Pretty Cool Moment!

At school today, we were talking about our families. I decided that it would be fun to show a video of my family to my preschool students. I showed them the video of our Family Vacation in Upper Michigan. The children really enjoyed the music, and seeing the pictures of Lake Superior and all of the amazing animals we saw in the Upper Peninsula: the reindeer, the fawns at the Deer Ranch in St. Ignace, the fox, the black bears, the piggies, ducks and oh, especially the porcupine resting high up on a tree branch - they loved that. The link to the actual video can be found on my sidebar of this blog.
I narrated the part of video about how my daughter lost her hat in Lake Michigan, in Traverse City. My preschoolers loved the story of how my daughter actually lost two hats on that vacation. One hat was lost in Lake Michigan. It actually fell in twice, but sank to the bottom on the second time around. The first hat was lost in West Branch, on a pitstop to The Bridge: Jili was in a public bathroom and I accidently knocked her favorite hat into the toilet as it was automatically flushing. "Ewww!" they yelled. I explained that I reluctantly fished it out and threw it in the TRASH!
During the video, they asked where I was in the pictures, and I responded that I was not in many pictures, because I was taking the pictures. When they actually saw me in some of the photos, they yelled in unison, "Ms. Jill!!!"
After we watched the video, the kids had a lot of questions. The first child raised his hand and said, "M-m-Ms. Jill, I think your family is awesome! I want to meet them someday. I want to come over and play with your kids." It melted my heart.
Other kids commented on the animals, and the carrots that we got to feed the deer. They also loved the beach photos. Then, they wanted to know what color eyes my daughter had. I asked if she looked like me. They said no, she has different colored eyes, "and hair like this," motioning that her hair was straight. I said that she was my daughter, but we looked different, and that was okay. They all nodded in agreement, as if the only differences were the color of eyes and the textures of our hair.
Afterwards, we had a regular volunteer, named Barb, come to our class to read a book called: I Want My Hat Back, by John Klassen. I nearly rolled over with laughter, because it featured a bear, with supporting forest characters, such as a fox and a reindeer in the story - what a coincidence! The children wasted no time telling Barb about my daughter's hat that fell in the lake and the toilet, and how she wanted her hat back too, but it had to go in the trash. Then, they connected the fox, the reindeer and the bear in my video to the book.
Today reminded me one of the many reasons I love to teach. It is always the innocent, sweet, yet honest words, and fresh learning experiences through the eyes of young children that make you appreciate life's simplest joys.
Happy Day!
Jill :)

Sleep Study & Bad Allergic Reaction

I think she looks like a cute little piece of candy, smiling in her monkey slippers and electrode fashions.

On Friday, we had a winter advisory and a snow day for me - not the kids. That night, Jili and I had to venture to U of M for Jiliang's Sleep Study at 7:30 p.m. The roads were treacherous for about 10 miles, and then nothing but clear roads.
Jiliang came home in the year 2010 with some sleep apnea and snoring. The sleep apnea seemed subside over the year following her heart surgery. Her cardiologist said he had seen a correlation between Truncus Arteriosis patients and ENT structural issues. At first, it wasn't really an option to fix the sleeping and possible apnea, until she was one year post-surgery and recovering well - of course.
The snoring has been pretty scary. In the past, all I had to do was adjust her, and her snoring subsided. Most recently, it had worsened. It became so bad that turning her no longer helped, except on mild occasions. I became afraid for Jili's erratic breathing. In January, it was so bad that she would startle herself and gasp and jump, and then go right back to snoring. I videotaped it, just in case in she did not do it at the sleep study. Of course, during the entire month of February, her snoring reverted to mild, as it periodically does. At the sleep study, of course, it was mild, until the day after she came home. It will be interesting to see the results. The ENT doctor had recommended a tonsilectomy for her enlarged tonsils and snoring. Because of her heart condition, however, he wanted to make sure that he weighed the risks, in case there were any complications during her tonsilectomy (NOT a comforting thought). Her cardiologist concurs with tonsilectomy, and believes she is in a healthy place to have the correction done - we will see him in a weeks to get his approval, of course. Her pediatrician also suggested that her breathing was putting a lot of unneccessary pressure on her heart and lungs. That is my absolute main concern. I just pray that the sleep study concludes that she is eligible for a tonsilectomy to alleviate unneccessary pressure on her heart and lungs - and of course, rule out sleep apnea, which is scary in itself. I will definitely show her ENT the video of her gasping and jumping in her sleep.
Jiliang did a great job at the sleep study. I was so proud of her, because she was not afraid to go to the hospital. She actually trusted that I was going to be with her and that we were going to have a girl's night out. Never once did she fear the hospital or fear our separation. She was looking forward to an overnight with Mama, where we watched Lady and the Tramp.
The sleep clinic said that it would take approximately 45 minutes to hook her up to the electrodes and get her ready to settle in for the night, depending on how cooperative the child was. Jiliang was so cooperative that the technicians commended her, and the female told me that she did better than any other child that she had encountered. I am so proud of Jiliang. The staff, especially the male and female technicians, and the gentleman who checked us in, were exceptionally kind, helpful and professional.
The sleep study was only a little grueling. I woke up several times to Jiliang tossing and turning; and at 2:00 a.m., a nurse flickered the light 3 times and creaked the door open and closed three times, only to turn the light on fully. The last time she said, "Oh, we're done now." I tend to talk in my sleep, so I cautioned myself, think before you speak Jill, and asked, "Are you done with the sleep study? We can go home now?" The nurse responded adjusted a few of Jili's electrodes that had come off during her stirring and said, "No, I'm just done turning off and on the light." She told me that Jili had been tossing and turning, and the staff couldn't see what she was doing, so they were checking on her. I was happy that they were so diligent about keeping Jili safe and watched over. Did her charts flag her as a flight risk from her heart surgery days? Hmmm. Either way, I wasn't complaining at their attempts to keep her safe. Six o-clock came quickly, and we wasted no time getting out the door. Unfortunately, the roads were icy, and our drive home was slow, but uneventful.
When Jiliang and I got home, she said, "Mom, I had a fun day with you today." I was really happy that her hospital experience was associated with something positive, and that she considered having Mommy-Jili time special and fun, even though we spent it in a hospital. The truth is that Jili never fails to remind me of the important things in life: it doesn't really matter where you are, but who you are with and what you make of your time that truly matters in life.
Later that Saturday night, Jiliang told me that her tummy was itchy. Lo and behold, Jiliang had a really bad contact rash from the electrode glue, with raised red patches and little white, itchy bumps. Uggh - my poor baby. On Sunday, she developed a rash all over her face (where each electrode was placed), under her chin, on her neck and more on her belly. Benedryl and Hydrocortisone were not helping much, so she was prescribed some Zyrtec and she is continuing with the Hydrocortizone cream. Hopefully it works. When I picked my baby after school today, the shape of her face had changed due to the swelling. I am just praying that the prescriptions work and that we can determine what she is allergic to, for future reference. Hopefully, we will not have to take her in the doctor's office - that would mean it has worsened - and I can only imagine how uncomfortable that would be for her. Anyhow, she is not complaining much. She is being a real trooper.
Please keep my girl in your thoughts and prayers this week for a speedy recovery. I am also praying that doctors can fix her nighttime sleeping and breathing issues to keep our little girl safe and healthy.
Thanks,
Jill :)

Happy Anniversary Jiliang!

Thank you China for giving us such a precious gift!

Two years ago today, I met our daughter for the first time. She was so scared when we met and there were some tears shed, because she didn't know what having a Mommy was all about. After 6 hours, she finally smiled for me, and it was a beautiful smile. We bonded forever in a mere six hours, but admittedly she had me at first glance. She managed to melt the hearts of our entire family more and more as each day passed.
Jiliang loved having a new family so much that she stayed very close to us that first year, afraid that she might lose us. She refused to look at or speak to adults for several months. Many people thought she didn't speak. Daily reassurances that she was a permanent part of our family and our hearts were regular occurances in our household.
Yet, somehow over the last few months she has come to trust that she is a part of a forever family. That is a huge step for Jiliang. She has transformed into a secure, sweet, vibrant and funny little girl. And she has her Dad's matter-of-factness. I love that she knows how much she means to us, but it doesn't stop us from telling her all the time. Her hugs, kisses and "I-love-yous" are given generously.
This past December, she drew a handprint turkey with T.J. in my tummy and with her in my heart – yes, I was the turkey. Then, we shared a special conversation about her adoption and how she was found. “Mom,” she said, “it sounds like, maybe, magic.” I told her that when God is involved, it is called a Miracle.

Jiliang does not remember a lot about China, but we do our best to preserve her heritage. We recently attended a large Chinese New Year's Celebration at a college in Ann Arbor. It was very festive and authentic, that I almost felt like a foreigner in China - but in a good way. My sister went to San Francisco recently, and attended their Chinese New Year parade. It was so much fun to see the photographs and soak up my daughter's culture; and to realize how the ties to her homeland have transformed our extended family in the matters of Chinese cultural appreciation.

T.J. and Jiliang are absolutely best friends. T.J. recently told my dad that he feels like he has known Jiliang forever. My dad asked him if he remembered when he did not want a little sister. He laughed, because he could not imagine not having his little sister in his life.

This past weekend, both children were sick with a bad flu. T.J. got the worst of it. It started on Thursday. Both children seemed to be better on Sunday, so we all went to see a matinee (Big Miracle). Monday, T.J. got sick again, so I quarantined him to his room. He begged to play with Jili. Jili was relentless. She kept finding excuses to tiptoe past his room and check on him, or see if he needed anything. By afternoon, I gave in. T.J. felt better, and they were inseparable.

I can honestly vouch that life is better with our daughter in it. It's hard to imagine a life of not knowing Jiliang (Gao) Josephine Koeppe. And all of the times that I felt a longing for my daughter in China, when I reasoned that she was probably not born yet, my heart knew. I can speak for our entire family - Life is blessed with Jili in it.

Happy Two Year Anniversary Sweet Girl! We love you!
Mommy, Daddy, T.J., and your doting entourage of extended family
~And we can't forget Bear Bear, Ollie Cat and Goldie Goldfish

To view Jili's Journey from China to Michigan, click on the photo at the top of my blog or go to this link: http://thekoeppefamily.blogspot.com/2011/10/updated-china-video-with-added-pictures.html


I had to earn her first smile.


It's hard to believe that my baby was wearing all of these clothes on "Gotcha" Day.

Jiliang Today: (Chinese New Year at WCC in Ann Arbor & Ice Sculptures in Tecumseh, MI)











Just a little China memory. It makes my heart smile when I hear her speak in Chinese.
This video was taken a day after we met - The Official Adoption Day - when she was afraid she was going back to the Aunties and cried. They were shocked, because she rejected me at the Gotcha moment the day before. She relaxed when they told her that she was going to be with her Mom forever, and she came alive for them, and started to giggle and play with them.
In the video, you can hear her breathing hard, which was from her uncorrected heart defect. We are blessed in so many ways.

Wow, we would still be waiting!

I just happened to look and see where the CCAA was with Non-special Needs referrals. They are still in 2006. We would still be waiting for an infant, if we had stayed in the NSN line. Our log-in date was April 19th, 2007. When I went to China, there were families in our group "logged in" in 2006, and that was 2 years ago.
My heart breaks for all of the families who are still waiting, and unable to make the switch. I encourage to families consider switching to the Special Needs line if they are able. They are so many minor special needs that are easily correctable: there is a longer wait for minor, correctable needs, but I highly encourage others to consider before giving up on their adoption dreams. It is very scary to switch and lose your place in line when you have invested so much time and money on recertifications and home studies.
Right after we logged in to China in 2007, I read on the ChinaAdoptTalk site about lengthening waits. She predicted waits of 3-5 years or more. I approached someone at my original agency that summer, and she told me that it was not true. Later, she sent out a blanket email not to listen to the rumors and message boards online. Those rumors were so true. Even just watching the CCAA at that time told me that something was happening to stagnate the process. That was back when the CCAA posted their review and place times.
For the latest NSN wait times, go to: http://chinaadopttalk.com/

I'm so glad that we hung in there. Life without Jili would be so incomplete.
Jill :)

Happy Chinese New Year ~ The Year of the Dragon

Tomorrow, Jiliang and I will be celebrating The Chinese New Year in style. We will be going to a Chinese dinner and show in Ann Arbor. We really wanted to attend the Families With Chinese Children Event last weekend, but our plans did not allow for that (next year for sure). Therefore, we will be enjoying this weekend.
I haven't written much lately on my blog. I had intended to write a Christmas and a New Year's message, but life happened. I was under the weather for a few weeks. I dislocated a disc in my jaw in early December, and I was in so much pain for weeks. I do not see that specialist until March 5th, but the inflammation has gone down with some anti-inflammatory medicine.
Despite that, we had a really incredible Christmas this year. Jili was really into Christmas this year, and loved being a part of the family traditions. She is feeling very secure in our family, which is such an awesome blessing.
This January has already flown by, but we have included a little Chinese New Year celebration in the mix this month, and hope to start a family tradition. I will be sure to post pictures of our event tomorrow. We will be visiting Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Jili will be wearing her Chinese outfit purchased in Guangzhou, China. It was her homecoming outfit from China. It still fits. The shirt is just right, and the pants are slightly short, but not too bad. She is so excited about wearing it tomorrow. If I had only had more money in China, I would have bought larger sizes for her to wear each year. They had so many Chinese outfits in China, but my budget was lucky enough to get me there and back for the adoption, so I am not complaining. She still ended up with two outfits from Guangzhou: one for her homecoming and one for her Baptism (all white).
Since the start of our American new year, I have gotten a lot of my book finished. I am really enjoying writing. It really is a catharthis for the last two years. I have always been able to debrief or process life so much better through writing. Yet, one of the most valuable lessons that I have been able to recollect is the compassion of the human heart. I recall a lot of really wonderful people during our adoption process. Perhaps, one of the hardest parts about writing was that there was so much to share. You see, the Spirit of Adoption sort of grabs at you that way. It is such a gift. You may think that it is about giving, but in giving, we receive so much unexpected joy, and it doesn't just stop when you bring your child home, because it has such a ripple effect. One of the most difficult things is deciding which joys to share and which ones to leave out. That's hard.
I guess I just hope to touch others enough through writing, to leave that mark and inspire others to reap their own blessings.
So here's to a new year, and new blessings from our house to yours.
Jill :)

Christmas Spirit

We are having such a great time getting into the Christmas Spirit this year. I shopped all online this year, and had all my shopping done by Black Friday. The kids and I made special Christmas ornaments for the Grandparents and Godparents, along with a few other special homemade gifts. We baked some cookies already and I plan to make many more.
My goal this year was to encounter less stress. Over the past years, I have tried too hard to accomplish the things I wanted to do for Christmas, but it was stressful. This year, my goal is not just to do the special holiday traditions, baking and crafts, but to really have it mean something to my children. Thus, we do a little something each night, but on a much smaller scale. As a teacher, I have many students who are in need this year, so I am trying to teach my children to give in ways that we are afforded, and clean out our closets and pass things on that may bless others in some small way. We are taking time to truly experience the traditions and are enjoying doing them as a family without the haste. Most importantly, we are really trying to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. T.J. has been learning about the Advent Calendar and practicing it. Jili is learning about Jesus.
I am really looking forward to the holiday break, but unfortunately I work right up until the 23rd this year. We try to do something special each night when I get home from work. Tonight, Jili picked out our Christmas tree. Last year, we forfeited our artificial tree for a real tree - T.J. picked out last year's tree. This year, it was Jili's turn to pick it out - and she talked about it for the past week. Jili, by the way, is coming out of her shell - she is becoming brutally honest. When we arrived, it was cold out and I was tired, so I pointed to a nice tree, hoping to hurry her along. I told the woman at the stand, "I'd better consult with my daughter, because it is her choice this year." Jili responded, "No, I don't want that one. Hmmm. Let me see." Then, she proceeded to select a really beautiful tree that was the same type as mine, but fuller, and much nicer. She was so proud of her choice. Scott had the privilege of loading that beauty.
In closing, here are a few photos from the Santa in town that is free. Both Jili and T.J. determined that he was the real Santa, because any Santa who would do it for free "is just doing a really nice thing and has to be real."
Merry Christmas Blessings to you and yours!
Jill :)

Halloween Costumes

Here's a picture of the kids Trick-or-Treating at the Briarwood Mall.