Home Study

After a long sleepless night, we had a home study this morning. 

The reason for the sleepless night is unknown.  Much like everything else with a newborn, it's just a lot of guesswork and chronic sleep deprivation.  :)

The home study was ok.  It took about 3 hours.  Three hours of questioning.  No waterboarding involved.  Though, there were some very hard questions.  We made it through, and the social worker said she "sees no problems".  I guess maybe we are normal people?  I'll admit it was strange to have a complete stranger come into our house, ask a bunch of very personal questions, have a look around, and type notes on her computer the whole time. 

Levi stayed in his little sling wrap the whole time she was here.  This was my view:

It was hard to be bothered by anything she had to ask when I had this view!

We'll know what she had to say in about a week or two, depending how long it takes her to complete her report.

After that, we decided to enjoy the beautiful weather together.  We packed up the dogs and Levi and went to the dog park. The four-legged boyz had a blast running and playing, and the two-legged boy stayed safely in his stroller and slept peacefully the whole time we were there.  We also stopped over for a quick visit to see Miss Lynn and Ed.  They love him so much and if we don't stop by for a look-see every day, they'll be sure to come on over!  :)   We don't mind at all of course.  They are great people.  Honestly, we don't know what we'd do without them!   

After a nap, dinner from a church-family member arrived.  YUM!!  It is nice to have something to eat that we don't have to think about preparing.  They brought two giant meals, so we certainly will not starve. 

Rob and Levi have enjoyed some bonding time recently....here are some pics.

In the evening, Miss Allison and Mr. Ben stopped over for a visit.  Allison took the opportunity to feed Levi his evening meal.  She is a natural!

We are looking forward to more sleepless nights and lots of work still to do in order to complete this adoption!  The most common question is:  "is it final?"  The answer:  "No.  It will take at least 6 months to be final."  We have to go through this home study visit at least 6 more times (once/month) before it's final.  The second most common question, "Can the birthmother change her mind?"  Answer:  "Not really".  She can, according to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  She has 20 days from the day she signed her paperwork (that would bring us to next week sometime) to "change her mind."  But the result of this would mean that the child would then enter the foster system. She does not have the option to 'keep' him.  She is adamant that he does not go into the foster system, and is thrilled that we are caring for him.  So, while she can still legally change her mind, she is not willing to allow the alternative to happen.  As for the birthfather, he is not in the picture.  There is no one listed on the birth records.  I hope that clears up some unanswered questions.   We know that sometimes these situations can be awkward and you all love us and worry that something could happen.  We appreciate your concern and welcome your questions.

Again, thank you for your love and support!