16 months in the desert out of 72 equates to approx 22% of your time between 2003 and 2009 on operation.
Whereas 4 months in every 12 is approx 33% of one's time in the desert.
If my Maths is right, it seems that you are one of the lucky ones.
Nevertheless i will be starting a 'Girlfriend's Dummy Fund' or buying shares in something like 'Mothercare'!
cheers
Tom