a few posts to read...

Here are a few posts that I've been meaning to write and update you all on.

Dan and I are doing well and we have been striving to live in a spirit of hopefulness and of perseverance. Dan only has two more weeks of summer before 08-09 school year begins and even though he's really looking forward to spending his days with the students he's trying to really enjoy these last few days of freedom!
I have two more weddings to photograph, tomorrow I"ll be in Winston Salem shooting and then next week back in Wake Forest! God has been so good to allow me the strength and ability to fulfill my responsibilities to these families this summer. We will have photographed 13 weddings this summer and each one has been wonderful and unique! Though I could not have done it without Kristin and Angey who are amazing photographers and love and serve me so well.

I'm almost to the 35 Week mark! Each week goes by so fast and I'm so thankful that God has given that week to us.
Dan and I are going to the beach this whole next week to get away and relax and spend some much needed time together before the real hectic time is upon us. So pray that we are able to relax and that we both are able to put aside work for a few days and just focus on God and each other. (this is really hard for me because I'm always thinking about what I need or already needed to have accomplished, though I"m blessed to have clients that are very patient and understanding!)

Just to update you on what is to come in the next few weeks;
This Sunday Dan is preaching at Forest Park Baptist Church where he used to be the youth pastor at (it's also where he was at during our falling in love/time of engagement) The people are so precious and we always enjoy going back to be loved on and hopefully to edify them as well!

Then we'll leave to go to the beach until Friday August 1st which is Dan's 34th Birthday!!

August 2nd I'll photograph my last wedding pre-baby!

August 4th at 10:30 we will go to UNC for an amnioseticess..... now, I know you might be thinking, I thought you weren't going to do one of those and we didn't due to the risk of preterm labor, and we weren't going to do one at all. However, after several OB visits and listening to them inform us that they really won't do anything to the baby as far as aggressive treatment until the results come back for the Trisomy and then depending on that the treatment will or will not be offered. So, we would rather not be waiting when treatment might be needed and if the baby does has a Trisomy we would rather know that we have found a Dr. who is already willing to use his skills on a baby who might not live as long as most. This might be a difficult task but we are hopeful that there is a Dr. at UNC who would be willing and able if needed.
So, we will have FISH results back in 3-4 days that will tell us the bigger things such as the Trisomy issue and also gender... We'll have a baby with a name finally!!! I can't wait to announce that on here!
And then in 10 days we'll have the full work up which will tell us I think the extent of the Trisomy or Genetic issues and I guess some more information that will hopefully be helpful to the medical staff in treating our child.

They have scheduled my C-section for August 27th at 11:30. I will finally get to meet this little one!! Pray he or she stays in my womb until this day!

So, a lot is going to happen in the coming month and we will definitely keep you up to date as best we can.
There hasn't been a lot of new info lately thus my lack of posting... I'll try to get better about that!

Thanks for reading and for being so faithful to comment and encourage in so many ways! We feel very loved and cared for.

Have a great week! ~ Dan and Casey

Comments

[stephanie carroll]

Casey -

I found your blog through POH. I have just spent the last half hour reading through some of your blogs which have taken me back to my pregnancy. I wanted to encourage your to continue to trust in God's goodness. I have a 7 month old daughter who is every day a testimony to God's goodness and compassion in our lives. When I was 20 weeks pregnant, we were told that she had Dandy Walker Syndrome and hydrocephalus. They also thought she had a chromosomal abnormaility. We spent our entire pregnancy going back and forth to see different specialists. We were given grim a grim prognosis and at one point given the option to abort. Well - when she was born - they could find no evidence of the Dandy' Walker cyst or the hydrocephalus. To this day, the doctors cannot explain what happened, but we know that the Lord poured out His grace on our daughter's life. Though she has some other birth defects and the doctors think she may have an underlying genetic disorder, we continue to see the Lord's goodness in our lives. I know that sometime the Lord chooses to heal and other times He does not. She has some other medical issues that were not "healed" but I know the Lord has a reason for that. It has been a long road already and I know there are many challenges to come, but it has been a sweet road at the same time. I just wanted to encourage you, one mother to another - who is also dealing with the unknown health of her chlid. These children are such special gifts from the Lord and He has found favor upon you to entrust you with this precious baby. Praise the Lord of that sweet baby inside of you. Trust in His goodness - even when things look grim. I will be praying for you and checking your blog. Please feel free to email me if you ever need anything.

Stephanie

www.edentruthcarroll.blogspot.com

[Scott and Angie Lerew]

HI Dan and Casey,

I read your last update and we are continuing to pray for you every day. We know our God is an Awesome God and he will tend to you as he has planned. Please know that all you have to do is ask and we would be more than happy to support you in anyway possible. Know that we love you and you are in our thoughts daily.

Luv Scott and Angie

[sue and alan reitter]

our ladies prayer group (joy, chris, marge, karen and i) prayed for all three of you this morning....alan and i are praying each day that God will sustain you, give you peace and wisdom, and that your little munchkin will be safe in his mama's womb until time to be born...we will be so excited to hear if it will be a boy or a girl...wow! august 27th will be a very special day!...thanks for sharing all of this with us...we love you more than words can say...enjoy your time together with the Lord and just rest in Him.

[Zsera]

I will be praying that little baby chapell stays in for a few more weeks :) I will also be praying that the amnio goes well and that it will give the doctors more insight and also hopefully give you more peace. Big hugs to you!!

[Angela Gilbreath]

Thanks for keeping us posted. You and Dan continue to be in our prayers. Our church prays for you too. I hope it brings you comfort to know so many are lifting you, Dan and your precious baby up to the Lord. Have a great Vacation and know you are loved.
Angela:)

[toni reitter]

Thanks for the updates, was just wondering if/when you would post again! *hugs* love you both! Happy bday, Dan!

[toni reitter]

Thanks for the updates, was just wondering if/when you would post again! *hugs* love you both! Happy bday, Dan!

[elizabeth]

Is your mom coming out to be with you? I know it sounds silly, but I feel better knowing you have a Moma there! All my love and prayers to you dear sister. Would you be willing to set up a time when I could call you? I would love to pray with you over the phone. Facebook me! Love, Elizabeth

[melissa pearce]

thanks for the update guys. Look forward to hearing more and hope you have a wonderful time at the beach!! Happy birthday Dan!