Jeremy B, ABD

After two long years of PhD coursework at Syracuse University, and after nine years of post-secondary education, I am thrilled to report that Jeremy will never again set foot in a classroom as a student. Yes, Jeremy is now officially ABD, which is shorthand for "All But Dissertation," which is code for Jeremy is not really a "student" anymore. He passed his oral defense of his comprehensive exams last Thursday, which was the final hoop to jump through before being able to focus all of his academic time and talent on researching and writing his dissertation. Of course, the dissertation is arguably just as grueling as the PhD coursework, but Jeremy loves to research and is thrilled to be done taking classes and exams.

Jeremy's advisor and his wife graciously treated us to a wonderful dinner on Saturday night to celebrate, and Jeremy has done nothing but relax and sip cream soda ever since. OK--if you know us at all you will know how far from the truth that is, but he does feel great about being finished! I am just tickled with what a great student he is and how much he invests into working hard in everything he does. It feels great to be married to an official PhD Candidate rather that to just a PhD Student. Congrats, JB!

One important step closer to ABD

I can't help myself: I have to report that Jeremy successfully defended his dissertation proposal this afternoon. His committee is quite enthused about his project, and now he's one step closer to really getting started with his research. I'm just too pleased with him. The man works like a machine, but it always pays off. Congrats, Jer!

One more week...

Mercifully, Jeremy will be done with the first year of his PhD just one week from tomorrow. It's been quite a semester, filled with Hurculean effort on Jeremy's part, but once again it looks like he'll pull through with flying colors. The man is a machine, truly.

Despite a hectic and stressful April, we've worked hard to find time to spend together, even if it just meant meeting at the park for lunch on a rare pleasant afternoon. And thank goodness for Sundays! Even though we often reach Sunday night with mild feelings of dread at the coming week, we also reach the evening feeling content with so many hours spent as a family. Here's to another April gone!

A mid-April snowstorm, as seen from Clara's bedroom:


Clara's latest: twiddling her fingers. What a great time!


Daddy and Clara after one of our picnics at Thorndon Park (you can tell it's a beautiful place when the leaves are out!).


Taking it easy after a long day at church.

"Helping" Daddy write his paper