

Thanks for checking in,

Jennifer

p.s. I think Trey is the BEST father and husband in the world!!!!

Nathan Update

Nate's been doing fine. He's still having some episodes of not being able to maintain his O2 levels while he's sleeping and we can't figure that out.

He got his new manual wheelchair and it fits him much better! It still needs some adjustments though.

He was Spartan of the Week a couple of weeks ago at school and we were so excited. A poster of him with tons of pictures was posted on the classroom door. Then at school he was at the front of the class and the kids would say nice things about him and I told the kids a little bit about his life and went over all the pictures. Nate hated it - cried the whole time! He doesn't like being center of attention. He prefers to hang back and observe. We had been talking to him the week before about him being Spartan of the Week and what it was all about. The day after school, he was on his eye gaze communication device and I asked him why he was crying at school and what was wrong. He said he was afraid like 7 times! Poor little guy! He was nervous! The kids also drew pictures of the Nate and say something nice about him. The teacher put together a book with all the pics and it is too cute! Some of the pictures have him with his bi-pap on. The kids said things like - "he's cool", "he's nice", "I love his wheelchair - it's pretty", "he's cute" and my favorite "he's the best friend a man could have". Kids are so cute. We went back to school on the last day of school and he did much better, just hanging out with the kids.

We're still waiting on his new switch for the power chair! Hopefully, that will be in soon and we'll start practicing. He loves to drive!

That's it for now! Thanks for checking in.

Jennifer

Owen Eating at the Table

When it's time to eat, he used to pull up his high chair, now he gets into a chair at the table. He's not even 2, and doesn't even really need a booster seat - BIG BOY!

Owen - Future Plumber

Nate and Owen in the Pool - Youtube Video

Owen had been in the pool a couple of times before, but this was Nate's first time. He did great and loved it! Owen wasn't too thrilled the first couple of times we got him in. But, we found a new game he likes (pouring water into cups) and now he loves the pool. We've tried getting him in floaties and carrying him around, but all he wants to do is play with the cups!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uYrht0CtIw

Reading is fun...but dangerous

Last night, Owen pulled the chair up to Nate's bedside and "read" to him. Unfortunately, as he was climbing down, he got twisted and had a run-in with the rolling shelving unit that holds some of Nate's equipment...let's just say the shelf won Round 1.

It looks worse than it feels, he hasn't cried or fussed about it since right after it happened and he slept all night. We tried to put ice on it but he was having none of that!

We'll do another update over the weekend with all the stuff that has gone on since the last one...Nate as Spartan of the Week, last day of school, delivery of the new Quickie TS manual wheelchair and Owen in the pool for the first time this season.

Trey

Trey's B-day/Mother's Day Pics (of Owen)

We celebrated Trey's birthday and Mother's Day with Gammy, Nana, Grandpa Wayne, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Bradette We had filets and cake for dinner and Owen LOVED both! After dinner, he was full, bored and looking for some fun, so he crawled under the table and played with Sammie.

Owen "Reading" to Nathan

Owen has seen me, my mom, my dad, and everyone else read to Nathan. He knows we get a chair and put it by Nate's bed. Then go get books from the bookshelf. So, one evening Owen decided he was going to be the one who read to Nathan. He pulled the chair in Nate's room, right by his bed, went to the bookshelf, grabbed a book and climbed up on the chair and "read" it to Nate. Then, he went and got another one and another one. It was the cutest, sweetest thing! Now, he does this at least once a day. He's so smart - he picks up on everything we do with Nathan!

Nathan Update

Nate is doing much better! Still not 100%, but we're getting there. He's been able to take tub baths again and we've been able to take him out a couple of times. Luckily, it seems this illness was a "minor" one, as far as Nate's sicknesses go. He's still be having school at the house and speech therapy. He's doing great with his eye gaze communication system. He's learning how to talk - with his eyes! It's truly amazing. I can't wait until he gets really good at it and I can know what he needs, wants, likes, dislikes, or just to hear him tell me Hi Mom, I love you! Oh, I'll melt! We're going to school this Friday (and Trey is going also). It's a big day. Nathan will be "Spartan of the Week". I'll have more on that with pictures later. We're hoping to open the pool this weekend and hopefully get Nate in if he's doing okay! Summer - yippee!

Thanks for checking in!

Jennifer

Nathan Update

Nate is doing better. He is still desatting some when he's sleeping. I've turned up the pressures on his bi-pap, but sometimes he still needs a little oxygen. His lungs sound better, but not totally clear. Depends on when you are listening - sometimes they are gunky, wheezy or diminished. Luckily every day seems to be better than worse!

On another note, I've got some really good pics I need to go through and post. They are really cute!

Thanks for your prayers!