There is a deer in our back yard, munching on the wild vines and plants. I can see it through the window in the study, where I am sitting at the drafting table, using my iBook. This is the second deer I have seen in our yard this summer. They come from the park just down the road, but I'm surprised to see one. Usually they don't wander into yards unless there's a drought, but there is plenty to eat in the park. Sam, the fierce hunting cat, sits beside me on the desk and remains oblivious to the deer's presence.

Just when I thought I was going to have to buy new, larger clothes or spend the summer in gym shorts, my belly seems finally to be shrinking back to its previous circumference. I'm still about 10 pounds above my pre-pregnancy weight, but if I suck it in, I can get into most of my pants, even my beloved Earl jeans. Today I wore a belt for the first time since last year!

The first week we were home with Julia, I had a couple of moments of sheer terror, wondering what I had just done. What did I know about taking care of a baby? Or raising a child for years afterward? But the feeling soon passed, absorbed in the 24/7 focus of a newborn's needs.

Now that she has been here for 2 months, I am of course happy to have her around and it seems like she has been a part of our lives much longer. These days the fleeting feelings I have occasionally are surprise: hey, there's a baby — a whole other person — in the house! When did that happen?

Meanwhile, we settle on our new house today. Our current one has not sold yet, which is a bit nerve-wracking, as it increases the likelihood that we will be carrying two mortgages for at least a month. I am trying to remain optimistic; the market here is still very hot and this house will never be easier to sell. Ken has taken on the burden of worrying about it for both of us. I hope it sells before he develops an ulcer!

The cicadas have finally departed. Ken thought they were cool, but I'm not sorry to see them go. Besides, much better summer insects have arrived — fireflies. They're one of my favorite things about living in this part of the country. I don't know why there aren't any in Arizona, but we didn't have them growing up, which is really too bad. Nothing feels more like summer than fireflies blinking outside on a warm evening.

Can we end the low carb diet craze now?

New blog for news of Miss Julia!

Heard -- and saw -- the 21 jets for President Reagan fly overhead last night. We were directly in the flight path over DC. One of the many unique advantages of living here.

Off to North Carolina tomorrow to visit Ken's grandparents. Baby's first road trip. Insane holiday weekend spent cleaning out clutter and tidying up the house in hopes of showing -- and selling -- it while we're gone. 90% effort by Ken, 10% by me, dependent on Julia's nap sessions. Now it looks better than it ever has, just in time for us to move out!