We have a date!

Yes folks, it exists.  The dissertation defense date!  First week of November!  Say it with me now! "DE-FENSE! DE-FENSE! DE-FENSE!"

I haven't written much about my dissertation experience since before Amelia was born.  Suffice it to say, I did resume data collection in early June, finished a few weeks later, and got all the hormone assays completed by the start of school.  Now I am in the final writing stage, which includes separating everything into a three-manuscript format, plus the already-written introduction and literature review.  It was not easy getting to this stage. I wanted to quit multiple times, and felt pretty strongly about it too.  But I'm glad I pushed through, and it feels really good to just be writing.  Plus, there is no way in heck that Ben or my advisor would have let me quit anyway!

Besides defending my dissertation, other important details of the day will include providing Subway lunch items for the committee and other attendees, as well as wearing my very professional-looking suit. 

You know you've reached a new level in Q&A when...

your already very inquisitive 3-year old asks, "What does 'why' mean?"

Sigh.

Amelia's Baptism

Amelia was baptized yesterday at St. Thomas More.  Here are a few pics from throughout the Mass (thanks Drew for being our photographer!)

 Standing at the font at the beginning of Mass

 Fr. Scott traces the cross on Amelia's forehead 

 Getting ready to be baptized

 Fr. Scott baptizing Amelia (unfortunately someone else was taking a flash photo at the same time, hence the glare)

 Receiving the Light of Christ

 Receiving a blessing at the end of Mass

Our family plus my parents

 Mmm, tasty baptismal gown!

Sweet baby Amelia