Step-Parent Adoption....

or...Fun Ways in Which to Empty Your Bank Account and Feel Extremely Unfit.

I almost hate to move on from that last post, our first installment of our (hopefully weekly) dose of the wonderfully witty Mr. Monday. He's just so cute you guys, and I hesitate continue on because honestly, he deserves more recognition that was received here, but alas, I must move on. Please, if you haven't had the chance or the time (I know it's lengthy) you should really go back and read the story of Andrew's birth through the husband's eyes...Who knew that men actually think about stuff while we are laboring away!? Let's ignore that he was thinking about the hot doctor, shall we?

My reason for stopping in here today has everything to do with the phone call I received this morning from a state social worker informing me that we need to set an appointment for our home visit for LittleJuJu's adoption by Mr. JuJu. Now, yes...I know that everyone who is planning an adoption must first go through one of these visits. I can totally see why a couple who might be adopting a child from another country, or even adopting a non-biological child from the same state would need to jump through this hoop, but me? I'm his natural mother, what will they do? Decide that my cabinets are not organized enough and then petition the court to waive my right to be his mother? We are paying 450.00 for this visit alone! What the hell?

Gah. I am soooo defensive when it comes to my parenting, so you can see why I am really not looking forward to this woman coming in my home with her checklist of "good home" or "bad home" items to watch out for.

I'm exaggerating somewhat here, I know this. She sounded positively pleasant on the phone and I almost wanted to set up a lunch date with her to become her new BFF, but I do feel slightly panic stricken about the judging of the parenting and the home and the husband. I cannot wait for the day that we go into that courtroom and sign the paperwork and this will all be a distant memory (September 11 is our set date, by the way...yes that's right, September ELEVENTH.)

I don't go into detail about this aspect of my life, because frankly, I'm afraid of what I might say. I owe my child more than that. It's his story to tell, not mine. I have a version of my own, that is not his...that version is a huge part of who I am today and it will stay close to me. I will say that this adoption is the best thing for all of us, and we are so happy that it is finally here. Maybe someday our little man will have his own blog (OHMYGOD) and he can share his story there.

So anyway, wish me luck next Thursday while I am pissing myself all day cleaning my home and trimming LittleJuJu's fingernails. Anything else? Should I put out a bowl of fresh fruit and hid the TV? Lay a bible on the end table and put 911 on speed dial? Any advice?

Comments

[Pamalamadingdong]

yes, relax.

:)

[Becky]

Just be you, because everything you have shared with us here is wonderful!

[Mom]

Obviously, my opinion here is the only one that really counts because I know you better than anyone else under the sun. I can say, without even an inkling of reservation, that you are the best little mommy I've ever run across. And your wonderful kids are proof, if you need any. The way you mix the love, patience, humor, consistency and plain old common sense in raising your kids is truly a sight to behold. The sad part is that I can't figure out where you learned how to do that so beautifully. Really, Ju. You have not a thing to worry about. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. You old man does a damn good job too, as far as I can see :-)

[Mom]

Oh, wait. Advice. Lose the make up and mess your hair up a little bit. No one could look like you do on a daily basis AND be a good parent ;-)

[Lori]

My advice, you don't need advice. Don't change a thing!

[Hazel]

Bastards.

You have nothing to worry about. Your house is spotless, the kids are angels and you are awesome.

[Mark]

Sounds like you're all set, Supermom.

Just flash'em your Coppertone tan!

I don't know why that just popped into my head. Being tan has nothing to do with it.

[JuJuBee]

Also, I'm not tan, so if it does have something to do with it, I have yet another reason to worry.

Thanks, Mark!!

[Peeved Michelle]

Too bad I haven't been reading blogs. We were gearing up for the whole adoption home visit thing before we got pregnant. I would have had lots of things to say but mostly, chill out because have you seen some of the dirtbags they let through the system. Easy as pie for a normal person to pass.