From: Kraig Warnemuende <ad6075@wayne.edu>

Date: Sat Sep 27, 2003 11:04:23 PM America/Detroit

Dear Family and Friends,

Today was a day of great joy and celebration! Keren turned one year old today!!!! God is so amazing--we can only be thankful for this wonderful year he has given to us. When I think of the hopes and fears that were born one year ago, it's hard to believe we have come so far. And when I look at Keren who is blossoming more every day, I am filled with joy. We don't know tomorrow any more than we did a year ago--we can never be sure of that--but we can now look back on how far God has brought us this past year...and that's an incredible journey.

I've been feeling guilty for the past few months that I haven't sent out any updates! Somehow the summer flew by us once we got through Kraig's brother Kris's wedding in June and Keren's final surgery for her jaw in early July. The family all went home, and we looked ahead thinking we had so much time left in the summer--and here it is Keren's birthday!

In some ways not much has happened--no major events, no more surgeries or serious concerns. We certainly can't complain about that! We've still had our multitude of doctor appointments, but most of them have be check-ups or therapy, so that's been good. The one frustration that started in August was that Keren started spitting up again--something we had hoped the stomach wrap (fundo) she had in May would take care of. The good thing this time was we weren't worried that she wasn't getting enough food. (The little chunk has had no problems growing. This morning she weighed in at 21 lbs, 8 oz., and 28 inches long. A far cry from her original 4 lbs., 10 oz!) However, it was a concern, particularly if something had gone wrong with the fundo. Well, we had a test to check that the other week and it showed that everything was intact as it should be.... Good news in that it means no further surgery, but a little annoying, 'cause it doesn't stop her from spitting up! Our doctor pointed out, though, that she would be spitting up much more if she didn't have the fundo, so we've reconciled ourselves to it (it's definitely not as bad as it used to be), and are working with it.

It's been a joy to watch Keren develop in her own little ways. When she was nine-and-a-half months old she cut her first two teeth (the two front bottom ones), and discovered after a day or two that she had to do something about biting down on her fingers....That hurt! About the same time her physical therapist showed us how to help her stand and we found that Keren could bear weight pretty well. Not only that, but she loved it, and still does. She needs a lot of support--something, or someone, to hang onto--but every time she stands she smiles from ear to ear! Now we're working on her upper body strength. She has a hard time getting up on her arms, which makes it rather funny to watch when we put her on her belly. She'll get her legs scrunched up under her, but her face will still be planted in the carpet, so her little bottom's stuck up in the air. We can't help but laugh, though she doesn't find it too funny :) . Her other habit is relaxing her head so she's gazing at the ceiling, something that doesn't help with getting her balance for standing. But she's smiling and interacting more each day; reaching out for her toys more, squealing with delight and yabbering in her own baby talk.

We've had a few momentous events these past few months. In August, Keren and I were able to meet two of the women and their kids who belong to the support group listserve we're on--the group for families with kids who have one of the rarer trisomies. The two women we got to meet in person live right in our area. One has a sixteen-year-old son who is partial trisomy 14 mosaic (try and figure that one out!), and the other mom's daughter is trisomy 13 mosaic (she's seven). Both kids are an inspiration for us--the boy is very functional (seems pretty normal in just casual conversation), and the girl, though severely delayed, walks (runs!) and talks circles around you! She was particularly pleased to meet Keren because Keren has a g-tube like she does :) . It's been wonderful to build relationships with these women--friends I never dreamed I'd have a year ago!

Over Labor Day weekend we were able to go with my parents and sister Carrie, and Kris and Katrina, up to Barakel. Barakel is a Christian camp about three hours north of us, and every Labor Day weekend they have a family camp. Kraig and I have gone a number of times since we got married and have always found it one of the most relaxing times of the year. It was so exciting to be able to take Keren there this year and introduce her to many of the staff who have been praying for her. The weekend she was born last year, my mom spoke at a women's conference there, so the staff has known about Keren since day one!

Fall has brought some routines back into play. Kraig's back to teaching his fall class at Wayne State, and is trying to get time to work on his dissertation. His graduate assistantship has been extended till next summer, which is a help, but the end of the PhD is still a little dim. This is partly due to other projects that keep getting piled on him.... The profs think he's wonderful--a great help (and slave)--unfortunately that means that they keep thinking of new things for him to do.... He enjoys the people he's working with, but it is wearing on him (not surprising!). His class this fall seems to be going well so far, though, and it's neat to see him enjoying teaching. While he's busy with that, I'm working on organizing Keren and my schedule so we can accomplish what we need to. I find that it's easy to feel overwhelmed with the multitude of details if I don't write everything down. October and November will have more follow-up doctor appointments, and we've started back with Keren's physical therapy through the school. I am starting back to a few of "my" things, too. Once a week Keren and I go into the school library where I used to go, and I am able to work for about three hours. It's just enough to feel like I'm being helpful and productive, and Keren's behaving herself quite well :) . I've also gotten back into Bible study, and have switched to Tuesday evenings. This way I can leave Keren home with Kraig and have an evening of adult time only :) . I'm also able to hang out with my sister Carrie, my sister-in-law Katrina, and even our Grandma Warnemuende has joined the study! It's a girls' night out! So, my next plunge is to get back into my painting class--fortunately something else I can take Keren too.... She certainly doesn't mind the attention she gets :) .

Well, I think that brings us up to date.... Sorry to make you wait so long and then give you this huge email to wade through. Wish you could have all been here to celebrate with us today. We had an open house at my parents and many friends were able to come celebrate this wonderful gift we've had in Keren this year. We want to thank you again for all your prayer and encouragement over this past year--please keep it up!!! God is still just as faithful and good as always!

I'll keep you posted :)

Much love, Loren for the family