It has been some time since I posted anything on this blog. There are a couple of reasons. The main one being that since last August, I feel that Iliana has been in the same place developmentally. I would like to share with you what has happened recently.

Iliana's vision has always been a concern of mine. However, every time we would see the ophthalmologist at Nemours they would say that her vision is fine and there was nothing they could do for her. Iliana, for years now, has had to tilt her head back in order to center both eyes at the same time and see clearly. When you see her walking, she will tilt her head back to see where she is going, unless she is familiar with the surroundings. For the last couple of years, we have been trying to find a doctor that specializes in children that do this without success. However, almost 2 months ago I was talking to a friend about Iliana. I was explaining all of the above and she said she would ask and see if she knew anyone that knew of a doctor. It wasn't long after that that I received an e-mail from her with a link to a pediatric doctor. I immediately contacted them through e-mail and received a phone call within 30 min. I had to get a referral for her, and knowing how long this could take, I just prayed that this would all be resolved before November since we will have a newborn then. The very next day, I got a call from Iliana's pediatrician with the date and time of our appointment. Just an additional note, this doctor is not from the area and travels to certain locations one day a month. We were still able to be seen in July.

Can you already see how God has orchestrated this whole thing? The bible says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" Romans 8:28 . It also says "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" Jeremiah 33:3. I have been praying for this for some time. It wasn't until this very moment that the Lord decided to answer. God hears each of our prayers, how and when he responds to them is up to God.

We went to our appointment in Destin and met with the doctor. She determined that Iliana could benefit from surgery. She used a lot of medical terminology. Some I don't know how to say and others I can't even remember. Basically they will perform surgery on the muscle on the top of her eyes. She said those muscles were a bit tight which is common with neurological issues. She also noted that the inside muscle of her left eye needed to be moved in order to bring her eyes to center with her head held straight. Iliana did not enjoy having her eyes dilated and then a bright light shined on them. It was difficult to keep her looking at a certain spot in order to get a perfect measurement to know how much to move that inside muscle. We were then scheduled for surgery in Dothan, Al, which is where their surgical center is located, on Friday, August 27. She will have a pre-op appointment the day before to try and get a better measurement of the left eye and then a post-op appointment the next day. The results of the surgery should be noticable immediately. Basically, she will be able to tell if Iliana needs to have more surgery or if the one was enough. We will then schedule a follow up appointment for a month after her surgery.

I am updating her blog because I am asking you to pray for her. You have been so faithful in offering prayers for her since before her birth and I am asking that you pray for her without ceasing. Please pray that all of the details with the trip and surgery will fall into place. That a perfect measurement may be taken the day before in order to avoid further surgeries. Wisdom for the doctor and everyone that will be involved in the surgery. That God would protect her, give us a safe journey there and back, and that Christ will be glorified in all things.

Thank you so much for loving her enough to pray,
Litka