Day 25: Adoption Visit #1

Tonight we had our first adoption visit with our case worker. We didn't know what to expect, if she'd check our house for bare wires and rabid racoons and quicksand, or if she'd just ask questions. When she pulled into the driveway, memories of our first meeting over two years ago filled my mind--it was good to see her. Kelli had been the gate, the entry point into the entire adoption process. It was Kelli who was our first contact, Kelli who filed our home study, Kelli who trained us. It would also be Kelli who will make three visits and file three reports, which will ultimately lead to the finalization of our adoption.

To start off, Colette played with the kids outside while I met with Kelli inside. She asked questions about the trip, the placement appointment, and our first days together. She asked how Rex seemed to be adjusting to us, special moments between Rex and me, Asia's relationship with Rex, how work is going, medical questions, nutrition questions, sleeping questions. She asked if we've left Rex alone with anyone yet (I said no), if he's learning English words (I said yes), and if we've had discipline breakthroughs (I said definitely).

When Rex was ready for bed, I went upstairs, Colette sat with Kelli downstairs, and Asia watched TV in the other room. I don't know what questions Kelli asked her, but I did hear some talk about phasing in childcare and making time for Mommy. Kelli's family adopted a girl from Cambodia, and she had great advice, things like, "Give it a year," and "Don't try to be a martyr" and "Don't be surprised if siblings love each other one moment and hate each other the next." All in all, it was a good visit, and I think we'll get a good report. We locked the racoons in the basement.