They say twins share a connection, but 8-month-old Joshua and Jacob Spates truly WERE connected! But thanks to surgeons at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, the boys are no longer conjoined and are beating all of the odds!

Joshua and Jacob were so-called pygopagus twins, a particularly rare form of conjoined twins in which the bodies are joined back to back at the pelvis and lower spine. The boys shared a rectum, muscles, and nerves, but have their own hearts, heads, and limbs.

The 13-hour surgery performed to separate them on Aug. 29 was very risky, but successful. As of today, Sept. 14, the boys remain in the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit, where they’re recuperating and being treated for a variety of medical problems.

Keep in mind, just because they’re separated doesn’t mean they’re completely out of the woods. They will have months of recovery and will be looked after carefully over the next few crucial weeks. But, we’re thrilled to hear the boys are thriving!

–Leigh Blickley

More on HollyBaby:

1. Twin Girls Conjoined At The Head Share ONE Mind! Incredible!
2. Conjoined Twin Girls Born With One Body & Two Heads!
3. Parents Could Be Banned From Finding Out The Sex Of Their Babies!

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Last week, a story broke about 90 teenage girls at one Memphis high school who were all pregnant or have had a child during this school year. Not only did this news raise the question of who’s to blame, but it got a lot of people talking, including Kim Kardashian. The 30-year-old was so moved by this bizarre baby news that she took to her blog and Twitter to let girls know that they shouldn’t be idolizing or inspired by teen moms. I’m shocked to admit that, for once, I agree completely with Kim.

Teen Mom 2′s Jenelle Evans doesn’t want to know who the father of her son is

“It seems that shows like Teen Mom are all of a sudden making teen pregnancy seem cool in the eyes of young girls. The kids from these shows are all over the news, even on the covers of magazines, and have been become almost like celebrities, but girls, these are not people you should idolize!” writes Kim.

“When I think back to when I was 16, there is no way I would even have considered having a baby. That thought wouldn’t even have entered my head. Having a baby is one one of the biggest, and most life-changing decisions a person can make and while I’m not saying that no teen is in the position to raise a child, having a baby so young shouldn’t be seen as the trendy thing to do,” she adds.

Are Amber Portwood’s decisions hurting baby Leah?

The reality TV darling, who has made her share of mistakes in the past (remember that sex tape?), is hoping that young women will pause to consider the consequences before getting pregnant in the future. “Girls, please, think very carefully before you make these kind of decisions. Talk to your family, friends, teachers, and most of all, be careful,” she writes.

HollyMoms, what do you think about Kim’s blog post? Do you agree that shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant are misleading young girls to believe that having a child is the “cool and trendy” thing to do?

–Leigh Blickley

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Last week, a story broke about 90 teenage girls at one Memphis high school who were all pregnant or have had a child during this school year. Not only did this news raise the question of who’s to blame, but it got a lot of people talking, including Kim Kardashian. The 30-year-old was so moved by this bizarre baby news that she took to her blog and Twitter to let girls know that they shouldn’t be idolizing or inspired by teen moms. I’m shocked to admit that, for once, I agree completely with Kim.

Teen Mom 2′s Jenelle Evans doesn’t want to know who the father of her son is

“It seems that shows like Teen Mom are all of a sudden making teen pregnancy seem cool in the eyes of young girls. The kids from these shows are all over the news, even on the covers of magazines, and have been become almost like celebrities, but girls, these are not people you should idolize!” writes Kim.

“When I think back to when I was 16, there is no way I would even have considered having a baby. That thought wouldn’t even have entered my head. Having a baby is one one of the biggest, and most life-changing decisions a person can make and while I’m not saying that no teen is in the position to raise a child, having a baby so young shouldn’t be seen as the trendy thing to do,” she adds.

Are Amber Portwood’s decisions hurting baby Leah?

The reality TV darling, who has made her share of mistakes in the past (remember that sex tape?), is hoping that young women will pause to consider the consequences before getting pregnant in the future. “Girls, please, think very carefully before you make these kind of decisions. Talk to your family, friends, teachers, and most of all, be careful,” she writes.

HollyMoms, what do you think about Kim’s blog post? Do you agree that shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant are misleading young girls to believe that having a child is the “cool and trendy” thing to do?

–Leigh Blickley

Get more HollyBaby news and gossip! Friend
us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter and Subscribe to our Newsletter!

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Zac and Justin are after the same role, but who will land the coveted part of Huey Calhoun?

Zac Efron is back to his musical loving ways, and this time the hunky star is ready to test out his acting chops in the big screen adaptation of the Tony-winning musical Memphis. But wait – the role isn’t a lock JUST yet – he’s got some pretty stiff competition!

Justin Timberlake will fight the High School Musical heartthrob to play 1950′s-era Memphis radio DJ Huey Calhoun. Although JT, 29, is originally FROM Memphis, Zac is planning on fighting him tooth and nail for the role.

“I just can’t stay away from the show!” the NY Post reports Zac told girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens and Hairspray director Adam Shankman while taking in the Broadway musical August 17; it was his second time at the show in a month.

The film will be directed by Oliver Stone with music by Bon Jovi’s David Bryan and Joe DiPiertro. In essence, it’s going to be one hot ticket. No wonder both boys are fighting for the part!

Russ Weakland

Splashnews.com (2)

Michelle Obama isn’t just a great first lady — she seems like a REALLY fun mom, too!

Mrs. O treated a group of 20 to the Broadway show “Memphis” on Sunday in New York City. A source tells HollywoodLife.com that she brought  ”her mother [Marian Shields Robinson], the two girls [Sasha and Malia Obama] and about 15 other people.” That sounds like a really fun trip to the City!

The source dished, “The audience gave Michelle Obama a standing ovation as she entered the theatre.  Everyone was cheering for her — both when she entered at the beginning of the show and again when she came in after intermission!”

During intermission, Michelle stopped to talk to David Bryan, from the band Bon Jovi, who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the musical. And, by the end, “Michelle and the girls were dancing in the aisle! They were clapping their hands over their heads and having the best time!”

Then, of course, the whole crew was escorted out by the secret service as the actors took their bows!

Read More on the First Lady!

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2. Michelle Obama, You’re Looking Sassy and Classy Yet Again!
3. Michelle Obama, You’re Such A Recessionista Re-wearing Your Jason Wu Dress!
4. Oh No, Michelle Obama!  It’s Your First Wardrobe Malfunction!
5. EXCLUSIVE!  Heidi Klum Says: I Want Michelle Obama On ‘Project Runway!’