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...............................