Prep Group day 1

Two entries in a week....this must be moving.
Today was the first day of the Preparation Group.  We were both a little excited and nervous as we made our way to the training venue, still pretty much unsure what we were letting ourselves in for or who would be there.  The first surprise was that of the 14 prospective adopters 6 were gay/lesbian.   The group consisted of an officer of the law, a BA worker, 2 GP's, 2 social worker, a stay at home Mum not to mention a nurse and an events organiser.  There were also 2 single adopters.  It just proves how this process involves people from all walks of life but with one common goal....to love a child.

We learnt about what we would encounter over the next 3 sessions and had a chance to work together on case studies based on the situations of some children and how they could come to care, or alternatively ways that they could be returned to there family.  They dispelled some myths about adoption figures and the scary nature of the assessment process.  I suppose we'll soon find out if they are telling the truth.  AND MAJOR SPANNER IN THE WORKS...(that was a little over dramatic)...we were told today that when we finally get approved we will be approved to 'adopt' and not just to adopt a particular number of children or gender.  We were led to believe that because we originally said a boy that that was all we were going to be concidered for.  It turns out that is not the case.  So whereas we have been stuck in the mindset that we would become fathers to a little boy, it now seems equally likely that would could bring home a little girl.  Either way, we would both be over the moon.

We also have a presentation from a chap who, with his parent, had adopted a little girl.  It was great to hear first hand about the process and the emotions.  He brought along the first photo he ever saw of his daugther and a photo album of her first year with her new family.  It was quite something.

We also discovered that we will be introduced to our social worker before the Prep Group is over.  That means in less than two weeks we will have our social worker and the assessment will begin in earnest!

So now we have homework for the next session.  I can't remember the last time I had homework.  Roll on next Thursday.

The nesting has begun

Well it looks like the 'nesting' has well and truly set in!  Today we went off to test drive a new 'family' car.  Now, anyone who knows me knows I'm not really a car man,  I couldn't tell you one bit from another.  But when asked if there was any particular features I was interested in my first response was that I had to be able to connect my iPod (for what am I without music) and the second was that it had to be a 5 door.  I didn't go in to details of why but to David and I it was very clear.  Gone are the days of wanting a convertible with a big engine.  Hello sensible 5 door family transportation.

At this moment in time I know so many people with young children, or that have just given birth or that are waiting for the blessed day that I can only assume that this too is the right time for us to become parents.  The longing is certainly there.

We have completed and returned our application form, done our CRB checks and the medical forms are all but done.  Next week we begin the elusive Prep Group.  It's hard to believe that it's almost a year since we finally decided that this was the path we were going to take.  We are still slightly in the dark about what to expect but maybe it's a good thing that we don't know to much.  I'm sure you'll get a full report on what happened.

So, Prep Group, here we come.  I hope you're ready for us!!