Every Monday I think of the most ridiculous/surreal/"only medical mamas can relate" conversation I had with Kierra Irvine last year when I finally met her in person after months of messaging. Her daughter Evanna was born with one complicated heart (to say the least); Kierra is not only a fierce advocate for her own child but an open book and priceless resource for other heart families...have a question...she's likely got the answer and will take the time to write paragraphs upon paragraphs to ease your anxious mama mind. ⁠

Instagram: @kierrairvine

Instagram: @kierrairvine

"I just love a Monday in the PICU." she said it and I chuckled...no I straight up laughed as we strolled through the hospital hall. "OMG...me tooooooo...is that not the most bizaare thing to love?!" We went on to geek out about our love of Mondays...especially PICU ones. While that seems insane we unpacked it and here's the why...things happen on Mondays...the weekends are quiet, you're not enjoying the rest you're awaiting the plan and the plan...the plan is made on Monday. Now granted...the plan may change on Tuesday BUT...it's made on Monday and a plan is good for our soul, regardless of it's fluidity. ⁠

Daddy and baby brother Bennett.

Daddy and baby brother Bennett.

Evanna’s 5th birthday was spent recovering from heart surgery in the CVICU but thanks to the creativity of her mother and the amazing work of Little Wishes she was surrounded by a Paper Bag Princess party fit for a queen.

Evanna’s 5th birthday was spent recovering from heart surgery in the CVICU but thanks to the creativity of her mother and the amazing work of Little Wishes she was surrounded by a Paper Bag Princess party fit for a queen.

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PICU life is not currently my reality and I thank all the unseen things for that everyday...that also means I get to plan on my own terms. I'm not awaiting rounds. I round with myself on Sundays and on Monday it's go time. These days with grocery store runs taking a minimum of 2 hours, distance learning with 2 kids/working from home full time and cooking 3,000 meals a day...planning out my days has become even more essential.

I plan but I plan in pencil and use grace as my pen...the plans will likely change, the grace must be permanent.

Sending loads of love to the Irvine Family today.

Happy Monday everyone! ⁠

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Kierra and I last April…finally meeting at Stanford :)