Atlanta is fast becoming the Hollywood of the South and that means many films and cable shows are filmed here. Powder Springs residents Meredith and Kindred Howard, whose adopted twins inadvertently became movie stars, have a Hollywood story of their own to tell.
Twins Asher and Samual's story is anything but typical. The Howards have three biological children: a 9-year-old girl and two boys ages 4 and 6. They wanted to adopt a toddler girl until they received an email about two Ethiopian baby boys who needed parents.
"I remember the first things she said is ‘Meredith, I want you guys to know that two families have already declined these little boys," said Meredith Howard.
The twins' mother died in childbirth, leaving their father to care for them.
"There was nobody to breastfeed them. And so he actually fed them water for 10 days and they were dying," said Howard.
Severely underweight and diagnosed with meningitis, no family wanted to assume the responsibility of raising children who might need long-term care. But the Howards went with their heart and brought them home.
"We've really been blessed. They've exceeded all the doctors' expectations, all the physical therapists' expectations. So it's been awesome," said Kindred Howard.
The movie What to Expect When You're Expecting was filming in the area and needed Ethiopian babies to use as extras. The Howards answered the call and learned that Samuel and Asher would play Jennifer Lopez's baby. They say it wasn't a breakout performance.
"It was kind of like, ‘hey kid just don't poop on Jennifer Lopez and we'll be okay,'" said Kindred Howard.
Like any good movie, what makes this story incredible is Samuel and Asher's journey.
"Going from these two little boys who most people thought would die in the orphanage to now they're healthy, happy and just because they were given a chance, they wind up being in this movie," said Kindred Howard.
The Howards say the best thing that has come out of the twins' movie appearance is it has given them a platform to talk about the need for adoptive parents and resources for birth parents in underdeveloped countries. For more information, visit http://oursammyandasher.com/.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
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Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!
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Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.
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Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
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Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas.
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas. So, we're going retro to see what our Good Day crew looked like back in the day (and maybe embarrass them just a little)!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose. The state of Georgia is trying to do something about the problem, so they've just launched an awareness campaign focused on education and prevention.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
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Meredith and Kindred Howard with their adopted twins.
