Some people think our adoption was finalized the day we brought M home. It doesn't work that way. Adoption is a loooong journey... We have to go through a series of visits as part of the Post-Placement Supervision. Our social worker visited our home once a month after placement. Last Friday was our third (and last!) post-placement visit.The first visit was the longest, when M was one month old, and it required some preparation. Our social worker sent us more paperwork to fill out and send back to her before her visit.
I always feel we have to be perfect in front of her. Even though she's a very nice person and we feel at ease with her, she's the social worker, you know? So I did the drill all over again - tidy up the house, dress up the baby, bring out the appetizers, and smack a smile on my face, even when I was sleep deprived. Just like we did for the home study. I don't mean that our house is a pigsty, or that we don't practice common courtesy with visitors, but when I see her I always feel like a child trying to be the perfect little girl who gets straight As. What am I afraid of? That our social worker will file a negative report because she didn't like my appetizers? I know it's silly, but I can't help it...
I always feel we have to be perfect in front of her. Even though she's a very nice person and we feel at ease with her, she's the social worker, you know? So I did the drill all over again - tidy up the house, dress up the baby, bring out the appetizers, and smack a smile on my face, even when I was sleep deprived. Just like we did for the home study. I don't mean that our house is a pigsty, or that we don't practice common courtesy with visitors, but when I see her I always feel like a child trying to be the perfect little girl who gets straight As. What am I afraid of? That our social worker will file a negative report because she didn't like my appetizers? I know it's silly, but I can't help it...
The interview included more intruding questions and we went through everything that happened, from the moment we received the call to the present time. She asked about our daily routine, M's feeding schedule, our friends and family's involvement, M's medical history and doctor's visits, our feelings, our family's feelings, what we do for leisure, stress, our financial status, work, the brand of formula we use... Everything!
Second and third visits? Lather. Rinse. Repeat. Minus the paperwork.
Yes, it felt like spying. The uneasy feelings that come as a result of having to prove ourselves worthy of being parents always come back, just like with the home study visits. I wish we didn't have to go through all this, but it is all part of the package. However, just as with our home study, it turned out to be a learning the experience as well. Funny how things work...
She said we seemed very well adjusted as new parents and that M looked very healthy and incredibly beautiful - things we already knew. Then, more magic words...
"I'm very pleased with my findings. I'll have your report ready by Monday."
That's today! :o)
What's next? We wait for our court date. Can't wait!
See? Adoption is a long journey. We're always waiting. ;o)
See? Adoption is a long journey. We're always waiting. ;o)











