Sunday, February 6, 2011

"Mom! She took my face!"

Some fun facts about Monozygotic twins, A.K.A. Identical twins:


-The term "identical" does not describe how the twins look, but how they form in the womb. This is why they often don't look exactly alike.


-Identical twins have the exact same DNA, but their fingerprints are different!


-Because identical twining is caused by a single egg splitting, it is considered a "malfunction" of the reproductive process. Pretty darn cute malfunction!


-Identical twins are not hereditary. Although, we have 6 known sets of identical twins in our family's... all girls on my side... hmmmmm.


-Identical twinning is not usually the result of fertility enhanced drugs or in vitro. Therefore, the birth rate of identical twins has remained the same over the years, all over the world, despite race, or maternal age.


- The odds of having "natural" identical twins is about 3 in 1,000, whereas the odds of all twinning is about 32 in 1,000. 


Needless to say, we feel very blessed to have these two! Eight months have passed and I still have to do a double take, when I see these little babies rolling around on the floor.


The most common question lately is "Are their personalities similar?". Well, you would think that would be the case, as they have the exact same genetic make-up, but I would have to say "Nope. Not this week!".


Miss Everlynn is a little character. At about 21 pounds now, she is all smiles, belly laughs, and noises we could never mimic. When it's time to eat, she has little patience, but is constantly distracted and plays with her food (yes, she was the one in the video eating the avocado and doing the hand jive). She is a pro at the "Army crawl", rolling, and scootin' everywhere. She is on all fours, rocking away... God help us! Her tongue is the craziest thing I have ever seen. I swear she doesn't stop moving, rolling, and folding that thing!




Everlynn little buddy, the Robot from Mama's and Papa's! 


Our little Vivian may be the same weight as her sister, but is pretty much the opposite when it comes to personality! Don't get me wrong- she is ALL smiles and silly expressions, but we don't hear as much from her. We call them "silent smiles". I sometimes wonder, if she hears Ever and thinks it's herself making the noises. She is a little more serious, her voice is a higher pitch (sweeter sounding), and she is much more patient at meal time. Overall, a little more emotional and maybe a bit more sensitive:) She chooses to hang out and watch her sister do all the scootin'. She is in no hurry and that is FINE by us:)






Vivian loves her Mama's and Papa's stuffed duck! 




We are loving are solid feedings this month, as we have moved on to our proteins. I am still making the twins food from scratch and continuing to use all organic. I am not afraid of food allergies, as I have studied them and learned that they either have them... or they don't. So, I won't be waiting to introduce fish, eggs, nuts, etc.


Some of their new favorite "num num" include:
- brown rice, chicken, and apple
- Cod with carrots and broccoli
- mild pot roast with potatoes and carrots
-Apple, banana, and mango puree


Tonight, they gummed on rice cakes and celery, while Kyle and I enjoyed the first half of the Super Bowl... or should I say "The Big Game";) at Buffalo Wild Wings. They were little angels at the restaurant, sitting in the big girl high chairs!


I have also starting supplementing with Fish Oil, Vitamin C, D, and Probiotics. I put these in their meals and/or bottles throughout the day. I am supplementing to support their immune systems, since I am no longer breast feeding:( and of course, the Omega's for brain development.








We are dedicated to helping the girls find their own identity and individuality, although it's interesting with identical twins, because you're able to compare certain habits that you would not compare, with fraternal twins. Lately, we have been observing their sleep habits, as we separated them into different rooms. The crazy thing is, they are still waking up at the exact same time during naps. For instance, one will sleep 25 minutes and the next thing you know, the other is waking up in the other room at the same moment. If one naps for 45 minutes, the other does too. We use white noise, so it's not possible for them to hear the other in another room. Granted, I have them on the same sleep schedule, the duration of the nap cannot be controlled.


I guess they really are naturally "tuned in" with each other... at least with their naps:) I'll take that! More quiet time for mama and "Dada"( that's Ever's new word:)


What I know for sure this month- this twin thing isn't, "Going to get easier." At this point, Kyle is baby proofing on the weekends and we are nervous for these two becoming mobile! Thankfully, the girls are still virgins to a cold, flu, or ear infection. They are sleeping 12 beautiful, uninterrupted hours! We are pretty well rested these days and with SLEEP, anything is possible... including 3 play dates a week, as I joined 5 mommy groups! Thoughts of summer are hard to avoid...  itty bitty baby bikini's and floppy hats by the pool... MARGARITAS and more margaritas! Salt please. A girl can dream...

2 comments:

  1. Love this post! Your girls are precious! Twins have always amazed me! Love being able to watch your's grow up! That is awesome that they are sleeping 12 hours at night. Isn't it amazing what a little sleep for mom and dad can do?!? =)

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  2. Thanks so much Sarah! Yes, sleep is a must! I saw your last blog too, Great job, love it! How do we find time to do these blogs anyway? haha:)

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