Black and White

It was Bryan's birthday on Thursday. It seems like we are celebrating a lot of things at the hospital lately. He is finishing up a very long night float shift and we are so glad to see the tail end of it. Of course he had to work all night on his birthday so we wrapped his presents, made a cake and went and visited him. I forgot my camera but thankfully one of the residents had their phone and took a couple of photos for me.

As I reflect on the past ten or so years that I have known Bryan it seems that sleep deprivation has been a common theme. Bryan is such a hard worker. Going through undergrad working nights in order to pay for tuition and get hospital experience while studying for the MCAT was certainly not easy. Four years of medical school had it's challenges (I shudder when I recall board exams). And now residency where sleep is elusive has it's definite ups and downs. As I think about it though, I honestly wouldn't change a thing. He is teaching my children about sacrifice and hard work. He is there for our family even though his work hours often make it nearly impossible. He has learned and grown and become a better man through these experiences and I couldn't be more proud of him. It hasn't been easy. I have received a few phone calls when his choice of profession have been questioned. Lot's of "Why am I doing this?" "I am so tired." But he has continued to pull through and has become a very talented doctor because of it. If anyone deserved a happy birthday this year it was you Bryan. Unfortunatly it was just a cake and a couple of lame presents in the hospital but I hope you know how proud your girls are of you and how much we love you. We are so lucky. I know all the hard work you have put forth will bless our family immensely in the long run.

The girls love visiting Bryan in the hospital. They have Nick JR. on the t.v. and are almost always promised root beer and cheetos. It doesn't get any better than that for them. They were extra excited for the birthday celebration. Bryan has a very devoted fan club.

Julia had another dance recital this week. She was told to wear a white top and a black bottom. At her previous recital she wore a basic t-shirt and leggings. This did not please Julia. So this time we had to find a skirt and put a little embelishment on her shirt. This pleased Julia greatly. Then we added a crown that Nana got her at Disneyland. This REALLY pleased Julia. She looked like a real ballerina. The fact that this little sister can't take dance yet is a very acute form of torture for her. She loves dance so much, maybe even more than Julia. The day she can officially go to class will be a joyous occasion for her. Needless to say, she can't go to Julia's dance recital without looking like a ballerina. We found Julia's old ballet slippers and they are all Audrey wears. All day. I have to plead with her to change them when we leave the house.

The two dancers together.

Julia getting ready for her floorwork.

The whole class. They are such a cute group of girls and Sherri does such a great job with them. We couldn't be happier. Thanks for all you do Sherri.