Doctor B and the Cardiologist

On the way to Dr. B's , all bundled up for the chilly weather

Last week Jo Ann, my sweet mother-in-law, and I took the twins to my favorite doctor – Dr. B, the pediatrician. I was so lucky to have Jo Ann come over early in the morning and help get us all ready for the 8:15 am appointment. The early morning appointments are great, but with Atlanta traffic, we had to be out of the house by 7:30. Elizabeth and Tom were wide awake on the way to the appointment, happily sitting in the back playing with their toys. Elizabeth 13.5 lbs. 24” Tom 11.15 lbs. 24” Dr. B was very happy with their weights and think they are both growing nicely, not too mention the cutest babies in the world! Tom is doing so well with eating that she is taking him off the super notorious, extra weight gain (and very expensive) formula – yeah!!! In addition, we can start cereal and baby food – yes, that is right – here comes some funny faces! Since Tom and I want to be home when we explore the baby food, I think we will start this during the holidays. I promise to video and hopefully find out how to post something online. I attached some pictures from the appointment, Tom was a rock star, but Elizabeth had huge crocodile tears! I was okay during the last visit when the twins received shots, but this had me a little teary-eyed because she was so upset. Little Tom and I also made it to the Pediatric Cardiologist last week, which was a bit unplanned, but worked out really well. Tom had another EKG and he was a perfect patient – the nurses were so impressed with his playful demeanor during the procedure. Dr. Jones said he feels Tom is doing great in regards to heart, weight gain, growth, sleeping, eating, etc. Even though Tom has doubled in size since the last appointment, Dr. Jones suggested we leave his medicine on the same dosage and see if there are any ill-effects. Of course we hope Tom’s heart continues to beat strong and steady without the increase of medication. We have a follow-up appointment set for February and if things continue to go well, we could be off the medication completely!!! This is great news for so many reasons, I do not want to jump to any conclusions (less than 40% of infants with heart arrhythmia outgrow them in the first year), but we are thinking positive. It is amazing to see how much the twins have grown in the past four months and we are so lucky they are thriving – we pray that is continues.

Tom on the scale, definitely catching up with Elizabeth!

Look at me - I can stand up! Jo Ann looks on as Dr. B's listens to Elizabeth's heart Elizabeth seems to know that shots are in her future.Not a happy camper Little Tom and I also made it to the Pediatric Cardiologist last week, which was a bit unplanned, but worked out really well. Tom had another EKG and he was a perfect patient – the nurses were so impressed with his playful demeanor during the procedure. Dr. Jones said he feels Tom is doing great in regards to heart, weight gain, growth, sleeping, eating, etc. Even though Tom has doubled in size since the last appointment, Dr. Jones suggested we leave his medicine on the same dosage and see if there are any ill-effects. Of course we hope Tom’s heart continues to beat strong and steady without the increase of medication. We have a follow-up appointment set for February and if things continue to go well, we could be off the medication completely!!! This is great news for so many reasons, I do not want to jump to any conclusions (less than 40% of infants with heart arrhythmia outgrow them in the first year), but we are thinking positive. It is amazing to see how much the twins have grown in the past four months and we are so lucky they are thriving – we pray that is continues. Getting ready to have the stickers placed on his body

Stickers are on...

....now for the wires

What is taking so long, let's get this going

All set, let's do this!

Santa Claus

Their first Thanksgiving

Seeing Santa for the first time, they were so excited

....just controlled excitement

Thanksgiving was great, we were able to spend quality time with the Powells and the Graffeos and even watch some of the Macy’s Day Parade on TV! Not to mention celebrating Topy’s (Grandfather Powell) birthday too.

Since the last post, we went to see Santa Claus and the twins were excellent! I will say that the days of “seeing Santa” have definitely changed. I remember going to the Galleria and standing in line for hours just to sit on Santa’s lap and have a Polaroid taken of the exciting moment! Of course the anticipation was over so quick after you sat on his lap and were shoved off a with Polaroid. The act of standing in line was very similar to the line for Space Mountain at Disney World – we waited two hours to have a thrilling ride for about 120 seconds. But no, at Phipps Plaza there is no standing in line, no cheesy Santa with a fake beard, no instant quality picture and definitely no walk-ups will be telling the big jolly man in the red suit what they want for Christmas. In late October, Santa’s appointment calendar opens online and you pick the date and time you will see the bearded fellow. Beware you must sign up fast because all the dates are booked in 48 hours – almost the same demand for the Hannah Montana concert. I will say it was very nice strolling up to Mr. Claus handing him two babies and smiling for the camera. His beard was real, the suit was authentic (lace trim and all) this was the closest to Santa I have ever been. Scheduling is key and walk-ups are turned away. Kindrea, thanks for sharing the new Santa information!

More pictures....Elizabeth and Tom holding hands

Elizabeth sporting her new slippers..... The twins moving around on the coffee table, their favorite place

Did I say slippers, I meant to say Flipper Slippers - how cute!!!