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/.

Andrew & Alexander

Age: 6-9

Andrew, who goes by Andy, and Alexander, who goes by Alex, are two brothers who share a love of bike riding, monster trucks, animals, and each other. They are full of energy, and a strong desire to find their forever family.

Andy

Big brother Andy is in the third grade where he enjoys math, struggles with reading, and is anxious for the summer break. He likes recess because he gets to see his brother and they can play together. Andy is fascinated with taking things apart and putting them back together. At home he loves to ride the new bike he got for Christmas. "I like to ride my bike over the edge and make the bike pop a wheelie. I did that once and it fell apart and I put it back together all by myself."

"I want a mom and dad and brothers and sisters. I hope my mom will buy me toys and take me places. I hope she will take me to the YMCA to go swimming. I love to swim and go down the slide. My dad would teach me how to do things. He would be nice and take care of me. I would like to have a big brother and sister, too. My brother Alex is nice and we want the same mom and dad."

Andy's worker stated that Andy has a big heart, is very thoughtful, and needs to be kept busy. He has struggled with some acting out behaviors and operates on lots of emotion. He has Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) services and is working on controlling those emotions and finding appropriate outlets. He is currently playing on a soccer team, and he very much enjoys this activity. He will need parents who have a lot of energy, operate within a structured but flexible routine, and can advocate for the special services Andy will continue to need to be successful.

Alex

Alex is a sweet six-year-old boy who is excelling in the first grade. He is a wonderful reader and does well in most areas of school. He loves school and thrives on positive reinforcement for even small successes. Alex looks up to his big brother, Andy, and will model his behavior, good and bad.

"Andy is a very nice brother because he takes care of me and he shares things with me. One time I was riding my bike and fell down and got scraped up and then Andy helped me and got me a Band-Aid, and then I put on my knee pads and elbow pads!"

Alex is a kind child and likes to please adults. He can be reserved, until asked about something of interest to him. He will talk animatedly about riding his bike, his recent trip to the circus, and watching monster trucks. When asked about what kind of family Alex wants, he stated, "I want a mom and a dad. I hope my mom will be nice. That means not yelling at me and buying me toys. My dad would probably do stuff for me and be nice." Alex will need parents who are strong advocates, can devote a lot of time and attention to him, and will let this sweet young boy enjoy being a kid in a safe and nurturing environment.

Andy and Alex's social worker and adoption team will be looking for a two parent family who have some knowledge and experience parenting or working with children with mental health concerns, anger issues, medication management, counseling, PSR services, drug exposure, and developmental therapy services. The ideal family will have no other children, or much older children, as these boys will require lots of attention and energy. Patience, consistency, and lots of love and affection will be required to successfully parent these boys.

Portraits by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Andy & Alex, or for information on adoption or foster care, 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: 30351.

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