Coming Home Photos

I forgot all about these photos. I am actually seeing them for the first time. My parents took these photos on Homecoming Day. Here is our first family meeting at Detroit Metro Airport. I will try to upload my China trip pictures to a site by next week.


Family of FOUR at last! Our very first family pose on March 5th, 2010, Detroit Time!


Scott says "hi" to his new daughter, careful not to frighten her.


Jiliang inches towards her new family.


T.J. brings Jiliang a ball (her favorite toy) to the airport.

Severe Weather in Michigan

We heard the Tornado Whistle go off, just as were heading to bed at 9:30 p.m. It was a late night for the kids as it was, I know. Jiliang was trying to make sense of our mad dash to the basement. T.J. was upset, because he saw the aftermath of the tornado damage in Dundee last week when he visited with my parents, and he was worried that our house was going to blow away.
I assured him that we were safe. We decided to camp out in the basement and play some games and read some books. Then, I assured him that if our roof blew off, Scott would be happy, because it would save him from replacing it this year. Then, T.J. and I made a list of all of the new amneties our new house would have if this one blew away, leaving us safely in the basement of course. T.J. decided he needed a garage full of shop vacs, and a porch with a slide he could take to slide him into a new swimming pool.
Jiliang fell asleep first, next to T.J., with Oliver the cat on her chest and the Bear Bear, our black lab at their feet. Bear decided it was time to take cover when the winds and lightning picked up; although he is not usually a dog affected by storms. Honestly, I was a little afraid that our roof was going to fly off.
I swear that T.J. and I heard a tornado chugging past us at 10:46 p.m.! It was pretty intense, but creepy. Then, T.J. nodded off around 11 p.m. (at least it's summer break).

Jiliang's Heart Update

Yesterday, Jiliang had her follow-up appointment with Dr. Cotts, her cardiologist. Overall, he was amazed at her progress, her healing, and her activity level. Her Oxygen Saturations were at 100%! Her echocardiogram showed no leakage around the valve, or conduit, and no fluid around the heart/lung area. Her surgical repair has healed wonderfully, and they were also impressed with the healing of her incision. The doctor and nurse were amazed with her activity level. Her pressures have decreased a little, but Scott didn't receive exact numbers. They are still a little higher than that of a typical patient, but the lung pressures have decreased since she left the hospital. Scott said that the doctor was literally glowing with excitement. You see, they knew that this surgery was the best chance that Jiliang had at making it to adulthood, or even adolescence. Now, her prognosis is looking promising. We will meet with her Pulmonary Hypertension doctor in 6-8 weeks, so hopefully will have more news then.
Unfortunately, we don't know what this means for our girl right now, except that things are looking good for her. We knew going into this surgery that the recovery and prognosis would be baby steps. Dr. Ohye, her surgeon, advised us that it might be difficult not to have the answers so readily. However, if I had to guess, I would say that she has a long life ahead of her. All of the doctors and nurses that we have consulted have expressed their excitement in how well she is doing. Dr. Ohye told us that if she had she not had the surgery, she would most likely NOT have lived to be a teenager. Oh, we are so thankful today.
In the previous post, I mentioned what a whirlwind that life has been around here. I can't even begin to imagine what a rollercoaster ride these last several months have been for our girl. Yet, she always has a ready smile, laugh and a sweet, happy disposition. Oh, to embrace life with such exhuberance and positivity. There is no doubt in my mind that her positive nature and strong will have paved the way to her recovery.

Last Day of School! Summer Plans

Wow, there have been so many exciting things going on over the last several months: switching to a special education classroom at the preschool this fall; working as a Title One Tutor with elementary students (namely 5th graders), and having to say goodbye :( when I left for China; seeing a picture of our little girl for the first time on November 6th; making it happen (what a roller-coaster ride); going to China; and bringing her home. Then, having her diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosis Type II - a serious heart defect, especially when it should have been repaired at birth; and also discovering that she had a pretty serious skull defect was quite overwhelming, but at the time, we just kept forging ahead.
Going through Jiliang's open heart surgery and seeing my girl sleep in a hospital bed for two weeks without being able to talk to her was pure torture, but we made it through; and on day 24 she came home. Three days later, I returned to work. I went to a new classroom when I returned, and it was so much fun. Yesterday, I said goodbye to those students after only 5 short weeks of knowing them. It was still hard.
Dr. Ohye from Mott's Children Hospital chose us to be a participating family in a Mott's Fundraiser. We filmed our story a few weeks ago, and a fundraiser took place last night to raise money for the hospital. We were excited to be a part of something positive, as Jiliang's experience at Mott's truly gave her a chance at having a long life. We were honored to give back to the people who took a chance on Jiliang and essentially saved our daughter's life. If someone would have told me last year that all of these events and challenges would have taken place these last several months, I would have laughed.

Today was my last day of work. I felt a little sad when I left today, and had that nagging feeling that I was forgetting something. Life is passing so fast, and maybe I feel lost in so much change. I know that the future holds some wonderful blessings, but I am trying to just catch my breath and take everything in. Perhaps, life changes us in ways that doesn't permit us to turn back. Hopefully, we are forever changed for the better, shedding our former skin, and forging ahead with our new take on life. I am looking forward to SIMPLE.
This summer, I still have plans to finish projects around the house, we still have some adoption paperwork and follow-ups to handle, and of course, I plan to write my book. Yet, I am also looking forward to making my life a little more familial. I am looking forward to spending time with my children.
Recently, I have been joking that my kids are getting along too well. T.J. and Jiliang are like having a pair of jokesters. T.J. does anything to get a laugh or a smile from Jiliang, and she wants to do everything T.J. does. T.J. also shows off for Jiliang and every day is full of laughter. Sometimes, after a long day, it is tiring. Therefore, I am looking forward to some much-needed rest, so that I can fully appreciate my kiddos' happiness a little more. After all, is there really such a thing as too happy and too blessed?
All in all, I am just very thankful and very ready for the mundane, everyday stuff. How I live for SIMPLE! After all, I am not off on break because I am taking classes or having a major surgery, I actually get to just enjoy my kids. Look out summer break, here I come!
God Bless You all on this day!
Jill :)

Catching Fireflies & Funnies

Catching Fireflies:

Monday night, I introduced Jiliang to her first magical evening of catching fireflies. T.J. caught a firefly and showed it to her in the dark and she curiously checked it out.
Last year, T.J. used to beg to keep them, and I would always make him set the fireflies free. Then, I would find them flying around in his room when I would check on him at night, along with a few unlucky ones that never made it out of his pocket.
Last night, T.J., Jiliang and I soaked up the beauty of the little lighting bugs that periodically lit up to create a falling star effect across the backdrop of our wooded back yard. It was all fun and games until we got swarmed by mosquitoes. Then, I stepped in dog poop with my good tennies, and when we ran from a swarm of mosquitoes to the safety of our house, I pulled the sliding screen door straight off its track unto us. One can only laugh.

Embarrassing Moment:

I work in a preschool classroom. Yesterday, we had some potential parents visit our classroom to see if it was the right fit for their child's needs. One of my students needed a little support at circle time, so I bent down near him and squeezed behind him. Just as I was sitting down, he let out a loud, long noise. My colleague said to him, "What do you say?" He said, "Excuse me," and giggled. Some of the other kids began to laugh at him, so I said, "It happens," very non-chalantly, so he wouldn't be embarrassed. He turned to me and said, "Miss Jill, you crack me up!" and smiled.
Later, my co-worker said that she didn't know why he blamed it on me, and I said, "No, he said that because I said, 'It happens'." She didn't hear me say that and joked that the prospective parents probably figured that it was actually me that did it, because I was bending down when it happened. We had a good laugh about it, but how embarrassing!

Meet & Greet Photos from our Windsor Concert - Had to Laugh

I have to laugh at these photos. My baby sister surprised me with a Girl's Night Out with awesome concert tickets to a group that we have loved since the 80's. We were 6th row and had a great evening with friends. Check out my original post to see how my sister cheered me up while my daughter was in the hospital at: http://thekoeppefamily.blogspot.com/2010/06/belated-mothers-day-gift.html

NKOTB was very influencial in our day, speaking out on: peace, anti-racism, diversity, ADOPTION, children around the world in need, children with special needs, making a difference in your world, and treating others equally; and they also had an anti-drug campaign. That was certainly a positive influence during an impressionable period in both of our lives. To us, they were more than a "boy" band. To say the least, NKOTB will always have a special place in my heart for these values and their playful nature, as you can see in the first photo.

The day of the concert, I wanted to touch up a snippet of a new hairdo, and accidently took too much off the sides, resulting in a semi-mullet. :) I suppose that I subconsciously wanted to have that 80's look again. :) The photos are pretty funny. Also, In the photos, I should have stood in the empty spot! Check out the first picture. The guys have their arms around an imaginary person. It's hilarious!

After 22 years, my sister finally met her childhood love, Donnie Wahlberg. In fact, she melted when he rested his head on her head, and once again when we met him again after the concert. I am so happy that my sister had a such a magical night.


Thanks Leah, for a fun Girl's Night Out! I danced, sang, and screamed like a 17 year old giddy girl. :)
Jill


See, I could have been standing there next to Joey Mac and Jordan. They have their arms around an imaginary person. It was meant to be my spot. Ha ha.


Leah is the one in front with the orange shirt.

Back in the day:

My sister and I, in 1990?


Donnie Wahlberg and his biggest fan, my sister, Leah :) The "SMILE" on her face says it all.

T.J. Humor

Here is a humorous quote that I meant to post on March 10th, 2010, straight from the mouth of T.J.:

I said, "My Squishy Pillow’s getting old".

T.J. responds, “That’s okay, me and Dad will put new feathers in it for you." Nodding, he ends with: “when we shoot a bird…like a white bird”.

Big Announcement!!

I am a little scared to announce this, and I have toiled with posting this over and over, because it means a huge committment on my part and a little fear of failure, but here it goes...

I am planning on writing a book on Jiliang's Adoption Story THIS SUMMER. I starting writing it while I was off, but of course, I didn't have an ending to what seemed to be a huge set-back: her unbeknownst, serious heart issues. I was hopeful, but I didn't know how my story would end - not that life is ever that simple.

I thought that I would get a lot accomplished when she was in the hospital for 24 days, but no such luck. Returning to work had me put that project on the back burner, but I knew that summer break would come soon enough, which I officially begin on June 19th.

A lot of you have asked what you could do to help our family. We feel extremely blessed by the support, love, prayers and encouragement that many people have given us. If you would still like to offer support in some way, you can encourage me to finish this book and spread the word once I am done. I could definitely use some prayers and cheerleaders in my corner. I promise that it will be amazing, as many of you already know most of the story.

Starting Saturday, it is game on!

Thanks!!!
Jill

New Pictures

Jiliang and Big Brother, T.J.




Memorial Day Weekend

Jiliang was afraid of the marching band and the shots fired

Belated Mother's Day Gift & A Tribute to Family

On Mother's Day, I spent the entire day at Mott's Children's Hospital with Jiliang, which began day 20 out of 24 total days in the hospital. I certainly would have liked to have spent a leisurely day at home with both of my children, but it was not possible that particular day. My husband began a new tour at the fire house, so I had to balance spending time with both of my children on Mother's Day. Just the thought of choosing between my children on Mother's Day was daunting. Luckily, I was able to take T.J. to the hospital with me, and my dad met me at the hospital. My dad visited Jiliang, entertained my son, and then took him back to his house. I was very thankful to have the opportunity to spend time with both of my children.
Leaving Jiliang at the hospital that night tormented me. I stayed as long as I possibly could, but she clung to me and begged me not leave. I cried all the way to the parking lot.
As I was leaving the parking structure, my sister called me. I knew that she had purchased some concert tickets for us, but she decided to surprise me that evening with the news that she had actually gotten upgraded VIP tickets, center stage, with Meet and Greets with the band. What a pleasant surprise to an otherwise emotional day, not that it could ever erase the memory of my daughter's tears.
I am not usually a person that would get excited about band Meet and Greets, but this particular band, NKOTB, is the reason that my sister and I are more than sisters today - we are best friends. I say that because we are 5 1/2 years apart in age, and when you are 17 and your sister is 12, you don't necessarily have a lot in common. Music became a common thread for us. I have the best friend I could possibly ask for today. She always knows how to brighten my spirits, she has helped me in my greatest times of need, including opening her home to me when I needed to leave a difficult situation to come back home. Tonight she is taking me on my first Night Out since I left for China in February. Tonight, we get to go back in time and treasure all of the memories that existed before life got so complicated. Tomorrow, I return back to reality to my wonderful kids, to celebrate a family day at the pool, with my AMAZING husband and kids.
Hold on to your family, for they are the people in life who lift you up in your time of need. They are the ones who make you Smile, show you that you are never alone, and convince you that you next moment of joy is only steps away from your nearest sorrow.
Thanks for reading. God Bless you all today.
Jill :)

Appreciation

Tonight, my husband and I were watching T.J. and Jiliang joke back and forth. Scott said, "Of all of the kids in China, how did we get so lucky to get this one whose personality fits so well in our family, and gets along so well with T.J.?"
It is certainly true that she was divinely picked for us. :)

Updates on Jeremiah and Chrissie's Family

In just a few short hours, my dear friend, Tami, will be meeting her son Jeremiah for the first time. Jeremiah is a wonderful special needs little boy that waits for his forever family in Taiwan. The Sizemore family has literally moved heaven and earth to adopt him. In just a few more hours, he will have a family to love him forever, and provide the care that he so desperately needs. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers, and feel free to check out their miraculous journey and excitement as they meet their beautiful son today:
http://tillgodbringsthemhome.blogspot.com/2010/06/less-tan-2-ours.html
It gives me such great joy to see this happen, as Tami supported me during my Journey to Jiliang, and I prayed for her to make it to Jeremiah!

Also, if you followed my posts about Chrissie, the beautiful little girl who had a risky heart surgery while Jiliang was in the hospital, you know that she received her Angel wings not long afterwards, and made her journey home to Heaven. Please read her family's blog. What seemed to most as such a heartbreaking, unfathomable moment, became a great source of inspiration to many people following Chrissie's surgery and Journey to Heaven. Chrissie's family has found a way to turn their sorrows into joy, proclaim their faith, and inspire so many once again, in what seemed to be their darkest hour. They are reaching out to others once again and asking others to support other orphans in Chrissie's memory. Please check their blog, and maybe you will find it in your heart to support them in prayer or even
support their cause. Either way, their blog is profoundly inspiring and proves that you can turn your darkness moments into opportunities for praise. Lest it all be a reminder for us to count our blessings and cherish those we love. Check it their blog at:
http://allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-will-not-leave-you-as-orphans.html

Thanks for reading! God Bless You All on this day!
Jill :)

T.J.'s Birthday!

Today, my little boy had his 6th birthday party. He was so eager to share all of his birthday happenings with sister, Jiliang. He wanted to have her help him blow out the candles and open gifts. We just invited the immediate family, because Jiliang is supposed to refrain from large events for several weeks, because her immunity needs to rebuild itself after her open heart surgery.
Usually I plan something exciting each year for T.J.'s birthday, but this year I was just exhausted. We are still recuperating from all of the excitement and chaos from the last 3-6 months with the adoption chaos and paper madness, the exciting trip to China, Jiliang's risky surgery, 3+ weeks in the hospital for recovery, and then going back to work just a few days after her discharge. Things have been very tight financially with me being off for those additional weeks. Thus, I opted for a no-frills, laid-back party for my son, and he loved it, nonetheless. Thus, no fancy paper-plates, and matching party favors and decor. :)
Truly, family is the most important thing. It doesn't really matter what you do, where you go, or how fancy your event. What really matters is that you are together. I couldn't even find the last present that I bought him, and he didn't even care! "Oh well, Mom, you can give it to me later", he said.
After several weeks of leisurely summer play with my kids, I am sure that I will be ready to plan Jiliang's first birthday ever. She turns 4 years old on 8-26-06. Although, it may be a little larger to include my other favorite people (my aunts, uncles, cousins), I guarantee it will contain all of the leisurely comforts of home and family; and hopefully sunshine for the sprinklers, kiddie pools, sidewalk chalk, 4-wheeler rides, and bubble fun. There is nothing like family, barbecues, and simple pleasures in life to make you appreciate life.

Jiliang Loves Gardening & Birds

Jiliang and I bought some vegetable plants today, since her and T.J. BOTH love to garden. She loves to help me weed and plant. :) We also bought T.J. some tadpoles as an early 6th Birthday gift (June 7th). She enjoyed setting up the mini-pond in our yard with T.J.
She also loves birds. She starting talking a LOT last night. Recently, my cat got a baby bird and we did our best to rescue it while Momma bird (a Tufted Titmouse) squawked from a tree. She saw a picture of a baby bird in my Birds and Blooms magazine last night and reenacted the whole baby and momma bird incident. Then, she started to talk like crazy in Chinese and in English for the remainder of the night. Scott took T.J. fishing last night, so Jiliang and I got some quality Mother-Daughter time in the yard.
I will write more later. I need to catch some zzzs.