Window on the Clearwater
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Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater has joined the Wednesday's Child network to help spread the word about children that are waiting for families to give them the loving care that they need. Each Wednesday we will profile a different child. For more information about Wednesday's Child and how you can be involved check the web site at: http://www.idahowednesdayschild.org/.

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Anthony & Michael

Age: 6 - 9

Anthony

"Hi. My name is Anthony, but my friends call me Tony. I like to play soccer, ride my bike, rollerblade and ride my skateboard. I like all kinds of sports: football, baseball and soccer."

Tony's foster mom describes him as "very giving, intelligent and helpful." She also states that he has great love and compassion for everything and everyone he meets. A sensitive, thoughtful and polite boy, Tony frequently notices when things need to be done and asks if he can help. He enjoys saying prayers at mealtime and before bedtime, individualizing each prayer and addressing his concerns for specific friends and family members.

A good conversationalist, Tony warms to adults who recognize these traits and appreciate them. He also responds to a calm parenting style. As he is learning to express the grief and loss he's experienced, Tony's adoptive parents can help him overcome the anger that sometimes bubbles to the surface. He has struggled with some anger lately but is getting help to learn to deal with it in effective ways, as well as dealing with feelings of rejection and loss. "Time outs" rather than reactive discipline give him the time to work through frustration.

Tony and his younger brother, Michael, are emotionally close to each other. With the right family, they will each be able to build on the progress they've made in a loving and supportive foster family. Their foster mom would love to help that family with a careful transition between homes and to stay in touch with the boys. She, as well as the boys' guardian ad litem, feel that a two-parent home would be best for these boys. They have always had a mother figure in their lives, and they feel that they would transition best into a home with a mother.

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Michael

"I'm Michael. I like to ride bikes. I play with puzzles, computer games, and I like to race cars. I like french fries. I don't like pickles."

Michael's foster mom describes him in one word: HAPPY! He is engaging, funny, gregarious, and very affectionate. Very impulsive, this little guy doesn't wait long when there's something to be disassembled or explored. If there's a button anywhere near him, it has to be pushed! Michael plays well on his own, especially with an adult nearby to prompt him about safety and being cautious with breakable things. He enjoys coloring, looking at books, and playing uncomplicated games.

Michael's adoption team is looking for a family that has knowledge or experience related to global developmental delays. It is difficult to know the long-term effects of his disabilities because he has made such amazing progress, both physically and emotionally, within a stimulating, structured environment. It is so important that his parents maximize the progress he's made by accessing community resources. It is unknown if Michael will grow to be self sufficient. He will need parents with a strong knowledge base and experience with developmentally disabled children.

Michael is in a resource room for much of his day and then joins his regular kindergarten class for a couple of hours. He is still very behind in his development, but he has also made great progress and exceeded all of the goals that his educators set for him. Since Michael loves to mimic what others are doing, he needs redirection if it's too dangerous or not appropriate for him. He would do well in a two-parent family where he is the youngest child. Distractions or unexpected changes in his routine can be overcome through positive refocusing and thoughtful transitions whenever possible. This energetic little boy makes everyone around him smile with his infectious laughter and eyes that mirror the approval and interest he receives from caring adults. These loveable little boys are just waiting for the right family to welcome them home.

To find out more about Tony and Michael, call the Idaho CareLine number, 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30289.

Portraits by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studios

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Window on the Clearwater
P.O. Box 2444
Orofino, ID 83544
208-476-0733
Fax: 208-476-3407
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