Graduations, Babies and More Babies ...

This spring will definitely be one to remember. Where to begin?

On April 30th, we had the honor of attending Denise's sister Kelly's graduation from Jacksonville University. Kelly received her undergraduate and masters degrees in Education all in one day. We are very proud of her. In addition, it looks like Kelly might be relocating to Wilmington this fall to possibly take a teaching position here. We're very excited to have more family close by.

After three long years of studying, practical exams, anatomy, clinical rotations, more studying, traveling, and comprehensive exams - Denise will receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with university honors for research from Widener University this weekend. Also, I am happy to report that she has accepted a position with Genesis Rehab here in Delaware and is planning to start there in mid-July. All she has left to do is sit for the Delaware state licensing boards, which will hopefully be next month. Words cannot describe how proud I am of her and what she has accomplished.

In somewhat related news, I am headed back to school starting this August. I've been accepted to Penn State's Smeal College of Business as a member of the executive MBA class of 2013. I'm very excited to have this opportunity and look forward to being back in the classroom this fall.

So, what's with all these babies? Well, it seems our 4 year stint on the "wedding circuit" is coming home to roost.

Starting back in November of last year, our good friends Paul and Martha Sharkey brought twin girls into the world - Mary and Claire. The girls arrived at 23 weeks and 5 days, and unfortunately we lost Mary to a very serious infection after only two weeks. On February 25th, Martha and Paul brought Claire home after 103 days in the NICU and she is doing just fine.

Martha's brother Tyler and his wife Christine also have a newborn. Grant Ryan Benedum was born on January 15th. Tyler is a college rowing teammate and fraternity brother of mine as you may know, but is probably more known on this blog for our fishing escapades together.

More twins? Yes! Our good friends Jim and Jeanine Malena also just added #2 and #3 to their family. Jim and Jeanine's son James turns 2 this month (16th). Abri and Juliana Malena were born on April 13th. It's officially a 3-ring circus in Millersville, MD.

Next up, Denise's cousin Kerri and her husband Mark are now the proud parents of a little girl, Brenna Rose Nagel. She was born on May 5th. Mom and baby are doing great and we wish them well.

Next, my brother and sister-in-law welcomed their second son into the world this past Monday. Joseph Francis Page was born in the very early hours of May 9th after spending most of Mother's Day in the hospital preparing for his arrival. Big brother Michael Jr. is very excited to bring his little brother home this week.

Finally (for now), my cousin Monica and her husband Sean are expecting their first - a girl, any day now. In addition, Monica's brother Adam and his wife Julia are also expecting their second later this year.

We couldn't be happier for all the graduates and parents this spring season. All these new beginnings really gives us perspective on celebrating the achievements and milestones in life.