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I was curious to find out from those of you who have had home visits and received your final home study if there were things identified that they did not like with your home? What type of things? Just really wondering how in-depth cleaning/straightening we should do.
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We were told to get a carbon monoxide alarm ($30) and child proof locks on the cabinets that contain chemicals. At the time the room that would become our sons room had my desk and a bookshelf in it, that's all!
Grrl - I don't know how long you've been waiting, but our homestudy was completed in 4/03, we applied for our son in 10/03 and got the call in January of 04. He moved in almost a year to the day from the completion of our homestudy. The foster/adopt system moves SLOWLY.
Things are going well, our little guy turned seven in July. We had a party and he seemed to enjoy it. I've been warned that the special events (like birthdays, holidays) of the first year will be tough, as he's reflecting on last year's holiday and anxious about what will happen this year. I adore Christmas and for the last three years, it's been the hardest holiday for me. Christmas really is for kids. I'm hoping that this year is wonderful.
Now that he's here, I've learned some things that are definitely worth sharing.
1) You make things up as you go along. You have no idea how many things will leave you scrambling for an answer.
2) With an older child, you will spend the first month giving directions. I felt like such a beast, constantly redirecting, or saying no. As your child learns your house, that will get better.
3) Have a support system in place!! While I adore my son, making the change from no kids to one very active six year old was hard. He needs a lot from me and sometimes I just need time to myself. I'm lucky to have a good friend living next door who can watch him for an hour once in awhile so I can recharge.
4) Don't be too hard on yourself. I am very critical of my parenting, my DH reassures me that I'm much harder than I need to be.
Good luck to each of you on your adoption journeys!