the home study process

We had our first home study visit on Tuesday, which lasted about three hours. Our social worker, Connie, asked a myriad of questions about our childhoods, education, family, friends, parenting beliefs, etc. It was an interesting process to be on the other end of all the questions. Overall, I don’t think we came off as too crazy.

Today, Connie completed the second and final home visit. She completed the safety check list which is required by DHS. We passed, but that’s not too surprising since it’s pretty common sense safety things (like clean water and smoke detectors).

Connie should have our home study turned into Journeys within three weeks (maybe less). The home study will then be reviewed by a committee who makes the final approval. I have little doubt that we will pass, it’s more a matter of how much time it’ll take to approve everything. We paid the final fee to get into the domestic program, so as soon as our home study is approved we will be in the waiting families pool.

Once in the pool, our portfolio (essentially a photo book of us, our family and friends) can be show to any birth mom who meets our criteria. We are pretty open to most races, potential minor medical issues and possible drug exposure. Because we are open, we will likely be shown to a larger number of mothers and are therefore more likely to be chosen. However, as I’ve said before, it could be a matter of a few weeks or a matter of many months.

With all that said, I’m feeling pretty hopeful about everything. I’m slowly starting to think about what we need once the baby comes. However, my friend Gina told me not to worry about it too much since we have so many people in our lives who will give and/or loan us things. I’m also researching infant care books. We really have very little working knowledge about what it’s going to be like once the baby is home. Suggestions are always welcome. :)