Welcome to the world, Amelia and Avalon.

On December 5, 2010, two little girls entered the world. They are named Amelia Montgomery (top photo) and Avalon Rose (bottom photo) Shattuck.

They arrived ahead of schedule by several weeks and so remain safely at the hospital, until they are ready to come home. Catherine and I visit them at least twice a day for a few hours at a time to feed them, hold them and, at least in my case, sing country songs to them. Everything is fine, just a little more time needed for some things to finish up developing.

A few months ago, in anticipation of The A-Team’s arrival (so dubbed by a friend!), I wrote a song. The final instrumental tracks are being recorded at Hyde Street Studio C by ace engineer Jaime Durr and the master of thumposity, Andy Korn, as I type this. My friend Jeff Tuttle will sing the song before Christmas, after which I will post it for all to hear. In the meantime, here are the lyrics:

WELCOME TO THE WORLD

Say hello to the mountains reaching to the sky
Say hello to the valleys stretching far and wide
Say hello to the trees home to all the squirrels
Say hello to everything and welcome to the world

Say hello to the rivers, and lakes and streams
Say hello to the oceans deeper than your dreams
Say hello to the oyster who hides a pearl
Say hello to everything and welcome to the world

Say hello to the breezes cool and warm
Say hello to the howl of a winter storm
Say hello the birds as their feathers unfurl
Say hello to everything and welcome to the world

Say hello to sunlight from so far away
Say hello to fireflies at the end of the day
Say hello to everything my two little girls
Say hello to mom and dad and welcome to the world