Emma Renee Koehler

2006-09-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

Remembering the Preperation

2006-09-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

Last Year this time we were getting ready to travel. It seems like a lifetime ago. We are quickly comming up on 1 year since Gotcha Day. Emma is amazing and beautiful. She is smart, fiesty, and loving. She is the perfect fit for our family! We miss all our friends from our travels. It is funny how close we felt to a group of complete strangers. A day doesn't go by when we don't think about them.

2006-03-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

Since We've Been Home...

2006-03-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Since we've been home we have been busy. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, First Birthday, and the warm warm spring of Florida.

Emma is doing well. She is walking (running) she says a few words like Mama, Baba and Bye Bye. She likes to wave at people, dance and clap her hands. She is great fun and we are all enjoying her very much.

Emma and Ethan

2005-10-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Ethan met us at the door with a huge hug and a smile. Within moments he was taking his big brother role very seriously. Emma thinks he is cool... and he is. Our reunion was tearful and promises were made never to be apart for that long agian. We all slept together in one huge bed and snuggled.

We would like to thank Dean, Terry, Nathaniel, and Emily for taking care of Ethan for us and helping us get through this huge adventure. We could not have done it without you. We love you and miss you already.

WE ARE COMING HOME!

2005-10-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

Is she American or is she Chinese? She is both. She is traveling with a Chinese Passport but the minute we land and her passport is stamped in Los Angeles she will be an American Citizen.

We fly out in just a few short hours. China has been a wonderful experience. We will miss China and look forward to visiting again within the next few years. We have been struck with the beauty of the country and it's people. Don't be suprised if you see huge things come out of China over the next few years. This is a country with thousands of years of history and an ingenuity to get things done. We are foverver touched and changed by this experience and can't wait to experience more of this wonderful place.

Ethan - Buddy you have been so brave to wait for us. We miss you and can't wait to see you. Next time we come we will come as a complete family. You will love China. We love you and will see you soon.

WE LOVE YOU - Momma and Daddy

American Food - Finally!

2005-10-19T01:42:00.000-07:00

The Island we are staying on is small and wonderful. Joe and Sonny are out walking with the girls while Treva and I do some power shopping. Then we all hook up at Lucy's Bar and Grill for some real American food. Cheeseburgers, fries and Beer. I don't think any of us realized how much we missed this type of food until we had some. It was the best burger and beer I have ever had. We have all agreed to eat here every day until we leave. Pictured Emma and her friend Ellie are having their first taste of Mashed Potato.... It was a hit!

Making New Friends

2005-10-19T01:32:00.000-07:00

The flight to Guangdong Province was an hour and 10 minutes. With 16 crying babies on board I think the other paying passengers were wishing they had taken another flight. We were all tired and sad to leave James and Evelyn but we were greeted by Nancy and Maggie who were thrilled to see us and have been our cheerleaders through these final and exhausting days. After we arrived at the hotel we had to take the babies for their visa photo's and medical exam. Then one parent from each family was to come to the 3rd floor for a paperwork meeting. This is when I realized I forgot my consulate envelope at home in Florida. I was sick to my stomach as I went to the meeting thinking we were going to be denied entry into the U.S.. When I told Nancy what I had done she told me not to worry they have duplicates. Needless to say I had a melt down. I cried (sobbed) their in the hallway with my groupmembers holding me up. I have never been so relieved. After I got controll of myself we filled out the paper... It was fairly easy but since we were all tired it took a while. Today the paperwork was sent to the American Consulate for approval. Tomorrow we go take the Oath and then Friday morning we are out of here.

Leaving Behind Our New Friends

2005-10-19T01:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we left Nanchang, leaving behind James and Evelyn. It is funny how close we all felt to these two people who helped us through one of the most difficult, emotional and happiest times of our lives. There was not a dry eye in the house. We may have left them in Nanchang but they will always be in our hearts. We have never met two more compitent, organized, driven and loving people in our lives. We spent 9 days with them and they introduced us to "real China". We will miss them and can't wait to return.

2005-10-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

We are the center of attention all the time... Here you see Emma pictured with lots of elderly women who were acting like over protective Grandmothers.

Final Thoughts on Nanchang

2005-10-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

Well tonight is our last night in Nanchang. My final thoughts are this: I have never met so many kind and wonderful people. Everyone here is interesting and interested. A walk in the park early morning revealed people doing tai chi on floating docks... it looks like their dancing on boats... ladies doing a modern interpretation to some pop music and a wonderful gentleman playing a beautiful tune on his flute. They are all friendly and welcoming. I was ready to start the modern dance myself.

2005-10-15T05:52:00.000-07:00

Dinner is Always an Adventure

2005-10-15T05:29:00.000-07:00

We have eaten out almost every night here. Some of the families aren't all that adventurous, however, lucky for us we have made friends with a few couples who are willing to do and try anything with us. "REAL" Chinese food is NOTHING like the Americanized version you get at home. Since almost no one here speaks any english beyond "hello" and "bye-bye" we are what you would call "menu" challenged. So as I have mentioned to many of you in my e-mails we have found places that have picture menu's. After a series of pointing, gesturing and charades we are able to get food. In one place we actually go into another room and point to the actual dish we want. In grocery store type refrigerators we are shown an assortment of duck heads, chicken feet, pigs balls, eel, filet of enormous snake, octopus, squid, fish head and other mistery meats. We point and put both hands up while shrugging our shoulders... they do their best to try to explain. We narrowly avoided ordering pig ears with corn when the waitress said pok and pointed to her ears. We felt grateful to be aware of this and ordered something that looked like chicken pieces that were spicey. Well it turned out this dish was actually chicken grizzle and wing joints. After several attempts at chewing this we all gave up and ate veggies and noodles. The above picture is from our dinner tonight. We had more success. The soup like dish is the Congee you have heard me talking about. The babies love it. Emma smacks the table and growls until you spoon at least two bowls full down her. Only then is she willing to slurp down noodles. The big green balls are some sort of veggie made into a paste and mixed with rice flour until it forms a stickey dough. They are deep fried and contain a sweet bean paste inside that tastes like peanut butter. We have nick-named them "booger balls". All of this is eaten with Chinese beer which is actually very good. We have had a great time and really enjoy the food. I will miss eating this food and all the kind people who are willing to wait on the crazy americans and "play charades".

2005-10-15T02:35:00.000-07:00

Last but not least I was taken to the spot where Emma was found. She was left under a bridge in an area with a lot of foot and bike travel. Her birth mother didn't want to chance her not being found right away. I looked in the faces of all the women I saw today...always wondering...could this be Emma's momma? The day was full of happiness and sadness. I cried a river standing under that bridge. My heart broke for Emma who was discarded and for her mother who I have to believe loved her and truly hurts in her heart about her loss. I pray she finds peace... and I pray Joe and I are able to give Emma the chance and love she deserves.

2005-10-15T02:22:00.000-07:00

The people we met at the SWI were wonderful and despite their conditions they obviously loved the children. This little girl in the braids decided she liked me. She followed me everywhere while we were at the SWI. I'm not clear if she was a child of one of the orphanage workers or just lived near by. She was a beauty and touched my heart.

2005-10-15T02:17:00.000-07:00

The rooms consist of a bed for the Nannie and three cribs for babies. There are 3 rooms like this that share a common sitting area, kitchen, and bathroom (pictured). The bathrooms are traditional squat potties, Their cleanliness was less than desirable.

2005-10-15T02:06:00.000-07:00

Next we visited the Gao'an SWI. This is a Social Welfare Institute. Not only is it an orphanage but also a home for the elderly and physically challenged. The road to get to the orphanage is long and narrow. The front part of the building is newer but the one in the picture above is the old section built in the early 50's. This is the worst SWI in JiangXi Province when it comes to building conditions.

A Day I Will Never Forget

2005-10-15T01:38:00.000-07:00

Today we visited the City of Gao'an. The city in which Emma was born and abandoned. The first thing you notice is how different the city is from one street to another. New modern buildings then old poverty sticken buildings. The center picture is a house/store front near the Gao'an Bridge. The children you see are squating eating and playing in the front area of this building. I was so busy trying to take their picture I didn't realize I was standing in poop until it was too late. Needless to say I was very popular on the bus. Below you see a fruit and veggie stand. These are everywhere. People shop daily for their food. I caused a huge ruckus taking this picture. When I was done looking through the view finder I noticed I had drawn a crowd of 40 or so people. All of them were interested in my red hair and the fact I was so tall. I think they also wondered if we had not ever seen food in America.

2005-10-14T01:47:00.000-07:00

An afternoon walk in the park provides us with beautiful stone and water features, roller-coasters (not a chance I would even consider getting on it) or men enjoying a game that looks similar to checkers. What ever the game, they take it very seriously. I don't think the gentleman in the dark shirt was pleased with the move his opponent made.

Happy Birthday to You

2005-10-14T01:44:00.000-07:00

Birthday celebrations are big here. These are boys and girls celebrating their birthday this month. Guess where the party is? McDonalds! The only Mickey-D in Nanchang and it is the most popular Birthday spot for kids.

Not as Cool as it Seems

2005-10-14T01:38:00.000-07:00

This little girl was probably 6 or 7 years old. At first you are amazed anyone can even do this... then you notice the bowl... for money. She is doing this with her teeth on a bit and her body flipped over like a rag doll. The poor here make the poor in America look well off. None the less the people are friendly-rich or poor-it doesn't matter they are all wonderful!

Travel in Nanchang

2005-10-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

Bicycles and Motor Scooters are the most popular method of transportation here. To own a car you have to be very rich. Can you imagine doing your grocery shopping and carrying it home on a bike or scooter.... Well let me tell you nothing stops the Chinese from getting here and there.

Life In Nanchang

2005-10-14T01:19:00.000-07:00

Everything you see on the streets of Nanchang is interesting. This is "real" China, not the tourist stuff. This picture is of an entrance to an apartment building... inside is a narrow stairwell leading to the upper floors. the overhang is very low. Chinese people are very short and this is not a problem for them... just to give you an idea of how short... it hits me on the forehead. As you can imagine I am like an Amazon woman to them, they stop and stare open mouthed at me... I am a freaky tall white woman to them and I have enormous feet. If I was covered in hair I think they would think I am BigFoot!

2005-10-13T00:47:00.000-07:00

Mom and Emma went to take in a traditional music show that was performed for the prince (with the exception of their rendition of "Oh Susannah" for us Americans) Then Emma and Daddy checked out more Dragons.

2005-10-13T00:39:00.000-07:00

2005-10-13T00:17:00.000-07:00

Most of the gardens are soft and flowing, however there are some manicured areas like this one. Even in these areas you can still see movement and have a sense of "flow" in the limbs and roots of the trees.

2005-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

These gardens flank the tower and are surrounded by other buildings, walkways and a wall.

2005-10-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

One of the first things you see are two huge bronze dragons guarding the tower. My guess is that dragons are a symbol of guardianship or protection. The next thing you notice are the beautiful gardens.

Everything Has a Rythm.

2005-10-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

Today we all went to one of Jiangxi's few tourist attractions. This is our travel group. We are a huge attraction ourselves. Wherever we go people stop, stare, smile, video us or take our pictures. They are fascinated by the "American's on Parade". We will be in photo albums all over the area.

The tower you see behind us is an "entertainment" palace built by one of the princes durring the Han Dynasty - over 1400 years ago. He built this not to live in but to entertain himself. Apparently he was quite a playboy. Royalty - Leadership - Playboys... hmmm it is the same all over!

Meet Emma the Raptor!

2005-10-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

O-kay this girl can eat! We decided to get adventurous and eat out on the economy. We got a recommendation on a great place to eat that has a picture menu. No one here speaks english and of course we don't speak mandarin. So as you can imagine we needed pictures. The place was a block or two down the street so we could walk. O-kay New York City has nothing over this place when it comes to traffic. There are thousands of people on bicycles, motorized scooters and cars. The road here is merely a suggestion... Everyone drives everywhere. There are no cross walks but there are underground tunnels under all roads and intersections... you think you'd be safe there... NOT! There were hundreds of cyclists and motor scooters going down these ramps and through these tunnels. We managed to make it to the restaurant without getting hit by some vehicle. Inside we used the pictures and a series of show and tell moves to order dinner. It was, in a word, fabulous! They brought dish after dish of noodles, meats, rice and a soup called congee. This time the congee was in chicken broth and had bits of spinach in it. Emma saw this and went wild. She started screaming and trying to crawl across the table after it. To picture our shock you have to realize that most of the day she was a lump that just clung to each of us for hours. Now she was animated and very stimulated. I spooned some of the mixture into a bowl and tried to cool it off... she reached for it. I moved it back on the table. She grabbed the table cloth in both of her little fists and started yanking it toward her. Joe had to hold her away from the table while I spooned this mixture into her mouth. I did the best I could but I could not keep up with her. She would yell to tell me to hurry it up! Then came the rice. She grabbed the bowl and a handful. I laid it out on the table in front of her and she was supplementing my "slow" congee feeding with rice. After a while she added noodles. She ate nearly as much as Ethan and he is 8! By the end of the meal all three of us were covered with rice, noodles and congee. Emma wiped it all through her hair like mousse. It is hard to believe the little angel in the picture looked like a crusty rag-a-muffin before her bath.... and THAT is another story!

A Big and Better Day!

2005-10-11T00:18:00.000-07:00

Emma ate a huge breakfast today. Congee, fruit, and of course formula. After breakfast we all got on a bus and went to the notary's office to finalize the adoption. She is not officially a Koehler. Everyone was excited. We have a young couple in our group who got twins... Things are not going so smoothly for them. The girls screamed all night and the two parents are whipped. These are their first children...nothing like jumping right in!

FINALLY!

2005-10-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

After her nap with Daddy, Emma finally ate... and ate...and ate. She drank two bottles of formula and munched out on Cherios! After the registration meeting she ate again... We were not successful at feeding her rice congee for dinner although we tried. Congee is like a watery soft rice. It is what is served to chinese babies from about 7 months on. They eat Congee for breakfast...lunch and rice for dinner... Lots of rice! She fell asleep at 9:45 after guzzling 250 ml of rice formula! We are pooped and ready for bed!

2005-10-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

2005-10-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

GOTCHA!

2005-10-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

At 10:45 AM the babies arrived. We were all in a conference room waiting. Then James called us all one by one to come get the babies. A caregiver handed us the babies and smiled and left the room. Most of the babies (includng Emma) just stared at us in amazement... two of them screamed and cried. We took Emma to the room where she cried and screamed. Joe walked and swayed... after 30 minutes she cried herself to sleep... Ethan - She has your cheeks and cute lips. You two are going to love each other very much. We miss you and love you.

Fishing Villiage

2005-10-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

After leaving the peak and going back down into the harbor, we were treated to a sampan ride into the world of boat people. These people live their whole lives on the water. These boats are their homes and have been in their families for generations. These Hong Kong residents go out on huge fishing boats for weeks at a time and then come back to these homes. Many of them could be found fishing off the sides of their boats with just a line. No fish – No food. Kind of makes you thankful for all the wonderful things you have.

Next stop Nanchang!

We are Here!

2005-10-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Hong Kong at 7am after a 14 hour plane ride from L.A. We went on a tour of the city to keep busy and stay awake. The jet lag set in for Shelly. She felt dizzy for most the day. Victoria’s peak is the tallest spot on the Island. We went up many narrow winding roads to get to the top. Although the ride was scary the view was magnificent!

In LAX!

2005-10-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

We landed in LAX an hour and a half ago... this place is HUGE! I feel like Dorothy in the land of OZ... I'm not in Kansas anymore! We have a long layover... we are sitting down to a very late dinner. Ethan - buddy We miss you. The plane ride was so long... 5 hours from Pittsburgh to California. The next one is even longer - 15 hours. Tomorrow while you are doing your studies and playing with your cousins we will be flying...and dreaming about you. We love you and will talk to you soon. Hugs and Kisses - Momma and Daddy

JOE TURNS 40!

2005-10-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

Today is Joe's 40th birthday. We wanted to do something special... something we don't do normally. So we went to a biker bar and partied. Then we went to a local rocker's house and partied some more. Drank home made wine - with one heck of a kick. It was a blast and we'll be recovering for a while.

The first leg of the Journey

2005-10-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying cool weather for the first time in MANY months. Sitting on the back deck looking over the valley I wonder why I live in a place that is soooo hot! Ethan is very excited about spending the next few weeks with his Aunt, Uncle and cousins. He is a real VIP up here and is living in the lap of luxury! I don't think he'll miss us at all while we are gone! We sure will miss him. We leave for Hong Kong this Thursday and hopefully the long flight will not be as bad as I fear. We love and miss you all. See you soon!

2005-10-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

We are Ready to GO!

2005-09-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

Well it is down to the wire now. We have out tickets...visas... we are packed and have ordered our cell phone for China. Now we just have to get on the plane and get the heck out of here.

I want to thank everyone who has given Emma cards, love, and wonderful gifts. You all have been so wonderful. I know it was sudden when we canceled the shower because of my father's death, but you all have been so supportive and thoughtful and reminded me often that their is a new one coming to help us heal. She will be here in a few short weeks. God has truly blessed us not only with Emma, but with wonderful neighbors and friends.

Love to you all. The next time we post we will be on the first leg of our trip to Pittsburgh where Ethan will be staying with family until we return.

God Bless you all.

2005-09-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

We Are Getting Closer!

2005-09-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

We got another update today. This is a picture of Emma and her foster father in Gao'an China. She is standing (darn-it) and talking (I'm guessing Chinese) and still only weighs about 18 pounds. We are finalizing our travel plans and will be leaving the first week of October to go get her. We'll be back in Orlando at the end of October and exhausted I'm sure. Thank you all for all your well wishes and prayers!

Sad News

2005-09-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

Today we got word that the United States Consulate is not accepting any more appointments and we will not be able to go to China to get our little girl until October. We will be in China for the trade fare and will pay much higher prices to fly and for hotels because of this. We have to say the Chinese government has been precise and timely in this entire process. However, on two occassions the United Staes Government and their agencies have shown their ineptitude and sloth in processing even the easiest requests. This news is heartbreaking for us and all the families who are in the same shoes. We know God has a reason.... We pray that he helps us understand and have patience.

The TA's Are Here!

2005-09-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yippie! Today we got the notice that CCAA has issued our TA's. CCAI is trying as hard as they can to get us all in and out of China before the October holiday. With any luck we'll here our travel dates at the first of next week.

We Got an Update!

2005-08-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

WOW! Look at that little Beauty!

She is sitting

She has two teeth

No standing or walking yet and that is fine by mama!

Can't wait to hold her in our arms.

AN UPDATE!

2005-08-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

We got an update today 8/22/05! Emma was born in the year of the Monkey. She was left under the Gaoan Bridge less than 24 hours later. Her Birth family left her with extra formula, clothes and a note. She was placed right into foster care. She is now a healthy little girl who enjoys watching television commercials. She and her ge ge Ethan will be two peas in a pod!
We can't wait to go get her. The wait for Travel Announcements is almost over!

Until We Meet Again Poppy!

2005-08-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

This has been a crazy waiting period... Just a few short weeks after my father saw a picture of his beautiful new grandbaby he passed away. We will all miss him! Goodbye Daddy, I love you very much!

A Sweet Sunday Package!

2005-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

When we returned from our trip to Jacksonvile we found our adoption package from CCAI. In it we found these wonderful pictures and all sorts of information on Emma.

Boy they have a LOT of clothes on her. We read that Jiangxi has a climate like Florida. Having lived in Florida most of my life I can barely remember a time it was cold enough for this much clothing! But look at those cheeks! We can't wait to kiss them. Ethan says she looks like him... Cheeks and lips by Ethan and Eyes by China.... He is such a wonderful son and will make a fabulous big brother.

A Bittersweet Weekend

2005-08-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

On July 30th we drove to Jacksonville, Florida to see my family. My father was moved to hospice after 9 years of fighting a neurological disorder. My mother is currently going through Chemo for colon cancer. We took their grandson Ethan with us and the picture of their new grandaughter Emma hoping to bring a little sunshine into their lives. My dad cried... He can't talk or move... but I know he thought she was beautiful. This photo is of Ethan and his NINI and POPPY during a happier time.

2005-08-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

Emma Renee Koehler
Referral Photo

Born January 2, 2005
Jiangxi, China

Home forever September
2005

Our Family So Far

2005-08-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

For the last 8 years it has just been the three of us. We have had a lot of fun, but Ethan didn't want to be an only child. After the Doctors said no more children it was Ethan's idea to adopt. That was April of 2004. Since then we have been involved with a mountain of forms, paperwork and governmental agencies. On July 29th it all paid off! We got "THE CALL". CCAI announced "You have a beautiful new daughter". We asked a million questions... and waited for her picture to come over the internet. Her name is Gao Fu Chun. Fu means good fortune or blessed and Chun means spring. She was born on January 2, 2005 in Jiangxi, China and abandoned shortly after. She was placed in foster care on January 3, 2005 and has been there ever since. Soon she will be coming to America to live with us forever. God just continues to bless us.

2005-08-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

Joe, Shelly and Ethan Koehler