Match Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, today is MATCH day. I know what most of you are thinking...what the heck is match day and why does Janell keep talking about it? Well, in the world of dentistry, it's been a day that we've been anticipating for a long time. Jeff decided about a year and a half into dental school that he wanted to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. Before coming to dental school, I had no idea there were pediatric dentists. I had no idea that there were any specialties in dentistry that required more schooling. I just thought we'd be going to dental school for 4 years and then be done. I later learned that there are many specialties in dentistry, all requiring anywhere from 2-4 years of additional schooling (a residency). Pediatric dentistry is a 2 year residency. So, once Jeff decided that he wanted to specialize, he hit the books harder than ever. Little did I realize at that time what a sacrifice it would really be. Endless days, weekends and nights without my husband as he studied hard to get good grades. There were many times we both thought to ourselves....is this really worth it? I mean, we could just graduate and practice general dentistry and be very happy. But, Jeff really had the desire to be a pediatric dentist as he lit up around kids in his clinic and just decided to go for it. We spent almost all summer on applications around the country, creating his CV (resume for doctors) and essay. He spent the Fall and Winter months interviewing at various schools fighting for a position somewhere. It was a painful, expensive and grueling process. Since then, we've been anticipating Match day which is the day we find out if and where he got in. We knew we'd find out via email sometime this morning. I've been glued to our computer all morning hitting the refresh button waiting for the email. At exactly 8:37 this morning, we found out he was accepted.....and to his number 1 choice: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (aka CHOP). They take only 2 residents there and Jeff is one of those 2. It is an Ivy League school and the top children's hospital in the nation! I'm really not trying to sound braggy, just so proud of my husband and all of his hard work and dedication. We have been so blessed and know that the Lord played a huge part in our success! Thanks so much to all of our friends and family that have been our supporters and cheerleaders while we've been on this journery. We have felt your prayers!

Jeff graduates May 14 with his DMD as a dentist and will start his residency at CHOP in Philadelphia in July. We will still have to move closer to the school since he'll be taking call. It's time to put our house on the market (argh, what a crappy time to sell) and say goodbye to Limerick.

Jeff, the kids and I could not be more proud of you! Thanks so much for all you sacrifice for us. I'm so glad you're slowly chipping away at accomplishing one of your dreams. I knew you could do it! Love you!