Jessi Comes Home

2011-07-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

In June we went to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee for a reunion of the Eight Families who all met in Hubei China four years ago. It was wonderful seeing the little girls who knew each other as infants in the orphanage in Wuhan playing together like sisters. There was magic in the way everyone got along so well and demonstrated a bond formed so serendipitously.

Everyone took memory card full of pictures. One of our wonderful parents gave us a site to post them all together. Click on the photo to see all the pics that were posted!

Mothers Day 2010

2010-05-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Jessi wanted to send her Mom a flower.
She drew this and photographed it herself.
I helped her put it on the Blog for her mom to see.

St Martins has been a great replacement for Springfield Methodist Weekday school. Here is part of the Mothers Day program

Jessi & Bella

2010-02-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

On our way to a a new chapter of our lives we visited with friends and family in Tennessee on our way to Texas.One highpoint was reuniting Bella and Jessi and spending a little time with John and Shawna Waldron.
More photo's of this visit with the Waldrons and Will & Allison are posted at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/snissley/20100220Tennessee#

The annual Ho Down at Keene Mile Elementary

2010-01-08T16:56:00.001-08:00

Jessi in the CWP program

2009-12-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

Joey in the church Christmas program

2009-12-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

Travels With Dad

2009-08-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

The Return.
Here we are in a Motel again. This time in Abilene Kansas. Dad goes nostalgic on Zane Grey settings. I was a brat most of the day. So was Dad. But we talked about interesting things some of the time.
I miss NANA & Poppa and Momma and Joey

Day 3
Finally!! We got to Nana and Pappa's house.
I was getting tired of Asking Dad to hand me stuff in the back seat. He started making excuses like " I can't do that. I have to drive." So I said " Are your big hands not strong enough to get me crackers?"
Anyway I haven't stopped laughing and playing with Nanny and Poppa since we got to Trinidad.

Day 2
We still didn't get to Nanny and Pappa's house. We had cereal a muffin and an apple for breakfast in Indiana, got gas in Illinois and I saw the arch in St Louis. 'What's that? A rainbow?' I asked Dad. I pooped on the potty in Missouri and Dad was so happy he bought me skittles and we got lunch at McDonalds. We stopped in Kansas and looked at cows and then we had a tailgate party in the Walmart parking lot for dinner. Now we are in a Motel in Dodge City.

Day 1
Dad said we're going to Colorado but now we're in a motel in Indiana. And I don't want to go to sleep but Dad does and he's doing a lot of finger snapping and telling me to lay down and now I'm yawning.
We drove through trees and mountains most of the day. How many trees are there? Enough to look like a thick green blanket as far as you can see all around. And that is just
from one highway [I-64 through VA, WV, KY].
Then we started seeing corn. Miles and miles of corn fields. Then it got dark and I told Dad my seat was tingley so he got a Motel 8 and I got a bath.
-Jessi

Baby girl was a good traveler. She watched multiple episodes of "Kimba the White Lion" and "TinkerBell". She asked many times where were Momma and Joey. At dinner, a table for four, she asked if these were seats for them. Each time we stopped "Is this Colorado?" - Steve

Ohio Valley

2009-07-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

We went back to Ohio one more time to see some of Karen's school and collage buddies.

Two years ago today in Wuhan, China...

2009-07-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

...Hurricane Jessi entered our life and nothing has been the same since. She has grown so much in those two years but she still has that sunny disposition that she had when we first met her (...well after the first 15 minutes of crying). As we did last year, we celebrated the day with a night on the town. This year, the little princess also received a full princess kit -- just what every girl needs, three pairs of feather and jewel-encrusted slippers and THREE tiaras....On this day, we also remeber the seven other families who traveled with us to Hubei province to meet their daughters for the first time. Here's to the Hubei eight!!!
Click on the photo below for a few more photos from tonight's outing:

Jessi's 2nd Anniversary

2009-06-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Joey is at basketball camp. So Jessi put on a show for us

Joey n Jessi Rock out

2009-03-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Snow Day

2009-01-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

All but Karen had the day off.
I bravely dressed the kids and self in multiple layers to stay warm.
The agency in charge of child safety should investigate this. A two-year old clothed in 6 layers of winter garment is safe as in a safety seat. They just sort of bounce and roll down the hill if they lose the sled.

2009-01-28T10:07:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in Arizona

2008-12-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

Joy Carmona reminded Karen that it had been forever since we last added to the blog. She is right. So here in Arizona she, Efren, Myah, and Jayla feature in our update.

They are a wonderful family and have made us feel so special on both our visits to their very pretty state.

Some of the pictures in the slide show are on our trip to Sedona with them, others are at a desert park near their house.

We had a wonderful time out west; Thanksgiving with family and fellowship with friends.

2008-07-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Jessi's Anniversary It is hard to believe that one year ago today we first held Jessi in our arms. It seems as if she has been in our family forever. We have lovely memories of that hot, sunny day in Wuhan, China when the Hubei Eight were introduced to their forever families. Jessi cried for about 15 minutes and then fell asleep in our arms (after playing with mom's bracelets for a few minutes and eating a few fruit puffs. She is growing by leaps and bounds and talking a mile a minute, repeating everything she hears...tonight she was complimenting Mom's nightwear - "pretty pajamas!".... We send out a special hug to Jessi's Hubei "sisters" in Arizona, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, North Carolina from all of us in Virginia.

2008-07-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

It's the anniversary of 'Gotcha Day' for the 8 sisters of Hubei.
Here is Jessi playing in the Town Center

2008-07-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

Bird-In-Hand

2008-07-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

We had a 4th of July reunion in Pennsylvania's Amish County. Uncle Frank and Aunt Alice hosted the event at the Cherry Blossom B&B

API Picnic

2008-06-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

Ron took a great shot of the little princess.

Cherry Blossom Parade

2008-04-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Cherry Blossom Parade and the Japanese street festival with Jack, Stephanie, and Kya. It rained on and off but fortunately mostly off! Joey especially had fun eating chicken terriyaki and pad thai, singing karaoke and buying a big "sword"! The Hubei sisters Jessi and Kya are so cute together. We are so happy that they will be able to see lot of each other growing up. See the slideshow:

Easter in Arizona

2008-04-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

We went to Phoenix over the Easter spring break and so much enjoyed basking in the Arizone sunshine after a long winter! We stayed with Karen's brother Chris who lives in a funky artist neighborhood in north Phoenix packed with antique and vintage shops. Nana and Papa came from Colorado and we also got together with Karen's youngest brother Mike, his wife Stephanie and daughters Brook and Katie. We spent a very special day with our dear friends, the Carmonas and their daughters Myah and Jayla. Jayla is another member of the famous "Hubei Eight" -- all adopted from the same orphanage in central China, In fact, Jayla and Jessi were born one day apart. We plan to visit Phoenix a lot more often.
See the slide shows!
Our trip to Tucson with the Carmonas:

Katie's birthday party, the Phoenix zoo, and a little walk up Squaw Peak:

Karen's Birthday

2008-02-24T07:45:00.000-08:00

Was a busy Saturday beginning with Joey's basketball game.
Then sushi for lunch at Todai in Fair Oaks Mall and a little shopping and playing at the indoor playground where Joey and Jessi made lots of new friends.
Then home for Mom's 30th birthday cake.

Year of the Rat

2008-02-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

Today was the Chinese New Year's Celebration and Parade in DC.
We got together with Jack and Stephanie and their daughter Kya.
So two of the Hubei sisters welcomed in the Year of the Rat together.

2008-02-04T08:43:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter's baby sitter's blog

Jessi's First Steps

2007-11-25T12:14:00.000-08:00

We just happened to have the video cam out at Nana and Pappa's house on Thanksgiving day.
Jessi, the little ham, decided to try her first steps.

Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-21T17:24:00.002-07:00

It has been a while since we update the blog but with the continuing nice weather we got out to Roundhill, VA to a farm that puts on nice Pumpkin Patch activities and we thought to take the time to post the pictures.
Jessi is one as of Oct 11 and ggets cuter every day. She is loving all her new experiences and we are loving all the experiences we have with her!

Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

2007-09-25T18:27:00.001-07:00

This is just for fun from a food court in Old Town Alexandria.
We have been getting out and about with the somewhat cooler late summer weather. The linked album has pictures of the local playground, the annual church picnic, a trip to the zoo, and a visit with my Mom in Fredericksburg.
Click BELOW on the Slideshow to see bigger pictures.

2007-08-12T17:50:00.001-07:00

Joey turned seven this week.
He isn't sure whether he wants to be a chef or join the NBA.

He had a great birthday. Cake. Presents. The neighbors stopped by to help eat the cake and Mujji led everyone in "Happy Birthday".
There was dinner at Johnny Rockets and mini-golf. Joey won as he had the high score.

2007-08-05T15:53:00.001-07:00

We went for an overnighter to the city of Brotherly Love. Joey and Nana visited the Liberty Bell while Karen and I waited outside with Jessi and saw this cool t-shirt hanging in a shop window.
More pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/
snissley/TripToPhilly

2007-07-31T18:32:00.001-07:00

So we took a couple of days and went to the beach at Fenwick Island Delaware. Here we are at the motel pool. Jessi loved the water as much as Joey. Check out the other pictures>

2007-07-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

We have been home a week now. Jessi is almost adjusted to the time and schedule changes. Karen & I too.

Joey is very proud of his sister and being a good ghe ghe to his mei mei.

2007-07-19T07:02:00.001-07:00

We leave China in a few hours. Glad to be coming back home. It's been a whirlwind tour and now traveling once more with a babe in arms. One new dad said he'll be glad to be home and rid of the backpack. Someone reminded him that travel will never be quite the same. Even a trip to a friend's will require bringing the diapers, sippy cup, a toy or two... And a weekend trip? Better get a bigger car.

The eight spice-girls of Hubei posed for a picture after much effort searching for a venue. Jessi is on the left. I'll leave the rest of the names blank lest I misspell or mis-identify one or more. Karen's asleep so no help with I.D.s is available! They become citizens tomorrow.

2007-07-18T05:21:00.001-07:00

We ended today with a group meal at a Thai restaurant. Very good!! The waiters and staff did a sort of Village People act and audience participation was required. Karen ducked it by keeping busy feeding Jessi and Steve busied himself shooting photos of the others dancing!!
This followed yet another shopping foray to the Shamian Island tourist Mecca. Karen reckons one more trip should do it. We will not have to worry about unused yuan at the end of our stay...

Everything (paperwork) was approved today by the American consulate and tomorrow is a final ceremony there. Jessi will have official permission to live in the U.S. and become a citizen when she touches U.S. soil in Newark.

This has been a great trip and we have enjoyed the opportunity to see a bit of this fantastic country. The local people have been genuinely warm and welcoming to us. Many in our group have shared anecdotes.

Friday, very early, we leave for the USA via Hong Kong. Not exactly looking forward to a 15-hour journey to Newark (and then a brief flight to Dulles) but we are looking forward to being home and showing Jessi her new home.

See more pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/snissley/ThaiRestaurant

2007-07-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

We started the day at a Starbucks up the street from the hotel. Much like at home we read the paper and had a drink. We found a local grocery and stocked up on formula so Jessi could eat for her last few days in China.

A visit today to the Chen Family Temple and folk art museum. We saw intricately ornamented buildings and art work encompassing sculpture, graphics, embroidery, and carving. See the photo gallery at: http://picasaweb.google.com/snissley/FolkArtMuseum

We ended the evening with a light dinner at a cafe in a western style mall where Karen had pasta and I rice with chicken. A little poem on the menu:
The lotus open
The birds sleep
The baby is crying
The love is smiling
The coffee is done

2007-07-16T08:10:00.001-07:00

Busy day here. Karen filled out papers for 2 hrs for the consulate and then we took the babies for their physical. They all passed I think though Jessi (and most of the babies) have learned early that visits to the doctor's office are not fun (usually). Fortunately no needles were involved. Jessi weighs 8.4 kilos which puts her in the 50 percentile for her age. She measured 28..5 inches which puts her between the 75 and 95th percentile in length - in other words, she is average in weight and above average in length.

The evening was spent cruising the pearl River on a dinner cruise. It was lovely - a virtual light and sound show of Guangzhou. The buffet was supposed to be part Chinese and part Western cuisine but the only items were saw that were remotely Western were cookies...well, I suppose some Americans eat cookies for dinner so that works.

See the pictures on picasa

2007-07-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

Guangzhou is an awesome city. Huge skyscrapers. We are on the 33rd floor, the panorama restaurant is on the 47th. Today we went on a shopping tour to Shamian Island, where all the souvenirs can be had for low low prices. We will take a second mortgage on our house.

Dinner was at a Japanese restaurant in the hotel.
We were at first the only customers and the waitresses took Jessi over. They brought a vegetable porridge, and fed her themselves. We, they and Jessi had a great time playing and eating.

See pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/snissley

2007-07-13T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today we finished up paperwork with the Chinese.
Jessica Xiao Mei now has a Chinese passport.
Tomorrow we leave for Guangzhou to begin processing with the American Consulate.
We also, today, went to a museum featuring volcanic rock, fossils, and gemstone specific to the Hubei province. Especially cool were the gardens and bonsai in the museum courtyard.

A lunch followed with special dishes from the province. The whole chicken got no votes. The fish, which looked like an Outback boomin onion was favored.
Check http://picasaweb.google.com/snissley for current photos.

2007-07-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

Today was a little different.
Karen made the 3 hour trek with some of the other new parents to the orphanage. I spent the day in Wuhan with Jessi as the trip was too long for the babies.

We had known from her bio, as translated by our friend Suzan Hwang, that Xio Mei was found abandoned in front of a building with a red door. The place is a tile factory very near the orphanage. Karen saw the orphanage play room and sleeping areas, spoke with the assistant director, and toured the grounds. All the babies at this location are put into foster care, the facility houses primarily elderly people. Children on a short term basis.
The parents saw the 'Finding' places of the other babies in our group and toured the town.

Jessie and I had a dad/daughter day which involved a lot of walking, she in her stroller, taking in the local sites and chatting with the ladies of Wuhan. Older women good heartedly give advice as to the current condition of the baby. She is too cold, warm, may be hungry, comfortable, pretty, happy..... Of course this is all in Chinese so Jessi may understand. I just smile and say 'Nee Hou' & 'Shii Shii' (Hello thank you) and go on my way.
Click on http://picasaweb.google.com/snissley to see picture albums!!

2007-07-11T02:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a sight-seeing day in Hubei province. We toured the local museum (Hubei Provincial Museum) and enjoyed a concert of Chinese music played on bells unearthed from the Tomb of Marquise Yi. The afternoon was spent relaxing near our hotel. We bought Jessi her first stroller - bright green - and enjoyed browsing in another supermarket - lots of unusual and usual sights. Jessi gets cuter every day and we have managed to get her to giggle a lot.

2007-07-10T02:39:00.001-07:00

Jessi woke up bright eyed and Mom dressed her very prettily for breakfast in the hotel. All the other parents and new babies seemed to have got through the night nicely though some of the children took longer than others to transition to their new folks.
Big day planned for today, another bus ride back to the Chinese Adoption office to sign papers making this deal permanent. Pictures, signatures, fingerprints and we officially add another member to the family.

2007-07-09T00:12:00.001-07:00

Jessi comes home for good! So many emotions were experienced by the three of us today but after just a very brief crying spell - tears of joy for Steve and I and panic on the part of Jessi (who ARE these strange looking people?!?) - it is all good. Jessi is sleeping soundly in her crib and Steve and I are taking turns staring at her....She has the sweetest disposition (so far) and plays herself to sleep. She is as curious as Joey was (and is)....looking around at the slightest sound. Jessi loves all things shiny and her first taste of banana puffs was enjoyed. We are overcome with joy, this little human seems to trust that we will take good care of her.
And after all these very very long months, we can say she was so worth it.

2007-07-08T17:18:00.001-07:00

Last day in Beijing and a visit to the infamous square.
Off last night to the city of Wuhan where, in about an HOUR, we pick up the newest Nissley!!!

Day 2- Climbing the Great Wall

2007-07-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

We made it up the Wall! Well the section open to walking anyway. Not the whole way to Tibet. The journey down was actually more daunting that the climb up as more than one section was almost slippery after years of millions of people walking over it wore the "tread" away. The amazing thing is that vendors selling everything from "I climbed the Great Wall" t-shirts to bottled water and pashmina shawls (the latter not something we wanted to buy given the 90 degree heat after a climb!!) The view was breath-taking and well worth the sweat.

In the morning, we toured the Summer Palace, an immense park of temples, gardens, lakes and a never-ending corridor that provided an escape from the blistering Beijing heat for the emperors. I (Karen) liked the idea of the Empress having her own courtyard. I think I will set up my own husband- and kid-free zone a home!! (just kidding)

We also had two enormous meals, one featuring Peking Duck. Good thing we had the Wall trek to burn off the calories!

Today we visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City and tonight we fly to Hubei (Jessi's province). At this writing, we are a little more than 24 hours away from meeting her!!! We are supposed to pick up our babies at 10 am sharp!!

2007-07-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

We are finally in China!
After a relatively comfortable 13-hour flight (we were very lucky to land emergency exit seats), we landed in Beijing yesterday afternoon. Today is a free day (before the two days of group tours and a Sunday night flight to Hubei - Jessi's province!!) so we went to the Temple of Heaven. Besides the lovely Ming architecture, we enjoyed the tranquility of the vast park. There apeared to be more Chinese tourists than Westerners though we did spy a couple kids in Crocs - dead giveaway that they were Americans!! Weather has been relative hot and humid but not unbearable. A delicious green tea ice cream cooled us off. Tomorrow we are supposed to visit the Summer Palace, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Pictures of us

2007-06-27T16:33:00.001-07:00

Click on any of the embedded albums to see pictures full size.

2007-06-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Our First Look

2007-05-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Here is one of our first pictures of 6 month old Xiao Mei.
She will be named Jessica.

We look forward to traveling to the Hubei Province in central China in June or July to bring her home to us.