The Intake Meeting

This morning at 10 o'clock, we went to our "Intake Meeting" with Holy Family Services. We didn't leave the building until after 1:00 pm. I was a little nervous, Daniel was calm, as usual. We were asked to wait in the "Baby Room" where there was a crib, a couch, some toddler toys and a rocking chair all pushed up against the walls. We assume this is where they bring the kids in for visits with the birthmoms, or even pass the baby to your for the first time in some cases. It was not a room I would want to take pictures in, let me tell you that. I would give anything to have enough money, and time to just donate design services for this place! I didn't like the way the room was arranged, so while we were there waiting, I completely re-arranged the furniture so it would make sense ... I made a nice conversation circle with the 60's style, olive pleather chairs and we pushed the couch over and moved the over-sized coffee table. I put the lamp in the right place on the end table - which I also moved and put the rocker at an angle that allowed the footrest to be used with it and not block the way to the changing table. The fake ficus had to go, but I restrained myself and just centered it in the corner of the room. All this before anyone even came in to greet us ... I guess you could say I was ALOT nervous! When Anne, the intake person, walked in, she didn't even do a doubletake ... maybe they'll think the organization fairy did it.We were asked many questions, we asked many questions, we paid 2k (in addition to the 125 for orientation and application processing) and walked out with a long list of paper work to be completed and home safety instructions that we need to hustle on, the 2 biggest changes are the stair banisters and the glass screen we need to install for our fireplace. We were told that we "set a record" because no one has ever turned in their completed application as fast as we did (2 days after the orientation, the application and fees were in.) Anne said at this rate, we could be approved as soon as 3 months!It sounds like a lot of technicalities, but the bottom line is that someday, there will be a baby that will not get it's head stuck between the balusters, or be burned by the flicker of a blue flame our fireplace produces. Well worth it.