November 2011
Andrew recently joined a couple of his brothers in a large house near the beach. The guys are enjoying being roommates. Going over to visit their house seems like a college dorm with a pool table and a table tennis set-up. Its very cool for my young adult sons to have a nice home with furnishings, food and fun of their own liking. Andrew has taken this move as an opportunity to increase his own independence. Just yesterday, Andrew started using the washer and dryer to do his own laundry. He is even learning how to load and run the dish washer by himself. These are big skills that Andrew previously had no interest in. Andrew also started a job at a local animal rescue. He works eight hours a week socializing homeless dogs and cats while they wait for their forever families to adopt them. Andrew LOVES this job and would jump on the opportunity to work more hours each week. Possibly after the new year he will increase his time on the job to about 20 plus hours a week. Its wonderful to watch Andrew continue to grow more and more mature and independent.
May 2010
Andrew went on his first cruise with Grandma Sue over spring break. Andrew, along with eight other brothers, went on the biggest cruise ship in the world, the Oasis of the Seas. This cruise ship features a park, more shops and restaurants than other cruise ships and even Broadway theater shows. Andrew had a great time. We were really pleased with Andrew's ability to navigate around the ship. After the first few days Andrew was able to help the others find their way around. I was also happy to hear that Andrew keep his comments, for the most part, positive and was willing to try new activities and adventures! I am sure with Andrew's enthusiasm and appropriate behavior that Grandma Sue will be sure to invite Andrew to cruise with her again!
November 2009
Andrew has struggled more with his behavioral challenges lately. He even was suspended from school for several days due to his aggressive behaviors. He especially had a difficult time while I was out of the country for two weeks. I am not sure if my absence triggered some old issues. Although Andrew and I kept in contact through text messages while I was gone it wasn't enough to keep him stable with his behaviors. Andrew dealt with the death of his mother at a young age. While she died of multiple medical complications, Andrew's perception was that his birth mother died suddenly. Since I've been back Andrew has settled down. He is particularly excited about his recent move into his own home. Andrew is now receiving supported living services from our Regional Center vendored program. He is happy about taking his first big step toward adulthood.
July 2009
Andrew is having a wonderful summer. As soon as school ended Andrew started out on a five day trip to Las Vegas with Ann, Jim J., Ivan, Nikolai, Alin, Michael and George. We flew on Jet Blue and stayed at Treasure Island Hotel. Andrew complained at first, as he does with any new experience, but was very quickly enjoying all that Las Vegas has to offer. Andrew enjoyed the buffets but really should some self-control when choosing what foods to eat and how much. He ate well but didn't go crazy. Andrew also enjoyed the shows. We went to a different show every night. Andrew's favorite show was the Lion King closely followed by the Terry Fator show. After that show Andrew had a chance to meet Terry Fator and to take a picture with him. Andrew did a good job walking the strip despite the hot weather. We took our time and he was able to walk from one end of the strip to the other. Andrew loved riding the roller coast at the New York New York Hotel and Casinoas well as playing the arcade games there. Andrew is now planning his next trip to Las Vegas. It was great to see Andrew have a good time and for his brothers to encourage and support him to maintain appropriate behavior. We will definitely take Andrew on another trip soon.
March 2009
Andrew has been doing great in every
aspect. His social skills are improving
and his social behaviors are getting
increasingly more appropriate. Andrew
is also losing weight. He is making a
conscientious effort to make healthy
choices with the food he eats. Andrew
has gone from a size 4X to XL since
July! I am so proud of Andrew's efforts
although buying Andrew a new wardrobe
every couple of months is financially
killing me! :-) Andrew also has a new
girlfriend with whom he enjoys going out
to eat and to the movies. He can be
quite a gentleman when he is around his
sweetheart. The best news is that
Andrew's adoption was finalized on March
23, the day before Andrew's 18th
birthday. Here is the e-mail Andrew's
former social worker wrote to him
following his finalization:
Andrew has a Forever
Family!!!
Andrew,
Being your Social Worker
was an absolute pleasure! You are one
young man who will reside in my heart
for a very long time. May you have a
wonderfully blessed life. I wish the
only the best life has to offer, be sure
to pass on the same! Take care and be
good!!!
C. H.
Social Worker, Adolescent
Unit
