Christian's Fellowship Graduation Ceremony 2009

Christian officially graduated from his advanced training program in Gastroenterology with the Navy at the Naval Medical Center San Diego.

Although I am am ill with mono, I wanted to attend this ceremony to support Christian in his achievement. I am grateful I was able to make it here thanks to my dear friend, Marissa, who drove me down. I lasted through the ceremonies, but my body hated me later. Tylenol and a good night's rest did the trick.

After 4 years of medical school, 3 years of Internal Medicine residency, 1 year with the Fleet Surgical Team Three, and then 3 years of the Gastroenterology fellowship . . . HE IS FINISHED! Eleven years is a long haul. Well, technically he finishes at the end of July, but CLOSE ENOUGH! Also, he needs to study and pass his boards in October to be "board-certified." So, I guess we still have that hurdle ahead.

Good job, hunny.

The current Gastroenterology team at the Naval Medical Center San Diego.

Christian is now a Gastroenterologist.

We owe the Navy four more years and then . . . well, who knows? For now, we'll go to lunch to celebrate such an incredible occasion.

This is my first visit in 3 years to Christian's office in the Gastroenterology or "G.I." department. I wonder why I haven't visited here until now?

Christian's office.

Christian's research presentation board adorns the hallway just outside his office. He won 2nd place at a G.I. convention for this presentation.

The procedure room for procedures like ERCPs. Christian certified in this advanced procedure by completing over 200 ERCPs in less than 2 years.

This is the endoscopy room for scoping procedures (both ends :o). They do scoping down the throat and into the belly as well as colonoscopies. Eeeeewwwww!

The gastroenterology daily schedule board. Christian says there are many days when his name is written on nearly every space.

Christian receives a Navy award and medal from his commanding officer.

Way to go!

QUARANTINE

Our family has had some unexpected and un-welcomed viral visitors this month. I (Andrea) started out with weird headaches, muscle aches, and weakness which persisted and worsened over a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, Orrin and Aleya developed conjunctivitis (pink eye), ear aches, and sinus infections . . . which they passed on to me, as well. After two trips to the doctor and several tests, I was formally diagnosed last Tuesday with mononucleosis. What a great way to start off summer break.


Although I do not have the symptoms of sore throat and nausea, the rest of the symptoms seem to fit the bill. The worst symptoms are the headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. There is no medicine for the virus. It can last anywhere from 2-8 weeks, but symptoms can last longer. I've already had it for 4 weeks now, but symptoms were worse these past two weeks. You can be contagious for up to 18 months afterwards. Let's just hope and pray Christian already had it. Most people have been exposed to it by the time they are adults. Kids who are exposed to it generally do not develop symptoms, just antibodies. Christian is coming down with a sore throat and cough . . . and Amara has a fever and ear ache . . . but hopefully they are just regular virus that will pass. Joseph is the last healthy family member. Let's hope his immune system holds up!

Joseph's 12th Birthday Party

Joseph chose to have his birthday at Ultrazone Laser Tag with his close friends.

They played 3 rounds of laser tag and finally outscored the other teams in the last round. YEAH!

The boys had a terrific time celebrating Joseph's birthday.

There is no question this is the "ultimate" boys party. It was so great to get all of Joseph's friends together one last time. A few of them were moving this summer. Thankfully, not us. We have one more year here.

Joseph, Orrin, and Amara star in their school plays

Joseph starred as Ben in "Tom Sawyer," the sixth grade musical. He's 2nd from the right.

He played Ben, Tom's friend. He sang a few songs with Tom and had several lines.

Starting in the center with the girl in purple: Becky, Tom, Huck, a robber, and then Joseph. Many of the boy parts were played by girls, such as Huck and the robbers.

Orrin was a bottom dweller sea creature in his "Ocean Habitat--the musical." The bottom dwellers also had some sweet dance moves . . . like the worm.

Orrin was one hip, gangsta, bottom-dweller . . . sucking up the muck on the ocean floor.

Go bottom dwellers!

Amara played the role of the Golden Goose, in "Jack and the Beanstalk--the musical."

She sang a beautiful solo, "You can tell I'm a goose. I smell like a goose. I waddle on little goose legs! I am unique . . . from web to my beak . . . 'cause I laaaaaaaaaaay golden eggs!"

It was a terrific show!

Aleya's first birthday invite!

Aleya was invited to her first birthday party. It was a decked out party complete with Princesses, crowns, wands, and dancing.

Aleya had a terrific time, but mom forgot to bring her princess dress! Mom!

Aleya kept starring at Alice, wondering which princess she was supposed to be. She hasn't watched Alice in Wonderland, yet.

The Bronco Red Sox take the tournament!

Joseph's team placed 1st overall in the Bronco division, Pony League, and then they also won the tournament! Way to go! They ended the season with a 23-2 record. Great work boys!

Final score: 14-4. Considering the other team lead 4-1 in the 3rd inning, it was quite a comeback.


The boys all piled up in celebration. Joseph was stuck on the bottom of the pile.

Joseph received a medal for the tournament and a trophy for the season.

Congratulations, Joseph.

Orrin's Raingutter Regatta

Orrin made a cool pirate ship this year.

The competition was stiff this year and Orrin was outmatched . . . we'll try again next year.

North Carolina is a bust! One more year in San Diego! WOOHOO!

Well, the Navy medial detailer has now informed us that we will not be moving to North Carolina this year. We will stay in San Diego for another year. "Why?" you ask. Well, the doctor Christian was to replace was supposed to retire but while processing his paperwork they discovered he did not have a full 20 years in the Navy to retire. So, he has to stay another year. They thought about moving us to Jacksonville, FL, but ultimately the Navy is out of money and needs to wait until next year to move us. We could then move to Virginia, North Carolina, or Florida.

At first we were shocked . . . then sad . . . then grateful . . . and then happy. We were sad because we had planned some fantastic trips this year including a cross-country trip, as well as trips to DC and Disneyworld in the fall. We'll just have to hold off until 2010. We're grateful to be staying and that we can renew the lease on our house for another year. We're happy that we don't have all the moving stress right now and that we have another year to dejunk our house and get organized.