Home Study Part Three

I did our final interview this morning for our home study. I got to answer all the same questions that Nathan did yesterday. The social worker also did an initial walk through of our house, so all she needs to do is come back once we put in the outlet covers and cabinet locks. Hopefully we can get that taken care of in the next week or two and then our home studies will be complete.

Nathan and I also both need to have a basic physical which includes blood work. I did my blood work today and my doctor's appointment is scheduled for next week. Sadly, I have to see a different doctor because mine is out of town. I'd wait for her to get back in town, but she only does physicals in the morning and once I start school I can't do a morning appointment. I'm just glad I can get this taken care of before school starts. Nathan is going to have his physical done at his next transplant appointment in September. It's really hard for him to get off work so it makes sense to do both appointments at the same time. Especially since that office does their own blood work.

I know I've spoiled you all with 3 posts in one week. Don't be surprised if you don't see anything for a while. We promise to keep you updated as things happen. We really appreciate your prayers for us and especially for the birth mother.

Home Study Number Two

We had our 2nd home study interview this morning. We started out finishing the couple questions mostly about the community. We discussed the things our community has to offer like shopping and theaters as well as many doctors and fantastic hospitals. Then the social worker moved on to Nathan's individual interview. I thought I might have to leave the room, but was allowed to stay. He got to answer questions about his childhood, parents, relationship with his parents and sister, as well as his medical history. Then he talked about the schools he attended, extra curricular school activities, and feelings about school. Nathan also got to talk about me and our marriage. Luckily it was all good stuff so I didn't have to make too many editorial comments. =)

Tune in tomorrow to read about my individual interview.

Home Study Part One

We had our first home study interview this morning. The social worker came to our house and asked us lots of questions. Most of what we talked about today had to do with us as a couple: why we wanted to adopt, what we have to offer a child, our discipline philosophy, and how we would encourage spiritual growth in a child. We also talked about our feelings toward the birth family and how we would answer questions from our child about their adoption. The social worker also had us look at our application and see if anything had changed in terms of they type of child we hope to adopt (race, age, disability, gender). She also gave us a list of some things the agency would like copies of: insurance forms, W-2, birth certificates, our marriage license, and a notarized form stating we have no criminal history (a state requirement).

Tomorrow we will finish up the last few questions as a couple and then she will do Nathan's individual interview. My individual interview will be Thursday. They don't normally do all the interviews the same week, but we both happened to be off work since I haven't started school and Nathan is recovering from surgery. The social worker also happened to be taking her daughter to VBS at a church down the street from our house, so it worked out well for all of us.

We also received a list of things the social worker will be looking for when she does the actual inspection of the home from a safety stand point. We'll probably head to Home Depot this weekend for plug outlet covers and cabinet locks so everything will ready. Then it's just a matter of scheduling the inspection. Once that's done and we mail all our copies and the scrapbook then it's in God's hands to connect us with the right birth mother.