Friday, December 25, 2015

2015 A year of... milestones

First off, we hope everyone has had a joyous holiday season spent with loved ones laughing and enjoying the simple things. We had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by our family.

We had a lot of fun festivities leading up to Christmas with building a Gingerbread house, school parties, baking cookies  and a train ride with Santa.


And we had an amazing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with our families. The kids love hanging see them, especially their cousins.
Giosa cousins... So hard to get all 5 to cooperate. Natalie is the only one- lol

Donnelly cousins...easy now, but will get harder I'm sure.

All in all, we had a great holiday season and feel blessed.


This year has been amazing...has been triumph...has been challenging...has had it share of us struggling. If I had to sum up 2015 in one word, it would be Milestones.

2015 started off with JP under going his second (but not his last) surgery. While we weren't new to surgery, this situation was different. Jonathan under went lengthening surgery and had an external fixator, which we never experienced before.

This was the first time we had to learn to clean pin sites, turn the pins in his leg to help bone growth, and undergo a ridged PT scheduled, as well as weekly doc appointments. It was a  big under taking and scary at times, but quickly became managable. It was also the third time in his life, we witness the excitement and joy of watching him "learn" to walk.

Being a FH parent is hard and yet we get to witness our kids having milestones over and over again. 

There was defintley a lot struggles and tears (by both of us) during lengthening,  but also so much joy and happiness. 

JPs recovery was a long one, he was in an ex-fix for 4 mos and then a cast for a month, but he handled it all so well for being 3. 

And we are amazed how fast the time went. In no time, JP was back to walking, no running, with his brother. His leg grew a whole 4cm. I can't believe it has been almost a year since we started the legthening journey.

Another milestone this year is Jonathan started school! He goes the First Presbyterian Bucket School just like his brother did. He's doing well. He adjust great to school and seems to like it. 


We love hearing all about his day and what he learned. He loves staying for lunch bunch and is starting to show his interest in learning new things. We're hoping the rest of the school year is just as incredible!

!

And then there's Aiden... This kid "graduated" from kindergarten in June.



And we were so happy how well he adjusted to "big boy school" and then first grade! He is doing amazing! He's excelling  academically and socially and just loves school!



Aidens so excited to stay the whole day and enjoys buying lunch!! His teacher feels he's a great asset to the class. We couldn't be prouder of the young man he's turning into. 

We just wish time would slow down a bit, we are not okay with him turning 7 already.


Aiden also handled the extra attention his brother got during surgery very well. He didn't acted out or regress. He also took care of his little brother.


The kids also got a new baby cousin this year.nThey are great big cousins to Olivia. They loves to talk to her and hold her.


Olivia Rose was born May 2015 and the boys loves her so much!



All in all 2015 was filled with new stuff for the Giosas. Some easy, some hard, but we managed and are doing well!

We are just so in love with our boys and so proud of all they have accomplished so far! We can't wait to see what 2016 brings to them!

And last, but not least, a big thank you for all who supported us this year-cheering us along the way, praying for us, and lending their help and support. We can't begin to tell you how much we appreciate it all!

We wish you all a very happy and healthy 2016!!



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