The Homestretch!

Thank you to those of you who have kept the Brakmans, big and small, in your prayers.  Glimmers of hope are beginning to shine again.  Not only because the finish line is in sight (of sorts), but because they have begun to see baby steps of progress in Tim's and Kate's adjustment.  Bryce took Tim to the zoo on Monday, and he did pretty well.  And Kate was even playing with Bryce, whom she has been a little scared of for the last week!

Laughing while feeding Baba snacks

Tuesday was the all important Consulate Appointment.  All paperwork is done for China and the U.S., so as soon as they land in Chicago, they will officially be U.S. citizens!  After the CA, they went to Shaiman Island for a little more "touristy" stuff.  

Kate is a little scared of dolls. I think she is scared of the statues, too?  She tried to hit them!

It was quite a long day, and everyone was glad to get back to the hotel.  Cindy went to rock Kate in the other room, and when she returned to the bedroom, she saw this....

He has slept in his crib every night, but apparently he wanted to be a little closer to Mama and Baba this time!  So he just crawled right up!  With his blanket...and his superman...and his flashlight...and his cell phone...and fell right to sleep.

They have now spent their last night in Guangzhou and will be heading to Hong Kong soon!  This morning (Wednesday in China) they are all getting out and doing a little more sightseeing while they wait on the kids' visas to arrive.  By 4pm they should be loading up in their shuttle van and on their way to Hong Kong.  They will spend one more night there and then catch their Chicago bound flight on Thursday morning (Wednesday night for us!).  I know Cindy is beyond happy to be on her way back to see her 3 incredible kiddos at home, not to mention that she can sleep in her own bed soon!  I am sure with Mama and Baba having "home field advantage", the kids will settle in and make great strides very quickly.

Beau, Megan and Wes....Enjoy the last couple days of "normal."  No longer a trio, you're about to become part of the Fantastic Five!  We will be praying for you guys as well during this exciting and challenging time! Mamaw and Poppa...just 2 more sleeps!  

<3 Lori