The First Homestudy Appointment
This week, in addition to other exciting(read:stressful) family-related happenings, we had our first adoption home study visit.
It was an exciting milestone for us since we have been working toward this point for awhile.
We had been working on getting the house spic and span for several weeks prior. In addition to being nerve-wracking, the wait only served to allow us to think up ever more possible ways to fail.
Of course we knew on a practical level that we would be fine. And we were. As soon as our case worker got there She let us know exactly how the visit would work.
She asked to first be given a quick tour of our house and the surrounding space. We did just that, explaining things briefly along the way as she asked questions about certain things.
It more like she was taking the tour to be sure we have the basic amenities needed to care for a child; and to also get a general idea of who we are as people. She didn't check drawers or closets, and there were no white gloves.
After she saw the house and peeked briefly at the garage, we all sat down in the living room and she went through a home study checklist. Then she started asking us some more in-depth questions about our lives.
She didn't ask about our histories so much as ask about our present life together; our daily routines. Our habits. Our friendships and social activities.
A few of the questions were in regard to our feelings for each other. it was surprising to me that K was more prepared than I to answer. My answer felt awkward. It was a challenge to talk about Kevin so candidly in front of a practical stranger.
The question and answer period lasted longest, and altogether it was about an hour and a half long.
She seemed satisfied at any rate, and we were pleased that it went well. I think she got an idea of who we are as people, and she was also reassured that we have a safe home in which to raise a child.
We have three remaining home study appointments. Two individual appointments at OA&FS and a final appointment back here with the two of us.
I am nervous yet again in anticipation of the upcoming appointment on Tuesday. Yet excited to be closer still to being ready to be chosen by a birth family.
It was an exciting milestone for us since we have been working toward this point for awhile.
We had been working on getting the house spic and span for several weeks prior. In addition to being nerve-wracking, the wait only served to allow us to think up ever more possible ways to fail.
Of course we knew on a practical level that we would be fine. And we were. As soon as our case worker got there She let us know exactly how the visit would work.
She asked to first be given a quick tour of our house and the surrounding space. We did just that, explaining things briefly along the way as she asked questions about certain things.
It more like she was taking the tour to be sure we have the basic amenities needed to care for a child; and to also get a general idea of who we are as people. She didn't check drawers or closets, and there were no white gloves.
After she saw the house and peeked briefly at the garage, we all sat down in the living room and she went through a home study checklist. Then she started asking us some more in-depth questions about our lives.
She didn't ask about our histories so much as ask about our present life together; our daily routines. Our habits. Our friendships and social activities.
A few of the questions were in regard to our feelings for each other. it was surprising to me that K was more prepared than I to answer. My answer felt awkward. It was a challenge to talk about Kevin so candidly in front of a practical stranger.
The question and answer period lasted longest, and altogether it was about an hour and a half long.
She seemed satisfied at any rate, and we were pleased that it went well. I think she got an idea of who we are as people, and she was also reassured that we have a safe home in which to raise a child.
We have three remaining home study appointments. Two individual appointments at OA&FS and a final appointment back here with the two of us.
I am nervous yet again in anticipation of the upcoming appointment on Tuesday. Yet excited to be closer still to being ready to be chosen by a birth family.
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