Necessity is the mother of invention

When you can’t hold him, what do you do with this beautiful boy when he’s bored with the jumparoo, activity mat, walker and all his toys? He’s tired of playing in the blue room and is ready for adventure, but you can’t leave because his brother is asleep in the nursery. You need to put him somewhere safe, which isn’t the bed or couch because he can barrel roll right off the edge. Suddenly you have an inspiration, the laundry basket. It’s new, boy-size and safe with laundry to play with and handles for carrying baby and all from room to room as needed. His imagination instantly engages and he’s happy and contented for over an hour. Your plan’s drawbacks are the need to pick up the laundry that became redistributed around the room and to rewash the load that is now slobbered on.

I love it when a plan comes together

The boys’ plastic baby bath tub has become too small, but the sink in the laundry room is not accidentally just the right size for their current bathing needs. That upstairs room has gone through a number of changes in the last decade. The house was designed to offer an apartment upstairs for in-laws, and that room was originally a second kitchen. The home’s second owners remodeled the space into an office in 1998. Needing the additional rental income of an upstairs apartment, I remodeled the space back into a kitchen in 2000. I purposefully choose this deep single sink, rather than a conventional double kitchen sink, hoping to use it one day to bathe babies. After we married and the renters left, we moved our bedroom upstairs and converted the kitchen to a laundry room, just steps away from the nursery.

It’s good to be a twin

I have a twin brother, and he’s exactly my age. To strangers we look identical, but our family and friends can tell us apart. Single babies must be very lonely without anybody their age around to play with, but I’m never lonely, because I’ve always got my brother beside me to share adventures. Davey and I are tight and go everywhere together. People are drawn to us because we’re twins, which is a little unique. And, because there are two of us, there are a lot more toys in our home than there would be if I was an only child. I’m better at some things and he’s better at others, so we watch each other and learn. He’s not just my brother, he’s my best friend.

On the lighter side

The new car seats stay in the minivan, so we no longer have a portable baby carrier with a handle. This isn’t an entirely bad thing as they weighed almost 8 lbs by themselves. Add a 22 lb infant and you’re toting a 30 lb bundle of joy. So, we appreciate loosing that extra weight, but we miss the carrier’s convenience. When the babies were strapped into the carriers, their movements were contained. Now we must deal with them wiggling, squirming, grabbing and kicking while carrying them. Before, when waiting in line at a store or restaurant, we could set the carrier on the floor safely and rest. Now we must continue holding the child balanced on our hip while standing. Once the boys can walk, we won’t have to carry them as much.

Show us your pearly white proof

Both boys have been fussy for some time. Presumably they were cutting teeth, but until lately nothing could prove this theory. We were beginning to wonder if unhappiness was going to be a permanent part of their personalities. Were our twins born to whine? Would they become grumblers, grouches, complainers, wailers, objectors, moaners, groaners, whimperers, bellyachers, gripers, malcontented cranks, protesters, criers, snivelers, carpers, dissenters, disapprovers, fault-finders, and/or criticizers? Parents worry about these things. Thankfully, we felt a little point on Trey Davey’s gum recently indicating his first tooth was poking through. At this point, Benji has no proof for his bad behavior, but he also will likely get a tooth soon.

New Thrones for the Princes

The whole idea of shopping at Babies-Are-Us is extremely overwhelming to me, but we needed larger car seats for our larger boys, so off we went. My problem is the selection; there’s way too much. They have a whole wing devoted to car seats with at least a hundred different models available in dozens of colors. Given that the price of two baby car seats would be relatively the same as what we paid for the entire minivan, it was important that we carefully selected the right model. A sales associate who seemed to know every nuance of every seat guided us through the selection process. Davey and Benji are now the proud owners of car seats guaranteed to meet their needs until they weigh 100 lbs, which at the rate they’re growing might be just before kindergarten.

Rip Van Winkle and the Catnapper

One of the greatest differences in the twins’ personalities is the way they sleep. Trey Davey sleeps a lot more and in longer durations. The process is simple; he becomes tired, lies down and goes to sleep. His brother, on the other hand, has an entirely different bedtime story. Benji doesn’t want to miss anything, so he sleeps much less and in shorter durations. When he’s tired, he gets fussy and stubborn. He fights going to sleep. Sometimes we’ll spend more than an hour trying to get him to sleep, and he’ll nap for only 30 minutes. On this occasion we tried swinging him to slumber. First he refused to lie back, preferring to sit upright, and then when he finally did fall asleep he fell uncomfortably forward. This siesta lasted only about a quarter hour.

Gentlemen start your engines

Yesterday Mamma and Daddy had an appointment, so Grandma and Grandpa Edds watched the boys. On the first check-in call Grandmother Ondra asked when Trey Davey learned how to make motor sounds. He just started doing it about a week ago. Sandy has always found it fascinating that little boys love to make motor sounds. Coming from a family of girls, this seems very interesting to her. Little girls don’t seem make motors sounds while playing but little boys do. We found that even in the orphanage we visited in a remote area of Myanmar, where motorized vehicles are less common, little boys make motor sounds while playing. They also make screeching tire sounds, but our boys haven’t stated doing that yet.

The best laid plans

With temperatures near 100 degrees, Mamma and Daddy thought it might be fun to take photos of twins splashing happily in a baby pool. We borrowed Anna Kay Roberts’ pool from next door and filled it with water, placing it in the shade to prevent sunburn and near the basement stairs for better ground level photography. We assembled swimsuited boys, pool toys, towels, lawn chairs and camera and headed for the backyard. Day one was a total failure. The water was too cold in the shade, and the boys wouldn’t look towards the camera because the construction equipment on the lot behind them was more interesting. On day two we enjoyed warmer water in direct sunlight and no construction activity, but still couldn’t get both boys to look at the camera.

Squealing with Delight

Benji has learned a new sound and he likes to practice it. The sound is squealing. These are not screams of displeasure. He mastered those early on. These are squeals of delight announcing “I’m So Happy!” These cheerful squeals are usually accompanied by a shutter of his clinched hands. Certainly James Brown must have channeled these infant mannerisms when he recorded his 1965 hit record “I Got You (I Feel Good)”. These high spirited announcements have been enthusiastically broadcasted in restaurants and departments stores, sometimes coming at the most inappropriate moments. While this can be embarrassing to parents who desire their children to be seen, but not heard, these squeals usually provoke smiles from strangers. Happiness is contagious.

Picking fescue in the Bluegrass State

Blog readers may remember the April 23ed photo of the boys riding high in a bobcat front-end-loader bucket. Daddy Dave moved dirt and graded the backyard to improve drainage and appearance. We were tempted to seed bluegrass, since this is Kentucky. It would have made a beautiful lawn, but poor playground. Bluegrass is a very delicate grass and since we have very robust little boys, we needed a more hearty grass. This #31 fescue should stand up well to repeated ball games, tricycle races, wrestling matches, games of tag, hide-and-seek, and slip-and-slide. It creates a relatively soft matt surface to fall on or spread a towel over for sun bathing.

Already Too Long in No Time

It seems like we brought home the boys’ first car seats just the other day. We studied the options thoroughly and chose a Graco Snug Ride model. Our parents never had anything like this for their children. The baby is strapped into the protective seat with a 5-point harness. The seat stays with the baby and can be used as a rocking chair on the floor or locked into their stroller or into automotive bases, which are mounted to the car. The seats are fully adjustable and have served our boys well from 5 lbs to 22 lbs. Unfortunately, as you can see, Davey’s feet now hang well outside the seat. After just 7-1/2 months it’s time to retire these seats and replace them with a model for big boys, like ours.

Batter Up!

With new high maintenance twins in the house, Daddy Dave skipped attending the hydroplane races this summer. This meant he also missed seeing some of his favorite hydro-buddies like Joe Clements. Like Dave, Joe became hooked on the hydros when they raced on the Owensboro riverfront in the 1970’s and he still follows the sport. The Clements and the Edds have enjoyed the Evansville and Madison races together for several years. Because he was absent this year, Joe and his family (wife Lyn, daughter Katie and son Chris) made a special trip from their home in Evansville to see the boys. They brought a great gift, a Fischer-Price T-ball game, which both boys (and Daddy) love.

Our Street’s Gang

If you’ve visited our house, you know we share a driveway with the neighbors next door, Rusty and Kate Burton, who are also new parents. Their son, William Mac Burton, was born May 15, 2008, five months after our boys. Daddies Dave and Rusty have already talked about important future plans for basketball goal placement and possible driveway gates to corral Big Wheels and tricycles. We anticipate these three musketeers will be inseparable and a formidable powerhouse for any babysitters they may share. If these boys inherited their parents’ brains and building skills (both Sandy and Rusty are Electrical Engineers), look for a future tree house with wireless internet, Dish TV and a security system.

What a Trooper

While in Florida on vacation we swung by Navarre to see our friends Cathy and Rob Mann. Cathy lived in Owensboro as a child, and her family became very close friends with the Edds. Sandy calls Cathy my sister, and the Mann clan certainly treated us like family. From the moment they greeted us at their door, they took total responsibility for our twins, allowing Sandy and me the opportunity to relax and visit. All four Mann children held and played with both boys, changing their diapers and serving them bottles. It was wonderful! Each family member was delightful and accomplished, even their old grey haired dog. When Haley (18) placed Benji on Trooper’s back, he wasn’t fazed. They certainly named him correctly.

All-Star Game #42

In 1967 Gene Ray Edds called his younger brother and proposed a father and son activity. Hugh David and his son, David, Jr. (age 4), were invited to join Gene Ray and his sons Rodney (age 8) and Marc (age 5) in watching the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Baseball, back then, was played in the afternoons. For most people that game was memorable for going 15 innings and stretching into prime time in the East. NBC television executives found that ratings grew dramatically as the game extended into the evening hours. From that game forward NBC began pushing for night games to boost ratings. What the Edds family remembers about that game was a trip to the Hospital Emergency Room for young Davey (Daddy Dave) after an accident. Still an annual father and son event 42 years later, this year Daddy Dave took his sons to Uncle Gene Ray’s house for the first time.

Visiting a Sweet Home in Alabama

On our way home from Florida we detoured through Auburn, Alabama, to see Sandy’s Aunt Roberta and her husband John Hand. The week before, they had planned a stop in Owensboro on their return from vacation, but we were in Florida, so we visited their house the next week instead. Roberta is Grandma Karen’s sister and our twins’ Great Aunt. The boys were spirited on our arrival after a long day’s minivan confinement. We were concerned that they were perhaps too much for people unaccustomed to infants, but Aunt Roberta and Uncle John loved the cute little rascals. We had a wonderful meal and visit while the boys burned off energy rolling and tumbling around on the living room floor.

Taking a seat at the table

Meal times at Grandma and Granddaddy Roe’s house were difficult for the twins. They usually were placed in their bouncy seats on the floor while the adults ate and talked. This did not make them happy. They would cry and fuss until someone would relent. First one, then the other boy would wind up on an adult’s lap for the meal. After eating with one arm and wrestling infants with the other for a few meals someone suggested we try the high chairs. On our previous visit, the boys weren’t ready for the high chairs, but this time they set high and proud. Sandy brought out toys Aunt Susan had given us designed for strapping on the high chairs. As you can tell, this elevation left them all smiles.

Napping on a Sunny Afternoon

Benji boy was quite cross while we were vacationing in Florida. He’s cutting teeth and the process is very painful. Experienced in child rearing, Grandma and Granddaddy Roe had several creative ways of comforting their fussy grand baby. One of the most effective techniques they used to help him relax and nap was a stroller ride. On extremely hot or rainy days they would walk up and down the halls inside until he would drop off to sleep. On nice days like this one, they would walk outside. Once he was asleep, everyone could enjoy the quiet sounds of the lake on a peaceful afternoon.

Roll like A barrel

He looked so sweet, innocent and immobile sitting in the center of the hotel room’s king-sized bed, but a little voice in my head told me not to leave Trey Davey baby unattended. I gave his some toys and moved to the back of the room to watch him. He sat peacefully and played for a few minutes, and I began to wonder if perhaps I had misjudged him. The toys seemed to delight him, and he reclined on his back, kicking his legs with glee. Then he stretched, rolled on his belly and gyrated for a few minutes. I’d never seen him roll from belly to back, so again I began to think he was safe in the middle of the bed. Then it happened. He rolled from his belly to his back, then over again on to his belly, then again and again. At that moment he discovered how to barrel-roll. Luckily I was there and watching as he rolled right off the bed into my arms. I hope I can always be there to catch him.

Two Tickets to Paradise

Imagine being six months old again. You wake up before sunrise refreshed and excited about another new day. Mornings are still new for you and filled with mystery. You’re on vacation in a new place, with new surroundings and a different routine. What could be more exciting? After an early morning of hard playing in your grandparent’s Florida home with your twin brother you collapse in total exhaustion. Strong, powerful hands pick you up and place you on the world’s softest couch. A heavy blanket is placed lovingly beside you to prevent your accidental rolling off the couch. The temperature in the sun room is warm, but the ceiling fan’s gentle sway layers you in a cool breeze. You sleep like a baby.

Kiss my piggies Grandma

While Sandy attended her Orlando conference a couple of weeks ago, Daddy Dave and the twins stayed nearby with Grandma and Granddaddy Roe. Mornings usually began before sunrise with playful hungry baby boys. By the time the adults would finish breakfast the twins would usually be napping. Grandma Karen’s favorite time would come mid-morning when she would give the boys a kitchen sink bath. She bought them special little bath toys to enhance their water play enjoyment. The best part of these bathing duties is the wonderful smell of shiney clean babies. At these times, the temptation to kiss a foot becomes irresistible.

Home Invasion

Two babies come with a lot of accessories. Our minivan was packed to capacity when we pulled into Granddaddy and Grandma Roe’s Florida driveway. Into their house we brought a jumperoo, activity mat, playpen, bouncy seats, and bags of toys, clothes, diapers, bottles, and blankets. Out of the garage Granddad brought in another playpen and two high chairs. Within a few minutes their lovely home had been transformed into a daycare center and obstacle course, and yet you couldn’t find two happier people in all of central Florida.

Grand folks so nice we visited twice

Three weeks ago we had a second opportunity to visit Grandma and Granddad Roe in Florida. Sandy had another conference in Orlando, so Daddy Dave and the boys tagged along. During our stay we visited one of Grandma Karen’s favorite places Kathryn’s Coffee Cabrera in Haines City. Kathryn attends church with the Grands and has become one of Grandma’s buddies. Grandma Karen has even helped serve in Kathryn’s diner during large events. On this day we joined Grandma Karen for lunch after her Art Class dismissed. From the moment we entered the restaurant, the boys became the center of attention and activity. Small town people everywhere are wonderful.

Roberts Family Stories

Anna Doris Shanks is Grandmother Ondra’s first cousin. Their mothers were sisters. Visiting from their home in Texas, she and her husband Jessie were in Owensboro Sunday and Monday to enjoy family and barbeque. They used to regularly visit Great Grandmother Martha Roberts Embry and would often take her on short trips to visit loved ones. Anna Doris is a wonderful writer and family historian. The scrapbooks she makes and shares with family members were the inspiration for this blog. We took the opportunity of her visit to ask her family questions and tape record her stories. We look forward to their next visit and more family stories.

That’s Cool! Let me try.

Cousin Levi visited Owensboro over this Independence Day holiday weekend. Grandmother and Grandfather Edds want their grandsons to have a close relationship, so they invited everyone to dinner at Montana Mike’s Steakhouse for a visit. Three babies in a restaurant is a handful, even for four adults. Luckily, Levi (now 23 months old) was easily entertained with crayons and a coloring book. Grandmother Ondra noticed Trey Davey watching his older cousin intently and decided to introduce him to the wonderful world of crayons. Surprisingly, not only did Trey hold the crayon well, but he doodled little circles in a fashion not unlike his father used to do during college art history lectures. It won’t be long before the twins' doodles will hang proudly like masterpieces on their loved ones’ refrigerators.

Birthday Benchmark Photo – 7 months old

We had an extra visit to Dr. Neel’s office this month for shots, so we took the opportunity for a seven month measurement. Benji has grown to 28 inches and 20 lbs 5 oz, and Trey Davey measured 29 inches and 21 lbs 3 oz. Since birth both boys have grown exactly 9-1/4 inches longer. Benji has gained 15 lbs and Trey has added 15 lbs 3 oz. Compared to other seven-month old boys, both are tall and big. Trey is in the top 5% for height and top 11% for weight, while Benji is in the top 19% for height and 21% for weight. Our boys were born five weeks premature, but they’re catching up quickly.

Born in the USA

Today a documentary about the American Revolution ran on The History Channel. We watched it while the babies played on the floor. Those brave patriots risked everything to create this country, and we are so lucky to have been born here. In 2005 Sandy and I traveled to an orphanage in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on a mission trip. Ruled by dictators, Burmese children do not have the freedoms that our children enjoy. Benji and Davey may vote, worship, protest and celebrate without governmental interference. We plan to teach these boys to respect and appreciate the freedoms our forefathers fought to give them. Happy Independence Day!

New Reader Poll: Vote for your favorite Dr. Seuss book

As children, Sandy and I both enjoyed Dr. Seuss books and TV specials. Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904 –1991) was an American writer and cartoonist, better known by his pen name, Dr. Seuss. He published over 60 children's books, which were often characterized by his imaginative characters, rhyme, and frequent use of trisyllabic meter. His work has been adapted numerous times, including eleven television specials, three feature films, and a Broadway musical. Like us, you may be familiar with Dr. Seuss’ work, but haven’t read any of his books lately. It has been a joy for us to become reacquainted with these classic stories. Cast a vote today in the right hand margin for your favorite.

Sneaky Feeding

Now Trey Davey baby knows a bottle when he sees one, and he wants it, even if it’s Benji’s. Once he spots his favorite feeding container in the room, it is his entire focus. He forgets all about his toys, what’s on TV, or who he’s playing with and begins pleading for the bottle. Sometime his identification is a little askew, and he mistakes empty bottles or even Mama’s Aquafina bottle. The best course is to feed Benji in another room or while Trey’s asleep. Sometimes one parent tries to play with him while the other feeds Benji behind his back, but they always get busted. On this day Daddy was trying to camouflage Benji’s bottle with a burp rag.

Pat-a-Cake voted reader’s favorite.

Overwhelmingly the blog readers voted Pat-a-Cake as their favorite nursery rhyme. Surprisingly, Mama and Daddy know different versions of the song. Mama sings, “pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake baker’s man, bake me a cake as fast as you can, pat it, and roll it, and mark it with a “B” then put it in the oven for baby and me!” Daddy’s version starts the same way but ends differently. Daddy sings, “pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man, bake me a cake as fast as you can, roll in up and through it in a pan.” Our baby book lists Sandy’s version, but we noticed Carol singing Dave’s version. It could be a regional difference, but it makes no difference to the twins who love the song either way.