Waiting to be Chosen: Michael

November 26, 2017 Children Who Wait 0 Comments

Michael is an absolutely adorable three-year-old boy! His cognitive development is said to be normal and he is progressing developmentally as well. Michael was able to scoot on his belly to get where he wanted to be when he was a baby and, as of the latest report, he was walking while holding onto things.

He understands what is being said to him and says single words with purpose, and is on the verge of expanding his language skills, as he loves imitation. Michael is the happiest when playing with toys, listening to music, or when someone is trying to make him laugh. He loves bright colors and is very outgoing.



He is in early education and rehabilitation to help him continue to do well. His nannies describe him as an outgoing, engaging, and charming boy who has a sweet smile for everyone he meets. He is a content child who cheerfully plays with toys. He is able to follow directions. Although his gross motor development is slightly delayed, Michael happily works hard.

Michael has been diagnosed with Prune-Belly or Abdominal Muscle Deficiency Syndrome, which is a group of birth defects that involve three main problems: poor development of the abdominal muscles, causing the skin of the belly area to wrinkle like a prune, undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), and urinary tract/kidney problems. Prune belly syndrome involves being born with weak or missing abdominal muscles, but it doesn’t seem to hold Michael back a whole lot.

You can read more about Prune Belly Syndrome, which also goes by many other names, here.



New videos of Michael can be found here – password for all is Adoptmaa:

Michael 1, Michael 2, Michael 3, Michael 4, Michael 5, and Michael 6.

New written update from October 2017:

1. How is his mental ability compared to peers of the same age?
Same as kids of same age.

2. How does the special need affect his health?
We have to pay attention to protect his tummy. Other than that, nothing special.

3. Is he potty trained?
Sometimes he can go on his own.

4. Please describe his personality in details.
He is active and busy and has good social skills. If he has a wrong-doing, we treat him seriously and let him correct it, but do not yell at him. Generally, he can accept your words and correct his behavior.

5. Is he well behaved and obedient?
He is well behaved and he can be very obedient if you respect him.

6. How are his gross motor skills? Can he walk, run, jump, walk upstairs and downstairs by himself? Can he kick a ball? Can he pick up a ball? Any limited functions?
He likes climbing. He is allowed to do so if it is safe. He can run, walk, and jump with one foot by himself. He can go upstairs and downstairs by himself, but cannot jump off by two feet. No limitations.

7. How are his fine motor skills? Can he draw or scribble on paper? Can he pick up little things with his fingers?
He can hold small objects like beads, can scribble, and can pick up tiny things. No limitations.

8. Is he in any kind of school? If so, what school? Can he catch up in school?
He receives pre-school education inside the orphanage plus language therapy, hearing therapy, and cognitive therapy.

9. How is his emotional development? Is the child attached to anyone? Who is he close to? Does he care for other people?
Normal. He is attached to people who love and respect him. He will play with other kids and help others.

10. How are his social skills? Does he get along well with other children and adults?
He greets others. He can get along well with other kids and adults.

11. Is he under foster care or living in the orphanage?
Orphanage

12. Updated Measurements:
Height:78cm
Weight: 9.5 kg
Head: 44 cm
Chest circ: 44 cm
Foot length: 12 cm
18 teeth

13. How is the language ability of the child? What can he say? Can he speak one word, two words or sentences? Can he express his needs well? Is his language ability the same as peers the same age?
He has made big progress compared to five months ago. He can say sentences of 4-5 words and can express his needs. His language ability is behind other kids the same age, but improving.

14. Can the child follow directions of adults? One step, two steps, or three steps?
Yes, one and two step directions.

15. Anything else you think the family should know about the child?
He drinks lots of water; he can receive water.

16. Is the child on any medication?
No



17. What is the daily schedule of the child?
He has a routine life. He gets up in the morning, brushes his teeth, drinks water, and eats breakfast. Then he will join in the playtime organized by caretakers (or study) after breakfast. He goes to school for pre school education. He eats fruit. He eats lunch by himself. He takes a nap for two hours.

18. What does the child eat? Can he feed himself? Does the child eat with chopsticks, spoon, or a bottle?
He eats normal food. He feeds himself by a spoon and drinks with a cup.

19. Does the child know any English?
No. He has not learned English.

20. Does the child want to be adopted? Does the child understand what adoption means?
Yes, he understands it as going home.

21. What color does the child like?
Red , yellow, green and such bright colors

22. What activity does the child like to do?
He likes playing games with other kids.

23. What is the favorite toy of the child?
He likes boxes, kitchen toys, toy snow flakes, blocks, stuffed animals, etc.



Michael is listed with Madison Adoption Associates. There is a $2,000 agency grant with Madison Adoption Associates for Michael’s adoption. MAA is offering an additional special $1,000 grant between Nov. 1st and December 31st, 2017 for families that sign on and contract during that time period for any waiting child! Other grants may be available based on the adoptive family’s circumstances. Agency grants are awarded as agency fee reductions. MAA also partners with the Brittany’s Hope Foundation for matching grants, which are given out twice a year and to families that already have their letter of approval from China.

If you are interested in reviewing Michael’s file or in adopting Michael, please fill out a free PAP Waiting Child Review Form.



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