Subject: 10/07/02 Update from Kraig, Loren and Keren

Date: Mon, 07 Oct 2002 22:17:23 -0400

From: Kraig Warnemuende <ad6075@wayne.edu>

Dear all,

We're home!!!! Actually, we've been home for a few days, but life, as can be imagined, is a little crazy here, so I haven't gotten to a computer.

Our plans changed a little when we went into the NICU last Thursday. It turned out the pediatric floor had just gotten in some cases of respiratory infections, so there was no way the NICU was going to send Keren over there. What to be done, then? The staff went out of their way to give us the experience we would have gotten on the ped floor. They spent all of Thursday prepping us and walking through the various bits of red tape and logistics we needed to know before getting discharged. Then, Thursday night, they set us up in one of the rooms off the NICU with Keren so we could be with her and in charge. The nurses still came in every few hours to check stats, etc., and they were there for us if needed, but basically we were on our own. By Friday we were ready to come home!

We arrived home to our friend Katrina who had come in from Chicago for a visit and Uncle Kris (Kraig's younger brother). Both were a godsend over the weekend in terms of helping us get adjusted. My folks were able to come by a few times as well with food and company. To say the least, Keren got tons of attention and love--ever have four people help you get a bath?

Kraig and I are learning our routine. We've got the nightly feeding schedule down to about 45 minutes with two hours to sleep in between. Since Keren's on the feeding tube, Kraig and I are both in on the process--plus I'm pumping milk at the same time. Makes for interesting nights....

We're so happy to be home and to have Keren with us. It's scary, but wonderful. Every moment is precious. We're still on somewhat of an emotional roller coaster, and I suppose we will be for a long time. Some moments are just filled with the joy of having Keren here, while at other times we're washed over with the pain of wondering how long God will let us keep her. We're still trusting him, and we know his timing is always perfect, but it's still tough to let go the desire to control. But what's new?

So that's the scoop for now. We'll keep you posted! Thank you again for all your prayer--and thanks to all those from church who have been such a huge help to us already. We'd love to see any of you who are near enough to visit. Just give a call.

Much love, Loren (for Kraig and Keren, too!)

P.S.--I've attached one of our photos of Keren. We have more recent ones that are better, but at the moment they're on Kris' computer and we need to get them transferred. Enjoy!!!

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