Submitted!

After four years of hard work, Steve submitted his PhD thesis yesterday. His deadline was the end of September, so it is amazing and relieving that he finished ahead of that, with no stress or big rush at the end. Our 6th wedding anniversary is on Sunday and this is by far the best present he could ever have given me.

He brought home a printed copy to read through one last time earlier this week - a hefty 273 page book with countless diagrams and equations dotting the pages.

Today is the first Saturday in a long time that he has not had to go in to work. The kids have had him to themselves all day, I got to sleep in (after being up with Ross a lot last night) without feeling guilty for keeping Steve from his work, and he is taking a much-needed nap with Madeleine on the couch as I type. She was clearly excited to start her day with Daddy, and woke him up at 5:30 this morning.

Steve has told me many times that he has enjoyed and learned a lot from this PhD, and feels proud of what he's accomplished and submitted. The thesis now goes to two external reviewers, and Steve defends his thesis in mid-December down in Christchurch. It has certainly been a long and hard road for all of us in different ways, but we have no regrets and thoroughly look forward to the days ahead.