One Week Away: Carvers Forever Smile

At 20 weeks pregnant, we first learned of Carver’s cleft diagnosis, and while the unknowns felt overwhelming, we quickly found strength in preparing for him. From ordering Dr. Brown’s specialty bottles, doing countless hours of research on what we needed to prepare, to meeting his incredible cleft team for the first time, we knew we were in the best hands.

Carvers very first visit to Iowa City after he was born! Right after his fitting for his NAM device

At just one week old, Carver had his very first NAM appointment, starting a journey that would shape not only his smile but also our hearts. It was so hard. Through postpartum emotions, to anxiously hoping he would eat well enough to not have to get a feeding tube, lastly, to gaining enough weight to be able to have his surgery. 

Carvers first time wearing his NAM

9/8/25- we walked out of his last NAM appointment with his dentist. We are closing such an important chapter and reflecting on how far he has come in just a few short months. Now, as we look ahead to his surgery on 9/19, we are filled with gratitude, pride, and so much love for our strong little boy. I truly could not be more proud of carver, myself, and my husband. Not to mention the amazing support from our family and friends and even strangers. 

The last time wearing his device

We are officially ONE WEEK away from Carver’s first surgery. Some days it felt like we’d never get here, but here we are, hopeful, nervous, and so excited for Carver’s future. Please keep our sweet boy in your prayers for a smooth and gentle recovery.