Bringing+Megan+Home


 * July 11, 2007** Are you holding your breath????? Yes, you guessed it.........HOT again in Beijing!

Today was a tie up the loose ends day. We started off the morning with a trip to the Pearl Market to pick up any last minute shopping we wanted to do. Greg and I are really going to miss the bartering once we get home to boring old Regina shopping. I love the "thrill of the chase"...... :) We got some items that we are really happy with. We know it will be a long time, if ever, before we make it back to China, so wanted to pick up a few cultural things for the girls and ourselves.

The afternoon was spent just organizing our things in preparation for the trip home tomorrow. Tonight we all had a "Happy Family Dinner" at a famous Peking Duck house here in Beijing. The meal was delicious again, and our guide even bought a huge cake for all of us to enjoy. Frieda has sure been a God send during our time here. She has gone over and above in every way to make our trip as easy as possible.

Well, this will be my last post, as we are on our way tomorrow. Thanks to all who have followed this amazing journey with us. It has been so fun to read your messages back to us and it has been a blessing to know that you are all thinking of us and praying for us during our time away. We have sure felt your support.

Tomorrow could be a bit of a trying day, as we have a 11.5 hour trip on a plane with a baby who hates to be confined. We leave at 4:30 Beijing time, so we are hopeful that after the first 4 hours or so, she will drop off into peaceful slumber..........ok.........I hear you laughing!!! It COULD happen!!!!! :)

Anyway, after a night in Vancouver to sleep and gather our wits about us, we'll be home in Regina at 4:30 pm. I know some of you are planning to come out to the airport and we can't wait to see you. Especially you, Thea! We love you SO much and think about you ALL the time.

Love to all!

Rickshaw comfort...

Our Driver... and you know who!

Our Guide Frieda and Megan


 * July 10, 2007** Weather report.........Hot, with a touch (downpour) of humidity!

Actually, I type that for a joke, but in reality, it wasn't too bad today. We started off the morning with a very interesting tour of the Hutong area. This is a special area of Beijing that is protected by the government to remain as it was in days gone by. The rest of Beijing is turning into all high rise condo buildings, but this particular area is all tiny streets with single story buildings. We rode in a rickshaw pulled by a bicycle (and no......we didn't kill the driver!). Our driver was very animated and kept yelling things to people as we rode by them. We're hoping it was nothing derogatory about us!!!! :)

We also went into the home of one of the people who lived there. He lived in a courtyard where there were two family dwellings with a beautiful courtyard in the middle. Our guide told us that this particular home would cost $360 per square foot. Yikes!

Anyway, it was an interesting tour and we enjoyed ourselves. Afterwards we stopped for a tea ceremony and then were off for a Chinese dumpling lunch. That was fabulous. Good thing for our driver we had this AFTER the rickshaw ride...... :).

This afternoon we headed over to the Silk Market to do a little shopping. This area is mostly western style things, so we didn't buy too much. I did get a leather purse for $7. The last of the big spenders!!! Greg got himself a couple of belts and we were proud of our bargaining skills.

As we were leaving, I (Heather) nearly caused a riot amoung the street vendors. I'm innocent, I tell ya! Anyway, all I did was ask how much something cost, and as the guy was answering, another vendor pushed in to offer something else. The first guy flipped out and they had a big brawl. I almost got punched in the maylay. Innocent, I tell ya!!! Bottomline......I didn't buy anything......

We had a quiet night at the hotel tonight. We are all VERY anxious to get home. Travelling is good, but we are all tired and really looking forward to a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed. The beds here are like bricks - but the good thing is, if you want, the hotel will supply a back board for under the mattress. Who would notice, I'm wondering????

Tomorrow should be a fairly light day - a little shopping in the morning (hopefully without causing any incidents.....) and then back to the hotel to relax and get ready for our big trip the next day. 11.5 hours on a plane with the perpetual motion baby......... Should be the best time I've had all year! hee hee

Hi Thea. It was good to talk to you today.....for the 30 seconds that you would come to the phone. I'm glad you are having so much fun with Grandma and Papa. Only a few more presents in the treasure box - that means Daddy, Megan and I will be home in a few short days. We love you sweetheart!!!


 * July 9, 2007** Well, it's been two days since we wrote and guess what.........it's still HOT here! hee hee

Yesterday was the day we went to the Great Wall of China. All I can say is WOW! I know we've seen it before, but there is definitely a reason it's one of the seven wonders of the world. The fact that it is all hand made never ceases to amaze me. There is a tradition for when married couples go there - there is a chain that runs along the side of the wall at the section that we visited. People take locks there and lock them to the wall. This is to symbolize that as long as your lock is on the wall, that's how long the love in your marriage will last. We thought it was kind of a neat tradition, so we took a lock this time and put it on the chain. Now we are forever a part of the Great Wall of China. Neat, eh? (I'm so Canadian......)

On the way to the Wall, we also visited the Jade Factory. It was neat to see, but we didn't buy anything, as the prices have skyrocketed since we were last there. We also stopped for a wonderful Chinese lunch on the way home, and visited the Friendship Store. They make Cloisenee (spelling is WAY off) there and it was facinating to see how it's done.

Last time we made the trek over to Pizza Hut for a good one fashioned Western meal. The pizza was fabulous, but it rained while we were there and on the way out I slipped on the tile stairs and took a good wipe out. Thank goodness I wasn't carrying the baby! Anyway, I'm ok, except for (and Mom - you'll get a kick out of this.....) I hurt my big toe on the way down. Must have bent backwards or something. I don't think it's broken, but it's all swollen and fairly sore today. It's now matching my purple toenail polish. Mom - what is it with us and falling down stairs and hurting our toes??? :) Yes, I have no problem navigating the Great Wall of China, but the stairs at Pizza Hut can take me out!!!

Today we were up with the birds to head over to the medical clinic for the babies medicals. All the babies checked out perfectly and we were all very relieved. None more so than us, considering the scare we had last time!!! Apparently the scale in our hotel in Chongqing was off, because Megan actually weighs only 22 lbs (but still feels like 40 if you ask me!). She is also 75 cm long. So, according to the charts, she is in the 90th percentile for both height and weight. Looks like we have another basketball player in the family!

We had lunch here at the hotel and the fun continues.........During the meal, Megan starting making the face. You parents know it........the "I'm pooping now, and it's going to be a big one" face. Anyway, before we knew it, there was poop everywhere - out of the diaper, down her legs, all over the stroller. Yippee!!!! Anyway, it was a quick exit out of the restaurant and back to the room. I handled the baby in the tub and Greg scrubbed down the stroller. Oh, the joys of parenthood!!! hee hee

After a lazy afternoon, we headed out to watch the Chinese acrobats. Again, all I can say is WOW! It was a completely different show than the last time we saw it and it was truly amazing.

We are now back in our room and it's time for Megan to head off to sleep. She continues to be a wonderful sleeper (after several chorus's of Jesus Loves Me). She is really starting to play and laugh now. She was the funniest little chortle of a laugh. It makes me laugh just hearing it. She has taken to eating Cheerios and is hilarious to watch. She will pick one up and put it in her mouth, but doesn't know how to let it go so she can eat it. It is very funny to watch her try to figure it out.

Well, that's all for now. We've had a couple of great (but tiring) days. We are going to have a quick supper and head off to bed. Thanks for all your emails and discussion messages. We love reading them all. Sorry we don't respond directly, but this is our friend's laptop, and we only have it for a short time each day.

Thea, we love you so much honey! Only a few short days until we are together again.

By the way.........HURRAY RIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bath Time!!!

Canadian Girl!!

another "Great" Family!


 * July 7, 2007** You guessed it - the weather here is hot again.

Well, today was our last day in Chongqing. We were up early, as Megan was up and down a few times in the night and then decided it was just time to get up about 6:30. We packed up all of our stuff and made the flight back to Beijing. It was Megan's first flight and she did very well. She was fine on the way up and then had a good snooze in the snuggly with Daddy most of the trip. Unfortunately on the way down, the pilot took the longest time making his descent, so she sucked back her whole bottle before we were all the way down. I think her ears bothered her a bit, because she was crying for the last part. I gave her Cheerios (a Universally wonderful food!) and so she was chewing and swallowing, which I think helped a bit. Anyway, we are back in Beijing now, and she seems none the worse for wear.

She continues to be a very good baby (although she pooped tonight MIDWAY through her diaper change!!!!), but she is a very active little baby. Riding on Mom's lap during the bus rides are quite an adventure, as she doesn't sit still for 5 seconds in a row. Boy......am I looking forward to getting home and popping her into a car seat! The 11 hour flight from Beijing to Vancouver could be interesting..... :)

We are back in our same hotel in Beijing and enjoyed a big rain storm here tonight. Maybe this will cool things off a bit?????

Anyway, we are off to bed soon, as we make the big trip to the Great Wall of China tomorrow. Very exciting!

Love to you all and especially to you, Thea. We know you had a great time at Cal and Bonnie's yesterday, as Cal wrote us an email to tell us all about it. I'm so glad you are having all these fun adventures. You will have so much to tell us when we get home. Love you sweetheart!

Some more picturs to share...

Average Chongquing countryside

Megan and Daddy on the way to Fuling

In a Chongqing grocery store, all the normal stuff, plus live chickens, pigeons, ducks, rabbits, toads, eels and fish - any one for fast food (you have to be fast to catch it too!)


 * July 6, 2007** Weather bulletin - Hot.....with a HUGE dose of humidity.

Today we didn't have any trips scheduled, although some of our group headed off to ride the monorail around town today (ok Simsons fans, raise your arms and yell "Monorail! Monorail!", we do (or at least think it) everytime we see it...) We thought about going, but it's a half hour cab ride (a ride in a chinese cab is just something you have to experience for yourself - I believe the rule of the road are: whomever gets there first has the right of way and lane lines are simply decoration...) and then an hour long trip in an unairconditioned, packed monorail and another cab ride back. Hmmmmmm no brainer here, we sat this one out. If it was just Heather and I no problem, but adding Megan into the equation changes things. Just as well as Megan is on her second nap right now and had a late start today. Guess she has decided enough running around and wanted a down day. Hence, today we are lumps... but we may plan on going out for a hot pot dinner tonight. It's what this region is famous for (think individual fondue with a broth base instead of oil), well that, and a local version of mildly spicy which will clear your sinuses for months...

I've been hearing from some of you that the weather is hot back there as well... Guess we'll be used to it when we get back. Sure, it's hot there, but it's a dry hot.... :).

We have limited time on the laptop today, so we won't have time to respond to all your emails yet, but thanks for those who have written! Megan is getting over the runs and is returning to normal - that will taech us to give her too much juice when she has never had it before... We are doing well, but are benifiting from this down day before we fly to Beijing tomorrow. I will try to add a few pictures if I have time...

We love you Thea! It was so good to talk to you on the phone this morning. Sorry to hear about the theft of the doorknob!!! :)


 * July 5, 2007 Curious Megan Visits the Zoo**

Todays report - Humid, with a balmy temperatu. re of something less than the boiling temp of water...

We had a great trip to the zoo today, it was very beautiful. Unfortunetly, most of the animals remained inside their enclosures where it was cool. Apprently only the stupid animals were outside..... We did see three of the pandas living there and that made the whole trip worth it. It seems they don't do pictures with them anymore - just as well since with my luck, today would be the day one of them would decide that being a vegetarian was boring and would like a change of diet. :). We all just had a quiet afternoon and the did a little more shopping (can you believe it...). We needed some sleepers for Megan since the ones we brought were all too small. She is wearing one of the ones we bought, minus the feet. They were driving her crazy, so Heather cut them off. I guess Chinese babies never wear sleepers, but with the air conditioning here, we want to be sure she is warm enough.

We went to the BBQ restaurant in the hotel today and sampled many great dishes. Heather sampled more of the seafood (including a lobster or two) whiIe I was in more of a beef and pork kind of mood. Megan decided to sample the fried rice, watermelon, corn and Cheerio buffet (ok, we brought the Cheerios). All the food has been great! (ok, maybe Heather eating the fish eyeball was not my cup of diet coke so to speak... it also grossed out a few of our table mates which made Heather happy :) Remind me to keep the lid on the bait bucket when we go fishing...).

Some of you have been having trouble posting on this site so if you want you can email us on my hotmail account andwe will get the message. You can reach us at **dti_abe_stoon@hotmail.com**

Well, we have to return the laptop tonight so we have to go! We love you Thea!

P.S. from Heather. A couple prayer requests (for those of the praying variety)......A couple of the babies are coughing and had to go on antibiotics. Pray that they get better soon, and also that Megan doesn't catch anything. So far she has been very healthy. Also - please pray for my poor back. I have trouble with it at the best of times, but lugging around a 26 lb baby (who feels like 40) isn't helping. Thanks. Take care everyone!


 * July 4, 2007** A visit to the orphanage. (and you guessed it – it was hot again!)

Today we got ready to leave the hotel at 8:30 in the morning – and Megan slept in until 8… I think she’s really going to fit in with this family. We spent the next two and a half hours on the bus heading to Fuling city along a highway only completed 5 years ago. The road was bumpy, but the scenery was breathtaking. It is very lush and there are houses in some the most amazing places amongst the tree covered mountains and jungle like valleys. Corn is planted everywhere, even next to the modern buildings as the cities and towns expand. We have seen more than 100 building cranes in the last day alone – sometimes we can see twenty at once!

We arrived at the orphanage about 11 am (Megan slept almost all the way there) and had a tour. It seemed very well run and all the children there seemed very well taken care of. Megan was obviously very much loved here as the director wisked her away and she was passed amongst several of the nannies to be held and played with for about 15 minutes. There were about 32 babies from 3 months and older in the two rooms we could see, and many younger children on another floor whom we didn’t get to see. We know there must be several because the cribs that our girls had been sleeping in (yes we saw Megan’s crib) were already occupied with new babies.

This facility was only built about 9 years ago, but a new and bigger facility is being built. Two of the main buildings (the seniors complex – for those who do not have children to support them, – don’t get any ideas O parental units of ours - and a new children’s facility with room to care for the disabled children who will not be adopted and are currently fostered out) are already completed and a third (the medical facility) will be finished this year. The current facility was already very well equipped, so the money we raised and the other families gifts allowed us to buy 4 cases of formula mix (probably about a 2-3 week supply) for the current orphanage and 3 air conditioning units for the new facility. They were very happy to receive these items. Thanks again to all of you who contributed to this gift. Your generosity will help to make many lives much better. As we were driving out of town we caught a glimpse of these new buildings located high above the valley. They will have an amazing view from there.

We then went for lunch – strangely enough some Chinese food – and set off back to Chongqing. Once again Megan displayed her extreme interest in the countryside by falling asleep for two hours on the way home. This time on Daddy in her snuggly.

Take care everyone, we are all in good health! We may have given Megan a little too much apple juice today however…….does the term “explosive diarrhea” mean anything to you???? J She is fine, though, and very happy. She made sure to fill one diaper for each of us, so she is an equal opportunity pooper…..

We love you Thea and we hope you are taking good care of Grandma and Papa. Your sister ate some rice and watermelon today. She likes it almost as much as you do!


 * July 3, 2007** - Well, here we are in Chongqing and guess what??? It’s hot!!!

Megan had a wonderful first night with us. She fell asleep during dinner – snoozing away in her new stroller – and then woke up briefly to have a bottle before falling asleep for the night. She slept right through until 5:30 and then had a bottle before dropping off again until we woke her at 8:15.

The group headed out to go shopping this morning and we picked up a couple of cute pairs of shoes for Thea. They have the greatest kids shoes here and they are very good prices.

Now we are just relaxing back in the hotel room. Megan is supposed to be sleeping……but is choosing to entertain us with some singing. She is a very sweet baby – very smiley and happy. Her only protests so far have been to her stroller. She makes a little fuss when we first put her in, but then settles in and enjoys the ride.

We are attaching a few pictures of our first day together. Enjoy!

PS Thea, your sister is playing with your ball and enjoying it very much! We love you!





Hi, and congratulations! We are so glad that you now have Megan with you. Yes, her chatty side definitely comes from Greg. Thanks for the phone call--can't wait to see all of you!

Mom and Dad S.

It's Official! As of 2pm local time (Midnight SK Time), we are now a family of 4!!! Welcome to Megan Hannah Bao Stark!
 * July 2nd, 2007 (Happy Canada Day in Canada) Forever Family Day Part II**

We walked into the Civil Affairs office and weren't there more than 30 seconds, when in walked the nannies with our babies. We knew Megan right away and went right over to her. She is beautiful!!!! They took the babies into another room and then one by one, we went in to meet our girls. Megan came to me (Heather) right away and was very happy and chuddly. Some of the other babies were a bit freaked out and unfortunately had a rough introduction to their parents, but after a short bout of crying, they all settled in. Megan has been extremely happy since we got her, and we have only heard a couple little peeps here and there. We took lot's of video and pictures, took our first family photo there for the adoption pictures, and then were on our way.

We stopped at Walmart (yes.......Megan's first trip to Walmart was the first day she met us!) so that we could pick up some formula and a couple strollers, and then headed back to the hotel. We have been playing ever since. She can sit up on her own and loves to roll around on the bed - we won't be able to turn our backs for a second. She is extremely quick. She loves to jabber away (must take after her father) and has been smiling and laughing the whole time. She is very curious and turns her head to look whenever there is any sound. She was hilarious watching all the activity at the Civil Affairs office.

Now for the funny news.......we weighed her when we got back to the hotel and she weighs 12 kilos (26 lbs!!!!!). We can't quite believe that, but we weighed her twice and it's correct. Apparently there was good eating at that orphanage! :) She came dressed in a sweet little yellow outfit and they even gave her some squeaky shoes, which she loves!

Well, I'll sign off for now so that I can go and play with our new daughter. Thea - your little sister is SO sweet and you are going to love her very much. She is so lucky to have a wonderful big sister like you. We love you very much sweetheart! See you soon!!!

We went and filled out some of our adoption papers today and saw an updated picture of Megan that was taken within the last month! Poor girl has had a haircut,so her hair isn't quite so sticky uppy... I guess Heather is going to hang on to those barretts for a few months! We thought we would share the new picture below!
 * July 1st update! (and yes... it's still HOT!)**

Only 16 more hours to go!


 * July 1, 2007 (and only 37C outside...)** Happy Canada Day!!! When we went down to breakfast, we wore our special Canada shirts to commemorate the day, and Gill and Denis had the same idea. We looked very festive.

We headed out to the Ancient City today and did a little more shopping. Thea - we got some fun things for you!!! It is very scenic here in Chongqing - very lush and green. Unfortunately, the smog is pretty thick, so it's hard to see any distance. We are looking forward to our trip to Fuling in a few days, as getting outside the city should get us away from the smog.

After this tour we headed back to the hotel for lunch and a lazy afternoon. We'll do some paperwork tonight and just get ready for our big day tomorrow. We are scheduled to pick up Megan at the Civic Affairs office at 2:00 tomorrow afternoon (that's midnight for you guys back in Saskatchewan). We are very excited and can't wait to hold that sweet baby in our arms for the first time.

So, likely there may not be as many posts on here in the next few days....... :) We'll try though and Greg will attach a few pictures when he can.

Hope all is well at home. Thanks for your prayers. We are feeling well and the heat is not getting to us too badly. Bye for now!


 * June 30, 2007** Guess what? It's hot here today! :)

We woke up at 5:30 this morning, so apparently we are starting to adjust. We got to have a wonderful phone call with Thea this morning. It was SO great to hear your voice sweetheart! We love you and can't wait to see you in only a few short days.

We met the group and headed out to the Summer Palace today. We had been there the last time we were here, but for some reason, our guide only showed us half of the place - perhaps we were more pressed for time or something. Anyway, we did the whole place this time and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was raining lightly the whole time, but really nothing too serious. A funny moment was when the women headed to the bathroom and a couple of the ladies realized that bathrooms in China are NOT like ones at home. They have just a hole in the floor and you squat over the hole and go to town. The looks on their faces was priceless!!!

After the tour, we headed back to the hotel to pack up for our trip to Chongqing. We left about half of our luggage in storage at the hotel, so we had to reorganize to decide what to take and what to leave. We had to check out of the hotel by 1:00, so after a great Chinese lunch (our guide orders for us and we have had wonderful meals!), we headed back to the Pearl Market. The rest of the group hadn't been there yet, so they enjoyed the bartering. Greg and I bought a pearl necklace and earrings set that we intend to put away for Megan when she is older.

After the Pearl Market, we headed to a silk factory and had a tour. Very interesting! They explained how the worm spins the cocoon around itself, and then they soak the silk thread in water to loosen it, and then they stretch it out. A single thread is incredibly long - like 1600 metres from one cocoon! They make the single threads into cloth and the double threads into quilts.

After this tour, we headed to the airport to head to Chongqing. We had a bit of a rain delay, but then were on our way. I thought for a while that we were going to drive all the way to Chongqing. We taxied for about 1/2 an hour - starting and stopping........at one point, we literally went on a bridge over a freeway! I'm not kidding - there were cars driving under the plane. Anyway, we finally got airborne and arrived in Chongqing uneventfully.

Our hotel here is beautiful. We didn't get in until about midnight, so pretty much headed right to bed.


 * June 29, 2007** Hi again. Well, it's hot again here in Beijing, but we had some rain today.

We woke up this morning at 4:00 am. Guess it will take awhile until we are adjusted to the time difference - I don't think I've ever been up at that time of the morning before!

We had a nice relaxing day today. Grabbed a taxi and went to the toy mall (they have tons of toys, kids clothes, kids shoes, etc) and picked up some squeaky shoes for Megan. We'll be able to hear her coming from a long ways away! :) After the toy mall, we headed over to the Pearl Market and shopped until we dropped. Wow - I love the shopping in China. All kinds of neat things and cheap, cheap, cheap!!! We found some really nice things and had a blast bartering for the stuff we bought.

After a lovely nap (remember, we were UP at 4:00 am......) we met the group for another wonderful Chinese meal. The rest of our group arrived today, so it was nice to meet the Pelrines and the Zembers. Turns out there are 3 other families joining us during our time here in Beijing. They will travel to another Province and then we'll meet up here again in a week.

After supper, we met with a tailor to have some Chinese clothes made. I can't wait to see how they turn out!

We are repacking our suitcases tonight in preparation for our trip to Chongqing tomorrow. We will leave half of our luggage here at the hotel, as the luggage restrictions for inner country travel are much lighter.

Our guide, Freda, will be traveling to Chongqing with us. She is very sweet and has been incredibly helpful already. We are very glad that she will be with us throughout the trip.

Well, that's all for tonight. Hope all is well at home. Special "hi" to Thea. What did you do today??? Have Papa hit the discussion tab and send us a little note.......or email.

Love to all, H & G


 * June 28, 2007** Hi everyone! We are now in Beijing after a loooooong but uneventful flight. We just returned from a nice meal out with a couple of the families here. We went for a Chinese hot pot dinner - sort of like fondue. It was delicious and we had a good time.

Tomorrow we will just have a down day and perhaps do a little shopping........... Then in the evening, all of our group will be here and we'll go out for a traditional Chinese meal.

Well, we've been up for over 26 hours straight, so we're off to bed for now.

Hi Thea! We love you!!! Did you wake up Grandma this morning with your horn????? hee hee (sinister laugh.....).

Take care everyone - we'll talk again soon!

H & G

June 27th - Fly to Vancouver and then on to Beijing, arriving on June 28th at about 3:00pm June 28th - sleeeeeeeeep June 29th - free day to rest, shop, etc June 30th - tour of the //Summer Palace// in the a.m. Fly to Chongqing that evening. July 1st - Sightseeing in Chongqing - the //Ciqikou Ancient Town// and //Eling Park//. July 2nd - Go to Civil Affairs to get **Megan**! Paperwork in the afternoon. July 3rd - Shop for the baby. Free afternoon. July 4th - Tour of the //Zoo// in the morning. Free afternoon. July 5th - Visit //Fuling orphanage//. July 6th - Pick up paperwork. July 7th - Fly back to Beijing July 8th - Sightseeing the //Great Wall//. Stop at the //Jade Factory// on the way. July 9th - Medical for the babies and more paperwork. //Acrobatic show// in the evening. July 10th - Sightseeing //Hutong Tour// July 11th - Paperwork. Celebration party at the //Peking Roast Duck restaurant// in the evening. July 12th - Fly to Vancouver (11.5 hours), arriving at 4:20 pm. Overnight. July 13th - **Fly home to Regina, arriving at 4:34 pm**.To
 * __Our Itinerary!__**