Catching Up

To All the Daddys - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Grandfather Graffeo with His Pride and Joy....

Father's Day at CCC Pool

Catching up...nowadays, it always seems like I am a little further behind where I would like to be; I must admit that I have really high expectations of myself. I have all these great ideas floating in my head, but sometimes the execution is severely delayed or permanently postponed. Of course I have been journaling since before the kids were born, yet there is nothing written in either one of their baby books. The "Baby Book" is somewhat of a joke between my mom and I - I will definitely save this for another post.

Top 10 reason why it has taken me one month to post a new entry 1 - We took the twins to the beach for the first time. Thankfully, we talked (okay, they willingly volunteered) my parents into coming with us to assist with the kids - what an excellent idea. Tom and I even went on a date! 2 - Little Tom has two teeth on bottom and FOUR teeth in the top of his mouth....painful and definitely makes sleeping a challenge - for everyone under the same roof. 3 - Mom has been sick. Prior to the twins, I rarely had a cold; this year I have been terribly sick twice in the past three months. Someone said it might be due to lack of sleep, I wonder if this could be true. 4 - The twins ventured to the Graffeo Grandparents for a weekend, without Mom and Dad. I had great intentions to garden, work out, update the blog, but decided this was the weekend to stay in bed with a horrible cold. As a side note, would you believe the twins slept all night for my parents both nights....I am still wondering if my dad is telling me the truth. 5 - It was Father's Day and I tried to make is special for Tom and will share with my Dad next week and celebrated with my father-in-law, Tom, a day early. 6 - Our part-time nanny / Grandmother Powell has been traveling which has pushed us to interview back-up babysitters. It is very stressful leaving two little ones with a new babysitter, but things have worked out just fine. 7 - The Godfather (aka VJ) came to spend the weekend with us...and taught Elizabeth how to walk...just kidding. 8- I have misplaced (lost) my camera and I have been waiting to post until I find it. I have tried praying to St. Anthony and I am still without my camera, which makes me really sad because I had great photos of the kids at the pool for the first time. I still have my fingers crossed it will turn up! 9 - Time just gets away from me, I don't know how, because I live by my Outlook calendar and have 18 out of 24 hours each day planned, ideally this six unplanned hours are for sleeping, but is often cut short. 10 - After working all day and briefly seeing the twins for their morning bottle, I would rather spend the remainder of the day with them. After bath time, I have great intentions to update you guys, but frequently jump into bed instead. So, although it has been awhile, you are up to speed with the Powell crew and I appreciate you hanging in there with us. Enjoy the pictures and you will see more very soon!

The First Powell picture on the beach

Elizabeth showing off her new bathing suit

Elizabeth already trying to share clothes with mommy...

Too funny, I just had to include

Tom showing his Grandad how sharp his

teeth really are - check out my dad's face

Tom did not like the pool in Atlanta, but bring him to the Grandparents house and he is all about it! Check out his carrot-top? Where did this hair come from?

Tom Gets the Yellow Slip

The past four weeks have been quite eventful in the Powell family. We executed six doctor's appointments and thankfully, proud Daddy attended most of the visits! Little Tom continues to amaze us everyday, it is hard to believe what a rough start he endured to make it here! I am so proud of my little angel, I thought I would brag on him for the entire post...and yes, next post I might just focus on sweet Elizabeth.

A walk down memory lane...the first time I was able to see Tom

(which was his second day of life) this was the unimaginable sight my eyes viewed

For days, we were only able to touch his hand briefly and long

for the moment our arms could embrace our small miracle

Now, he has tripled in size...

...he has much better fashion sense

But still continues to love on the ladies!!!

These pictures were taken during our Cardiologist appointment,

and, of course, Tom had another EKG

He weighed-in just over 15 pounds (15.5) and never complained

once during the exam

The results are in and the news is great. We received the yellow, discharge paper that said....

No more medicine, no more EKGs, no more visits for a year!!!

For the first time in his life, over 300 days, Tom is 100% drug-free.

We are so happy!!!

Off to another appointment...and hopefully the momentum will continue

Daily I wonder if there will be any development delays for Tom in the future, but I remind myself that I cannot fast-forward time and predict the future. He is growing so fast that I need to enjoy this precious time where I can cuddle him in my arms and not worry about things out of my control. As parents, Tom and I remain focused on the present and thankful for the many blessing we have received. Reflecting on the roller coaster month of August 2007 - I realize how lucky we are to have Tom here with us and not watching down on us. Tom continues to meet and surpass each milestone - he is right behind Elizabeth. The neurologist says more positive things with each visit (which is definitely a great sign!), we continue to participate in physical therapy each week and are eager to "cross-off" the long list of specialists that we visit frequently. All in all, life is good - life is very good.

Great Grandparents

Tom and I have been so lucky to grow up with multiple grandparents and we are even more excited that our children have several Great-Grandparents. Here are a few recent pictures of my grandparents and one of Tom's grandmothers.

Zicarelli Great Grandparents - Nana and Grandaddy show off

a picture of their first set of twin Great Grandchildren

The oldest and the youngest of the family

Great Grandmother Powell and her first Great Granddaughter

Elizabeth listening to the stories about

Grandmothers trips and adventures

Nana knows how to make Elizabeth giggle I really wish I have a video of their conversation - it was hysterical! Great Aunt Esther and Elizabeth

The most peaceful feeling in the world - a sleeping baby in your arms

Too cute I had to post

My brother V.J. and best friend Kate

My two Tom's - how handsome

March Flew By!!!

I know, I know - I always say that I am going to post more frequently and it never happens...I am trying to get better - I promise!!! Rather than telling you about all the fun things that took place during March Madness, I thought I would show you what we have been up to lately.....in reverse order.

Of course there was a very chilly Easter.... Tom is learning to sit up on his own and yes, my

son is wearing knee-highs.

Elizabeth is her typically giggly self.

Sweet Godfather, V.J., getting in some baby practice; now, if he could

only come home with us and rock Tom to sleep every night. It was Easter and the twins sat with the Easter Bunny at Brookwood Mall - the pictures turned out great!! It always amazes me how some random individual dresses in the huge bulky costume and I just give him (or her) my two small children to hold while I snap pictures. Looking back, what on Earth?!? I freak out when my friends and family try to hold Elizabeth and Tom at the same time and here I am trusting a stranger camouflaged in a white bunny suit?

I had to get a close up of the hairdo - complements of Grandmother Graffeo

It is somewhat spiky, or aka buttercup

Grandmother Powell comes to visit a couple times a week and loves

taking the twins for a stroll - hopefully this warm weather is here to stay! Tom's first four wheeler ride with Daddy.

Happy Birthday Granddaddy Graffeo!!! Granddaddy's birthday was also Saint Patrick's Day - hence the green outfits

Elizabeth did not have anything, so she borrowed Tom's hat.

which was a little snug. Saint Patty's Day was also Berkeley's Birthday -

I am so glad she shared her birthday dessert with me! DELICIOUS!!! Girlfriend Kate came to visit and the girls went shopping!

The twins are growing quickly and it is amazing to see them experience new things everyday. I appreicate ALL of your emails and encouragement about updating our blog - it is nice to know that you are so interested in our wonderful world of twins! Stay tuned for some great pictures for the Great - Grandparents!