Building Extra Healthy Babies

Sandy is an excellent mother, always giving, always striving to learn more about her children. While pregnant and on bed-rest, she read numerous books to educate herself on the babies’ development before and after birth. Nurses at the hospital alerted us to the HANDS program offered by the county. This program provides a nurse to visit our home weekly to provide additional child development education and encouragement. Our nurse, Jackie Sigler, has become our child-raising guide. New parents worry about every irregularity and Jackie is wonderful at reassuring us that all is normal and expected. On this day she tested the boys’ development and found them scoring normal for their age in spite of being five weeks premature.

Tempting, but undoable proposal

Hey mom! You folks look tired from a long vacation. Why don’t you let Trey and me take the next leg of the drive home? We’re right here on the map, north of Atlanta. We’ll just take I-75 up to Chattanooga, and then catch I-24 up to Nashville, where we’ll stop for lunch. You and dad can lie down on the back seats and catch a few hours sleep while we drive. We’ll let you take it on in to Owensboro after we eat. The only thing is, I can’t quite touch the peddles, so if you can just get us going and set the cruise control before you take your nap? I think I can steer it just fine to Nashville through this light Interstate traffic. What do you say?

Thank You Dr. Sandoval

While on vacation Benji became sick. After an unpleasant experience in the Hospital Emergency Room, we chose to take him to a pediatrician on Monday morning May 12th. We chose a Winter Haven doctor’s office out of the phonebook, made a call at 8:00 am and received a 10:00 am appointment. There after a short wait we met Dr. Susan Sandoval who treated Benji and prescribed medication. We met again on Thursday for a follow-up appointment where she observed his improvement and pronounced him healthy for the drive home to Kentucky. Thank you, Dr. Sandoval, for healing our baby.

Traveling need not mean vacation from bath time

While visiting the Roe Grandparents earlier this month the boys had an opportunity to bathe in Grandma Karen’s kitchen sink. This allowed them a view through the window of the sunroom, which is much better than the blank wall view they have from their kitchen sink tub at home. Grandma Karen loved bath time as much as the boys and got about as wet for her efforts. After towel drying them, she’d rub them down with lotion. They certainly enjoyed these massages based on their squeals of joy.

Great Uncle Dusty Embry delivers heirloom

Grandmother Ondra’s brother Dusty Embry dropped by Sunday to meet his great nephews and present a gift, a 100 year old office chair. This chair had been his father’s (the boy’s great-grandfather Ozzy Embry), who acquired it in 1940 when he purchased the Breckinridge Banner. The newspaper’s previous owner, Jess Howard, said he purchased it from the estate of Henry Waterson and believed it was Waterson’s personal office chair. Henry Waterson (1840-1921) founded the Louisville Courier-Journal and served in the United States House of Representatives. The heirloom is in need of restoration, and will occupy an honored place in our home.

In observance of Memorial Day

Memorial Day was first enacted to honor Union soldiers killed in the American Civil War. Kentucky-born President Abraham Lincoln recognized the Commonwealth’s importance when he declared "I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky." As a border state, Kentucky was among the chief places where the "Brother against brother" scenario was tragically prevalent. Owensboro's position on the Ohio River led to its occupation by Union soldiers early in the War, but much of the community was more closely allied with Confederate sentiments. On January 4, 1865, Captain William Davison led a band of Confederate guerrillas to burn the Daviess County courthouse. We hope to learn from history and avoid “brother against brother” civil wars in our old Kentucky home.

Do You Sudoku Too?

Did you ever wonder if there is anything more annoying than a smart-aleck looking at your cards over your shoulder and offering move suggestions to you while you are playing solitary? Well, consider how aggravating it is when the smart-aleck isn’t even six months old yet. Apparently, no one told Benji that Sudoku is a game for one player, like a crossword puzzle. While we were on vacation, I would try to enjoy a relaxing Sudoko game or two before bed, but would encounter resistance to my planned moves from someone who thought he knew better moves than me. How dangerous will this child be at this game once he learns to count to nine?

Afternoons Made in the Shade

It was unseasonably hot and dry in Florida during our early May visit. In the afternoons we would often go sit outside by the pool. There the house provided a shady area for us to enjoy the breeze coming off Lake Marion. Generally the water was still too cool for swimming, but just perfect for cooling our feet. On this particularly hot day we stripped off the boys clothes to allow them their first skinny dip. Both showed no fear of the water, and Trey really got into it by waving his arms and kicking his feet. These twins are blessed to have swimming pools at both sets of grandparent homes and will likely be swimming like fish before we know it.

Roe Family Safari

Mornings at Granddaddy and Grandma Roe’s Florida home started early on our vacation, usually around 5:30 am, with the boys hungry for breakfast. Daddy would move them to the sunroom to allow Mama more quiet time for sleeping. The sunroom faces east and allows for spectacular views of the sun rising over the lake. After all the adults were up and fed, Daddy would usually take a nap while the boys would join the Grandparents in the front yard for an adventure. On this day the group spotted Chloe, a blue heron, and “Boots” the alligator (just above Chloe) in their pond. You don’t see that in Kentucky.

Happy Birthday Uncle Steve!

Uncle Steve was about the size of our twins when Pete Smeathers bought this pickup brand new 40 years ago. Today, the truck is a relic of the past (like Uncle Steve), but not uninteresting. Vehicles have life cycle classifications beginning with “new”, then “late-model” then “older-model”. After a time, if they survive the boneyard, their value begins to rise as people begin to appreciate their “Classic” qualities. In fact, some classics are so beloved, updated new models are created in their image (i.e. the 2008 Mustang looks just like its 1968 predecessor). So it would follow that the 2006 model Edds boy would strongly favors the Classic 1968 model (with Jones updates). Here’s to the Classics, like Uncle Steve.

Grandparents All Smiles for Visitors

A couple of weeks ago, our vacation driving plan worked great. After dinner in Smyrna, Tennessee, the boys slept until their feeding times. We stopped about 10 pm north of Atlanta, then again at 2 am in southern Georgia. Each stop took about 30 minutes to allow for feeding, fueling and diaper changes. We watched the sunrise as we entered Florida Sunday morning and stopped at 6 am in Ocala, for breakfast. Granddad and Grandma Roe were delighted to see us pull into their driveway around 10 am and were astounded by the boy’s growth. After handing off the rested twins to the rested Grandparents, Mama and Daddy took a much needed morning nap.

Trey’s Amiga, Lisa Bell

Given the high maintenance requirements of five-month old babies, Mama and Daddy were understandably worried about how well they could travel on an 850 mile Florida driving trip. We planned an afternoon departure and driving all night straight through stopping only for fuel and feedings. This would allow us light traffic, cool temperatures, no sun glare, and encourage passenger sleeping. Because Daddy is accustomed to working the third shift baby watch, the driving hours weren’t a problem. For trip entertainment, audio books were rented for the parents and the magic mirror was engaged for the twins. We stopped Saturday night in Smyrna, Tennessee to have dinner with our friends Al, Lisa and Deanna Bell.

The First Family Vacation

We’ve just returned from our first great family adventure, and it was interesting. Sandy had a business trip to attend a class in Orlando, so we added a week of vacation so the boys could spend two weeks with their Roe Grandparents. Packing was a challenge. Little boys come with lots of accessories. We had to plan which items were essential and how to pack them into the minivan. Only a champion packer like Mama Sandy could fit all the pieces into the limited space available. Once the luggage was set, there was just enough room remaining for our little Magellan’s.

Blog Number 200

Today marks the 200th blog entry. It now has about half the word count of a novel and contains more photos and words than my book Owensboro (A history through postcards). Many of our friends and family members scattered across the country (who we created this blog for) have asked whether I ever struggle with topics or events. Truthfully, yes I do occasionally have times when my well of ideas seems to run dry. When this happens I sit down with Sandy and we talk about the boys, and together we can easily generate half a dozen new ideas. We welcome your comments to blog entries and appreciate those already received.

Massage Envy

Being a baby is stressful. You can’t do anything for yourself. Someone has to feed you, dress you, bath you, and change your diaper. You have to perform for company; embarrassing stuff like lying on your back and kicking your legs and waving your arms while smiling and jabbering. It’s embarrassing. And people talk to you using real high voices, like you’re an idiot. You don’t have teeth so you can’t eat solid food, only soft food and milk formula. Man, you get so tired of formula every single meal. But on the upside, you get great massages after your bath. Japanese auto executives should have it so good.

Now he’s Joe Cool

Now he’s Joe Cool starting today. It may look a little cloudy, but that's okay. It’s never too dark to look good in shades because now he’s Joe Cool.

And old Joe Cool is dressed up right. He’s going to find a little girl tonight. Put on his shades and flash his pearly whites. He looks casual and acts polite, that old Joe Cool.

She says "hey Joe Cool is that you over there? I’ve been looking for you everywhere." Even though baby girls wear no tops; he doesn’t stare, because he’s Joe Cool.

Adopted from Desiree Goyette Song Lyrics

Happy Ever After

Once upon a time, long long ago, in this very land there lived a young man, and he was all alone. He lived in a big house all by himself. He drove his car all by himself. He slept all by himself and ate his meals all by himself. His life was simple, but he was sad because he was all alone. Then one day he met and married a beautiful lady, and together they had twin baby boys. Suddenly his life was very complicated. He never had any privacy with family always in his house, car, and bed and at his table. Nothing in the world could have made him happier ever after.

Mama is our Clipper Hero

Our boy's grow fast, really fast. It seems like we're trimming those 20 little finger and 20 little toe nails every other day. And if we don't, we pay the price. They'll affectionately reach up to hold you and slice open your neck with their ragged fingernails or scratch your thighs with their toenails. Worse is when they scratch themselves. The problem with trimming is, you need a jeweler's glass to see their little nails and a saint's patience to clip them as the child is usually flopping like a fish on a hook. Make a mistake and the baby bleeds and screams and makes you feel awful. But, Mama is our clipper hero.

The Ties That Bind

Twins are supposed to be able to speak telepathically so goes the myth. Over the last few days while Benji has been sick, Trey has been extremely good. It’s like he intuitively knew the other was in trouble and the family needed to focus on Benji, not him. Their entire life the twins have never been separate for as much as an hour, until now. We were away about five hours at the Emergency Room Sunday night and for about four hours at the doctor’s office on Monday. While we were gone Grandma and Grandpa Roe said he was a perfect child, never once causing them a moment’s trouble. He knew.

Tonight Everyone is Breathing Easier

Benji has had a rattle in his chest for some time. The doctors explained that when he learned to clear his throat, it would go away. Saturday his breathing became labored and he developed a croup. Sunday morning he showered with his mother (lucky boy) and the steam seamed to help for a while, but by evening we felt it necessary to take him to the Emergency Room. They gave him an asthma treatment and took x-rays before moving us to a hallway to wait. After several hours we left fearing exposure to worse problems. This morning we took him to the doctor's office, where he was diagnosed with bronchitis and given medication. This evening he was in good spirits and resting with easy breathing.

Happy Mother’s Day

A philosopher once said,” The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. Augusta Louise Schott was born 100 years before her great grandsons. She married Robert MacLaggan and was 28 when she became a mother to Karen Louise MacLaggan, who married Jim Roe and was 27 when she became mother to Sandra Lynne Roe. Five months ago Sandy was born a mother of extraordinary gifts, after all, she was prepared by the best. Abraham Lincoln said, “I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”

Hats make interesting fashion statement

Too much sun isn’t good for anyone, but even a little is bad for some. Benji has Daddy’s skin, very fair, while Trey has Mommy’s skin, very olive. Daddy burns as easily as Mommy tans, and it’s likely the boys will follow suit. Because nobody wants a sunburned baby, we’re taking elaborate precautions. When the little fellows are outside, we are keeping them in the shade as much as possible, and just in case sunshine might find them anyway, mama bought them big floppy hats for protection. That’s why they’re wearing the pimp hats. This is our story and we’re sticking with it.

While you were sleeping

Davey, you must have been sleeping for this long, because everyone’s been in here to see us. Carol dressed us in t-shirts and these puffy white M. C. Hammer pants so we could dance. Then Mom came in and added these blue cardigan-like sweaters so we wouldn’t get cold. It gives us that Yale in the Hood look, don’t you think? Then Dad came in and put baseball caps on us for some reason, maybe to make us look more macho. I mean if he really wants to help us he needs to teach us how to fight, because if we go outside looking like this the neighborhood kids are going to beat us up.

I’ve got my Daddy

I spend a lot of time with the boys. We are buds. We play together, watch ballgames together, exercise together, shop together, share mealtimes together, even occasionally read the newspaper in the bathroom together. We enjoy each others company. On a few occasions though, we have had days apart. During times away from each other you kind of wonder if you’re missed because they’re so well taken care of by mommy, grandparents or babysitters. We had one such day recently where I left early and returned only in time for the 10:00 pm feeding. After finishing his bottle, Trey sat in my lap, and to comfort himself began sucking his thumb on one hand and held my jacket with the other. I got the message.

Finger Licking Good

Increasingly the boys are becoming discontented with staying in their car seats during mealtime, preferring to be seated at the table with the adults. Unfortunately they can’t sit up yet and therefore can’t utilize highchairs, which is fine by them: they are very happy to sit in mama and daddy’s laps. Holding a child with one hand while feeding oneself with the other is a tricky maneuver under the best of circumstances, and the other evening daddy ordered barbequed ribs, which proved impossible to consume one handed. Luckily our friend Al Bell was there to rescue him. He held Benji and explained that eating ribs required teeth.

Five Generations Scanning 170 years

Great Uncle Gene Ray Edds took the boys to the grave of their Great Great Grandparents Aretus Huston Edds 1838 – 1894 and Mary Jane Edds 1847-1922. Aretus drove a Huckster Wagon. Today the term Huckster is a pejorative, but it wasn’t always. In the 19th Century, a Huckster was an essential trading pipeline for rural country folks who might only go to town a few times per year. He would load his wagon in the city with items like bolts of cloth, boots, hats, tin-ware, wooden boxes, brooms, toys, spices, horse liniment, soaps, writing paper and house wares, then head deep into the country. For payment, he would take cash, or in-kind trades - crocks of home-churned butter, fresh eggs or even live chickens, which he would deliver back to town for resale.

Birthday Benchmark Photo – 5 months old

Today is Cinco De Mayo, which is Spanish for the fifth of May and is a holiday in the United State celebrating Mexican history and pride. I don’t know the Spanish term for five months old, but today we celebrate the boys’ five month birthday with all the history and pride we can muster. We photograph the twins monthly posing in the same place to benchmark their rapid changes. Flip back on this blog to the fifth day of last month and observe their continual growth. Note how much higher they sit in the chair and how their heads have grown and matured. They are now mucho grande.

Look Daddy, I can do it too!

Grandma and Grandpa Edds came over Friday to visit the boys and play. After reading on the blog about Trey using the walker Grandmother Edds wanted to see Benji play on it. Daddy was a little concerned that Benji’s legs weren’t quite long enough to reach the floor and he might fall hitting his head as Trey had done early on, but Grandma was quite insistent about giving Benji a try. We slipped the boy in the toy and he took to it like a duck to water. Grandma grinned and strutted, proud as a peacock and Daddy ate his crow without protest.

Making Bets on Kentucky Derby Day

We breed thoroughbreds here in Kentucky and every first Saturday in May we invite the world to watch our three-year-olds run. Dave and Sandy’s little stallions, now 21 weeks old, are not yet ready for the mile and a quarter at Churchill Downs, but you can bet your Mint Julep and burgoo they’ll be running for their own roses soon. They’ll be parading before grandstands full of finely outfitted woman lavishly accessorized with large, elaborate hats as the band plays “My Old Kentucky Home”. Then all the celebrities on “Millionaire’s Row” will toast to them after witnessing the most exciting two minutes in sports. How they’ll pull this off is yet to be determined.

Reader Poll: What was your favorite baby transportation?

There’s a progression of baby mobility beginning with crawling then succeeding to walking and running. Once children master running the need for speed and distance requires acquiring transportation assistance. Traditional baby transport involved wagons and tricycles. Young imaginative cowboys would ride rocking horses or spring horses. Peddle cars were developed in the early 20th century and Big Wheels were introduced later in the century. Inchworms were popular with little girls. As for Daddy Dave, his favorite baby transportation was a red Radio Flyer wagon powered by two nanny goats compliments of Uncle Richard Edds. Vote today on the poll located in the right margin.

Scooby-Doo We Love You!

Our April Reader’s Poll overwhelmingly picked Scooby-Doo as their favorite Classic Saturday morning cartoon. This Hanna-Barbera animated series debued in 1969 and has run continuously in various forms ever since. The show features a talking dog named Scooby-Doo and four teenagers: Fred "Freddie" Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, and Norville "Shaggy" Rogers. These five characters drive around the world in a van called the "Mystery Machine", and solve mysteries typically involving tales of ghosts and other supernatural forces. At the end of each episode, the supernatural forces turn out to have a rational explanation, typically criminal plots involving costumes, latex masks and special effects intended to frighten or distract.