Final Home Study!

Mark and I completed the last leg of the home study last Friday afternoon.  I don't think my house has EVER been that clean!  I really didn't know what she would be looking for, so I WAY overdid it.  Mark dusted every corner, I vacuumed twice in one week.  We put away everything that could be perceived as clutter.  We moved furniture and decor around 5 times to see how it would look in various positions.  I scrubbed the bathroom floor, toilets, and bathtubs with pumice.  We did laundry, and I EVEN IRONED THE PILLOWCASES that go on our bed!  I was sure she was going to look in our refrigerator to see if we kept food in our house (you know, to make sure the baby won't starve); therefore, Mark and I stocked up at Winn-Dixie with fruit, vegetables, whole grains.  We had all our basis covered.
Our case worker came in the house, took a brief tour to see the rooms, commented on how great our furniture was, and then sat down to talk.  I almost blurted out, "WAIT!  DIDN'T YOU WANT TO SEE OUR FOOD??" When the "good angel" tapped on my shoulder and reminded me that I can't risk looking "psychotic" with a social worker in our house seeing if we'll be fit parents!
In all seriousness, it ended up being a breeze.  We felt very comfortable and talked with our case worker for 2 1/2 hours about all kinds of topics related to adoption.  It was a great conversation, and I was encouraged and energized when she left.  It was clear, I had no need to worry about the house, especially the food in it.
Our home study will be complete shortly.  We are still waiting on a TEXAS birth certificate and marriage license.  (God love 'em.)  And we need to finalize our financial statement, receive proof of medical and life insurance, and get everything notarized.  Once that is done, we are ready to send off our dossier to America World!
By the way, neither Mark or I tested positive for HIV, Hepatitis B, or TB.  Phew.  That's a relief.