It’s interesting how the dynamics between Canon and Kate have changed while Anne has been away… Canon and Kate are both more easy going and fun loving than Anne. Before, Anne was the little “director,” telling Canon and Kate just what characters they would play in that day’s version of pretend. Canon and Kate rarely fought. It was typically passionate Anne that sparked conflict with either Canon or Kate.

Now, Canon and Kate fight constantly. There are obvious reasons for this – as their world has been turned upside down – and all the grief and anxiety plays out in their bickering. But alot of their conflict simply comes from Anne’s personality not being here to direct them. It’s as though they are lost without their director to tell them how to play…

I think it will be equally difficult when Anne comes home…

Physically, Anne is the equivalent to a six-month-old baby (with only one working hand). She sits, but is still wobbly. She explores with her hand – grabbing everything and putting it directly in her mouth. She can feed herself with her fingers, but can’t use a spoon or fork. She requires diapering and has to be carried everywhere.

Cognitively, Anne expresses herself with the simplicity of a two-year old, yet has more advanced people skills than even her old self. She has lost her shyness, has impeccable manners, good conversation skills and a sweet smile :-)

Please pray for our whole family as we make the transition to bring Anne home. I will have to lean on Canon and Kate to help me keep Anne safe. Kate might have difficulty having more of a “big sister” role with Anne – especially dealing with her physical limitations. Please pray for us all to adapt to our new family life.

Despite the challenges that are ahead, we’re still very excited :-) Two days ’til Anne comes home!!!

Expectantly, kathryn

I’ve been thinking alot about Anne’s progress… She’s come a long way cognitively, but physically, aside from head control, she hasn’t shown much improvement over the last 3 weeks.

I think she is struggling with fear. She cries whenever we lift her or move her. She cries when they stand her up or work on walking. She even cries when she is sitting – unless her back is fully supported. EVERYTIME I pick her up, she says to me, “Mommy, promise you will never drop me.” I think if she can overcome the uneasy/unsafe feeling she has when she is moved, she will make great strides physically.

Please pray that she will overcome her fears.

On a different note, Canon and Kate have both had stomach viruses over the last few days. I really pray Anne, Eric and I do not get it – especially Anne!

-kathryn

I spent the morning in Kate’s class celebrating her last day of 3-year preschool. It was a sweet morning with Kate and Canon.

When I got to the hospital, Anne’s eyes were moving… and tracking… and focusing! Her eyes have improved HUGE amounts, literally, overnight! Her eyes aren’t consistently “normal” but they definitely have spurts of normalcy :-)

I can’t tell you what a huge encouragement this is to me. All along, I’ve wanted her eyes back the most. They represent the complexity of my sweet Anne – and I saw slight glimmers of herself in her eyes today. Thank you Jesus!

Please continue to pray:

1. For wisdom for Eric and me and Anne’s doctors regarding her medications.
2. For Anne to continue to improve in all the areas I listed last night: eyes, moving her head, strength in her legs, control of her hands, and less tightness in her elbow and ankles.
3. For God to preserve Anne’s cognitive abilites and allow her to speak.
4. For God to be glorified in this journey and for us to trust Him.

-kathryn