Changes

We had suspected it for about a month but this week got test results back that confirmed that Asher has a cow milk protein allergy. This is not lactose intolerance and is something that we think Cadie had and grew out of. Our pediatrician said that most kids grow out of this by 18 months but for at least the next 9 months I will be on a dairy-free diet. Good thing there are a lot of vegan alternatives available at the grocery store (milk, butter, cupcakes, ice cream). I will not be cooking Christmas cookies this year. Sorry neighbors. Hopefully Asher will have less stomach issues and sleep better (PLEASE). He really is a mellow dude though - except when it is time to eat:

Cadie had a Christmas performance at preschool. It was her last day as she is going to start day-care three days a week in January. We will miss Ms. Nicole and the fun kids. I'm excited for the new structure and classes she will have - yoga, music, math, reading, spanish. She loves learning new things and is really soaking up so much right now. I am nervous about the full-day aspect. 

We are also saying goodbye to Ms. Irene and ballet and tap classes. Maybe we will start up again next fall but for now it is time to take a little break. I'm trying to simplify life as I think things will be a little chaotic when I start my new position in January.

I start work as an assistant professor at OSU January 3rd. I teach fluid mechanics in civil engineering right away and then I teach a forestry class in the Spring. I'll be taking on graduate students and trying to get research going quickly. This is a 3-year contract appointment (non-tenure track) and so I had the flexibility of choosing part-time. I'm excited but nervous about the kids. Wish us luck!