Tomorrow is finally the day we’ve been waiting for, and honestly dreading at the same time — Ivan’s heart procedure. 

Ivan will have a cardiac catheterization , a pulmonary valvuloplasty and a occlusion procedure. The hope is to guide a catheter to the heart to use a tiny balloon to open the valve that’s too narrow, helping blood flow more easily to the lungs and making the heart work better and to also close up the holes in his heart. Hopefully all goes well and no further intervention will be needed. 

Initially getting him back to his birth weight was a struggle but since then, his feedings have been better. He has been gaining weight beautifully and is a whopping 13.5 lbs! He still has moments of different breathing but is typically a happy baby and loves to smile. 

Cooks Children Hospital is giving us financial assistance with Ivan’s medical bills, and we can’t even put into words what a relief that is for our family. This journey has been so heavy in many ways, and while we are still walking through the medical side of things, knowing that some of the financial pressure is being lifted feels like such a gift.

It means we can focus more on Ivan’s healing and less on the overwhelming costs of care. We are so thankful to the hospital for helping us in this way, and we’re just as thankful to all of you who continue to surround us with love, prayers, and encouragement.

We know still have a long road ahead but tonight, we’ll be holding him a little tighter, soaking in every smile, and praying for strength for tomorrow. 

Please please please keep Ivan in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow — for steady hands for his doctors, for comfort and strength for him, and for peace for our family as we wait. We’ll share updates as soon as we’re able.

Thank you for loving our baby with us. 💙