Two Of Four

We call him "Nanew". Have I ever told you that? It is how Jacob pronounced "Andrew" when the boys were little. It was very Mork & Mindy-esque and has stuck for years. I finished up his winter hat just in time for an orienteering field trip at school today. It is a frigid forty degree fall day here and that wool hugging his little head is a very good thing.

I few of you have been sending me emails asking how Andrew is doing these days. As I said a few weeks ago, intensive in-home therapy was started in an effort to avoid possible hospitalization. Our therapist, Annette, has been really great. The novelty of her being here wore off quickly and I feel like finally, finally, someone "sees" what we are going through. He has been cycling a lot in the past two weeks which is telling us he isn't responding to the new meds. Doctors are still confident in their diagnosis of Early Onset Bi-Polar Disorder, but are puzzled by the lack of response to Lithium. Everyone seems to think there maybe more going on along with the bi-polar. Annette has seen some severe anxiety attacks in him, that I would usually describe to his psychiatrist as a meltdown over homework. So, see, those fresh eyes are really wonderful!

Even though we are still having meltdowns, and bus suspensions, and days where Andrew is quite literally a black hole of neediness, we persevere. We are founding out about lots of services available to us and it is so so comforting to know that we have that support to fall back on. Thank you so much for your emails and warm thoughts. I heart you all!!