Science Stuff

"Helping" Daddy study for his microbiology and immunology shelf exam...

And this boy is doing a science experiment all on his own. His friend, Lily told him about it. And he set it up and is enjoying watching it...

Last Test

Today is Joe's last regular test of his M2 year!!!

No he isn't done for the year.  He still has many, many tests this school year including shelf exams and the BIG boards exam.  But this is his last regular ole' med school test.  And that is enough reason for us to celebrate! It feels like a victory. One step closer to the goal. 

So for tonight we celebrate. Ice cream and balloons! I even pulled out the banner the kids and I had made after his very first test.

Tomorrow the studying will resume and we will all jump back on the seemingly never ending medical education bandwagon. 

I am learning to enjoy these small victories. The moments that I can see/feel like we are moving closer to the end (even if that 'end' is far, far away....). I need to enjoy these small victories and hold on to their memories for all the hard and trying moments in between.

Joe brought home gifts for the kids...sidewalk chalk! He didn't even know about the party. He is just that good of a team player:)

 

 

 

 

 

Our Team

Today I asked the kids if they knew why Daddy goes to school.

Isaiah: To become a doctor.
Charlotte: ....

And what does Daddy have to do to become a doctor?

Isaiah: Study and go to school.
Charlotte: Eat snacks.

Isaiah was not impressed with her answer and tried to correct her immediately:)

So what can we do to help Daddy to become a doctor?

Isaiah & Charlotte: ....

Think of us as team. And our team is trying to make Daddy a doctor.  So what can we do to help our team?

Isaiah: Be quiet so Daddy can study? Oh and Mom, you can teach Dad things.*
Charlotte: Bring Daddy snacks.

Apparently the girl was hungry:) However she was on to something because Joe does like to have plenty of study snacks (and I don't blame him...studying medicine can be kind of sleep-inducing without distractions).  We also talked about the fact that Daddy studies after they go to bed so the quicker and quieter they are at bedtime the more study time Daddy gets (and computer time for Mommy:) Lastly we discussed the fact that it is a lot of work studying to become a doctor and sometimes Daddy needs a break. He needs fun. And that is their job too...bring on the chaos and fun!

Hannah slept through this entire conversation. But I took the liberty of answering for her.  She is going to be a team player by continuing to be a mellow, happy baby and sleep through the night so everyone else in the family can sleep through the night as well. Thanks Hannah!

Meanwhile this team player, has been getting more and more anxious/stressed as we get closer to Step 1.  My solution? Shopping. Not exactly the best solution but I just can't seem to help myself.  So far I have purchased a wall hanging + custom canvas print, a letter "H" for Hannah, a wristlet for myself, new pages for our address book and a magnetic notepad (for grocery lists). I realize it doesn't sound like much but typically I am NOT a shopper. It is out of character for me. Not to mention out of our budget. Which coincidentally just stresses me more. Aack!

Thankfully we have a bunch of visitors coming soon...I need the friendly distraction and Joe needs the extra study time (while I am distracted and not spending our money).

*Thank you child of mine for thinking of me as a competent medical provider still. I love you and your sweet heart.

When dad is away...

The kids and I will play...with my phone that is! Since spring seems to be refusing to visit us we can't get out and play:( This week's forecast: cold and rainy with a chance of snow on Friday. Ugh.

So dad isn't really AWAY away. He is just gone studying more these days because Step 1 is less than 2 months away! Aack! Only 2 months until THE TEST! The test that can be our ticket to the residency we want. Ya know closer to family OR somewhere warm where we can go out and actually play:)

Side note: Joe is doing awesome studying for Step 1 in addition to all his regular med school studying. I am the one freaking out...the test just seems too big and too important and too soon! The fun bonus of this extra studying is that in the evenings I have been quizzing him on the classic presentation of diseases. Fun (and admittedly sleep-inducing:)

Science Fair

Last week Joe was the guest scientist at a local Christian school's science fair. The school obviously used the term "scientist" very loosely:) So of course the kids and I tagged along for the fun!  Joe's school was generous enough to allow him to bring several hearts, lungs, brains, bones and models to the science fair.  The students and their parents LOVED handling and looking at all the real organs.  It was a hit.

 

Hannah was fascinated...okay not really:)



 

Charlotte chose the heart to hold. She was too interested to look at the camera!

 

Isaiah really enjoyed studying all the models. The heart was his favorite.

 

Then Joe spoke for 30 minutes about the heart, lungs and brain. He did an AMAZING job!  He is great with kids (I already knew that)...and he kept their attention with lots of props and audience participation. Seriously I was impressed.