Need More Sleep!

We are starting to get turned around, last night Kerri didn't get much sleep, as Jill still thought it was time to play. Tonight(early this morning), it was my turn, I was able to get Jill back to sleep after about 1 hr, but now I am wide awake!
Jennifer on the other hand, is not to impressed, "she makes too make racket" . Jennifer has been slow to warm up to Jill, hopefully that will change soon. All the new attention to her sister has created some issues, even though we had done extensive preparation for Jill's arrival.
Jill started to walk fairly good yesterday, today she is running(really). I can foresee some weight loss coming, (I don't think I will suffer).

Home at Last!!

A super smooth touch down at Toronto Pearson ended a very very long 13hr flight from Beijing. The flight was very tiresome, and envolved a lot of enteraining. Jill only slept about 6 hrs of the flight, some other people in our group fared better, some not. The flight was full with people going to Toronto to be with family for the New Year. Both Kerri & I managed to get about 1/2-1 hr nap. Our flight was 1 hr delayed at takeoff, which made for us do the airport sprint at Toronto, to catch our flight to London. After going through customs & immigration, find all our luggage, and transfer it to the next flight, we had about 15 mins. to spare, we were glad we sprinted through the airport ( we thought we had plenty of time, we were lucky).
Our arrival in London was a warm, teary greeting by family, then we headed home. Once we got home, Jennifer showed Jill her room & fed Jill some breakfast (China Time schedule). It is currently 3:43 am, and Jill has had a small nap (China morning nap), and has been up since about 1:00 am. Jennifer was not impressed with Jill's crying, so we retreated downstairs to let Jen get some sleep. Kerri & I have been tag teaming it, and both of us have gotten a couple hrs of well needed sleep, but like Jill, we are still on China time, and have caught our second wind. I think today will be one of those tired, foggy days. We are looking forward to a morning walk over to Tim Hortons for a couple of large coffee's!!!


2:30 A.M - lets go!!



Sisters!

Feed Me!

Final Day!

Our group of Mom's



No tours today, we went to the Pearl Market and got a few more things, and then returned to the hotel. After lunch I went down to the silk market & purchased more stuff we didn't need.
We finished the evening off with a family celebration dinner - Peking Roast Duck & a cake.

We have just finished jamming our loot in our baggage with great difficulty, hopefully everything arrives in Canada intact. We check out here at 10:00 am.

Jen - One more sleep! then you will get to meet your new little sister (little shadow), & then get the biggest polar bear hug & kisses you ever had!! Miss you so much, oxoxoxoxoxoxoxo , see you tomorrow!! M&D

Old Beijing

Another awesome day in China. This morning we went on the Hutong Tour, we toured Old Beijing by rickshaw. It was a great way to see old Beijing and the old residences (up to 700 yrs old, still in use). We also visited a local family and got a glimpse of their life, it was very interesting. The owner kept birds in many cages, & bred prize crickets for fighting ( only in October), & kept large grass hoppers for their musical sounds. We finished the Hutong Tour at the Old Beijing Bell Tower with a Chinese Tea Ceremony.
This evening we celebrated a 1st birthday for the only boy in our group, it was a great group social.

Jen - Your little sister, soon to be your little shadow, will be walking very very soon!. She took more steps today! You will have to show her how to run!!! - miss you so much oxoxoxoxoxoxo + polar bear hug x 2 M&D


Note: Friends & co-workers?, I too know how to cut & paste. (Dave)

Above the birthday boy & party

Left: pressed coal used for heating homes.

Relaxed Day

More relaxed today, Kerri is feeling much better today. We toured the Summer Palace, where the Emperor would stay during the summer. Although it being winter, the palace was impressive with all its history, but very cold today. It would be beautiful to visit in the Spring or Autumn. Afterwards we enjoyed another Chinese lunch with more food than we could eat!. Then it was off to a silk factory, where we were shown how they obtained the silk from the silk worm cocoon & of coarse they had lots of fine products for sale.
Spent the evening shopping (nearby) & bartering in the silk market and then we had a very nice dinner on the top floor of the silk market. Tomorrow we will take a rickshaw tour of Old Beijing.
Jen - Jill loves to play in the bath, I know you will have fun helping Mom give her a bath. - miss you higher than the stars oxoxoxox M&D

P.S - I am unable to view the entire blog here & respond to any comments. thanks






My new ice fishing hat!! A perfect fit for Something Fishy Lodge, Quebec. For 3 bucks (cnd) I couldn't resist.

Medical's

This morning we had to be on the bus at 8:00 am to go to the SOS medical clinic to get the babies medials done, so we could apply for our visa's. All checked out fine, Jill weighs 8.3 kgs, 75.5 cm tall, and protested strongly during the examination, only allowing the doctor to be able to check one ear.
In the afternoon we spent some time at the silk market and made a few purchases (something special Jen!!). This evening we went to the Beijing Acrobatic Show (higly recommend)
It appears Kerri has caught a travelers bug tonite, that has been passing around the group. Hopefully it will only last 12- 24 hrs. Note, if travelling soon, add "Aches Away Bath" (Wall-Mart)(eases aches & pains), to your list & a hot water bottle. These can certainly ease any discomfort. I am probably next to get it, it's been kinda like a hot potato in our group.
Jen - Mom bought you a nice lady bug sweater today!! We miss you very much oxoxoxoxxooo M&D

Conquered the Wall

Jill & I conquered the wall ( 2,500 yrs old) & Kerri went 1/2 way, as it was very steep climbing. When we reached the 1st plateau, we got hosed for some cheap trinkets ( certificate for climbing the wall & medallion). The view was awesome. They say, 1 person died for every meter of construction, & were buried beneath the wall ( the wall is 6,000 kms long).
We also visited a government jade factory (no fake stuff) & purchased some nice jade items.
Tomorrow we will go for Jill's medical, so we can apply for her visa to Canada. Jill is doing much better, it only took me 5 mins. to get a diaper on her after her bath. Jill appears to be the fireball of the group. She must always be moving is not an understatement. She seems to get happier & more energy each day! bringing lots of smiles.
Jennifer - I know you are going to love your little sister, she loves to play & laugh, just like you!! Can't wait to get home & give you a big kiss & Hug - M&D.

Last Day in Chongquing

Last nite our group enjoyed a "hot pot" dinner at a local restaurant in Chongquing. The food was excellent, with a choice of either spicy or non-spicy, it is very much like a very large fondue. Jill accidently got a taste of the spice from my chop sticks, when I was feeding her some plain rice. Well, that caused her to protest very loudly & her face turned bright red (imagine that), she quickly spit it out, followed by some cold water (Daddy goofed). Needless to say, Jill's personality matches the local cusine - hot & spicy.
The City of Chongquing is full of lights as they ready for the Chinese New Year(beautiful). We are just checking out now & flying back to Beijing.
Jennifer - love you deeper than the sea! oxoxox + one squezzy hug. M&D.






Enjoying local cusine.

Fuling S.W.I.

Today was a great day! We traveled to Jill's orphanage in the City of fuling (approx. 1,000,000), about 2 1/2 hrs. There we met the Vice director and were able to see Jill's crib & meet the nannies. They really made a fuss over the babies, you could tell they really loved them. We visited for about 1 1/2 hrs, time flew by. we also met tow special boys, - Fu de Ming & Fu De You, also a sleeping Fu Ai Xiu ( I will send these waiting families pics latter). The country side is very hilly & terraced. we also enjoyed a fine meal in Fuling. The experience was very moving & fulfilling.
Jill/We have made very good progress today. Jill is warming slowly to us, and we are getting lots of smiles and laughter. She has just started to walk - Jennifer, you better find your running shoes, because she is really fast!! We miss you higher than the mountains oxoxox - M&D







Propane delivery.

Wednesday, Jan. 18th,

We toured the City Hall of the Chongquing People. It large round structure signifying the sky. One of our group members band will be performing here in April. Also toured an art gallery & made a nice purchase of a large wter colour on rice paper, mounted on silk, plus Banyan tree leaf painting (unique & elegant).
Very foggy (pea soup), damp day. We also visited Giant Pandas in the Chongquing zoo.
Jill is still adjusting slowly to us, especially mom. It has been very stressful for all of us, but we will ride it out. We believe she is grieving heavily for her foster family. She is very determined, like her big sister!. I will try and post some pic's today, but if it doesn't work, I will update in Beijing. There seems to be server problems here, who knows??

Day 1

Supermarket , smelled awesome. (smoked)

I hope yesterday updated ok, I lost connection at the very end.
Day 1:
Our group went to the Chongquing City Centre Shopping Mall Area. Many curious on lookers & we gathered large crowds as we went. We used our translation card & got may thumbs up!! The City of Chongquing is impressive, very hilly ( mountain city) & 1000's of tall buildings ( 20 story+), very foggy today,, 10c. Returned to the hotel for the afternoon to relax. Three of us "Dads" went to find some beer & pop. We ventured a few blocks from the hotel to a residential area & were successful!! The "store" only sold single cans, so us Canadians had them packaged in boxe(s), 4 six of coke, & 24 beer for 93 yuan ( approx. $13.00). The food in hotel as also been excellent, (and I am sad to say I am not starving). We are spending the a quiet afternoon today & plan to go out to a restaurant for dinner & also do some shopping.
Jennifer - oxoxoxox, Jill loves her little bunny that you gave her!! - oxox M&D


A small swarming.
















For my co-workers (working?), This must be a local power company supervisor parking spot....(Al).

Day 1

Supermarket , smelled awesome. (smoked)

I hope yesterday updated ok, I lost connection at the very end.
Day 1:
Our group went to the Chongquing City Centre Shopping Mall Area. Many curious on lookers & we gathered large crowds as we went. We used our translation card & got may thumbs up!! The City of Chongquing is impressive, very hilly ( mountain city) & 1000's of tall buildings ( 20 story+), very foggy today,, 10c. Returned to the hotel for the afternoon to relax. Three of us "Dads" went to find some beer & pop. We ventured a few blocks from the hotel to a residential area & were successful!! The "store" only sold single cans, so us Canadians had them packaged in boxe(s), 4 six of coke, & 24 beer for 93 yuan ( approx. $13.00). The food in hotel as also been excellent, (and I am sad to say I am not starving). We are spending the a quiet afternoon today & plan to go out to a restaurant for dinner & also do some shopping.
Jennifer - oxoxoxox, Jill loves her little bunny that you gave her!! - oxox M&D


A small swarming.
















For my co-workers (working?), This must be a local power company supervisor parking spot....(Al).

Gotcha'

What a day!...Jennifer you are officially a real big sister!!!, and you had better get lots of rest, because your little sister Jill, is a real firecracker. She loves to play & have someone to hold & walk her. She is a very happy petite girl.
Jill does have some congestion, which can be expected this time of year, but has medication supplied by the Social Welfare Instuite. She is extremely active, alert & mobile. It will not be long before she walks on her own, it is difficult to change her and keep her in her stroller. She has just gone to sleep for the the night, after one bottle & a little rocking, it was lights out!!! at about 8:oo pm ( Keeping our fingers crossed for the night)
All the other babies appear to be in good health & don't appear too stressed. Tomorrow will be spent shopping for the babies. I hope this blog is updating ok, as I am unable to see it here or any comments, for some reason ( ??)
Jennifer - oxoxoxoxoxoxox + a polar bear hug!!! M&D

Chongquing!

We arrived last nite @ 7:00pm ( 1 hr delay), The weather is foggy, 10c - 5c. The City of Chongquing is beautiful at night. Many buildings outlined in neon. Food & rooms in Holiday Inn are fabulous,*****. This morning we completed some more paper work for officials, & seen an updated picture of Jillian. We are very excited, as we finally get to meet her this afternoon!!

Turtle - Miss you higher than the mountains oxoxox M&D.

After a will needed sleep we woke at 7:00 am & had breakfast in hotel. We then visited Tian-Men Square & the Forbidden City ( built 1420) this morning. Still a little tired, but should be adjusted fully tomorrow. After lunch, we did the Pearl Market ( &flea market), where great deals on fresh water & salt water pearls can be had. Also lots of other flea market type vendors, who are lots of fun to barter with. We bartered for two pair of shoes for Jen, for 80 yuan ( approx. $10.50 cnd), Oakley sunglasses , 2 pair, for 90 yan ($12.60 cnd), lots of fun. We will do more shopping latter. Our guide is terrific, running everything like clock work. Tomorrow we leave for Chongquing for a 2 hr flight.
Jennifer- We saw people flying lots of kites, like your butterfly kite! OXOXOXOX M&D.

We have arrived!

Just finished having a large pizza, two beers, two pepsi's, ( 4 people) for $20.00 cnd. at pizza hut. We were too tired to go anywhere else. No sleep now for about 30 hrs.

Jennifer - We flew over the North Pole!!, but did not see Santa, as it was dark there, I think he must have been sleeping.

Air Bus 330 - Toronto

Gobi Desert

James Bay

Finally,

Well its been a long haul, but finally we will be leaving tomorrow at 7:10 am, I am still packing and running around as I usually do before any big trip. Anything we forgot, we can definitely get there, so I am not too worried. I always swear to myself that I won't be doing things at the last minuite, but it never seems to happen, anyhow got to go and get my carry on ready, have to get up at 4:30am. Thats Kerri with some of the bags & stroller.