Progress

Having only 4 hours a day to make progress on my PhD has made me more productive in some ways. I don't find myself getting distracted frequently by checking email, Facebook etc. That time is dedicated to work and when I leave campus I put on my Mama hat. My funding also ran out at the end of August, which is also great motivation to get 'er done quickly. I submitted the first chapter of my dissertation to a journal at the end of August and was notified today that it has been accepted with minor revisions! Maybe I will finish after all.

Lots of changes this month. Leo is tentatively scheduled to start daycare as soon as Dave starts working again ($!%$# furlough!). We started weaning him while my mom was out here and pretty shortly we'll be done with breast feeding. I'm actually incredibly sad about it. When he was nursing every 2 hours and we were having issues with reflux and oversupply, I couldn't wait to stop nursing. Then it just fell into place and it became very comforting for both of us, and a wonderful, peaceful way for Leo to fall asleep. I'm also sad and anxious about him entering day care, but I really want to get this dissertation done ASAP which means I need more time to spend on it. I keep telling myself it's only part time and if he doesn't like it we can always pull him out. We're pretty lucky in that we know almost all the families that have their kids in Dana's care and they all love her.

September flew by and all of a sudden it's almost mid-October! Ann and Mandy came up for a visit. And Brook came out for a surprise visit! My mom also came out for 2 weeks in September. We managed to fit in lots fun things: a few playdates with friends, lots of walks with Emma, a trip to Chena Hot Springs, and some cranberry picking. Leo loves his Ama. He even preferred her over me and Dave! Always wanted her to pick him up, give him his water, etc. Made it really hard to see her leave. Some day we will live closer to family. But for now we'll have to cherish these visits and time together and be thankful for it.

Leo's got mad driving skills

Helping himself to the adult beverages while the adults were butchering chickens

Ohmygawd it's a busy digger!

Loves to drive

Emma J taking a break from blueberry snaffling

Granite Tors Trail

Romping in the garden

More blueberry pancakes please

Happy happy

Watching the busy digger at the botanical gardens

Peter in Blueberry Land (one of his favorite books lately)

Several things going on here. All in our front yard.

Cranberries are bountiful this year

Peak colors

Kisses for Ama

Horsing around with Ama

Very helpful at the grocery store