Howie Dorough is a daddy! Howie and his wife Leigh welcomed James Hoke Dorough on Wednesday May 6.

The new arrival wasn’t due until June, but it seems he just couldn’t wait! The little guy tipped the scales at 4.5 pounds and measured 16.25 inches long.

“Both Mommy and baby are doing great and Howie D is an ecstatic new daddy. They’d like to thank everyone for their well wishes!!” reads a statement on the Backstreet Boys website.

James’ unusual middle name is in honor of Howie’s father Hoke, who passed away last year from brain and lung cancer. He was a delivery surprise, but just what Howie’s family ordered! A few months ago Howie said his family hoped for a boy as there were none to carry on the family name.

“I think everybody would love a boy,” Howie said at the time. “We’re just hoping for a healthy baby.”

It looks like everyone’s wishes came true!

Image source: PR Photos

Image details: Gavin Maloof’s Exclusive Housewarming Party served by picapp.com

Xavier Kingston Joiner, the baby of rap star Xzibit, passed away yesterday at 3:30 am. Xavier was born prematurely. Despite receiving oxygen, his underdeveloped lungs could not handle the strain of breathing any longer.

Xzibit left the following message on his MySpace page following the death of his son.

“As you all know, I shared with you the announcement of my newborn son, Xavier Kingston Joiner, on May 15th and also informed you that he was born prematurely. Well, this week was extremely difficult for him because his lungs were not strong enough to handle regular oxygen on his own.

“Xavier passed away this morning at 3:30 a.m. and I must tell you this; it is unnatural for a parent to bury a child. I am telling you this because of the same reason I tell you when I’m having a great time - life is too short to be fake. Hold on to your kids if you have them, protect them, and show them you love them every day you wake up and see them, don’t take a second you get to hug them, teach them, and care for them for granted. You can have all the material wealth in the world, but it is NOTHING compared to having your family.

“I am thankful for all of my blessings and I’m not one to question God’s perfect plan, so I leave you with great love and thanks for all the love that was sent earlier on my previous blog to my son. Of course, I need to take some time and handle my loss. STAY FOCUSED PEOPLE. It’s not promised to any of us.

“R.I.P Xavier May 15th 2008 - May 26th 2008.”

This is such sad news. My thoughts are with Xzibit and his family at this very difficult time.

Kansas City Royals’ catcher John Buck her taken emergency leave from the game, after his wife Brooke gave birth to twin boys 12 weeks early.

Despite their early arrival, the boys are reportedly doing well. Cooper Buck arrived at 5:29 pm on May 15. He weighed 4 lb. 9 oz. Brody Buck was next at 5:31 pm. He tipped the scales at 4 lb. 4 oz.

Brooke didn’t come through completely unscathed though. John reported that she suffered a blood pressure scare.

“They finally let her go see the boys. It was a little scary, but we’re in good shape now. Everybody is healthy, everybody is good. We’ve had a breath of fresh air and we should enjoy it now,” John explained.

“Even though everything is okay now, they wanted me to come back totally free and fresh of any concern. It’s just that the boys are in an intensive care unit and they just wanted me when I leave in three days to be totally good with it and that way it won’t be on my mind.”

How wonderful that the Royals are so supportive of John and his family. I’m sure it means the world to him to be able to be with his family now!

Image source: Newscom