The Homestudy

 HOME STUDY........

I spent two weeks of my summer vacation filling out adoption application paperwork like a mad woman. I was on a mission!!! Needless to say, I got the 13 page application done in two days. The remaining paperwork needed before the home study was faxed in within the next two weeks.  Criminal background (CHECK), FBI fingerprinting (CHECK), and that's just the beginning of it all.....

One of the most nerve wracking parts of the entire adoption process is the home study.   No one likes feeling "judged"; especially if you have endured years of infertility and decide to adopt.  You have to prove you are fit to be a parent BEFORE you can have a child come in to your home. It can be frustrating, and for some people the worst part of the entire process.  Fortunate for us, it wasn'

 I'm going to give you some MORE advice(you know JUST like when you were TTC and your neighbor's neighbor's friend said that their cousin had a hard time getting pregnant, and they stood on their head for 30 minutes "after" and BAM they were pregnant the next month) cause well... it's uncharted territory.

1) Get your house professionally cleaned.  You would be amazed how many people will be willing to help you if you tell them what it's for. TOTALLY worth it.

2) Set up a "baby room."  If you are still waiting for a baby this may be difficult. Heck, it was for us, but borrow from a friend if you need to.  You don't need a fancy crib, but  a basinnett and diapers will do. Just show u have a place for a baby/child.

3)  Baby proof like your hair is on fire. Those door handles are SO hard to open right now!!!!

4) RELAX!!! I'm basically telling myself this, cause that was difficult for me, but relax.

5) Bake cookies... it gives you something to do 30 minutes ahead of time, and makes the house homey.... offer water as well. It helps.

6) Get a GOOD night sleep the night before. Go to bed early, and when you get up do something productive. I advise praying, meditate, run, whatever it is you need to "chill."  
Our home study lasted 3 hours. We showed her around the house. She then interviewed us together. After that, we were spoken to at different times.  I feel like it went really well, and hopefully will be finalized within the next month.

If you have any questions just leave them in the comments below.