Here We Go!

Last night was a very big night for our family.  For the last several months (and I mean SEVERAL) we have been working on an adoption home study.  Last night the big night when the social worker came out and interviewed us and looked at our home.  To say I was nervous would be an understatement.  The interview was actually really great.  She started by asking our kids questions about their basic information and how they felt about having a new child join the family.  It was so sweet to hear their thoughts.  The worker asked them what might be a downside to having a new sister or brother, and Giggles (who is now nine) answered that she might have to share her room.  She was asked if that made her feel differently about adopting, and she said "No, it's okay!  I don't mind!"  What a sweetie.  :)

The home inspection was so much easier than I had anticipated.  It was nice that we (and by we I mean Ethan) completely re-organized the garage this weekend, but she didn't even look in there.  Same thing for the inside of the fridge and showers, which I had scrubbed like a madwoman.  I'm not complaining, though; we have really appreciated having everything so clean and organized for the last few days!  

I had no idea how long it would take for the study to be approved.  I feel like I've been holding my breath for so long, just waiting to see if we will be able to do this.  When I asked last night, I just loved our social worker's response.  She said, "Oh, the approval on this will just take a couple of weeks, and it's not your family that is being approved, it's my report.  If I'd had any concerns about you I would have mentioned it by now."  What a great thing to hear!  I was so worried that we wouldn't be good enough.  But now that the we have gotten this far we will just be waiting to hear that we are certified to adopt!!  I can't wait.  

One last funny moment from last night.  Bubba (who is now seven) is really into sniffing (and occasionally licking) people, and he probably sniffed the social worker a half dozen times.  Luckily she has a daughter with special needs herself and she was very accommodating.  We just love his crazy quirks!