Is Summer Over?

Is the school year really beginning?! Yes! But first….some updates since July….

Skylar…

Our little bean had an attack two weeks ago that hospitalized her for 2 days (1 one night). It came on so quickly! She had a runny nose Sunday, then a cough Sunday night and by Monday night she was terrible and we were in the hospital Tuesday morning. Fortunately, she has recovered quickly and seems to be back on track again. We don’t know what brought this on or why she did so well over the past few months, but we are hopefully that the episodes will become less frequent and as she grows she will be able to fight them off quicker.

In the middle of this, we were potty training Skylar! She did great. She did wear diapers in the hospital for ease with the IV, but she got right back on track. She still wears a pull-up at night and if she is busy during the day she gets lazy, but all in all, she’s doing great!!! Then one day last week, as I was pouring soy milk in her night bottle, she said “no more bottles, for babies. I big girl, cup please.” So, out went the bottles too! No more diapers, no more bottles, I’m like a new mom!

Kaitlyn…

Kaitlyn became quite a water rat this summer. She has always been passionate about the beach, but this summer she added pools to her list. She can swim underwater across the width of a pool and kick her feet, “like a mermaid.” It’s really cute to watch. She also is doing great on her 2-wheel bike, now able to turn around and do loops in front of the house as well as start peddling on her own with no assistance. It’s amazing how quickly she is growing up. …

A quick Kaitlyn story:
A few weeks ago she said to me while driving in the car that she really needs Skechers. I said, ok, but why? She said they are very tight fitting and will make you run fast. I asked her who told her this and she said “the tv, so it’s true.” Well, it turns out she was very serious about this and thought this was going to be important for gym class in September. So, we went out this past weekend and bought a pair of Skechers. On Sunday morning, she woke up, got dressed, put socks and her Sketchers on was running up and down my hallway. She ran into my room (it was only 7am) and she said “did you see how fast I was? I wouldn’t be that fast if I didn’t have these Skechers that are so tight fitting.”

August:

We had a great visit with my college roommate from JMU, Stephanie, her husband Alan, and 6-month old son, Dominic! The weekend went too quick, but we managed to taste some new wines and eat some great food along with many laughs!

September:

Today was Kaitlyn’s first day of school. How exciting! She got off on the bus this morning without any hesitation and sat with our next door neighbor Katie. Her friend Mackenzie is also on her bus, but we don’t know if she has any other friends in her class with Mrs. Kerringer. She was fully prepared having memorized her student id number and her lunch all packed. I can’t wait to get home today to hear all her stories and learn the rules and ropes!

Tomorrow is my first day of school! How weird to even write it! I am excited and nervous, but Beth told me in her class of 20 last night there were at least 9 “adults” – is that what I am?! It does make me feel better though and I am really looking forward to learning all about my program. I had my “orientation” last week and received my school id, parking permit, and e-mail account. What fun!

John’s first day of school is also tomorrow. We still have a few trips left on the Taryn Ann, but he has had this week off on the boat (finally!), which is well-deserved. He always has great stories about his students, so this year shouldn’t be any different.

Our niece, Emma, is getting so big! She grew two inches since she was born and now weighs just over 9 pounds. She is such a little love muffin and is starting to coo and smile.

Stay posted for news on Kaitlyn’s big DAY!!!

She's HERE!!!!

Emma Lee Gigante

Born 7.21.08

7 lbs 11oz, 20 inches long

Proud Aunt Jennie, Uncle John and Cousins Kaitlyn & Skylar

http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=92221216781364377/l=412652274/g=4033491/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Summer time!

We were lucky enough to swing 2 days away from LI and head to NJ for "Wiggles World" in Great Adventure Theme Park. What a blast we had! We managed to squeeze SO much in our 48 hours together.....

We drove down early Monday morning and first drove through the safari. The most exciting part for the kids was when the ostrich tried to eat my windshield wiper, the most exciting for John and I were seeing the Lions mating and Kaitlyn saying "look how much he loves her, he just wants to protect her." I thought we might have tinkled in our pants a little!!! Then off to the park! We headed right for Wiggles World. The kids had a BLAST. If anyone has a child who loves the Wiggles, this is the place to take them. Meet the characters up close and personal and all the rides are "wiggles" related. We headed out about 5pm, when the kids just started to get tired. We stayed at a hotel about 20 minutes away (believe it or not, that was the closest!). We ordered dinner in and swam in the pool which exhausted the kids even more (terrific!!). We all got a great night sleep and got up early and headed to the Jersey Shore for a quick walk. It was so beautiful (we were in Ocean Grove/Bradley's Beach) we decided that we might make that next year's vacation destination. Then, off to home and a boat load of traffic....ugh. As soon as we got home, we quickly unpacked the car and re-packed the cooler and headed to the beach. We found an amazing surf from Tropical Storm Bertha and after about an hour, headed to the boardwalk where they have live music every night all summer long. The kids danced, we had a drink and we headed home about 9pm. WOW!!! What an amazing 2 days.....

Yesterday, Kaitlyn, Mema and I went to the Little Mermaid on Broadway. It was spectacular! We had lunch at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co in Times Square and also toured "Toys R Us" where they have a 2 story Barbie Dream House!!! Boy did that make Kaitlyn's day!

Now we are home, anxiously awaiting Baby "G." She should be arriving some time on Saturday.....yeah!!!!

I created a photo show of our recent trip but can't figure out how to post the darn thing on here (if anyone knows how, i'd love to learn!!!), but here is the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28688024@N07/sets/72157606227134324

Hello Reilly's, Are You Out There????

YES WE ARE!!!! And boy have we been busy!!!! Alas, I hope to blog a little more than I did in April & May.....

First, we had the girls' birthdays, May 12th & May 18th, what a fun week!! Ok, I admit, a little exhausting too, but it is so much fun to celebrate 2 birthdays in one house! I can only think what it will be like when they are in their 20s and finishing up their spring semesters in college!

Second, Kaitlyn graduated pre-school 2 weeks ago. How exciting! The school did a wonderful job with personalized programs, 4 songs (including one that was signed) and cake and snacks for all guests. Grandma & Grandpa, Mema & Papa, Miss Carolyn, John, SKye and I attended.

I think I'll be right to the punch and start some recent updates. We are anxiously anticipating the birth of our first niece, Velveeta. Ok, that's not her name, but that's what I'm calling her until I find out some time mid-July. I'm happy to report that my sister looks AMAZING, but as any woman who has been 9 months pregnant can relate, you don't "feel" pretty and therefore I will not post a picture of her!!!!

This past weekend we visited her (unfortunately John had to run several trips on the boat, so it was Mema, the girls and myself) and had so much fun playing in the pool!!!! Skylar even fell asleep standing up like a flamingo!

Then, the very big news. I mean BIG!!! KAITLYN LEARNED TO RIDE A 2-WHEELER!!!! Thanks to Mema, who took a bottle of advil last night. I can't wait to pop a video on here for all to see, a picture will have to suffice for now.

I'm sure on everyone's mind is "how is Skye?" Without jinxing us, she is doing fabulous. She has fought off 2 colds, an ear infection and a random "fungus" (EEWW!) behind her ear, but she is doing great. NOT ON ANY PRESCRIPTION MEDS!!! WOOHOO. It doesn't get better than this. Well, it does. She is sleeping too!!!! Yeah!

I hope everyone has a happy 4th of July - we are looking forward to celebrating with many, many (!!!!) customers on the Taryn Ann. Everyone needs to be doing a sunshine dance for us!!!!

Spring is in the Air!

We finally had a day over 60 degrees and it hit 70! I left John a message around 2:30pm that said "I'm taking the girls to the beach when I get home in case you try to call me." Well, he called me back at 4:45pm, after his practice, and said "I am on my way down to the boat and just decided to turn around so I can come too. I miss the girls!" So we had a great night (less Kaitlyn losing it because she found a sea star and it broke on the way back to the car), and played on the beach (ocean side) then drove to the bay side to watch the deer walk along the bay.

March Madness

Is anyone else having a hard time believe it's APRIL already? Time sure does fly when you're having fun!!!! In lieu of trying to find a perfect picture to post, I thought I'd post some of the shots that have not quite worked out the way we wanted.....

First, very exciting news to report! Our friends, Tracy & Patrick Clayton from Chicago, welcomed Patrick Joseph Everett ("PJ") into their family on March 27th (6lbs, 3 oz & 19 1/2 inches - I THINK!!!). Since they are staying in Connecticut for a few days, I was lucky enough to jump on the ferry for a quick visit. He is GORGEOUS and PERFECT and such a great baby!!! Congratulations to the new Clayton family!

Second, a Skylar "medical" update. Her cilia scraping went well on the 24th - It was quick and painless! She only cried while I held her and she has a bloody nose on/off for the remainder of the day. Even though the office was in the Bronx, we got there quickly since there weren't many commuters the day after Easter. We were home by 2pm, including picking up Kaitlyn from Mema/Papa's house! We will find out the results in about a week and a half. Will keep everyone posted (no pun intended!). On the bright side, she is doing terrific and we are on week 5 of a healthy kick! (knock, knock). Tomorrow she is having her speech evaluation with the county.

Kaitlyn is doing great as always. I thought I'd share the phone call I just had with her (which was on speakerphone in the office since Janet likes to hear her talk!):

Mommy, I am having the worst day.

Why? What happened honey?

Well, I felled on the playground at school and cut my knee. Miss Jodi put a bandaid on for me. Then I had diarrhea. It was terrible. AND I coughed all day at school.

I'm so sorry you are having such a bad day, what can I do to make it better?

You can just come home right now. Please.

I can't come home right now, but we can have the special chicken soup with rice (she doesn't know it's Campbell's, and what's worse, she prefers it over my homemade soup!) for dinner. I bet that will make it better.

I do want the soup for dinner. Ok, I'm hanging up now. Love you.

And that's Kaitlyn - Drama Queen! We are signing her up for camp in the local theatre this summer, we think she'll do great.

Long Time, No Write!!

It's been way too long since I've updated the blog.....no great excuse other than life sometimes gets in the way! But we have much exciting news to report!!!

Skylar

Skylar is doing really well - she's been battling her episodes harder resulting in quicker recovery time and less severe attacks (knock on wood). Her immunological blood work came back great, showing no concerns, which means we have to pursue the nasal scraping. During this procedure (at NY Presbyterian Hospital) Dr. Kattan will scrape sampling of cilia from her nose in order to study the cilia's genetic structure. If it is not structured properly, the cilia can not do its job of providing a filter system to the body. The test results takes approximately 4 weeks to come back from the lab.....the procedure is scheduled for Monday, March 24th - please send positive prayers to Skye on this day.

Skylar also started a new trick of climbing out of her bed just before we went on vacation in February. So, John went out to Kmart the next day to buy her a toddler bed. Not that Skylar sleeps much at all, but at least when she climbs out, she won't fall 4 feet!!!!

We also started the process of having Skylar evaluated for speech. The County has set up the process and the evaluation will be on April 4th. If at that time they determine she is not eligible for speech, we were advised to call back the week after her 2nd birthday since at 2 years old the evaluation is tougher to pass and she will most likely receive services.

Kailtyn

Kaitlyn has been doing really well, although battled a nice bout of the flu the week before vacation (and was nice enough to share with all of us too!!). Poor little thing look emeciated since she is so skinny to start with! She is thriving in school and starting to talk about Kindergarten a little more. In a few weeks, she and i will "ride the bus" from pre-school to visit her "big school" next year. I think I'll probably cry that day!

We recently realized that maybe my grandfather's singing genes were passed down to Kaitlyn. "Kate" (as we were told to call her) sings constantly and with vibrato. Maybe a year ago or so I may have called her "Britney", but I think i'll stick with "Kate" now!!!!

Jennie & John

We are doing great and working really hard on getting the season up and running for the Taryn Ann. John is also coaching wrestling and spring track, keeping more than busy. The Taryn Ann is getting pulled out of the water around April 15th for its annual shipyard maintenance (sanding, painting, coast guard inspection, etc).

Aunt Kimmie & Uncle Andrew also found out the gender of Baby G...................are you ready????

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, now Mema and I, and the Gigante Family, can start focusing on a shower - no details to report - since Aunt Kimmie reads this blog!!!!!

Vacation

We had such a great vacation with Mema & Papa. Our hotel was gorgeous, waterfront on the Bay in the Keys, with our own dock. The weather could have been better, it rained every day except the last day, but heck, I'd rather be in the Keys with bad weather than in NY with good weather!

Kaitlyn and I got to swim with the dolphins which was amazing. Just being able to watch her face was priceless. She still is talking about it and even visited John's Marine Science class to give them a lesson on how to "kiss" and "hug" a dolphin - she definitely has our ability to publicly speak with no worries!

John was able to charter a boat to go spear fishing and our neighbor Sam (from NY) and Trevor (lives in Weston, FL) were able to join him as well. They said it was an amazing experience to see all the fish in the bluest of waters, but weren't able to land one in the boat. John came close to a nice Mahi, but maybe it was one of those fish tales...............................