Yeah, I've watched how his behaviour towards me has changed. He's really hot and cold - really loving and sweet and then shuts himself down because he doesn't think good things can happen to him. The day he was getting switched to a new house, he asked me if I would cry if he didn't come back. I said that yes, I would cry. Then told him after he'd been gone the next day that yes, I had cried when he wasn't there because I didn't know where he was. He gave me the strangest look... could tell that he really didn't know what to make of someone openly saying that to him.

But as I've earned some trust from him, he wants to be right near me all the time. And is comfortable enough to ask me for things - like going with him to watch his drum audition, and to build something with Lego during an indoor recess. And if the class has earned a party and we are all watching a movie - can guarantee that by 10 minutes in to the movie he's moved his chair next to mine. And the moment I get up to do something he starts being silly.

What's nice though is that his older brother and younger sister are also both quite comfortable with me and seem to view me as a safe and trustworthy adult.

Still absolutely terrified about taking these steps though. But I know my comittment level, and I could really help someone.