May 2010
Nathan has been enjoying the addition of two large cats to his pets at home. Nathan is definitely an animal lover. He doesn't always know how to interact with them appropriately but he is learning. Nathan loves to take the responsibility of feeding his pets, changing the cats litter box and walking his dogs. Nathan is also learning how to bath the dogs and brush out their hair. Nathan doesn't always understand that his teasing the pets can scare them. Since he can't hear the dogs bark or the cats whine he is not getting the auditory cues that others receive to help them interpret an animal's mood. Nathan's roommates and support staff continue to help Nathan learn how to care for his pets appropriately.
November 2009
Nathan loves spending time with his bio brother Kyle. Now that Kyle is living closer to Nathan the guys get to spend more time together. Kyle's roommate and Nathan's roommate are cousins so the four bachelors get together frequently. Nathan has been enjoying the Wii video game system that Kyle has at his house. Nathan is learning how to play the games and in the meantime he is improving his coordination and getting a little exercise. Nathan is definitely asking for a Wii game system for himself this Christmas!
December 2008
Nathan enjoyed all of the holiday activities. He attended a number of parties and gift exchanges. Nathan gets very excited giving and receiving gifts. Nathan is very enthusiastic whenever he receives any gift. It is very cute watching Nathan jump up and down and hug everyone in the room after opening each gift.
Nathan is also very excited when he gets to visit with his biological brother, Kyle. The holidays bring out the best of both of the boys.
Nathan is also looking forward to participating in a lawn maintenance job through the SUCCESS Day Program. This will be Nathan's first paid job! Very exciting!!
September 2008
Nathan is learning some basic cooking skills at home. He still needs lots of supervision and support but Nathan feels very proud and satisfied when he helps his roommate prepare a meal. Nathan is also increasing his skills in the area of pet care. Nathan loves his dogs but still needs reminders to help feed them, change their water and of course pick-up after them. Nathan is learning how to play quietly and not rough house with the dogs. Change comes slowly with Nathan but he continues to grow, mature and make positive behavioral choices. We are proud to watch Nathan increase his independence and social skills.
May 2008
Nathan had a great birthday in March and just recently
returned from a trip to Las Vegas. Nathan loves to
travel. Normally he is not that patient during a long
car drive but when Nathan learned he was going to Las
Vegas he was perfect for the four hour drive. Nathan
played a few of the penny and nickel slot machines but
mostly enjoyed walking up and down the strip, shopping
for t-shirts and other Las Vegas souvenirs, and of
course eating in the incredible buffets. Nathan had some
opportunities to explore outside of the strip area with
staff from his day program who also went to Las Vegas.
Nathan also had lots of time to hang out with his adult
brothers and his dad during the week in Nevada. The
whole trip Nathan was in good spirits and had excellent
behavior. Nathan says he wants to go back to las Vegas
"again...again...again!"
November 2007
Nathan is happy that the construction has been completed at his home. In the end he seemed to be getting a little tired of the mess and lack of access to different parts of the house. During the past two months Nathan was able to visit Jim in the hospital. Nathan doesn't have the patience to visit for a long time but we felt it was important for Nathan to see Jim in the hospital and to see that Jim is doing fine. Nathan was also very excited to bring Jim a plant for Jim's birthday.
September 2007
Nathan has been hanging in there during the chaos of the construction going on at his house. They are remodeling a bedroom and a bathroom. While Nathan can't hear all of the banging going on, he can see the big mess the construction is causing. Surprisingly Nathan has remained mellow so far. Usually this type of change in his routine or his environment cause him extreme anxiety and stress. We are happy that Nathan has settled down over the past few years to be able to handle some basic changes in his routine. Luckily everything else in Nathan's schedule has remained stable and consistent. He enjoys working with the other consumers who attend day program and appreciates the stability of his routine in the program. This stability probably has helped Nathan get through the other changes in his daily routine.
April 2007
Nathan continues to work hard at the SUCCESS Day Program. Nathan is generally happiest when he is busy participating in interesting activities, especially those that provide him the opportunity to help other people. Nathan seems to really enjoy volunteering with the "Meals on Wheels" program. Nathan calls this job "giving food to the old people." The recipients of the food are very thankful and show their appreciate to Nathan which makes Nathan enjoy his work even more.
Nathan also participated in the Mater Dei Special Games this month. Nathan won several medals for running. Nathan enjoyed this event and was very happy to see some of his former friends for his old high school and elementary school..
February 2007
Nathan is excited about having a new member in our supported living group, Eric. Eric is also Deaf and uses sign language to communicate. Of course Nathan is acting shy at the moment but he is always watching Eric. Nathan was especially happy to help Eric celebrate his birthday at Dave and Busters. Nathan always loves a good arcade! Eventually, as they participate in more activities together, we hope that the guys will become friends.
December 2006
Nathan has been getting ready for Christmas. He has shopped for various gifts, helped put up the Christmas tree, and attended numerous holiday parties. Nathan loves the holidays, especially Christmas with all of the decorations, fancy lights, and other festivities. Although Nathan loves the holidays, he often suffers from anxiety because of the changes from his regular schedule. Interestingly, Nathan's behaviors have been exceptionally good this year despite the changes in his routine. We are keeping our fingers crossed for continued good behavior as we wrap-up this holiday season.
 
October 2006
Nathan has struggled a little bit with his behavior lately. The doctors are trying to adjust medication that Nathan has taken for many years It has been very difficult to watch Nathan lose control over his behavior. He also seems to be frustrated with the situation. We hope Nathan's medication will be stabilized soon and that we start seeing the old "happy-go-lucky" Nathan we all know and love.
July 2006
Nathan is enjoying summer. He continues to work with the SUCCESS day program during the week. On the weekends, Nathan loves attending sporting events with Kurtis and all of the activities scheduled with his friends in supported living. Nathan especially had fun at Anthony's 21st birthday party which was held at a casino in Morongo. Nathan enjoyed trying out all of the different slot machines but he REALLY enjoyed was the buffet!
March 2006
Nathan (25) celebrated his birthday this month. He had several parties and a special trip to Disneyland with an old friend. Nathan especially loved go to Disneyland as it was Deaf Day and almost everyone there was communicating in American Sign Language! For Nathan's big birthday bash we rented the City Pool for several hours. Nathan enjoyed sharing his party with his biological brother, Kyle, as well as, Grant and Kavin. It was great fun for everyone to get together in a heated indoor pool while the weather outside was cold and chilly. After swimming we all enjoyed a nice potluck then birthday cake, and of course presents! Nathan received many nice gifts from family and friends. He especially loves getting gift cards as Nathan loves to shop!
  
January 2006
Nathan loves the bachelor life. He rents a three bedroom house with Anthony and Kurtis. Nathan loves shopping for household items. Nathan also enjoys taking care of the two dogs and the houseplants. Nathan has been very responsible about walking the dogs, feeding them and changing their water. Nathan wants to learn how to bathe the dogs and Kurtis promises to teach him very soon.
Nathan continues to enjoy gardening. He works in the yard a lot and when the weather isn't so great he works on the plants in the house.
Nathan also likes to cook. For Christmas he received a rice cooker and an old fashioned popcorn popper. Nathan would like to get a bread maker for his birthday.
During the past few months Nathan has attend several sporting events including most recently a hockey game. Nathan also likes to see the latest movies and he especially likes to try the newest snacks at the snack bar!
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