Tenure

Today, I received a letter from our dean stating, "I am delighted to inform you that Executive Vice President and Provost, Joseph A. Alutto, has completed the university level reviews for Promotion and Tenure and is recommending you for promotion to the rank of Associate Professor with Tenure effective October 1, 2009...Please accept my personal congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment."

In academia, tenure is like a lifetime contract (unless I do something highly illegal). I submitted my tenure materials last August, so it is a very long process. The school faculty has to vote on you (I had unanimous approval there), then the school director has to make a recommendation. The college committee then makes a recommendation to the dean, who in turn makes a recommendation to the provost of the university. Finally, the provost makes a recommendation to the university's board of trustees who ultimately approve the recommendation. I have been extremely anxious over the last several months, even though everyone told me I had nothing to worry about. I wasn't going to feel safe until I heard about the provost's decision. This has obviously been a goal of mine since arriving at Ohio State. I am excited to know that we will be staying in Columbus for the foreseeable future (I will also be getting better football tickets after next season!!!).

Happy Birthday Gretchen/Mommy!!!

We love you!!!

Happy Birthday Aunt Cari!

Your gift is in the mail.

Somebody got his 1st haircut

On Friday, we took Alex to get his 1st haircut:

Alex before


Alex during

Alex after

Alex got a certificate (including his picture and pieces of his hair) to acknowledge his very 1st haircut.He really looks a lot older now!

Alex Update

I had a special request from Grandma to put updated pictures of the boy up on the blog. I guess we've been neglecting his updates-you know he is a second child. Since I only have one baby picture, obviously Grandma wasn't so worried about my updates when I was a child :) I know, I know-different time. And yet, there were like 100 baby pictures of the eldest in the family. Hmmmm.







As you can see, Alex is doing quite well. He is handsome, even with his crazy fuzzy hair that sticks up all the time! He does still have his medical issues. He continues his Physical and Occupational (like he could have an occupation?) Therapy and is making great progress. He is crawling on his hands and knees much more frequently than ever before and he pulls up and cruises along furniture. He already broke a table and a lamp! I think that will be just the beginning with this one! He has recently been diagnosed with asthma and food allergies-milk, egg, & soy. We see an allergist this week to get more info. Right now, he is drinking Rice Milk, which I never really knew existed until this diagnosis. I am grateful that this is all we are dealing with. He is a bundle of joy.