December 2011
Stephen just keeps surprising us with his alertness. He uses his smiling, vocalizations and limited movement to express his likes and dislikes. Our friend, Mark, gave Stephen a pair of headphones for Christmas this year. We decided to try different music with Stephen to see if he would show any preferences for certain types of music. Not to anyone's surprise, Stephen definitely showed us that he has his preferences. We started out playing some current pop music like Justin Beiber and Cody Simpson. To my surprise, Stephen showed little interest in that music. Despite being familiar with Cody Simpson, after attending two concerts, Stephen didn't even crack a smile. When we played rap music Stephen though that was great. He also got really excited to hear techno dance music. When we tried putting Frank Sinatra on Stephen managed to push his headphones off of his head! The most vocalizations, movement and smiles came when we played some Johnny Clegg (South African) music for him. Stephen definitely tells us what type of music he likes and which he dislikes! We are now busy filling Stephen's new I-Pod he received for Christmas with all of his favorites.
October 2011
Stephen's adoption was finalized this month. Finally! The adoption process was a longer than necessary journey in my opinion. In any case I am very happy to finally be Stephen's mom. Stephen continues to surprise us with the ways he can demonstrate his understanding of the world around him. We all believe that despite Stephen's severe disabilities there is a higher level of cognition than was previously thought. Stephen definitely lets us know what he likes--music, dogs, school, the pool, going outside, getting out of his wheelchair; and what he dislikes--poorly played music, being left behind, blankets on his feet, and the Haunted House ride at Disneyland! Stephen also amazes us when he laughs appropriately at a good joke! I am looking forward to being a forever parent and advocate for Stephen.
December 2010
Stephen continues to do well in our home. Although he was labeled as "medically fragile" Stephen is quite the hardy teenager. Since his placement he has had no medical issues other than a cold and an ear infection. Stephen also loves to go out in the community, whether its going to the movies or the mall or simply a walk in the park, Stephen always expresses his pleasure at being out of the house. In fact, Stephen will no longer tolerate just hanging out at home. In his previous placement Stephen spent a lot of time at home listening to the television or radio. Stephen never seemed to "complain" about that when I would visit him. Now, its a whole different story. We wouldn't dare put Stephen in front of the television for more than 15 minutes because we know that he will start babbling loudly (which sound like complaining to us!)
Stephen will laugh and coo happily if he is engaged with his brothers, our family helpers or me. He want be a part of what's going on in the family and will no longer tolerate being ignored! On rainy days Stephen loves to listen to his brothers rehearse with their band. He is especially enthused when listening to Jordan's drum solos. On super warm days Stephen enjoys hanging out in the pool. He laughs when he gets splashed and grumbles when it is time to get out! I am completely thrilled that Stephen is using his limited communication skills to self-advocate. I am so proud of the progress he has made and look forward to discovering more of Stephen's potential in the future!
August 2010
Stephen (16) joined our family in late May 2010 after
over a year of visits while he lived in a nursing home.
We are so excited to finally bring Stephen home. Despite
very significant disabilities, including cortical
blindness, developmental delay and quadriplegia, that
are a result of an injury at the age of six years old,
Stephen is very responsive to the attention he is
receiving from his new brothers and the adults who help
our family. Stephen loves to be in the community. He
enjoys our pool, going to the movies, and going to
amusement parks. Stephen also really enjoys hanging out
with the boys when they have their music lessons.
Stephen shows his pleasure by smiling, vocalizing, and
laughing. I look forward to helping Stephen have an
interesting and stimulating life and maximizing his
cognitive potential.
