Sweet Caroline

When our friend Dawn drives over from Evansville to visit, she often brings her niece Caroline. This young lady, just five and a half years old herself, is very mature for her age. She loves the boys and they respond positively to her presence. An only child, Caroline seems to enjoy the older sister role she plays when visiting. She is very attentive to the boys and plays very patiently with her young friends. On this visit we elected to eat at home and Caroline was eager to help feed the toddlers, who in this photo appear to be intensely focused on the meal preparation.

Knee-Friendly Floor

If you are a 15-month old like me, you have no appreciation for beautiful old hardwood floors. They’re slick, hard and cold. This is not good flooring for people just learning to walk. You want a floor with traction for sure-footing and a soft landing-surface should you fall. You want a warm surface for playing that’s easy on the knees and palms. You know, sometimes people my age spill things or have other accidents, so a floor surface has to also be easy to clean. While carpets are an improvement over hardwood floors, they are difficult to clean and some spots are not easily removed. The best flooring choice for folks like me is foam-rubber matting. Mommy and Daddy chose interlocking exercise mats so they could cover the entire playroom floor. They’re warm, soft, non-slippery and easy to clean. I recommend them to all my friends’ parents.

Living Room Reclamation

One of the benefits of creating a larger play area upstairs is reclaiming our living room. Once the boys began crawling around Thanksgiving and then walking around Christmas, they found a plethora of items to get into in the living room. For Christmas we arranged the furniture for maximum play area and to block their access to forbidden areas like the fireplace and potted plants. We removed all books from low shelves and put the most expensive breakable things away from any errant flying objects. With space confined upstairs, we left some of the larger toys downstairs where there was more room. Now that the upstairs playroom is complete we can move the furniture back and have a nice place to greet any guests brave enough to visit.

Vacation Day at Home

Sometimes it’s nice to take a vacation day and just stay home. This is exactly what Sandy did today. She is scheduled to work this weekend and has accumulated excess vacation days that will be lost soon, so she needed to use them. Daddy Dave got up early with the boys allowing mommy the opportunity to sleep late. She then enjoyed serving the twins breakfast and playing with them while Daddy Dave worked on the blog backlog. The January 28th Ice Storm’s aftermath really played havoc on everything here including Daddy’s ability to keep the blog updated. Readers may want to go back and reread all the February posts that have only recently posted.

Happy 12th Birthday Tyler

On first learning the news that we were expecting twins, Cousin Tyler became one of the most excited. Having been the junior member of the Roe family for 10 years, he was ready for some younger cousins. He first got to visit Benji and Davey while staying at the Grand Roe’s Florida home last Christmas. You could almost see him mature overnight into the cool, older, male-cousin role-model. He held each boy with the secure, tender skill of a veteran. Without protest, he graciously accepted that the family’s attention, once focused on him as the youngest, was now directed towards the baby twins. Tyler asked a lot of questions and learned much about his young cousins. Aunt Sandy and Uncle Dave were very happy and proud to see him becoming the fine young man their sons will look up to as an example.

What a weird dream

Several times a week, Daddy Dave will take the boys for a minivan drive to relax and encourage their afternoon naps. This routine is so successful that the van will often be barely out of the driveway before one or more boys are fast asleep. On this winter day it was exceptionally warm, so daddy decided to wash the winter grime off the van. Choosing a new automated car wash, we drove in for the works. Davey was snoozing and Benji with fighting sleepy eyes, before the action started. It was hilarious watching his expressions as the high pressure water and soap scrubbed to van. He had never experienced anything like this before and the encounter was confusing. He didn’t know whether to be excited or scared. It was very perplexing, especially when the dryer jets made the wiper blades float in the air. After that ordeal, sleep came easily.

Cool Tools Dad

Benji and I know our place pretty well. We’ve gone over every square inch and know where everything goes. When someone brings a new item into our space, we are very prompt about inspecting it and finding out all we can. This was never truer than when Daddy Dave recently brought tools into our room to hang shelving. Seeing this we immediately dropped our toys and ran over to watch. Guys like tools, even little guys like us. Its fun to watch dad use screwdrivers and other hand tools, but what’s really great is his power tools. For this job he used his cordless drill, which made a lot of cool noise. We can’t wait to get our hands on those.

Loading Practice

We replaced the Den’s end table with another bookcase. The first bookcase holding plastic tubs of small toys was overflowing, so adding a second bookcase seemed reasonable and a better use of floor space. Sandy rearranged items to give the boys better toy access, and they seized upon this new opportunity. On first discovering the new layout, Trey Davey began unloading the shelves. Quickly we learned not to stack hard-plastic items on high shelves after Davey pulled a big toy down on top of Benji’s head. While unloading the toys appears to be a one of Davey’s natural talent, replacing them looks to be a skill he’s still acquiring. We’ll be practicing every night till he gets it right.

Twins Friendly-Takeover Continues

First we remodeled and relocated our master bedroom and Sandy’s office upstairs. Then her office moved downstairs to make room for the nursery. Then we subdivided our upstairs master bedroom suite to create a family room/den, which evolved into a children’s playroom. Then, just when we thought we were finished reorganizing our upstairs for our two infant sons, they became toddlers and we needed to rethink the whole thing. They needed more space to roam, but it was too dangerous to give them full upstairs access. Since we had the playroom about as baby-proof as we could make it without removing all the furniture and padding the walls, we decided to just expand that area by trading bedrooms with the boys. Now they have almost 400 square feet of safe play area and we can go to the bathroom without going through the nursery.

Hair Today

At this stage, the most striking difference in our twins is their hair. Washing their hair individually really helps one appreciate each boy’s specific characteristics. Benji’s hair is thin and very fine. Its color changes between blond, red and light brown depending on what he’s wearing and the light shining on it. He still hasn’t had a haircut yet, but hopes to soon. Conversely, Trey Davey’s hair is thick and course. So much so that it is sometime difficult to comb or brush when it’s wet. His hair color is medium brown. He has had two haircuts and needs another. Looking ahead, we wonder how their hair will change as they get older.

Sandy’s Cell Phone

What’s more fun than snatching Daddy’s TV remote control? It’s pilfering Mommy’s cell phone. Benji has show a strong interest in electronic gadgets from a very young age, and this preference for powered toys will probable boost Duracell sales to record levels in the coming years. He was so pleased with himself for making this new phone acquisition that he beamed with achievement. Adding to the fun was his discovery of the cell phone light button. Each time it illuminated, he giggled with delight. Other than draining the battery, Sandy saw his foolishness as harmless at this stage, but once he learns how to flip the phone open and speed-dial his friends, we’re in trouble.

The No-Help Desk

Occasionally the boys will visit mommy in her office while she’s working. They, of course, are very curious about what she is doing, and they want to do it too. If she holds a boy in her lap and turns her chair towards the desk, he will immediately lean forward to pound her computer keyboard or move her mouse. This is not helpful and can create mayhem of her work files. If her screensaver activates, they will see pictures of themselves appear on her computer screens. This always energizes them and they’ll respond by beating on her keyboard to generate more pictures. One boy in this situation is hard enough to handle, but on this day she had them both sitting on her lap “helping her”.

First Shiner, but probably not the last

It starts with a crash followed by a thump. After a short, stunned delay one can expect an eruption of screams and cries. This is a common formula these days for Edds infant injuries. The boys are fully active and eager to explore their environment’s every mystery. When Davey began eating his Jumperoo’s foam padding, we retired the toy to the basement, and when Benji repeatedly climbed onto his swing and flipped over backward after standing on the seat, that toy was also retired. This action only resulted in our smart boys’ redirecting their hi-jinx. For instance, Benji found that an empty toy box turned upside-down makes a nice step for climbing on the couch. Unfortunately, he also learned that socks are slippery on the smooth toy box bottom. Then he learned that if you fall while running holding a book sideways in front of your face, it will hurt.

Happy Foot

When Elvis Presley was asked why he shook his leg when singing, the king of rock and roll replied that he didn’t do it on purpose for effect, rather it was just something that naturally happened when he was happy. “It just does it on its own” he suggested. Trey Davey might give the same answer one day in the future when asked why he swings his foot when he’s happy. The condition we call “Happy Foot” has been occurring since his earliest days. Like a puppy wagging his tail, Davey will swing his right leg from the knee down when he’s happy. For boys too young to talk, this is an effective way to communicate their pleasure with the current activity.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Last February 14th we photographed the boys to look like cherubs for Valentine’s Day, so we needed a fresh idea for this year’s blog photo. Mommy suggested that they would look cute in heart-print boxer shorts, so we thoroughly searched all Owensboro clothing retailers, new and used, and found exactly zero boxer shorts in size Toddler #2. The closest thing we found was swim trunks, but none were holiday appropriate. Seizing the challenge, we went to the fabric store and selected the desired material, thread and elastic. Using the swim trucks as a pattern, we asked Lena’s Alterations to make the desired boxers. Lena had enjoyed assembling their Halloween costumes and loved doing this Valentine’s project. Somehow I think the boys knew how cute they looked.

A few of my favorite things

It’s a toss up between the TV’s remote control and a milk-filled sippy cup as to which one is Benji’s favorite thing. For some time, Benji has coveted remote controls. Carol brought over a number of old remotes she had. The boys really enjoyed playing with them, but over time they learned to distinguish the impostors from Daddy Dave’s real remote. Then Mommy found an old broken remote in the basement that perfectly matched Daddy’s. She painted “Boys” on the back so we could tell the difference. Since then it has been Benji’s constant companion, even to bed. He often won’t even set it down when he snacks on his milk preferring to use it as a drink tray.

A Pair of Babe-raham Lincolns

Abraham Lincoln was born 200 years ago today in a log cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky. When he was seven years old his family moved to Spencer County, Indiana, just across the river from the newly established city of Owensboro, Kentucky. The Lincoln family lived in Indiana for 14 years before moving to Illinois. To celebrate Lincoln’s childhood, Daddy Dave did a little photo-shopping. One amazing result was how similar these two photos appear. Those of us privileged to spend ample time with Davey and Benji can easily tell them apart by skin tone, hair color, size and build. But in this exercise using just their faces, only a trained eye can distinguish them. Here one can truly appreciate their full twin-ness.

These Shoes are made for walking

The time has come for shoes. Both boys are walking, and their feet have slimmed down and formed arches. Our babysitter Carol purchased these first tennis shoes for them. Trey Davey’s shoes feature “Thomas the Train”, while Benji’s feature Sesame Street’s “Elmo”. It was amazing how quickly they adjusted to wearing shoes. The weight and fit were an issue at first, but they soon overcame those changes. They also quickly adjusted from scooting their feet to lifting them for every step. Shoe width is still a tricky thing, and the boys often trip due to bumping shoes during a stride. Once they develop a wider stance, running can’t be far behind.

The Diaper Dandy Dance

There’s a brand new thing
That’s all the rage
Now that you’ve reached
The toddler stage

You’ve got to do it once
If you have a chance
Come on baby
Do the Diaper Dandy Dance

First strip on down
To your underwear
Then wave your clothes
Around in the air

Shake it for me baby
Let me see you prance
Come on boys
Do the Diaper Dandy Dance

Well now slap your chest
And scream for joy
Run around the room
You naked boys

Burn all that energy
While you have the chance
Come on baby
Do the Diaper Dandy Dance

Classic Toys Never Get Old

Two years ago after attending a conference in Kansas City Sandy and I visited her parents at her childhood home. They were preparing to move to Florida and cleaning the Kansas City home to sell. We had just learned that we were expecting and they gave us a large number of baby articles. One of the items was a fisher-price corn popper that had been Aunt Kristin’s. This classic children’s toy was invented in 1957 and consists of a globe on wheels with a long blue handle. When a child pushes the toy it pops ever so many inches causing the brightly colored balls to fly inside the globe. Like most children, our boys love noise and movement and this well-loved toy is now providing double duty.

Hide and Sneak

Benji is a tease. He enjoys provoking reaction with foolishness, and then howls with joy when discovered. A good example happened recently when Sandy came upstairs to check on things. She entered the playroom and seeing no one presumed it was empty. As she turned to leave the volume on the television increased. She disregarded the action knowing some stations increase volume during commercials. Then, she realized the channel had changed to the shopping network, which is a station our family never watches. Turning to look at the TV the station changed again, this time to ESPN. When she stepped toward the TV she heard a giggle. Looking around she found Benji hiding in the tent with the TV’s remote control. Just then Daddy Dave returned from the nursery, where he had put Davey down for a nap, and found mother and son howling with laughter at his prank.

First Basketball Game

For years, Grandpa Edds has looked forward to taking his grandsons to basketball games. Last season he took Cousin Levi and both had a great time. He has been talking about taking the twins to a game this season, and when the opportunity presented itself this afternoon, we decided to give it a try. Pa has been a Kentucky Wesleyan College basketball season ticket holder for many years and he currently has floor seats on the second row. Knowing the twins had missed their afternoon nap we were prepared to leave if a meltdown occurred. Instead, they drank in the activity and atmosphere of college basketball. They watched the players’ movements intensely and mimicked the crowd’s cheers, clapping and three-point signs. Without a single incident, both boys watched the entire game, danced to the pep band’s music and charmed the cheerleaders. Grandpa’s friends came by with compliments for the well-behaved twins that swelled his chest with pride.

Look whose coming to breakfast

Trey Davey and Benji’s confused expressions are well placed. Ever since the Ice Storm hit 11 days ago, their regular routine has been completely disrupted. After being gone a week they thought that perhaps things would settle down to normal when we returned home, but not yet. Grandma and Grandpa Edds still do not have power at their house and are staying with us. This sleep-over is exceptionally fun for boys and Grands alike and a great opportunity for closer bonding, which has apparently happened with Grandma Ondra. Never an early riser by choice, Grandma made the exceptional effort to get up early so she could feed the boys their cereal and bananas for breakfast. Both generations enjoyed the breakfast surprise.

Birthday Benchmark Photo – 14 months

Fourteen months old is nothing to a man that’s 551 months old, like Daddy Dave, but these boys have accumulated an impressive number of adventures in their brief lifetime. Already they’ve lived through an earthquake, tornado, hurricane and ice storm, and they’ll likely soon see major flooding in our part of the country. They’ve been to nine states; Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee, and they’ve stayed in ten different hotels in seven different states missing only Illinois and Kansas. Benji and Trey Davey love these adventures and look for every opportunity to explore new places and make new friends.

Home Sweet Home

At 9:00 am our next door neighbor Wes Roberts called to say the lights were on in our house. Sandy worked that morning while I packed the minivan. After lunch we headed north for home. We were so fortunate to find the house no worse off than when we left except for the food that had spoiled in the refrigerator. Trey Davey and Benji were delighted to be home and squealed with glee when they saw their play room and toys. And even better, Grandma and Grandpa Edds came over after dinner to spend the night since their house still didn’t yet have power restored.

Tennessee Cousins

Waiting in a distant hotel room for the utility company to repair your home’s power after a natural disaster can be really boring, if you let it. Instead, the boys and I adopted the motto “Carpe Diem” (seize the day). Since we were near the boy’s great grandmother Edds’ birthplace, we decided to continue the search for her father’s grave. We called Granddaddy’s cousin, Bessie Marie Horrell in Murfreesboro. She is almost 90 years old but still of good mind and body. She directed us to Milton, Tennessee where her parents were buried. The boys and I drove to the far edge of Rutherford County and found the tiny community and its cemetery. We found Great, Great Aunt Vera and Uncle Jim Allen along with a few other distant cousins. It’s possible that Great Grandmother may have lived near Milton, and her father may be buried near by. We’ll keep looking.

UK Game on Groundhog Day

With high-speed internet service, Sandy has the ability to work from anywhere, so she returned to work on Monday. Daddy and the boys had breakfast in the hotel lobby and watched Punxsutawney Phil predict six more weeks of winter. We hoped we could go home before then. While Mommy worked, Daddy took the boys for a minivan ride. We returned to the Murphysboro Evergreen Cemetery that we had visited a month earlier with a list of Tennessee ancestors. The office attendant confirmed that, unfortunately, no one from my list rested there. That evening we went to the Bell’s house to watch the University of Kentucky basketball game. Lisa and Al laid out lots of fun toys on a soft sleeping bag for the boys. Davey particularly enjoyed a rocking horse that had been Al’s and quickly figured out how to make it rock by shifting his weight.

Our Little Super Bowl Party

Our boys are very charming and make friends easily. Several of the Hampton Inn staff members adopted us and went out of their way to make our stay better. By our third day they had observed that the boys were restless from their confinement. Our friend Valorie offered us use of their conference room to play and watch the Super Bowl. This was a great idea. She moved all the chairs and tables aside to create a big wide open floor. We brought down all the boys’ toys, and they attempted to spread them over every square foot of the conference room. There were very few guests in the hotel that night, and we moved our party to the lobby for the second half and enjoyed the exciting finish with the hotel’s evening crew.