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2009-07-08T08:25:00.003-05:00

I love the smell of cedar. Especially in the morning. It’s sweet earthy smell permeates my nose and I’m transported for a moment into those places I used to inhabit: the northwoods, the Adirondacks, the northern climates where summer lasts about a month if you are lucky. Places where the air is fresh and smells like rain, the clouds dance in the sky and you can watch them for hours as they change shape and become boats and horses and cars racing across the sky. Home.

In China they say that you can’t leave home for a month at least after a baby is born. I unfortunately didn’t have that luxury (at least, some call it a luxury). Two days after birth I was in a taxi weaving through the hot crowded streets of Beijing finding my way to an international clinic to receive a RH shot that is illegal to give in Chinese hospitals. (I had to go to an international clinic because I gave birth in a 100% Chinese hospital). When Josie was three days old we went with her to the American Consulate to apply for her passport and social security number. At four days old we drove to Tianjin and geared up the next 3 weeks of packing. At five days we went to church and climbed the unending steps to the worship hall with baby in arms. Granted, I was totally exhausted after that. Within the first week of life Josie had more visitors and met more people who loved her than most newborns I know. And when we arrived back in Tianjin, our lives only got busier as we prepared to pack up and say goodbye to our lives of the last 8 years. Although Dave did the majority of the packing and I was mostly inside with Josie, we still made it outside a fair amount and I never heard the end of grandmothers and pretty much everyone telling me I was out of place for brining her outside before she was a month old.

Yesterday Josie celebrated being one month old. And we took her to town- Potsdam, NY, that is. But before reaching that milestone she traveled across the world with her whole life in tow. And now we’re home, in Colton NY. Last week we spent time at Cranberry lake with our entire family. Josanna met her cousin Sophia, the one who is 8 hours and 35 minutes older than she is. Even though it is July, its cold and rainy much of the time and we enjoyed celebrating the 4th of July cozied up to a fire, talking, nursing, eating. It was good to be with family, together in one place.

And at one month, we have landed in a place for a time... a short time now, but a longer time later. (We will be traveling for a month for weddings and family visits next week). And I’m really loving the slower pace of life here and now. Even though I’m up much of the night with feeding Josie, it doesn’t matter that much because her father and uncles, and grandparents can give me a break in the morning. (Dave, David and my mom are currently helping out and giving me a breather). This morning I went for a little walk and was reminded just how much I love being in outdoor beautiful places. The birds are singing like crazy, the sun is reflecting off all the trees, there are clouds in the sky, and walking up the drive this morning I picked a little bit off the cedar tree, rubbed it between my fingers and took a deep breath. Yes, I’m home.

birth

2009-06-14T21:03:00.009-05:00

Now that we're back in Tianjin snug as a bug in a rug with 95 degree temps outside and Josie appears to be quite content after a 1.5 hour feeding, I hope I have a minute to tell the birth story.

After finishing up school and giving final exams a week early, Dave and I went up to Beijing on Sunday May 31st, both to meet my mom and settle in to wait for the birth. I was born 2 weeks early, so natually, the fact I was having a first born girl, I was very intent on also having an early baby. I had been having the occassional Braxton Hicks contrations throughtout the week, and was sure Josie was coming soon. We got to our friend Tamera's house, 5 minutes from the hospital, picked up my mother, and began to wait with anticipation.

We went to the hospital the next day for a check up, and everything was alright besides a concern about high blood pressure and a protein in my urine samples. But, fetal monitering was fine, Josie was moving a lot (as she normally is) and everything else checked out ok. Thinking that we might be in the next day to deliver, I was naturally excited. Contractions that night increased to a regular 10 minutes apart, and my sciatic nerve in my right leg caused excruciating pain whenever a contraction would end. We walked to and from the hospital as much as possible, and waited. Friends joined us for dinner and

Tuesday came along and we went to a modern art district in Beijing, me feeling tired, but hopeful, enjoyint my new camera and the walking. My mom and I also got pedicures in hopes that a little foot massage would stimulate things. But.... no cigar.

Wednesday I was feeling pretty emotional and tired, we spent time at the apartment watching movies, reading, sleeping. We went for a walk in the park that evening and my sciatic nerve was so bad I could barely walk. Dave went for a run and my mom and I hobbled through the park, and finally I just had to sit and wait for Dave. My mom was sure that I would deliver the next day (my due date) and I hoped that my emotional state was a sure indicator.

But no. Thursday came and went with another doctor appointment, news that I was dialated 1 cm, and an ultrasound showing my amniotic fluid to be low again. I left with instructions to drink, and my own goal to walk as much as possible to try and get these contractions and cervix on their way. Because we have plane tickets out on June 30th, and we have to get a passport for Josie processed at the US Embassy, and then get a visa from the Chinese government before we are allowed to leave the country, we were feeling the time crunch. We decided to schedule an induction for Saturday, and left.

Friday we went to the summer palace, a beautiful park in north Beijing and walked for hours in the heat. It was pretty, but contractions picked up (a good sign) but that also meant I had to stop and lean on Dave or any other stone structure I could find. Both of us weren't feeling very settled about the induction as we walked and decided to call the hospital and cancel it. I felt like what would happen would happen and we would figure out the details. However, all the while we were waiting in Beijing, so many of our friends were leaving Tianjin and we didn't have much of a chance to say goodbye. It was pretty discouraging to sit and wait in Tianjin, and miss the graduation of our students and saying goodbye to so many friends we are leaving permanently with our move back (people were leaving for the summer or for good-- the sad part about living in a transient ex-pat community). No denying it, I was sad and frustrated, and in pain.

Patrick and Kim were planning on throwing us an open house for people to say goodbye, and we kept postponing it. Our final attempt was to plan it for the Tuesday the 9th, the day before they left. With our indefinite birth, even that became impossible.

Saturday we walked around Hohai lake and the Hutongs, seeing more sites in BJ that I have in a long time. Went to a nice Vietnamese restaurant too and called it a night, me being more and more exhausted each day.

Sunday went to Church, saw our friends the Martindales and an old student of mine, had a great worship service and went for pizza... We had another doctor's appointment that day so we went directly from lunch to the appointment. Patrick and Kim told me that they would come up to Beijing on Tuesday and just say goodbye to us, whether or not Josie had arrived or not, and stay with Tamera before they left for their morning flight to the States.

The doctor did another ultrasound and found my amniotic fluid to be alarmingly low. Without any hesitation, she told me the baby needed to come out either by c-section that night or in the morning, or I could try and drink as much as possible that night and re-evaluate in the morning. I was overwhelmed, weepy and scared, and exhausted. I checked into the hospital and got to the business of trying the drink the 5 gallon water bottle in my room. My friend Erin came by to pray with us and see how we were doing, and later my mom and Dave retured to gather our stuff. Tamera stopped by as well.

I continued to have contractions through the night, but not as frequently. I also drank more than I've ever consumed in a night, and peed the entire night too. Maybe I drank a similiar amount before running a marathon 5 years ago... as a matter of face, this entire process was feeling like a very long-drawn out marathon!!

We did another ultrasound at 8 am, and the fluid had increased enough to attempt a natural birth (well, "natural" in the sense that I wouldn't have a c-section). My cervix hadn't changed at all, so I was put on pictocin at 10:30 that morning. At first contractions weren't that painful, but increased to 4 minutes apart. The hospital policy prohibited more than one visitor being with me in the labor and delivery room, so Dave and my mom took shifts. We watched a movie and some episodes of Heros, talked and ATE. In this hospital it's totally fine to eat during labor so food was delivered to me for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I ate pizza, rizotto, salad, soup and apple pie:) Though, as the intensity of the contractions picked up, my desire for food dramatically decreased. By late afternoon I was in considerable pain, and finally was taken off the pictocin by 5 pm, totally exhaused and discouraged-- my cervix had dialated from 1 cm to 1.5 cm after a full day of induced labor with no pain killer. I continued to have my own contractions after being taken off the drugs and the doctor told me I needed to sleep and try again in the morning. I was exhausted of being induced, and the thought of going through it all again in the morning was a little overwhelming.

Right before bed we called my dad to give him and update. He told us that my sister-in-law Lisa's water had broken and she and Jordan were on the way to the hospital. It was her due date, afterall... and that morning she got up and was telling my brother a funny story and acting it out when pop-- there went her water. I talked to Jordan shortly afterwards and told him we were in labor at the same time, though I had already gone through 9 hours of hard labor. His response: "it's a race." Ugh.

Tuesday morning came and Dave and I walked the halls of the hospital for a couple hours, encouraged that my own contractions were now coming at 90 second intervals, and waited for the Smiths to arrive. We called my brother in the meantime and we were on the phone only momentarily because there was a lot of shouting and moaning in the background (Lisa). Minutes later we found out that Sophia Star had been born-- on her due date, after 12 hours. I was determined that I couldn't wait much longer. It gave me the encouragment to endure the induction yet another day.

Smiths came at 11 am, just as the doctor came in to tell me it was time to start being induced again. I spent a couple of mintues with them, bouncing Moyer on my labor ball with me between contractions, kissing Keturah and very anxious to deliver Josie.

I left the recovery room telling Patrick I would be back soon with the baby. They agreed to wait. Kim was willing to wait for as long as it took, or at least come back at the wee hours of the morning if that was necessary to see Josie before heading to the airport.

I went and put the IV in again, and my contractions picked up exponentially right away. Within 20 minutes my water broke and I began to feel pain like I've never felt before. Dave suggested that I try and make a goal for myself to wait until the cervix opened more before getting an epidural. I was not in the mood for any goals or any games.. Between screams I let him know that now was the time for an epidural and so, within the next set of contractions-- me curled up in a ball with instructions not to move and reciting the first line of the 23rd psalm over and over in my head, the epidural was inserted.

Oh sweet relief as warmth spread over my body and I began to relax. Within minutes I was in a dazy dream... watching the doctors around me move, talking to Dave, and wouldn't you know, having pasta primavera, salad and soup!! It was around noon, and I got very sleepy. I decided to try and nap for a while. Around 2 o'clock the doctor came and and checked me. She asked if I could guess how dialated I was... I guessed 3 cm... then she told me it was more like 7 or 8! The baby would be born within hours!! Relief puts it mildly! We called my mom and Kim and began to prepare (which meant, I went back to sleep).

Now, we prepared for the birth by reading all of the natural delivery books we had, so what I was experiencing was nothing like I anticipated. It was helpful though to know my number one priority was healthy baby and healthy mom, and not be disappointed if things didn't go as planned. Although I wanted to be drug free, I was very encouraged that I would be delivering naturally, and very happy I wasn't screaming, but still unsure of what I should be feeling coming up to the birth. I could feel very hard contractions while I was in transition, but what I felt was extreme pressure, even though my contractions were off the charts for 4 minutes at a time. The doctors had left me alone and told me to ring them when I felt like I needed to "da bian" (poop). My mom was with me when I felt the first urges, so we called in the doctors and boy, doctors came in! 6 in all- doctors, nurses, a midwife and on top of that, a translator.

It was 3:45 at this point, and the 4 pm estimated arrival time seemed to be on schedule. We called Dave up from his facebook updating and hanging out in the recovery room and as he entered the delivery room, the doctors told me to start pushing. Actually, the doctors all stood around me laughing and telling me to poop. And to do it again. But when I actually felt the need to push, it seemed like all the doctors were busy laughing and talking to each other so I would yell out "pushing!!!" and they would turn to me and all cheer me on-- some mimicing what face I should have or how long this should go on. All in Chinese of course- and Dave trying to translate to me what they were saying as our translator basically stood in the background and watched the party happen.

She was out in 15 minutes, born at 4:05 pm June 9th, plopped right on my chest while the placenta came out 2 mintues later. Oh sweet relief... My mom was allowed in (though she was peaking at the door anyway) and the army of medical staff saw to Josie's needs right away. We stayed in the delivery room to recover for another 1.5 hours and then got wheeled down to the recovery room.

Patrick, Kim, Moyer and Keturah were all there to greet us! I kept to my word this time, I told them I would be back with the baby, and I was.

Sophia Star Evans and Josanna Mei Coons were born 9 hours apart, June 8th and 9th, across the world from one another. Definitely an eventful day!

Josanna Bananna

2009-06-11T18:51:00.003-05:00

To see more pics of little Josie Mei, click here and here.

she's here!

2009-06-11T04:53:00.002-05:00

Josie Mei Coons

June 9th, 2009, 4:05 pm

7 lbs 4oz, 19 inches

48 hours labor worth it!

lots of images on our facebook albums!! Check them out!

It's been impossible to get onto blogger, hense the lack of communication. Hopefully soon we'll give the full story!

Last Days 1

2009-05-28T22:05:00.003-05:00

Things I will miss (or not) in China.
Well, I find myself taking a taxi to school now every day, one-- I'm going to school every day because I'm getting tired of making up things to do in my house that I'm going to pack up in 2 weeks... there's only so much re-arranging dressers to fit a bassinet in the bedroom... Second, I take a cab because I'm at the point now that I could have to stop walking at any second and I'm not up to crossing Chinese major intersections to get a bus while pregnant. I used to be hard core and ride my bike or walk to school as much as possible.. and then less hard core when I started taking the bus. Now I'm not hard core at all... definitely not. But women who are expecting to give birth in 6 days don't have to be hard core.

So anyway, here are a couple of shots of my journey to school and in school, trying to capture the things I will miss. I will miss funny guys on the back of trucks and all other kinds of interesting transportation options in China. Biking in China... I already do miss this! That's my friend Joe who just happened to ride by while I was snapping shots from the cab. Hi Joe. We came to China together and ran a marathon together, and his wife Susie had 2 kids in China and has been an awesome resource for me during this pregnancy, thanks Joe and Susie!! I'll miss them but they live near Ottawa so I do hope we can see them in years to come.

Traffic and construction... definitely NOT going to miss that!

Riding to school in a taxi with Chinese pop music playing along and the driver singing to it... very amusing... just hope he doesn't get in an accident!

High school chapels and crazy kids... gotta love em! I will really really really miss them!!

Working together with my husband... definitely been a blessing! I'm surethat we will continue to work together, obviously being parents is the ultimate partnership, but it's been really cool to share a job and be a department at our school the last 3 years.

Trying to weave through the cafeteria during lunch hour.... hmmm... not sure if I'll miss this or not.

The Gandys.... will definitely miss the Gandys!

And of course, my Thursday lunchtime prayer group:) I will miss them immensely-- what a privilage to spend every Thursday with these awesome girls and pray together!!

Being a pregnant teacher... it's had it's ups and downs. Now that I can hardly fit behing my desk or into any clothes.. I am looking forward to having more waredrobe options for sure. But it's been a great place to be pregnant for an entire school year!! I couldn't have asked for a more supportive environment or community!! I will definitely miss that!

More to come.

Still Waiting....

2009-05-26T10:20:00.003-05:00

I am only at 38 weeks and 5 days, and will be 6 days in the next 40 minutes.... but it's 11 21 pm and I can't sleep. Josie is moving around like a ..... a..... I'm not sure what... a baby? One that's eager to stretch her arms and legs out, waaaayy out and not be confined to the womb much longer. I'm having simliar sentiments at the moment. Baby status... all is good, the doctor thinks she's coming within these 2 weeks (I hope so!! It is my due date and we want to see her!) And besides this pesky umbilical cord that is wrapped 1.5 times around her neck (which the doctor isn't too concerned about) things all seem to be aok. When they put me on a moniter to see her movements and heartbeat however, both nurses and doctor were surprised at just how active she was. "Zenma lihigh!" they say "so active" is the loose translation... Yeah, I know. Definitely can feel it and can feel it still. While watching the ultrasound it was fun to feel her move so dramatically and see it on the screen. When we were focused on her head she blinked her eyes, opened her mouth a couple times and then put her hand right over her face like she was hiding from the camera. It was cute.

Dave taught his final class today, and has finals left to give either this Thursday and Friday or if we need to go up to the hospital, next Thursday and Friday so really, we are ready to go. It would be nice to have my mother be here for the birth, and she will be arriving this Sunday night. Of course there are other things I'd like to do, farewell dinners and art shows all happening before Sunday, but at the same time, I'd like to be able to walk like a normal person again. At the moment, I hobble. Not that bad all the time, but there are moments when I feel like a knife has been driven into my right butt cheek and pain radiates down from that. It guess it's what they call the siatic nerve. Ouch!

So, after waking up at 6 with Dave, and then taking a nap from 7:30-9:30 this morning and going to school and taking another nap from 3:30-5:30 I guess I serve myself right for being wide awake in the middle of the night! Oh well.

So, it's been a good week though... overall. Dave did an awesome job celebrating mybirthday last Friday by inviting lots of special people in my life for a dinner at this really neat newsly restored Italian part of town at a real Italian restaurant. Fun because we could all eat outside on a summer evening. Of course I was spoiled throughout the day too, and thankful that we only had a half day of school which made it even better. Dave even learned to make my favorite cake- Angel Food- and made it himself with the help of my excellent gormet cook friends next door (and surprised me with it!) Lovely husband!

We've also had some down time this week, a blessed relief. And of course the weekly trip to BJ by train. Here's a picture of what a trek to BJ looks like. I should someday (like this Sunday) show the whole thing. This past Sunday we brought up all our stuff and left it at my friend Tamara's apartment who so conveniently lives a couple of minutes from the hospital. What an awesome provision that is!! So, if we must go up before next Sunday, we merely have to hop in a cab and go... and not worry about packing anything.

This is such a time of transition, and really kind of strange... hard to believe that this are really my last couple of days at TIS, last couple of meetings with students, last times of walking the halls as a teacher. A lot has happened in my life there, more than I can even say. So many times of wonderful things and heartache, so many lessons that I've learned. I must say that I'm glad to pass along the things that I've built up and started to people I know can take them the next step and go beyond what I've done or ever dreamed of. I'm thankful that I've been a part of such a community and place that has a heart of following Christ in teaching others and loving students and seeking to grow. It's been a blessing. Of course, we aren't leaving for another month, but I really only have 3 more days of school time before we say goodbye and wait for this daughter of ours to arrive.

I can't imagine it being long now... she's lodged down quite low, I have Braxton Hicks contractions often (especially when I walk stairs which there are plenty of here!) I walked up 12 flights of stairs on Saturday to visit some friends in the hospital... I certainly felt that!! And living on the 5th floor mean stairs every time I go home... Honestly, I don't think that any normal pregnant woman in the US could possibly walk this many stairs unless they just did the step machine every day. The sheer amount of steps for everything was a big shock when I got to China, and though I thought I was used to it, my calves of steel have wained and each and every step is felt nowadays (probably because it's like walking up steps carrying a 25 lb. pack strapped to your front!) I did run a marathon once while living on the 6th floor... I ended up having to belay myself down on the railing for a week after running because my quads couldn't handle the strain of walking down or up those concrete steps! Now I just haul myself up on the railing or on Dave's arm when he's there. I'm a little nervous though because this nerve in my leg renders me unable to put any weight on it, and concrete steps along with unexpected numb legs can't be the best combination.

Oh, I must also announce that Beth Hubbard had Emily Kate this past Sunday May 24th and Julene Barder right after her early Monday morning with Naomi Rose... So, now that my friends who were due just before me have had their little sweet girls, I would love to join in!! :) Mom, I'll try and wait for you but this last week definitely feels the longest ever!!!

So, now I'm at 38 weeks and 6 days, Dave is fast asleep (and so should I be but my little squirmer is not about to stop doing what feels like somersaults!) I can try though! Goodnight everyone.

38 weeks.....

2009-05-20T21:56:00.005-05:00

I think I might have shocked Josie last night- we went to Star Trek at the movie theator and the full sound effects were probably a shock to her system.... She was going nuts. And putting my hands over where I figured her ears were didn't seem to help much. Maybe she just liked it... maybe she'll become a Trekky... not sure. The movie was good though and it was fun to actually go to the theator in China and watch and English film! Just trying to get in as many dates as possible in these last few weeks!

Went to the doctor on Monday, all looks pretty good. She's head down but face up when means both knees and legs are free to move up and down the front of my stomach-- and boy do I feel it when she gets her little heel jammed into a stomach muscle. I'm just starting to get a couple stretch marks on my stomach and still very much have an inny belly button. It's such an inny I can't imagine it changing at all. She's a little squirmer though and has managed to get the umbilical cord wrapped one and a half time around her neck. I'm hoping she'll turn face down in the direction she came from and unwind herself. But, the doctors don't seem too concerned about the cord as it's quite loose still. We'll go in again this Sunday to check things out.

In the meantime, life goes on. I'm about to go to school and join Dave with the kindergarten class who is doing a simulation on what life is like in a Chinese countryside school. I'm sure they are loving it. The plan is to form a relationship with a mountain school Dave got to know well on his China treks and continue it through the years.

Besides that.... the waiting game is full on. I'm packed, ready to go, in fact, most of this stuff is in a bag by the door.... In other news, Dave celebrated his 29th b-day last Thursday and today is the last day we are the same age cause 30 comes tomorrow!!! I wonder how many May birthdays will be in this family?????

And, I just had to post this picture because it's just so cute. Little "miny Kim" is becoming so fun and animated!!! Check out Keturah!

A Father's Blessing

2009-05-15T10:11:00.002-05:00

Blessing for Josanna

May the Lord increase in all you are,
His grace be where you start,
May your beauty be of His design,
Wonderfully knit at every part.
That your parents' love remain always pure,
And you forever beloved,
With many a brother and sister too,
Whom the Lord is Father of.
That His Truth would be radiant sun,
Lighting your journeys far and wide,
Traversing oceans and many nations,
Forever in His love you'll abide.
That His faithfulness outlast the darkest night,
A rock that cannot be moved,
Let the furnace of trial warm your love,
And from your soul all fear remove.
May Jehovah be your God, O Josie Mei,
The Lord of Heaven and Earth,
Your mommy and daddy eagerly await,
The wondrous day of your birth.

Written by Dave while he was gone to be read at the shower given to me for Josie on Mothers' Day:)

too funny!

2009-05-14T00:03:00.002-05:00

Here's a picture collage my friend Marilyn made from my baby shower. There seemed to be as many little girls there are moms! Seems like the majority of my friends have had little girls lately! So, they wanted to see how well I do holding babies, and my own, all together. Needless to say, it was a little hectic.

From left to right there is Kayla Shedd, Tanielle Kidd, Keturah Smith, Josie Coons with her mom, Madelyn Hoffman, Ella Shedd and Sophie Sonnichsen.

So fun!

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T17:35:00.004-05:00

Happy Mother's Day everyone!!!

It's actually 6:36 the following Monday here, and I'm up (have been since 5 with the light) and will probably get a lot done this morning and take a nap before teaching for Dave this afternoon. He's on a flight home as I type and I'm so excited to see him tonight! Yay!! I made it so far with the help of lots of friends and lots of back up plans should I go into labor by some surprise. I've got about 12 hours left to go before Dave comes home so I think I should make it:)

I have been well taken care of and loved this weekend! Jenn stayed with me Wednesday and Thursday night, Kimmie Hubbard came in to stay for the weekend and DB finished up by staying with me last night.

Yesterday I was awakened by a familiar "tap tap tap.... tap tap tap" on the door. The last time I heard that familiar sequence of taps was our anniversary when I was in the tub taking a leisurely bath and Dave was at school and the phone rang. I got up to answer the phone, and it was Dave on the phone who then told me to answer the door... so , in a bathrobe I met a lady at the door with a huge boquet of flowers! This time I got out of bed, pulled on some pants and answered the door completely bed-headed.... And again, a huge boquet of flowers awaited me, this time for Mother's Day! Somehow Dave manages to surprise me in delightful ways even when he's across the Pacific Ocean taking in deep breaths of fresh air and relaxing with friends in breathtaking places:)

Mother's Day 2 years ago we celebrated our China wedding. Mother's Day this year I'm 3 weeks from my due date! And the same wonderful people who helped me plan my wedding here threw a baby shower for me! (I have AMAZING friends!!!!) I was so blessed! Since my camera is with Dave, I have limited pictures of the shower.

Jenn has been working on a baby quilt for Josie since I told her I was pregnant and having a girl! Isn't it beautiful? (There will still be a small yellow binding on the edge) I love it!!!! And the little Chinese doll matches it perfectly.

You can see that there are little Chinese girls in the fabric, perfect for our little "made in China" daughter!

More pictures to come when I get them.... but needless to say, I was so so so blessed by my "family" in China this day! I'm going to miss them so much!

Now it's just a matter of days or weeks before some really big changes happen in our lives. We can't wait!

36 weeks!

2009-05-06T19:47:00.004-05:00

36 weeks along and I'm feeling very big. Very very big. Luckily my clothes seem to fit just fine for the most part, and I'm making good use of my awesome tailored shorts (see week 34) because they ARE super comfortable.

(Ok, here's a shot from my computer, as I was in school today subbing)

Today is my last official day of substitute teaching except for what I'm doing for Dave monday afternoon for one philosophy class on post-modernism. Today is middle school English and Social Studies. Yay!

And yes, Dave is in Vancouver! I hope he's arrived safely because I haven't heard from him yet, but he was supposed to get off the plane, have a tour around Regent College and hand in his application, then join his friends for the wedding weekend ahead. This is definitely a record-- 3 weddings in 2 weekends!! I'm glad I'm done with the ones here, but also glad Dave can enjoy time with good friends, enjoy fresh air, the Pacific Northwest, moutains, ocean and (ahhhh... I'm making myself jealous!). Anyway, I do hope he's having and splendid time.

We both gave Josie strict instructions to remain in utero until Dave's return. I'm testing out her listening and obeying skills this week. Of course, if she is an obstinate one, I do have a backup plan of drivers to the BJ hospital, friends to go with me and places to stay. But I do hope Josie decided to listen and obey:) Anytime after Dave's return though, I'm all game for labor and delivery!! In a week she's full term and if the amount of movement causing my belly to contort into strange shapes that I never thought possible is any indication, she's ready to say hello to the world any time. And we'd love to see her too!!! I've decided May 24th would be a perfect date-- Dave's b-day is May 14th and mine the 22nd so why not just keep all the big events of our lives in the same couple of months? :) We'll see. I'm not really in charge of this part of her life.

Ok, time to be a teacher!!!

wedding #2

2009-05-03T21:07:00.007-05:00

After setting up and going to a wedding on Fridayy, a rehersal for another wedding on Saturday, I was a little tired when Sunday rolled around and a promised day of surprise and hard work lay before us. As the marital counselors, decorators, bridal party and good friends of Adam and Sally, we had a lot invested in this big day. So, we began it, (my hoping I could make it though knowing my exhaustion meter would soon run out)

I wondered what it would be like to set up a wedding in a public park.. Well, it's an interesting process. First, find a plot of land and rent it for the day. And show up at 9 amand then begin to try and set up in the middle of tai chi practice. So, we just had to start setting up in the middle of things. Of course people wanted to help where they could (the man in the suit is just an onlooker)and watch where they could... when a crowd gathers... well, it gathers and gathers and gets bigger and bigger with no end.
And brides and grooms from all over flocked to see what was happening (and use our wedding decor for their photos). This is not the bride and groom, nor are they getting married this day. In China all the couples get their wedding pictures done months before (or after) their actual wedding day.

This is the real groom, and I think Dave is trying to reassure him that everything will be ok. He looks a little worried about the state of things (and honestly, so was I... How in the world were we going to keep people out of the wedding ceremony when there were hundreds of onlookers just at our set up? Some of them asked what time the wedding was and then promised they would come back for it! What can you do?)

So, we just proceeded, and got dressed for the event after a big morning of setting up. You can see behind us, behind the purple fabric we wrapped around the trees people beginning to gather)And it begins!!

And crowds they did gather, pressing in despite our best efforts of marking off the wedding spot.

Cute (very cute) flower girls. (Everyone standing behind the arch is just an onlooker-- this is what surrounded the entire wedding!!! The bride and groom were told that they were responsible if anyone got hurt in the outside crowds because of the attention they drew by having a wedding-- interesting logic) And down the isle Sally came-- a radiant bride!
Aren't they cute?
And these ones too?
And this particuar one? (I mean, the one moving up a storm on the inside! (Josie was excited to be a part of the ceremony and let me know !)
Will I ever have a waistline again?

Ahhhhh..... she made it though the ceremony-- still smiling!

And so did we. Our job wasn't finished until we snuck over and set up the bridal suite with candles and flowers and lovely things for a newlywed couple. So, it was a full full day. I woke up this morning hardly able to walk my feet were so sore. I will need an entire day to recover (or more) from this but we are certainly glad that everything went better than we expected-- it was a beautiful wedding and most importantly-- THEY ARE MARRIED!!! Yay!

run run run as fast as you can!

2009-04-26T00:15:00.005-05:00

Despite hurricane winds and mountains, 10 runners from TIS braved the Chang Ping 10k and did great! Good job guys! And I, the photographer and cheerleader and clothes carrier enjoyed the sun and wind and beautiful vistas of the northern borders of Beijing and was inspired to become a runner again.... someday....

I was inspired by everyone on the course actually... especially the ones running a 100k!!! (that's 10x as much as our group ran!) I don't think I'll actually EVER run and 100k, but never say never eh? And... out of 2,700 registered runners in the 10k, Dave got 6th! I knew he'd be fast... but that fast? Despite hills and winds, and a week of exhaustion and not a good night of sleep the previous night, 6th place. Glad I could be there to cheer. look at those skies, mountains, water.... so amazing!the proof....And go to a doctor appointment afterwards, (all is going well!)

Then a yummy lunch!!

And a train trip home

And a marital counseling session (we're doing the counseling for our friends getting married in a week)

And talking to my brother for an hour

And finally, bed.
No wonder I'm exhausted today! But it's a beautiful day and we're going for a picnic... Oh, I love spring!

34 weeks today

2009-04-22T19:51:00.003-05:00

Bridal Shower flowers-- gerber daiseys are the theme for this wedding. My pregnancy ticker says I am 34 weeks and 0 days today with 42 days left until my delivery. 42 sounds like a lot of days, especially when I wake up with back spasms and some body part exerting anormous amounts of pressure on my ribs- both sides depending on the minute. She sure is a mover and a shaker! Still! I'm never very good at imagining what position she's in. I have something resembling a knee sticking out my side at the moment and I think she's head down with her back taking up my left side, but I can't be too sure. I was certain she had moved from transverse to head up to head down finally at the last check up and I was correct, but I think she's continued to roll a bit more since then. Right now it feels like a bit of a diagonal/head down position. As I still get nervous about delivering in a second language, I do continue to pray that she will be head down facing the right position when it comes time. There's very little hesitation to do c-sections here and that is not my first choice.

I am thrilled not to be substitute teaching today. I do enjoy it though, and I'm especially enjoying watching the savings add up for a new camera we're hoping to get soon. I taught art yesterday which I love doing. I love being back in my old art room, I love interacting with the students and getting to play with the art supplies... But yesterday's project involved making big sculptures and me crawling around on my hands and knees on a tile floor helping kids cut material--- and boy, I was in a lot of pain last night. So, today, I'm home trying to relax those muscles, getting ready for the second of the bridal showers planned for this week- this one at my house at 4 pm. It's a cold and rainy stay-at-home day. And I can stay at home. Yay.

And these are for comic relief.

What am I wearing? Hmm... good question! I've had marvelous success with maternity clothes and tailors lately. I've had 2 skirts and a dress made which have been so comfy and nice and flattering. So, I tried my luck at shorts.

Not the same result. I think something got lost in translation.

I'm wearing them because they make me laugh.

And I had 3 pairs made!! The elastic and stretchy material that work on my other clothes weren't quite placed in the right place on these. I can pull them way up and pull my shirt way down and they might stay that way for 15 seconds. In the meantime, I will just enjoy having something that doesn't cut off any circulation!

But there's no complaint about comfort, that's for sure. I can wear them as long as I don't leave the house and no one comes over. (Of course, that's why I post these pictures on a blog-- but seriously, please laugh with me!)

Married for 2 whole years!

2009-04-21T18:30:00.005-05:00

I was soaking in a bathtub Dave had draw for me in the morning when I heard a knock at the door. Thinking it was someone wanting to collect a bill, or maybe just someone knocking on the neighbor's door, I thought I'd stay decent and in the tub-- Then the phone rang. Getting out of a tub (a tiny, but deep, tub) is always a task for an 8 month prego lady, but I put on my robe and did it. Dave was on the phone "you might want to answer your door" he told me. I was hoping it was him, but instead I was met by a chinese lady with 2 dozen roses and lilies in her hand. For me. :) Dave does it again! I don't know how he does, but he does.

It's our 2nd year anniversary today-- 2 years! Wow, how time mystifies me. It's been a blessed 2 years with so many adventures and chances to grow in loving another person. We celebrated in the evening with a nap (first things first! Dave had been at school all day and I had been out buying flowers -- walking miles to get them-- and getting prepared for a bridal shower). And then out to a very nice Japanese restaurant for dinner. It was yummy... so good!! And then, yes this is for real-- Cold Stone ice cream! Imagine that! In Tianjin! In the basement of a mall where there's a new subway stop. This is is something I could have never imagined!!

And the day was like our wedding day-- beautiful outside, sunny, warm, perfect. You can see however that a couple of things have changed since then....

Can you find the differences in these two pictures? (ha ha... they are pretty obvious!)

and it's not just the length of Dave's hair!

Artsy morning

2009-04-20T18:31:00.006-05:00

Have you ever really seen a tree?
I mean, looked very closely? Like an artist does.
Anyone can draw a tree... at least, something that resembles a symbol of a tree.
But to really draw a tree, to see it for what it is
Ya gotta look close.Real closeand take a piece with you

And then, have some fun with the paint water (wait, not in my coffee!!!) on the cement is better!
And enjoy the spring morning in all it's glory! and if you really want to top off the day....

samoyed puppies always does the trick!!! who can resist a smile when a little yipper kisses your face? oh.... I want one!

beach belly

2009-04-14T01:40:00.006-05:00

Josanna Mei Coons 32 weeks and 2 days old

We did an official photo shoot at the beach before this belly becomes too big!

Kim likes to have fun with the camera... and we like to have fun together!

This happens every morning, even when I'm still sleeping. Daddy loves to give Josie a kiss.I win the bigger belly contest!

Easter

2009-04-13T04:22:00.003-05:00

Blooming and blossoming....

Two words to describe the trees outside my window and the feeling of spring on Easter morning. What a gorgeous day it was!! (oh, and those 2 words people have used to describe me this week as well!!)But how nice to walk outside our apt. door and go to Church and celebrate Christ's ressurection!! I sang with Patrick's team-- always a pleasure. I love standing between Jenn and Michael and feeling comfortable to harmonize with them and enjoy worship.

And I love my friends! Erin organized a picnic and we had our Easter meal down by the canal (Tianjin isn't so bad in the spring!) So nice to spend a relaxing afternoon with people you love, and evening too!

We had our small group in the evening (this time with the windows open to let in the fresh spring air), and enjoyed fellowship as well as brazilian black bean soup and fruit smoothies. Yummy. Back to school tomorrow....

The Beach!

2009-04-13T03:16:00.008-05:00

We just got back from our spring break-- a wonderful time to relax and vacation together one last time baby-free (kind of). Also nice to spend time with friends who are more like family and have quality time together before we pack up. Also, a time for me to visit the places that have been significant parts of my China experience before Dave and have the chance to share those with him. Like for instance, 4 hour train rides to Beidaihe/Qinhuandao... (this is not a clear depicition of what I've done in the past-- we ended up getting first class tickets for $3 more and had an entire car to ourselves and our friends! Usually there is standing room only and much less space, but makes for good conversations if you want!)

Dave in his usual way spend hours planning this vacation, made all the arrangements for us and 6 other families (5 of the 6 all had children between the ages of 3 weeks and 5 years and the other family was their grandparents!) Let's just say it was a kid-friendly vacation. Dave and I spent a lot of time observing, holding, playing, laughing and looking forward to what our next vacation could look like.
We took a 4 hour train up to Qin Huan Dao ($9 a ticket), and spent 3 nights at a 5 star hotel (for about $70 a night including a huge breadfast buffet for 2!) You can't beat China prices!
So so nice to have a balcony on the beach, a clean and comfortable hotel room (with a see-through bathroom to boot -- weird actually to sit on the toilet and watch the ocean)-- but it has blinds. And yes, the 32 week prego shot. I made a couple of skirts for the beach and got some tank tops for the occasion. It was NICE out our first full day there. We spent the morning soaking in rays... did I mention everyone else had babies? Seriously-- there were 4 babies there, 3 two year olds, and 2 other fun and very active children who loved to have us help them with thier muddy sand creations. The water was um... very very cold, but the sun sure felt good.

And as you can see... our beach experience had some local flavor--- the others on the beach found the foreigners very intriguing and spend quite a long time checking us out and squatting nearby to get pictures. I agree, we must have been quite the site for sore eyes. Especially since it's only mid-April and in this country it isn't acceptable to go around without long johns on until after May 1st. I've had experiences in the past out running where old women have literally hit my legs as I've been stretching scolding me for not wearing at least 2 pairs of pants in pre-May season (even when it's 80 deg out). Some things you just never get used to, even after 8 years.

And... I took Dave to our old LDi October holiday stomping grounds, Beidaihe. This place has LOTS of significance for us. This is where I was when Dave first texted (!!!) me and let me know in quite a roundabout way that he really did like me and was interested in pursuing my heart.. To all other appearances, I was enjoying time at the beach (click to read my old blog post), but in actuality, my heart was beating overtime and my head was trying to wrap itself around the fact that I was falling in love.... and using text messages to communicate it!! We did talk, both on the phone and in person when I got back, but this was certainly the beginning of the biggest whirlwind of my life! (It hasn't quite stopped yet, and for some reason I don't think it will). So, we went to the old beach, and I took him along the walkways I spent hours at talking with women I trusted to pray for me and help me sort out my emotions and fears of entering a relationship, and enjoyed the quiet and quait town (though under construction) of Beidaihe. I walk a little slower now, have trouble on the sand, can't get comfortable sitting on rocks but besides that, am quite content to stroll along the beach with the love of my life!! (awhhhh). Things were a lot different 2 1/2 years ago when I was there spending hours along journaling! Good things have happened and are happening. And the whirlwind momentum will be picking up again in 7 weeks or less!!

First School Exchange

2009-04-05T09:32:00.006-05:00

The next blog has updates on Friday afternoon, but our Friday morning began with an easter egg hunt/craft experience with a local Chinese kindergarten. It was extremely well organized of course so we just showed up and helped run easter egg hunts:) The kids were extremely cute of course, and we enjoyed it.

English Class!

2009-04-05T09:07:00.006-05:00

This spring, Dave has been pro-active in forming relationships with local Chinese schools. One particular school, near us, has been very receptive and we've been doing what we can to form relationships between our schools. Over the past 2 weeks, a couple of our students have expressed a desire to get involved, and so started an "English class" that they plan and teach at the Chinese school each Friday. I've gone along as a support teacher and we have just had such a fun time with the kids each time we go. Elly, Grace and Sung Yun have specialized in teaching the song "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" and "This Little Light of Mine", as well as other essential English word games such as Simon Says. It's been fun to work with my kids as they work with other kids... truly a blessing to get out into the community and be a part of China!

Attentive Chinese students....
Grace the ever patient teacher and translator
Elly leading class songs

Keeping class visitors from being distracting:)And finally... reciting all the months of the year in order!! (she did great!)So, Fridays are exhausting, but fun. This week we have spring break so Dave and I will be at the beach, but my students plan on going to school and teaching!!! (Such committment!!)

The ends of the earth

2009-03-29T21:54:00.004-05:00

And he's home now!!!

And it sure it beautiful!! Here are just a couple of pictures I picked out from Dave's trip as he showed them to me this morning. He brought back a silver bracelet carved in the mountains by minority people, a hand stitched piece of mothers and children... very very cute.
He's done a good job at capturing these beautiful children.... perhaps he was thinking of a particular little girl?

In the meantime...

2009-03-29T21:33:00.004-05:00

So, Dave finally returned last night from his 10 out of 12 days gone from Tianjin... and I'm so so so so so glad! I'll post a couple of pics from his trip in the next post... it will have to remain an undisclosed location until we announce senior trip destination soon....

But what's been happening in the meantime... Well, Sally and Adam came over to design their wedding invitation. It ended up being easier to give them a computer each and tell them to go for it rather than designing something myself and having them approve. They are getting married May 3rd, so it would be timely to get this invitation out before too long. :) We're having fun though, and it's good to have people over and to keep busy. Hopefully we will find a printer today to get this inviation done!

My friend Allyson stayed with me for the weekend--- so great to catch up with old friends. I've felt extremely loved and taken care of by people here.

And finally, small group at my house continues. There has been no heat since March 15th, which, added to the fact that it's freezing outside and breeze still comes through all my windows and under the doors... it's ccccold!!! Here's how we survive:)

30 weeks, 4 days

2009-03-29T21:23:00.004-05:00

And whales and I seems to be looking more and more alike!

Perspective

2009-03-24T17:56:00.005-05:00

I just kissed my husband goodbye as he headed out the door. He's gone for the next 5 days; off to one of the most remote places in China to plan a trip for our senior students. He took a HOT shower this morning, used a toilet where the seat stayed on, and was in a well-lit bathroom.... there have been some big changes in our apartment in the last 12 hours!

Yesterday morning I neither showered nor saw clearly what I looked like in the bathroom mirror. And, when using the "lu" had to carefully balance myself left I fell off because the seat was broken and easy to slide off the toilet (and has been for a couple weeks). Brokenness in our apartment has been a theme the whole time we've lived here, I've taken to laughing about it when I can, and crying when necessary.

Yesterday was particularly unpleasant as I was headed to the SOS clinic to try and figure out how to get a Rhogam (Anti-D) shot for my 30th week of pregnancy. I did just go to the hospital this weekend for a routine check up, and the last time there was told I needed this shot at 30 weeks (28 weeks is the norm for the rest of the world it seems). So, being naive, I told them I needed the shot and they asked me to give them the serum... ??? What I didn't know was that this particular shot isn't administered in Chinese hospitals (it's for moms with blood types different from their husbands that might put their children at risk because the antibodies would fight their baby's blood, especially in subsequent childbirths.) But for a country that doesn't necessarily have 2 children normally, well, I guess the hospitals didn't think it necessary to administer. But... I'm not Chinese and am not currently family planning this way. What I WAS given at this hospital was another Coombs test to test my blood antibodies (which is completely irrelevant because I had already had one which told me my antibodies were fighting the blood and I needed the shot) but for some reason they wanted another one-- with results that will only come out in 7-10 working days... (remember I'm already at 30 weeks and needed this shot at 28 weeks, so another 7-10 days postpones knowing that I need it, but I already know... ) I thanked the nurse for the blood test, but what I felt like saying was "I can't eat bread to treat heartburn that doesn't let me sleep, and water won't cure a yeast infection, and if there are pregancy complecations as a result of you not caring enough whether or not I get this shot I will hold you personally responsible!!" What I felt was SO UNCARED FOR!

They told me I would have to order the shot from a western clinic so off to the doctor I went this morning ... unshowered and without seeing my face clearly in the mirror of course because both luxuries were impossible.

On the way to the doctor my experience of the previous night came to mind. Dave and I went out to dinner and then got a massage at reputable place next door. Not being able to lie well on my stomach or back, I opted for a foot massage while Dave got a body massage. The massuses working on us were eager to know about my pregancy, how I was doing and how long we had been in China and what our lives were like. We offerend that information of course and asked them about their lives. The woman working on Dave was 28 years old (his age), and had two children of her own. We found out though that they and her husband all lived across China in the countryside and she lived in Tianjin to work and provide for them. She began with telling us her pregancy experiences with them, and her voice softened as she told us she couldn't be with them because she needed to make money. She quickly tried to make light of the situation by explaning that her children don't really listen to her anyway and living with their grandparents was good... but the pain in her voice was evident.

The man massaging my feet was working so thoroughly and tenderly. In China, people are afraid that foot massages could induce labor (there are pressure points in the feet that connect to the uterous), so he was taking extra care not to go too hard or cause contractions, but aware that my feet, and I told him later about a painful leg cramp I had all day, were well taken care of. When asked about his family he said he had a wife, about the same stage in her pregancy as I was. I asked if he massaged her feet too--- (thinking wow, what a lucky woman!) and realized I spoke too soon because tears came to his eyes as he explained that she too lived far from where he was and he had to leave home to work and provide for the family.

Dave and I were both quiet then.

When I got to the doctor yesterday morning I told him what had transpired at my previous appointment, and he agreed that I needed to get this shot as quickly as possible. "I could give you a blood test and see if you need the shot" he smiled "but I can tell you're an intelligent person with a high IQ and you wouldn't be here if you were unsure if you needed it or not.."
I sighed with relief as I clearly, I had been given 3 previous blood tests that I couldn't get to him, taking another one really seemed an overkill!
Though unable to get the shot that day, the doctor worked with the pharmacist to order one from Beijing and have it available this week. We also ordered one to be on hand in BJ at the western clinic to take when I delivered. AND, he gave me something for heartburn! (see previous post). Of course, burocracy continues and it turns out that I can only go to the SOS clinic to get this shot, which needs to happen within 72 hrs of delivery, but luckily there is a clinic in BJ about 3 miles from the hospital I plan to deliver at. We should be able to make it work... but still my mind works over time.
"What if I can't leave the hospital in time to get the shot?" I asked the doctor "Call me" he insisted, "I'll take care of you"

Oh, what sweet relief!!

Yesterday afternoon I ran into our maintainance guy. I told him the problems in our apartment. I also needed to get out for a walk and be with friends so I spent the afternoon with Kim and Moyer and Keturah. Dave was at school and met with a student for me so I didn't have to come in. When I got home later in the afternoon my Ayi had cleaned the apartment, done all the laundry and was helping me with making tortillas for a casadilla dinner. The toilet seat was fixed, the lightbulb replaced and when the 5:00 pm hour rolled around where most people went home from work the maintance man knocked at the door along with a water heater repair man and ON HIS OWN TIME sat with me to make sure that the water heater was fixed. By the time Dave got home from work things were in order again. We made dinner together, enjoyed the evening, and got ready for his next big trip.

This morning, very early, we sat at the table and ate breakfast together. I read from Isaiah 41
"I have called you back from the ends of the earth so you and serve me For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Do Not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand"

It's good to be reminded that I am cared for... each and every day in so many ways. I have a husband who will be with me through my pregancy and birth (he comes back from his journeys and does rub my feet on a regular basis), there are doctors who do care, workers who can fix household problems, and medications to make things more comfortable... but beyond all these things, I have a God in heaven who is with me... has shown himself to be with me over and over and over again in so many ways. I don't have to be wandering in the desert looking for things that are found in HIM. I don't have to run and try to solve my own problems (well, I might have to be proactive about a few of them) but I am cared for. Cared for by somewho who made the heavens and the earth and does not leave our side. I needed a little perspective.