Thankful beyond words

Its been a few weeks since the last post so I wanted to give an update on everything that's happened.  First of all, we had the "Lucky Leg" Party and Benefit and it was AMAZING!!  It was a beautiful fall day at the Park.  There were tons of people who came to support our little Super Nash.  There were 20 teams that played in the bean bag tournament and 10 entries in the chili cook-off.  HOW AWESOME!?!? We had a silent and live auction which were both very successful.  The face-painting, glitter tattoos, colored hair pieces and super hero pictures were all a BIG hit.  I'm pretty sure everyone had a great time.  Nash had the best day EVER!! He had non-stop attention and played with his friends on the playground all day long.  He got glitter tattoos and his face painted like a pirate (his choice) and he wore his Super Nash cape all day too :) When we left to go home around 5:30pm, he fell asleep in the car. We put him in his bed around 6pm and he slept all night long.

Family pic

silent auction

Chili Cook-off

Bean bags

Hattie and me

Nash's aunt Annie

Nash's Grandma Donna :)

Happy little Pirate

Friends!

Nash the "ladies man"

glitter tattoos

Hangin with cousin Wyatt and big brother, Aidan

Live auction

My friend Holly flew here from Arizona and surprised us!!

Grandpa Stew and Aunt Annie

Aunt Teresa, Aunt Annie, Uncle Gary

Ready to party!!

We couldn't be happier with the turnout from the Benefit.  It was a huge success and we are so thankful.  All of the donations raised will greatly ease our financial burden for Nash's first leg lengthening.  This brings me to the next bit of news....  We had Nash's 3 month post-op visit with our local doctor, Dr. Lindaman, in Des Moines.  We went to see him a week after the benefit.  He took x-rays and we got to visit with him for a little bit.  He thought the x-rays looked great and he said the bone was healing nicely!  We really liked him and we are so glad we have him closer to home. We are also happy we have another great person to help guide us in this crazy, scary and exciting journey. 

Dr. Lindaman and Nash

A couple days ago I received an email from Dr. Paley ( I always get really excited when I see his name in my inbox)  He said he got the x-rays and Nash's bone is healing PERFECTLY!  He said we are on the right track to have his first lengthening a year or more after the hip surgery, which will be August of next year.  I know that we will have a choice if we do it then or wait a little longer. We will find out more when we go to Florida for his 6 month post-op in February.

In other news: Hattie is crawling!!! She is growing so fast and gets cuter every day :) She got 4 new teeth on top last weekend! That was a little rough since it was Thanksgiving weekend.  We had a fun time though!  We got to celebrate with my family on Thursday, Hattie and I went shopping with the girls on Friday and we hung out with Chris's family on Saturday. It was a great weekend.  We have so much to be thankful for...we have such sweet little blessings in our life...we are so LUCKY!! 

Happy Girl :))

First time in a shopping cart sitting like a big girl!

Shopping with the girls :)

Physical Therapy

We started  Physical Therapy about 4 weeks ago. We go to 'land' therapy on Mondays and 'water' therapy on Tuesdays.  Nash LOVES it!! He likes to go play with Susan at the PT office.  She has him play with cars and walk up and down stairs and stand up and sit down...over and over.  He has no idea it is helping him so much and he's having a BALL!! He wasn't so sure about water therapy at first. Nash loves the water but he wasn't sure why this strange lady was playing with him. Chris got in the water with him and he liked it much better.  Sarah is his water therapist and she does so good with him, too. His range of motion is getting better everyday and we can tell he is not in pain at all. He's soooo happy!! Its almost like he was uncomfortable before the surgery because he walks and "runs" so much easier now! It is such a good feeling to know we did the right thing by doing the hip surgery. We worried for so long about it, but it has been the best decision for Nash so far. We couldn't be happier! We go to Des Moines in a couple weeks to meet Dr. Lindaman for his 3 month post-op. Dr. Lindaman is Amos and Madi's doctor too. He is an orthopedic surgeon who actually had a lengthening by Dr. Paley, too!! Very cool. We can't wait to meet him!!

We also got to see Travis, Nash's Orthotist, again. Travis re-shaped Nash's shoe lift so he can get around even better now! AND we got a new pair of shoes made!! He officially has options... Play shoes or nice shoes :))

Our 6 month post-op is in Florida with Dr. Paley. That will be in February and he will hopefully let us know what the near future holds as far as his first lengthening. The earliest we could start that is August of next year so we will keep you posted!

Nash playing with cars at PT
He wanted his sister to play with him <3

He needed a Sippy break
so he made himself comfortable on Susan's lap

Not so sure about water therapy...

He finally warmed up and had some fun :))

Saturday, November 3rd

The Super Nash "Lucky Leg" Benefit is Saturday, November 3rd at Thomas Park in Marion, IA. It is an indoor facility with an outdoor park. Registration for the Chili Cook off and Bean Bags tournament starts at 10am. ($20/entry for each) The event begins at 11am. It's in the form of an Iowa Tailgate party so Kids and Adults are welcome to eat, play, and have a good time!! We are providing a Chili lunch with hot dogs and chips and salsa/queso. Texas Roadhouse rolls, yummy desserts and drinks will be provided (water, pop, and coffee). We will also be providing some beer but feel free to bring your own favorite drink. Looks like it will be a beautiful day!! We can't wait to see you :)) 

"Lucky Leg" Benefit Info

We have been having so much fun planning Nash's party and Benefit. I can't even tell you how blessed we are to know such AMAZING people!! We have gotten lots of donations for the SILENT and LIVE auction and there are some really cool ones!

Here's just a few of them...

Hunters:The Bow from "The Crush with Lee and Tiffany" (signed)

TV fans: a script from the new season of "90210" signed by the cast!

Sports fans: Buffalo Bills football signed by Scott Chandler (former Iowa Hawkeye), Jersey signed by Kyle Korver of the Atlanta Hawks (Pella, IA native), Box of Corn Flakes with Olympic gold medalist Gabriel Douglas signed by her, A football signed by 12 former Dallas Cowboys, a Tony Dorsett jersey signed (former Dallas Cowboy and Hall of Fame running back), Framed picture of Tony Romo signed, a football signed by Iowa Hawkeye head coach Kirk Ferentz and Brian Ferentz, A basketball signed by head coach of the UNI Basketball team Ben Jacobson (and 2 tickets to a game), A Cedar Rapids Kernals basket including 4 tickets to a game, hat, ball, and baseball cards, The "Perfect Game" suite at the Kernals stadium and 20 tickets to a game, 4 tickets to Hawkeye Downs racetrack in Cedar Rapids, 2 handmade Hawkeye necklaces and a bracelet and a beautiful handmade Hawkeye glass plate by Lindy Ethier,  a Hawkeye Scentsy Warmer with 3  different scents, AND we are awaiting signed paraphernalia from Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson!!

Workout items: 6 week yoga class at Serenity Spa, 3 month membership to the MAC in Cedar Rapids, Advocare products, Title Boxing 1 month membership (with gloves, wraps, and a bag)!

Relax and Pamper:  30 minute cupping massage at Serenity Spa, A massage from The Sanctuary Spa,  Hair products and Haircuts and Highlights from 2 very talented hairstylists at Studio 1146 (Carol and Katy), A fun girls day for 2 friends (with complimentary hairstyle, pink hair extension and mini manicure). And a 60 minute facial (also from our salon friends at Studio 1146)!  ALSO 3 other baskets of Hair products From MOXIE SALON and SPA!!

Other Cool items: A Cleaning Service with 2 people for 2 hours from my friend Lori Pierce, a Color printer with free installation and a gift certificate for 1 hour on-site service from Business Solutions Group, Inc. A gift certificate to Kazoo Photography and a gift certificate for Kenzi Photograpy. A one night weekend stay at hotel Marriott in Coralville, IA.  There will also be a gorgeous gemstone bracelet made by local artist Brenda Hack, a purse and wallet from PurseNality, handmade items from my friend Bonnie Gibson, homemade baked goods from Debra Hamner and a Beautiful Painting from Lizzy's Creations!!

There are also some wonderful people hosting online parties for Scentsy, Grace Adele, Norwex, and Pampered Chef. They are all donating a portion of the proceeds to the 'Super Nash Fund'!


Painting by Lizzy's Creations
'Enjoy Life'

Auction Items



Haircut and Hilight basket from Carol Klocke




Signed by Scott Chandler

30" Men's  Matthews bow
Signed by Lee and Tiffany!




Signed by Gabriel Douglas!

Kernals Basket



Perfect Game Suite at the Kernals stadium
with 20 tickets



"90210" Season 5 Cast!!



Signed Tony Dorsett Jersey
Former Dallas Cowboy Hall of Fame Running back

Basket of hair products and a
 Haircut and Hilight with Katy Duggan




Signed picture of Dallas Cowboys Quarterback
Tony Romo



Kyle Korver Basketball Jersey
Atlanta Hawks

Some other cool activities at the party will be decorating your very own Super Nash Cape! My sister, Teresa, and her youth group made them...Thanks Girls! The kids can have their picture taken on a backdrop that looks like they are flying over the city! They will get a picture to take and we will save one to put in a scrapbook for Nash. They can also get their faces painted, colored hair extensions or feathers, Hawkeye tattoos, and glitter tattoos of the "Super Nash" symbol!!

The word on the street is that there will be some pretty awesome Chili, too!! Good luck to everyone! The winner will get $100 SCHEELS Gift Card.  The winning team of Bean Bags will receive two $50 gift certificates to SCHEELS! We will give prizes for top 3 winners of each contest. Better start practicing!!

We will have the Super Nash t-shirts at the event for people who pre-ordered and plenty of extra for those who want one! They are Hawkeye colors, Gold and Black. Very cool!!

We have so many people to thank for getting this event together but I wanted to say a special "Thank you" to my sister, Annie for organizing this entire event. She does such a great job and we can't possibly express our gratitude. "Thank You, AUNT ANNIE"!!!!

Also, our AMAZING friend Christina Hlavacek "Stina" has been working like crazy to get auction items and organizing online parties AND was 9 months pregnant while doing it!!! She just gave birth to a sweet baby girl, Leah, on Friday the 26th. CONGRATS Nick, Christina and big brother Holden!!

Chris's family and my family have also been working hard and have been a great support in getting this all together. "THANK YOU"!! 

Please know that if you have donated to our little man, your kindness has not been overlooked. We are TRULY grateful for each and every person who has supported us in any way. It is an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and we can't wait to "Pay it Forward" in any way we can!!

The Super Nash Cape!

Nash's "Lucky Leg" Benefit

Well I wanted to give a quick update on Nash and the Benefit.  Our little man is doing WONDERFUL!!! He is so happy and walking and dancing and is back to being himself :) We started PT on Monday and he did great.  He is still working on the range of motion of his knee...it still seems painful for him to bend but its getting better every day.  His ROM in his hip is great though! We start water PT in a couple weeks so that should be fun!!

Walking again!!!



Aidan, Nash and Hattie

My sister, Annie, has been working very hard on planning Nash's "Lucky Leg" benefit.  It is a Bean Bags Tournament with a Chili Cook-off.  She has recruited family and close friends to help get it organized. They have been gathering items for a silent auction, planning activities for the kids, and taking orders for t-shirts like crazy! This is going to be such a fun day. There is going to be a Chili lunch with hot dogs and chips and queso from Carlos O Kelly's. Lots of yummy desserts donated by some wonderful ladies.  There will be a Bean Bags Tournament with prizes for the top 3 winners including a new set of bags boards!  There will be prizes for the Chili cook-off as well. For the kids we will have a "Super hero cape" making station, face painting and a photo booth. There will also be a "hair" station where the girls from my salon will be doing feathers colored hairpieces!

Some of the silent auction items we have so far include: A signed football by Scott Chandler, Norwex basket, Kenzi Photography GC, The MAC 3month membership and cookbook, Yoga lessons, Jewelery, a signed BOW from "The Crush with Lee and Tiffany" (hunting show on the outdoor channel), signed CD's from "The Life of Riley" (Riley Smith), other items from PurseNality, Thirtyone bags, Avocare, and Kazoo Photography. Also a Teeth Whitening system from Dr. Mazzaco's office.

There are even more in the works! If you would like to keep updated on the benefit, visit the event on facebook at Nash's Lucky Leg Party and Benefit

The Flier for the event

The Shirts
Available to order!

And the cast is off!!!

Yesterday we woke up very excited. It was the day we were going to go get Nash's 6 week post-op x-rays!!! We got ready to go and I wanted to call the office in Florida to make sure I had the right info to send the x-rays directly to Dr. Paley.  I was previously told to email them to him because that was the easiest.  The person I usually contact was out of the country so I called and talked to someone in the office.  They informed me that Dr. Paley was on vacation and wouldn't be back until next Monday...another week!! They also said I had to MAIL (not email..snail mail!) a disc of the x-rays and he would get back to me sometime next week. At the very least...we were devastated.  I know this doesn't sound like the end of the world, but it's been 6 very long weeks of an energetic 2 year old who had been in a cast that had been through lots of duct tape, replaced velcro, diaper leaks, and it was just plain stinky!! Not to mention his frustration and his parents who just wanted their sweet, happy, little boy back to normal. We were all ready for the words "You can remove the cast" And from how it looked...we weren't going to hear that for at least another week.

So, we went to the hospital, got the x-rays, got the disc and came home.  I downloaded the images onto my computer and sent them to Dr. Paley anyway. I knew he was on vacation but I thought it was worth a shot. We went about our evening and put the kids to bed. I was doing dishes when I heard my cell phone chime.  It was the sound of a new email. I didn't think anything of it and kept washing dishes.  When I was done, I went and checked my phone and there it was...in my inbox it said 'Dror Paley'! I started my "happy dance" before I even opened it! All it said was "Xrays look great. May start WB (weight bearing) and start PT" YAAAAAAY!!!!! Chris and I were sooooooo happy and relieved!! We decided to go take Nash's cast off....even though he was sleeping, we couldn't wait! 

He was such a happy little guy this morning. He was all over the place! He can walk along furniture but you can tell he's a little hesitant but he crawls just fine.  I even got to dress him in pants and a shirt today, not a onesie! No more onesies!! YAY! We will start PT next week sometime. Until then, we will just let him be free and watch him get stronger everyday!

Pre-op x-ray

Post-op x-ray