We went in today for my amnio and were met by the genetic counselor to go over what exactly we could expect and so forth. We found ourselves engrossed in another discussion about hospice care or aggressive treatment and really it felt like we had been there a hundred times before. We believe God has given us a real ability to speak clearly with them and to respect their wisdom but let the ethics we have in Christ shine through as well. The counselor had an intern there with her and even though she sat back and listened, she nodded her head in agreement whenever we talked about cherishing this child's life and our ethical stances... I really feel like the Lord had her there as a silent encouragement to us as we talked boldly and clearly about our desires. I wonder who she is and if she'll talk about us to whoever she comes home to at the end of the day? We so desire to not only speak for our child but impact whomever we talk with.
We went in for an ultrasound and that went well (we had an amazingly sweet ultrasound tech). Again, we saw some of the same things but were encouraged by some great pics (our baby has quite a bit of hair). We were thrilled to see and hear the heartbeat (166 bpm) and to see our baby moving all over the place. we are reminded today what a blessing it is to have each day with our baby and to know that God has sustained this little one for 36 weeks now!
The Amnio went well and fast. The whole thing was mildly uncomfortable but I feel great and I am taking it easy today. We saw three tubes of fluid go off to the lab with so many of our hopes and prayers with them. We both feel a little down today. I guess knowing that we are going to know in a few short (but long) days is kind of final. There is hope no matter the outcome but it feels a little odd today. The initial results (fish results) should be to us sometime Wednesday or Thursday. This will tell us about Chromosomes 13, 18, 21, and X/ Y (Boy or Girl-yeah!!!). The full results will be final in about 2 weeks.
Please continue to pray for us to rest in Christ and for the health of our baby. Thank you to all of you who are praying and to those who have joined us in todays fast. We love you all so much.
Casey
PRAISE GOD!! Will continue to pray!!
Posted by: Katie Williams | August 05, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Casey,
you always seem to encourage me, sister. I am right beside you in prayer.
Thanks for keeping us posted. I think about you all throughout the day.
As for everyone thinking it is a girl...well...who knows. My boys had kind of fast heart rates. Regardless, you will know soon! Yeah! No more of this "baby chappell" talk- I'm ready to call this baby by it's name!
we love you and dan so dearly!
dana
Posted by: Dana Cordell | August 05, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Wow!....i'm soooo amazed at what our wonderful God is doing in all our lives through this journey with you....i haven't felt the need to fast for a very long time, but wanted Him to show me how i can pray for and lift all three of you up with the amnio and results....praise Him that the amnio went so well and that we'll be meeting a beautiful, long haired bambino very soon...(from the heartbeat, i'm betting on a baby girl!)...i'm going to keep on praying that the trisomy, spine and heart are fine...and continue to thank God for allowing me to join you guys in this journey with Him...i too pray with desparate anticipation, knowing that He will answer in glorious ways i can't even fathom yet....i just wish i could be there to hug you...i love you so much...
sue
Posted by: sue and alan reitter | August 05, 2008 at 10:08 AM
we're just praying for you and thinking about you guys!!! I praise God for your strength through Him and for your testimony through this challenging time....what a testimony you have been to all of us!!!
Posted by: Kelly B | August 04, 2008 at 09:33 PM
so glad you got to see your sweet baby again. Also glad there were some people there to be supportive. I will continue to pray.
Posted by: Zsera | August 04, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Continuing to pray much for your sweet family!!
Love to you three!!!
Posted by: Summer Owens | August 04, 2008 at 05:48 PM
was up a bunch last night with little one and God laid you on my heart continually! Casey, i've never prayed for you so much in one night :) prayed for your peace as you slept the night before the amnio and for all you had in front of you in the day to come. thank you for letting us walk this road with you.
Posted by: kari breed | August 04, 2008 at 04:35 PM
praying for you all day. hope to speak with you soon. love melissa.
Posted by: melissa pearce | August 04, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Dan & Casey,
I continue to pray for y'all and your sweet little one. I am so glad that the procedure itself went well today. Of course it's all "old lady folklore", but by that heart rate I am betting on a beautiful princess!
{{{HUGS}}}
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl | August 04, 2008 at 04:28 PM