It struck me today when I was re-reading some of the older posts on my blog, that the babies we saw in the nursery on our first tour of The Cradle's facilities have had their first birthdays. That makes me happy to think of those parents and children who are going to be celebrating a milestone in each other's lives and a little sad to think another year has gone by with no baby in our house.

We're almost done with the preliminary process. That seems so incredible to be able to say that after the year we've had, but we have scheduled our last section of the home study - the homevisit - for the 21st of August at 10:00 am. The nursery looks awesome (some of you saw it last weekend at the party) and the house is spotless, thanks to Rosa and the carpet guy. I am not dreading the home visit like I was, all of the women I know who have gone through this process have said that it was a breeze, and not to worry. I do worry a little, but not as much as I was! Unfortunately, I have to work this week and next...I had hoped to have a little extra time off to work on the garage, but I suppose that's what the weekends are for.

Last weekend was our annual summer party, and although some of the usual attendants weren't able to make it, we soldiered on without them. The weather was great, the pool was perfect and the food was plentiful...in fact, we had so many desserts left over, I have been in a sugar coma for the last week :) Lucy was very excited to see the kids, and besides licking most of the children and both of the babies on their heads, she was very polite!

Jeremy is back from a short trip to Detroit...and we're so happy to have him home! When he's out of town, Lucy sits by the stairs from 6:30 to 11:00 pm, barking at the slightest noise that might be him coming up the front steps...it's sort of poignant - and weird that she can tell time that well! She rewarded him for his return with a couple of twirling leaps and lots of licking and barking. She certainly loves her daddy :)