Ph.D: The end of an era

Simon was my date for the Defense of the Ph. D. 

 "Targeted Deletion of Functionally Validated Enhancers Defines Their Role in Mouse Limb Development."

He presented very well.  You have no idea how much stamina this (or any) Ph.D. requires.  From Mark and from all of us.  By yesterday morning, he had earned it many times over.  There could be many words, but I'll just say a few.  I'm very proud of him, I never doubted he would earn this, but I've been amazed at how deeply he's dug in and worked and endured to bring it to the end.  

(Is it the end yet?  It's hard to fathom, but I think there are just a few loose ends and then it's truly complete.)

Officially though, he passed!!!!!    His mom can call him Dr. Nolte, and they can write it on cakes:  

READY TO CELEBRATE!

Last year photo hodge podge

Ready for recital last summer, a few days before Luna's birth

Newborn

Got bigger

Bigger in November (thanks Halloween candy for the timepoint)

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Portrait by Mary Tessa, during her last year at home before elementary school

Our bush where many toys have adventures.  Photo credits to Simon and Mary Tessa, going forward

Simon's hoop; he shoots sun or shine

Front yard, from our driveway

Look at that big baby!  I'm sure I have more pictures of her on another camera.  I hope . . .

About to whack.  Loves that cat.

My  last Houston HypnoBirthing class.  A wonderful session.

Luna hangs outside in her high chair with her peeps.

Instant Nostalgia

Our street, by Simon

Mutant mouse limb, by Mark

My "class" room

Aaron, Amy, Abigaelle, Max and Sammy came to visit!  Unlike her sisters as babies, Luna wasn't shy.

It was really the best!  Conversation, cousins and swimming.

The building where I gave birth to Luna, Texas Children's hospital.  Taken on the way to Mark's defense, since it's just blocks away.

Mary Tessa was born at St. Luke's Hospital, across from Mark's work.  Taken after the defense, from the parking garage. :)  I saw this idea to document spots on my friend Kim's blog.