We've passed the first audition....

Evening All,

Well, we've done stage one.

I'm going to put this in to X-Factor terms. It helps it in my head.

We've done the initial auditions.....and passed.

Today was pretty much just for the social worker to meet us face-to-face and for us to ask any questions together .... that kind of thing. In all honesty, and I don't think Steph would disagree, we were overwhelmed with it all and maybe went a bit OTT with stress and preparation. I even half tidied my cave/office! We went through and made sure the Living Room, Kitchen and Bathroom were up to spec (or as much as they could be), along with the hall and stairway. That was the absolute most I was expecting her to see.......but you never know. I spent some time trying to calm Steph down the night before, while quietly .... well let's say I barely slept a wink. I don't think the house has ever been tidier, and that's with a guest Rabbit and Hamsters.

For the visit, we bought muffins (I managed to talk Steph down from two packets to one) and nice biscuits. When the social worker arrived, I'll call her Jill, though that's not her name, we offered her a tea or coffee. She declined, and I think that threw Steph off a bit. The biscuits are still sitting in the pack! At one point Steph was worrying over whether to do some home baking for the visit  or not.... seriously ... I was almost going to bake bread ... like we were selling the house!!!

I was feeling physically sick. The problem was that I had been sick on the Thursday night/Friday so I wasn't sure if I was just bricking it or was still ill! lol But, that's how bad it was for me, and the look on Steph's face said she was worse. I wish I could have been more supportive and calm her down, but I didn't know how or what to do for her. I really do suck at that at times. Sorry Steph.

The three of us chatted for just under an hour. Let's be honest, Jill did most of the talking. We just replied when she asked us questions.

At the end of it Jill said that she "had no problem" putting us through to the next stage/part of the process. That was all we really wanted to hear (I almost felt light headed) ..... but seemed we'd gone a long way for that 50 minute moment of approval ... and now it's only going to get longer. It seems a bit of a blur now to be honest. We spoke after it and I asked if I said anything out of turn or stupid, and Steph just spoke about how little she said. We both seem to have been in a bit of a bubble. We both decided we didn't do anything wrong, and I think Jill could see how nervous we both were.

To be fair, from what we (Jill, Steph and I) had spoken about, the council seem pretty realistic in what to expect. The problem we have right now is that we have pretty unrealistic targets for ourselves.

Well .... now that's done .....

What was learned today. By the sounds of it, we need to write a couple of essays about ourselves, who we are and how we were brought up. Also, we need to sign a waiver at the start of the process saying that if the child the is placed with us has a problem with the pets we have then we need to re-home the pets. I hadn't seen that one coming. If we had a cat or dog, then yes. I'd never thought about allergies to rabbits. Steph did. Before she even invited Jill in to the house she asked her if she was allergic to rabbits (seeing as there are three just now). Will be a big sacrifice, a very big sacrifice, but if that's what we need to do then so be it.

I'll be opening the X-Factor/BGT style auditions for your chance to be our references soon .... ;0)

Next up .... boot camp. That come in May/June This is the three 9-5 days we go to where we hear and learn about the process and what we are going to come up against. Also we will meet other people going through the course, people from the council, hear from people who've been through the process .... you get the idea.

It's three straight Mondays or Fridays, and yes, it may hit Download weekend.....and yes....I have already said that if I have to I'll miss Black Sabbath to keep the ball rolling........

As always, we both really appreciate every kind word and every piece of encouragement that we get. It's going to be a long slog, but we know it will be well worth it.

I don't think Steph even knows I'm putting this up. Steph, are you reading this? ;)

If this seems rambling, then I apologise, I'm never sure how to word or write these things. I kind of write them as I'd say them then try and edit them. Jesus....if you read the first draft ... lol

Was this readable enough?

All the best.

Ross

Not much happening right now

Hi all,

Just a quick update.

Not a whole helluva lot going on right now.

We have our first visit from a social worker rep on Monday 26th, Nothing huge. This is just an initial Q&A for them and us.....however, it does feel huge. Steph is feeling a bit panicky about making sure certain things are in place and sorted around the house :)

After that we have to wait until May/June to do the mandatory adoption course.

Thanks for all your positive words and encouragement for Steph and I in all of this, it really does make a difference.

Positive Thoughts :0)

Ross