Today was my first homestudy visit. Instead of being nervous about it I was just excited to welcome Liz into my home and sit down and chat with her again. I was a little bit worried about having a clean enough house so I spent the weekend cleaning every room. But it turns out (and wouldn't you know it) that I needn't have bothered because she didn't even ask for a tour of the place. We went upstairs and sat at the kitchen table, drinking coffee, and having a good ole chin wag. And here I was worrying that I had a Nine Inch Nails CD in the Jeep CD player and that I hadn't straightened up the pantry or child-proofed the cleaning products under the kitchen sink. Sheesh!! Maybe she will take a closer look next week. I've heard horror stories about some SWs insisting on fire extinguishers and full house child-proofing before they approve the homestudy.
Other than Midge attacking her stockinged toes under the kitchen table and both boys snooping in her purse (she has a cat at home too, thank goodness), it couldn't have gone better. We talked about my personality, strengths, weaknesses, education, job history, hopes/fears, stuff like that. Plus my support system, available male role models, and child care plans. Next visit we'll get into my family of origin, how I was raised, my religious beliefs, planned parenting style, etc. It looks like there will only be one more homestudy visit - maybe two but she said probably not since we won't need to discuss how my (nonexistent) partner will parent & how we would have to compromise on that, infertility issues, etc etc. This is great news but wow, it really does seem to be going quickly so I am going to hustle and courier out my CAFAC application form and agency fees tomorrow (that's just the first installment to CAFAC & doesn't include any country fees yet, whew!). I spoke with Deborah at CAFAC yesterday and she was very nice. She said the Ethiopian caseworker (can't remember her name) will be thrilled to hear that a black adoptive parent is looking for a placement and my case may be expedited. Yippee - p'raps my race will work in my favor for a change ;-)
Since all the other documentation is ready up to this stage, CAFAC will hopefully be able to move into action very quickly. I will get their guidance on starting the immigration process right away. Liz also advised me to check into childcare facilities now as space can be limited and I shouldn't leave it to the last minute. It's sort of a freaky thing to be thinking about already, I tell ya!
Liz will also put me in touch with some other single adoptive moms in Calgary - I'm really looking forward to meeting them and hearing of their experiences. Speaking of which, my first IAFA members get-together is Monday night - should be fun. Adults only this time, hopefully it won't be all couples. It's going to be great to meet so many new people this year!
Ok, gotta go - I'm bushed. Later.
