Fighter Friday - Maverick

Maverick is truly our miracle baby. We tried and tried for over four years and went through three rounds of IVF for him. We were ecstatic and nervous, at the same time, when we found out that the final round of IVF actually worked. Then our worlds turned upside down during my 35 week ultrasound appointment when we learned about Maverick's Congenital Heart Defect. We worked so hard to get to this point, how could this be happening?

We were referred to Denver the next week and got a diagnosis of Pulmonary Atresia and Ebstenoid Tricuspid Valve. Which meant that his Pulmonary Value was not opening to allow blood to flow through it and that his Tricuspid Valve was not fully formed. We made several trips back and forth from Montana to the Children's Hospital in Denver until we were told we had to relocate there for the duration of my pregnancy. We were so lucky to be able to stay at the Ronald McDonald Houses of Denver and Aurora. Maverick was born and fought for several days to stabilize his blood levels and oxygen. 13 days after he was born, he had a non-invasive surgery to open his pulmonary valve. His heart stopped twice during the procedure but they were able to get him back. The procedure took longer than expected but when Dr. Morgan came out and told us that it went well and that he was ok, we were so relieved.

We spent over six weeks in Denver and brought baby Maverick home after 23 days in the hospital, a very long and scary 23 days. He is thriving now and just had his 12 month check up and his medical team couldn't be happier with his progress. We may need another surgery for a valve replacement sometime in the future but for now we are just enjoying his smiles and snuggles!