Well, I think it's OK to hope.
After all, people DO recover--they don't do it all at once, and even those who are trying their hardest mess up. And people "practice" acting and living sober before they actually feel it in their bones. I like the saying that you can't think your way into acting right, but you can act your way into thinking right.
It's tricky--to keep hope alive and enjoy the good days without constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, and at the same time recognize that the alcoholic might just not be "there" yet.
Sounds like you're doing your best, which is all any of us can do.
Bottom line, yeah, it's OK to hope.