Twin songs win reader poll

The baby song title poll has closed and we have twin winners; “Baby Love” and “I Got You Babe.” Both songs were popular when Sandy and Dave were babies. "Baby Love" was a number-one hit for four weeks in the fall of 1964 for The Supremes. Written and produced by Motown's Holland-Dozier-Holland, "Baby Love," was one of the most popular songs of the late 20th century, and the group’s most successful single. "I Got You Babe" became Sonny and Cher’s biggest single, their signature song, and a defining recording of the early hippie countercultural movement. In August of 1965, the single reached the number-one spot for three weeks. Sonny Bono wrote the song late one night in his basement, inspired by the idea of capitalizing on the popularity of the term "babe," as heard in Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe" which was a hit for The Turtles.

Who let the piggies out?

The boys are discovering their feet. They have learned how to push away during diaper changes, kick off covers, pull off socks and stand for short periods of time. For Kentucky boys they have been barefoot very little in their 12-week lives due to the cold winter temperatures, but on those occasions when their feet were bare, we have enjoyed the classic interactive game “Little Piggies Go To Market”.

This little piggy went to market
This little piggy stayed home
This little piggy had roast beef
This little piggy had none
And this little piggy cried mama all the way home

Berry White to the rescue

Some years ago a study reported that infants who listened to classical music may grow up to be smarter and do better in math. Recent studies have debunked that idea, but what if the music a baby listens to really has long term developmental effects; then for example, would a child who listened to Frank Sinatra likely join the mob? Would serenading a youngster with Elton John’s music make him gay? Would Hank Williams recordings create a future alcoholic and Charlie Parker’s jazz make them a drug addict? Let’s hope this isn’t true as our boys listen to all these artists and more. But if this is true, there is a bright side; Berry White’s music should bring some joy to their lives. Yeah Baby!

Will Benjamin James Edds be an accountant or engineer?

One definition for the name Benjamin is “Son of the South” which fits this boy’s personality. He is generally a relaxed, laid-back child at ease and accepting of the people and activities around him. That isn’t to say that when provoked he is a wallflower, as he can rebel yell with the best of them. In Hebrew the name refers to the younger, beloved son. While just a minute younger than his twin, the slightly smaller outgoing Benji displays several youngest child social qualities. James is a name that in both English and Hebrew means to replace and perhaps he’ll follow in one of his parent’s professions.

Will Hugh David Edds, III be a leader?

Hugh is not a common name, rated below the top 500 selected by parents, but it’s appropriate for this child. It is an English name meaning intelligent and this young man’s aptitude is readily apparent even at two months old. He is highly alert and quickly processes mental and physical tasks. His acute inner clock, which reliably sounds his feeding chimes every three hours, reveals a strong inner drive. He is impatient and persistent, two traits common to goal-oriented high-achievers. And he brings that same intensity to his affection for the people around him. Our baby boy is dearly loved, and the Hebrew name for that quality is David.

You know they are Christians by their love

We belong to a very special life group. More than just a bible study, our small group shares life’s challenges. For several years we prayed together for God to bless Sandy and me with children. They were there for our disappointments and overjoyed by our eventual pregnancy. Certainly it is not surprising that these friends feel an ownership in these twin miracles of ours. Rather than being bothered by the newborns, our friends literally embrace their presence at our weekly prayer meetings sharing the opportunity to hold each baby. We can’t image better examples for our boys to emulate, nor better friends to share life together.

Hey mom, look at me!

Mama Sandy gets into tummy time. She gets down on the floor and plays with her sons, coaching and encouraging their exercises. Extended play time seems to lead to longer sleeping intervals. Here Trey shows off how well he can hold up his head to mama’s glowing approval. Benji is unimpressed, preferring to watch television.

Baby you can drive my car, but buy your own gas

Sunday we took an impromptu afternoon drive and found ourselves in Lincoln State Park. It was about a 45 minute drive and around the time we arrived the boys began crying for dinner. After feeding them in a parking lot, Benji showed interest in driving home. Boys love cars; it’s programmed into their DNA. Fortunately, we’ve got some time to prepare before they can get their learners permits. I wonder what gas prices will be when they get their licenses in 2024.

Don’t you have any requests?

When I was a single guy living alone I practiced my guitar playing every day. Once Sandy came along, I preferred to spend that time with her. This afternoon I took a notion to dig out a guitar and see if I remembered how to play. At the first sounds Trey smiled ear to ear. Both boys are currently developing facial expressions. Amazingly, he was mesmerized by my singing and playing. My performance totally captivated him for over 30 minutes. Maybe he is tone death. Benji, on the other hand, slept in the swing. Maybe he is not. At least they didn’t cry. I look forward to a time when the boys can sing along with me. In the mean time, I need to learn some children’s songs.

I love it when a plan comes together.

Davey, how do you think they’re doing? I believe we’re beginning to break them in as parents. They resisted at first, full of all those ideas they read about in baby books, but look at the dark circles under their eyes. All we needed to do was wear them down. By sleeping in shifts, one of us is constantly awake around the clock to occupy and exhaust them. The fits and dual screaming stopped their feeble attempts to put us on the same schedule. Now that they’re so tired, they are easily manipulated. We’ve just about taken over their upstairs with our stuff and we haven’t even entered our toy phase yet. Keep working on your push ups and squats. If they think they’re tired now, wait until we can crawl. And, did you see them chasing Levi as he walked around exploring the house? Just wait until we are both walking and roaming every room. We’ll get those two slackers in shape. Raising parents at our age is so tough, but rewarding don’t you think?

Hiccup Hiccup…Hiccup Hiccup….Hiccup Hiccup

Both of our boys get the hiccups, regularly. The baby owner’s manuals say this is normal. It’s certainly nothing new to them as they each had the hiccups regularly before they were born. We noticed a rhythmic movement in Sandy’s belly, which the doctor explained as baby hiccups. Now as infants it’s fascinating to observe their reaction. Hiccups don’t seem to upset them in the least. With twins what’s funny is when they both get the hiccups at the same time. They often alternate chirps creating such a commotion that it sounds like popcorn popping.

World changing possibilities on President’s Day

Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Kentucky 199 years ago this week. He later moved to within 30 miles of Owensboro on the Indiana side of the river. His presidency changed the world. In his honor, the boys are posed like the Lincoln Memorial statue for President’s Day. Aunt Susan gave them the blue chairs, which are called Bumbos. These baby seats enable infants to sit upright all by themselves as soon as they can support their own heads. Don’t they look stoic sitting high on their Bumbos? Perhaps one day they too will change the world.

Miracle babies bring smiles to Evansville guests

Recently, Evansville friends on an Owensboro field trip dropped by bearing baby gifts. Together they have been members of a Bethel Temple bible study group for several years. Sandy and I were members of the group a few years ago. After a big lunch at Moonlite Bar-B-Q, eight members stopped by to see the babies and the boys took to them instantly. Maybe they sensed these devoted Christians have been steadfastly praying for them for nearly five years. Evidence of our miracle babies brought smiles all around.

Boys are no problem for grandparents

Grandparents Ondra and David Edds have little experience with little girls, so maybe it’s fitting that their grandchildren are boys. After raising two sons they have some idea about what to expect from male children. They already effortlessly address that special boy baby diaper changing challenge and are well schooled for any sports, hot rod or superhero questions. Veterans at encouraging sons at numerous sporting, scouting, school and church events, these grandparents are prepped for whatever interests their grandsons may acquire. They look forward to introducing this new generation to Kentucky Wesleyan College basketball, championship tennis and classic county music. Trey, Levi and Benji are very blessed to have them.

St. Valentine’s Day Messieurs

Two new little messieurs brought beaucoup d'amour to Mama Sandy this Valentine’s Day. With kisses sweeter than any candy her boys filled her heart to overflowing. Their gifts to her were their newly developing facial expressions and prolonged gazing into her eyes. You can tell that they understand every encouraging word she whispers to them and their eyes say Je t'aime aussi (I love you too) mama.

Two Cupids wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day

In popular culture Cupid is frequently shown shooting his bow to inspire romantic love, often as an icon of Valentine's Day. Throughout ancient mythological writing, there appear to be either two Cupids or two sides to the figure of Cupid. One is the son of Jupiter and Venus. He is a lively youth who delights in pranks and spreading love. The other is a son of Nyx and Erebus, known for riotous debauchery. We hope our little angels will focus exclusively on speading love and happiness.

“Great Abs for Twins” needed

An ice storm hit Owensboro yesterday just as we left the doctor’s office. The ice disrupted many people’s lives, causing treacherous roads, school closings and power outages for ours and many surrounding counties. Arriving home safely, we were fortunate to have a full cupboard and a warm house. The boys didn’t feel well after their vaccinations and both would only calm down when being held. Luckily, Daddy Dave was up to the task and all snuggled in for a long winter’s nap. Interestingly, as the boys get larger it becomes increasingly difficult get out of the recliner with both sons resting on your chest. Maybe I need to create my own exercise video called “Great Abs for Twins”.

Roger Clemens type allegations denied by parents

Owensboro, KY - Based on rapid weight gain reports, allegations like those levied against baseball great Roger Clemens may soon rise that the Edds boys are injecting themselves with growth hormones. Measurements taken today at Dr. Don Neel’s office indicate Trey’s weight has ballooned to 11 lbs 6 oz and his height has extended to 23 inches long. This indicates a remarkable growth of 3 lbs 3 oz in just five weeks. More amazing was young Benji’s extraordinary weight gain of 3 lbs 15 oz over the same period. He now weighs 10 lbs 2 oz and measures 22 inches long. Paparazzi have obtained this photo that apparently verifies the juicing accusation, but the Edds boys’ parents, Dave and Sandy, deny any illegal steroid use, claiming this is simply their pediatrician’s nurse Lois administrating four vaccination shots to each boy. Trey and Benji were unavailable for comment.

Passing on Advanced Pacifier Techniques

Cousin Levi Edds, 18 month old, visited Grandma and Grandpa Edds this weekend. He charmed the cheerleaders at the Kentucky Wesleyan College basketball game on Saturday and parishioners at First Baptist Church on Sunday morning. While visiting us, grandparents Ondra and David had a wonderful time uniting their three grandsons. Our boys looked up to their slightly older cousin and Levi was very generous about sharing affection with his protégés. At one point when Benji became a little fussy, Levi picked up a pacifier and gave it to his little cousin. These three boys will be fascinating to watch as they grow.

Holding his own

Benji has very big hands. Usually he has no idea what to do with them. At this stage, we’re not sure he even understands that they belong to him. So we were amazed when he held his own bottle recently. While he doesn’t do it consistently, he has held his own bottle on several occasions. Babies usually don’t hold their own bottle until much older. Just when we think he must be the most highly developed child ever, he’ll use those big hands to push his bottle away then cry that someone’s mistreating him. Oh well.

Ever tried to put socks on moving pistons?

Until recently, all the outfits the boys wore were jumpsuits with feet attached. As they have grown from preemie to newborn to 1-3 month sized outfits the more mature styles have increasingly required socks. Anyone who has changed the diapers of either of these twins will know they pump their legs continually during this process like little pistons, so it is comical to watch mom and dad try to apply socks to these little running engines. The best technique is for one parent to distract the boy with a bottle while the other quickly applies footwear. Once they learn to multi-task, we’re in trouble.

Blog Entry 100

Today marks the 100th blog entry. For those newer blog readers, we established it just after learning of our pregnancy in order to more easily communicate developments to our many friends and family members scattered across the county. The column to the right has our mission statement, reader’s poll, blog archive and famous parents of twins list. You can use the archive to go back to the blog’s beginning entries of ultrasound photos and follow developments through birth and newborn development. At this point, we attempt to add blog posts daily to document twin progress and adventures and to reward viewers who routinely check the site. Left clicking photos will expand them on-screen and right clicking allows for saving photos to file. We welcome your comments to blog entries and appreciate those already received.

Almost a Double Double

Today a nurse stopped by for a home visit to check on the boys and offer us some advice and encouragement. She was successful in getting Trey to nurse for the first time and offered suggestions on how to increase Sandy’s milk production. She just happened to have a baby scale with her and we took the opportunity to weigh the boys. Little Benji has beefed up to 9 lbs 5 oz. That’s an incredible increase of 3 lbs 1 oz in 4 weeks! Mom and Dad were shocked. Trey has reached double digits at 10 lbs 12 oz, up 2 lbs 9 oz over last month. At this rate both boys will double their birth weight before the end of the month. We will weigh again Monday at Dr. Neel’s office on the official scales.

New Reader Poll: Baby Songs

It’s time for a new blog reader’s poll. Which is your favorite song with baby in the title? The ballot is in the right hand column. Vote for one song then see the cumulative poll results. Voting is open through the end of February. Note: There are hundreds of songs that fit this category, and I probably didn’t choose your favorite. Please select from the list of 10 songs provided and if you have another suggestion you’d like for me to add to the list next time, post it in a comment.

Birthday Benchmark Photo – 2 months old

Sandy had the great idea of taking the boys photo every month on the anniversary of their December 5th birth using a consistent prop. Over time as they grow, our prop will give us a standard to compare their growth. Since we bought a new recliner to rock them, it seemed like an appropriate benchmarking device. They are so small here; imagine one day years from now seeing two men, six and half foot feet tall, posing next to the same chair. Today, they are two months old and tomorrow they become nine weeks old.

Boys see truly Super Bowl game

I watched the very first Super Bowl with my dad, but I don’t remember it. I was only three years old. Back then it was known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game as the term Super Bowl hadn’t been coined yet. Little brother Steve was only eight months old when he joined us to watch Super Bowl III, which some people consider to be the greatest Super Bowl ever because Joe Nameth led the New York Jets to an upset victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. I know Steve doesn’t remember it, but he saw it. Likewise, Benji and Trey won’t remember this year’s Super Bowl. They are only eight weeks old. But in the future when friends talk of the great New York Giants upset win over the heavly favored and undefeated New England Patriots, they can say they saw it with their parents and grandparents.

Groundhog Day

In the 1993 comedy film Groundhog Day actor Bill Murray’s character finds himself caught in an endless cycle repeating the same day, February 2, over and over again. After indulging in all manner of frivilous pursuits, he begins to reexamine his life and priorities. He finds real happiness only by concerning himself with others rather than concentrating solely on his own wants and desires. Once this transformation takes place, his merry-go-round cycle is broken and he can begin February 3 and the rest of his new life. Everybody told me that marriage and children would change my life forever, and I thank God for Sandy, Trey, Benji and every new day.

Already flirting with the girl next door

AnnaKaye Roberts is four years old, and the only thing she wanted for Christmas this year was twins. “Not baby doll twins,” she told her mother, “but real twin babies like Sandy’s.” AnnaKaye’s family lives next door and they are terrific neighbors. After hearing that we were expecting, Karen Roberts said her daughter decided she wanted twins too. “That’s a tall order to fill” Karen laughed. Just after delivery, the Roberts family was on the list of people I called with the big news. I could hear AnnaKaye and her brother Zackary squeal with delight after learning the news. We shared dinner at their house recently, and Anna Kay was fascinated with the boys. One day soon she’ll be the cute older girl next door that will fascinate our boys.

Yee-haw!!! The votes are in.

The poles have closed, the voting is complete and the blog voters say our boys most resemble Bo and Luke Duke. Starkey and Hutch was a close second choice in voting.

The Dukes of Hazzard was a television series that originally aired on the CBS television network from 1979 to 1985. It followed the adventures of two good old boys, Bo and Luke Duke, living in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia, racing around in their modified 1969 Dodge Charger, The General Lee.

Like Benji, Bo Duke was the blond-haired Duke boy. He was the younger, wilder one of the pair. He was more of a "shoot first, ask questions later" type, and was often the one to get the duo into the various scrapes they found themselves in. Like Trey, Luke Duke was the dark-haired, slightly older one. More mature and rational than his cousin Bo, he was typically the one who thought of the plan that would get the two out of whatever trouble they had gotten into. Wheither our boys follow this pattern is yet to be seen.

It should be noted that Daddy Dave earned his drivers licence the year this show premiered and purchased his very own Dodge Charger the next. Yeh-haw!!!