Adjustment of Status - I-485

Hi, I have been silent reader and now is my turn to share my experience .
DIsclaimer, this ir gonna be a long post.
I came 4 times on J1( 2009.2010,2011,2012) and the las time 2013 on J1 internship. Before that internship ended I got offer for another internship right after so I opted for that. Before the internship ended I was looking to apply for some colleges/ higher education but needed more time to consider my options so I requested a Tourist visa extension . that got approved but unfortunately the programs that I was interested were way out of my price range so i couldn't afford to go to school. After the extension expired I got out of status,
My immigration story begins in September 2017. My partner and I (same sex marriage) got married in April and applied for AOS in September 2017. We decided to not use lawyer because my sister did her AOS by herself and got her green card so I thought i could do it to.
I sent the package and few days later I got mail returning my photo album( I used shutterfly to make book like album) stating that is not a format or size that will fit in their file. Also few days after got an RFI for the actual tax returns and one of the names on the form did not match the name on another page. We sent the papers back, got my biometrics appointment, went there did that and after that it was a waiting game. Nothing changed on the websites, no updates and it was already April. I started to get worried, when one day in the middle of April got a tex/email notification that there was an action taken on my case and it was DENIED. My whole world crumbled on me. I couldn't think what could be the reason. A very loong week after I got the notice in mail saying that the reason for denying the petition was failing to respond to the RFA. ( I have somehow missed/overlooked the I 130 A form) and also did not see it on the RFA).
we waited couple months, collected more evidence and wet to consult with a very good lawyer in DC that specialize in complicated cases and asylum.( she is pricier but also caters to the LGBTQ community so we felt that she could have better understanding) .
in the meantime new policy was in place where aliens that have been out of status and who's applications have been denied were under a real threat of getting a. notice to appear in court to start removal proceedings. I was very scared so we did not waited a lot. once we got the green light from the lawyer that everything looks good even with the denial, we paid the lawyer and filed soon after in middle of September 2018. We got the biometrics notice, and additional RFE my spouses taxes( we filed jointly) ,
After that I got my EAD combo card in February and our interview was scheduled for April 16th. I started freaking out , playing every scenario in my head, all the possible questions they can ask, what if we get separated etc.
Our lawyer was confident and she said don't stress too much you will be fine.I am very organized person so we had quite a big package when we filed in first place. We had leases from 2 years, joint taxes , joint health insurance, joint phone bill, pepco and gas bills on both names, joint bank account, some pictures. ( also in the file at our lawyer we had conversations and texts printouts, social media interactions , more photos and phone call log records)
The day finally came we went for the interview. I was more nervous than my partner, its just our nature. Our lawyer was late and we got called sharp at 8;40( which was our interview rime) by the adjudicator even tho we did not register at the desk because we were waiting for our lawyer with our supporting documents. I was freaking out, the adjudicator gave us 20min and said if the lawyer doesn't show up we would have to go in without her. Luckily she was at the security point at that time. We checked in and 10-15 min later the adjudicator came and we followed him to his office. He made us swear to tell the truth, and then asked to state our names and date and place of birth as well as current address. Then asked for our IDs, where our partner works, if we know their parents/family. Then continued with how did u meet, who proposed, how long have been dating before proposing... who was at the wedding, where was the reception, etc.
Than made me answer the questions from the 1-485 and yes/no questions. than asked for the photo album, Quickly went trough it asked my husband who were the people on one of the wedding photos. Might have asked few other questions but nothing out of the ordinary.
After that he said that everything looks good and that he will approve it on spot. The only this is that the interview was one day before we make 2 years of being married. so 1 day away from 10 year green card. Our lawyer then said that we will be perfectly ok if he takes a day or two to decide and explained the situation that the next day we make 2 years. first he said that he approved it already and that he has to process it the same day, but our lawyer said that in many cases she had recently almost never they get approved on spot. after that he said that he will have to talk to his supervisor and that we will find out in mail which one will be. we shook hands and thanked for his time.
All in all the interview did not last more than 20-25 min. it was very easy, honestly I was surprised how smooth and fast it went. I was expecting more grilling and tough questions, but thanks God all went well.
Also forgot to mention that this was at the Fairfax Field Office.

So almost 5-6 days later I got an email from my lawyer saying that the case was approved and that the card is in mail and should arrive soon. Got the card few days later and is the 10 year green card. I am so happy and beyond relieved that such a journey and so much stress are put to rest for now.

I know its not an easy process, it can have a toll on your relationship, mental health and life in general but eventually you will get there. just have faith and everything will work out. as someone said nothing worth having comes easy.

if you have any questions I will be more than happy to answer.
PS. Sorry for being such a long post