We attended the spring picnic of the adoption agency we are planning to use last Saturday. Overall, it wasn't as "exciting" as our previous picnic in Oct 05, mostly because back then I was relatively uneducated about the process and green to the obstacles. Every story was new to me & fascinating. This time, I pretty much knew what to expect and knew alot of the "helpful hints". So I am feeling pretty confident now that we are thoroughly prepared to start the process.

One couple started the process last July, finished their paperwork in November, had their referral within the month, and in December went to Russia for Trips 1 and 2 (only a week between visits). Can you believe how fast that was? Michael and I both realized that we could potentially be the parents of two children by this time next year, all going well. Scary, but exciting at the same time.

This week has been crazy at work. I am taking off Thurs-Fri and next Mon to go to Chicago to visit one of my best friends from college who just had her second baby. I am also going to my grandfather's house, and will see my cousins and possibly my aunt (she just broke her ankle and may not be able to go). It will be a great trip to see the new baby Clara. We have a girls night out planned for Friday. But also a bit sad because this will be the first time going to my grandparents without my grandmother there. She passed away from pancreatic cancer in December just three months after diagnosis. Michael and I stayed in Chicago over Thanksgiving and spent the final days with her in the hospice. It's amazing how cancer can shut down the body. I bring this up because I can't believe that Dana Reeve passed away - after years of taking care of her husband, and then to be diagnosed with lung cancer at 44. They have a 13 year old son, and I can not even imagine what he is going through right now.

Photo of Grandma/Grandpa, Michael and I, my brother & sister + cousins last April at our engagement party at Grandma's.