Not Much Baby News This Week

Thursday, Matt & I went to the doctor's office for my weekly BPP & NST. I had a full ultrasound, and Lilly is right on track. They estimate her weight at 7 lbs., and as of a couple weeks ago, she appeared to be around 19 inches long. She couldn't be more normal! We were worried that she was going to measure very big, but that was not the case, praise God! It looks as if my chances of having a c-section are lower than before. If I do not go into labor on my own by next Thursday, then we will set a date for induction at my next appointment. We are praying that I go into labor naturally (as soon as possible!). We taped the ultrasound, and we have a good clip of Lilly having hiccups! We also saw that she has a full head of hair. Who knew you could see hair on an ultrasound?!

Sam's Deployment in Afghanistan

On Saturday, March 11, 2006, my (Kate's) brother, SPC Sam Chaput left for a one year deployment to Afghanistan. He will be serving God and country with Charlie Company of the 37th Engineering Battalion.

For the present time, we understand Sam's platoon will be charged with providing security for road construction crews and checking roads for explosive devices. Their work will take them to remote locations as they work on roadways connecting Sharana, Waza Kwa and Gardenz. They will be living in tent barracks for much of the time. This means little or no access to electricity, phones or the internet. For the time being the only way we have of staying in touch is by prayer and mail.

When it is noon here in Elkhart, it is 9:30 p.m. in Afghanistan. However, the military operate on "Zulu" time, or Greenwich Mean Time. This makes it possible for military personnel spread across many time zones to function together. So for Sam, when it it noon in Indiana, it is 5:00 p.m. Zulu.

My parents and brother Nic were honored to meet many of the members of Sam's squad on the morning they deployed. Morale was high and they seemed confident in their training, their mission, their leaders and their fellow soldiers. With about one third having served in Iraq or Afghanistan already, Charlie Complany seemed as well prepared as they could be.

When Sam enlisted, he did so with a clear sense of God's call on his life to be a witness to his fellow soldiers and those whom he would be called on to protect. While we are all aware of the dangers he will face, we are certain he is being faithful to do what God has asked. We will be providing a prayer covering for Sam and invite you to join as the Lord leads you.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity." (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Pray for those leading the 37th Engineering Battalion, including:
Colonel Delgidio, Captain Roddey, 2nd Lt. Chen (Sam is his driver), Sgt. Major Cartwright, 1st Sgt. Rafferty, Sgt. 1st Class Brennan, Sgt. Helvig and Sgt. Rivard

Pray for Sam and the members of Charlie Company's 1st Squad:
Staff Sgt. Martinez, Sgt. Johnavan, SPC Quichocho, SPC Rogers, SPC Chaput, PFC Drum and PV2 Harvey.

Pray for the people and government leaders of Afghanistan.

Pray for Sam's wife (our sister-in-law) Shannon, who will be living with my parents (Dennis & Sharon Chaput) in Granger.

You can write to Sam (it only requires a 1st class stamp):
SPC Samuel Chaput
C. Co. 37 Eng. BN
FOB Sharana
APO AE 09354

Welcome To Our Blog!

Hello all! Matt and I are pleased to let you in on what's going on with us. As you probably know, we are expecting our baby girl, Lilly Blessing, any time now! My pregnancy has been long and I'm ready to meet this little one as soon as possible! I hope to find out her new due date this Thursday at my doctor's appointment. I've been put on a Biophysical Profile (BPP) for the last few weeks, which means I have a short ultrasound and a Non-Stress Test (NST) each week to determine that Lilly is moving around enough and that her heart rate is good. The BPP & NST's are standard with gestational diabetes pregnancies that need insulin (lucky me). They also monitor my contractions. I am having them, but I am not aware of them so far. The only times I really notice them is when I'm on the monitor and I can watch the little printout that tells me that I'm having a contraction. The upside of all this weekly testing is that we get to see Lilly every week and we have a whole lot of pictures of her already! I think she's cute, even though most people can't even figure out what the pictures are! This week I have a full ultrasound scheduled to determine her weight and size. She may be a big baby because of the diabetes, and we don't want her to get so big that I can't deliver her naturally. Please keep us in your prayers while we anticipate her arrival. My official due date is April 13, but we've been told to plan on her coming at least a week earlier (either naturally or by induction). I am ready for her to be here now! I can't wait! Matt is so excited to be a daddy, and Lilly perks up every time he talks. I think she'll be a Daddy's girl!











Here are some ultrasound photos of Lilly's face.
She's 36 weeks along in these images.