From: Kraig Warnemuende <ad6075@wayne.edu>

Date: Thu May 1, 2003 7:26:49 PM America/Detroit

To: Kraig Warnemuende <ad6075@wayne.edu>

Subject: 05/01/03 Update from Kraig, Loren and Keren

Dear all,

Wow, is time ever flying!!!! Keren hit her seven month birthday last Sunday, and weighed in at 13 lbs, 13 oz. and 24 in. long. We've come a long way since September 27!

This past month has been overall a lot of fun (at least for Keren and I....poor Kraig has been swamped with the end of the school semester :( ). Since our trip to visit Jessie in NC I've felt much more confident about getting out with Keren. Besides, spring is here as well, and it's a lot easier to be mobile with Keren since she's on the feeding tube. We've been going to occupational therapy and working on her mouth muscles (which will help with feeding), and we've also been able to go to the play group for the special ed program (through which we have our physical therapy). Keren's developing quite well. She's now officially rolled from her front to her back five times (never thought you'd get that tally did you? :) ). She's also quite verbal, and her other muscles are strengthening, too (holds her head up very well). Her smiles come more and more frequently....and her mad or upset voice is continually louder!

The big events coming up in the next few days and weeks are these: This weekend (for all you folks in PA), we are going to be in Philadelphia for my sister Carrie's graduation from college. Yep, another road trip, and this time, Kraig gets to go! Please pray that all goes well with that (and that Keren will sleep a lot in the car :) ! ) .....Side note.... for those of you in the Philly area, if we don't get hold of you, please feel free to call us at (734) 674-2110 and we'll see if there's a slot where we can see you! We'll be at Glenside Bible Church Sunday morning, and Saturday afternoon we have an open house with Carrie to which anyone's welcome!

Another upcoming event is Keren's surgery for the stomach feeding tube, the stomach wrap (which will eliminate her reflux), and the removal of her jaw hardware. That will be on May 21. Fortunately we were able to get them all scheduled at once, and hopefully the hospital stay will only be two or three days. And then maybe there won't be any other needed surgeries for a LONG time!!!!

Finally, we're looking ahead already to June when Kraig's folks will be back in town for a few weeks, along with the rest of the family, for Kris and Katrina's wedding, hurrah! Hurrah!!!

So, as you can see, life is a bit of a whirl, but a good whirl. Sometimes things are going so smoothly, and Keren is doing so well, that it's easy to leave God out of the equation and just focus on what's right here. But then, I remember, and I am so thankful for all the blessing he's showered on us. I hope I'll never forget!

We'll let you know how the weekend goes!

Much love,

Loren for all