Let's talk science for just a minute. I'll keep it simple, I promise. Identical twins occur when one egg is fertilized by one sperm and then spits into two (am I grossing you out yet?). Now the timing of when that split occurs determines the type of twins and the resources available to them. If it happens within the first 4 days the twins each have their own sac and their own placenta; this is known as di-di. If it happens within 4-8 days they each have their own sac, but share a placenta; this is known as mono-di. If it happens after 8 days the twins share a sac and a placenta; this is known as mono-mono or momo. The risk goes up as the separation level goes down, so yes, timing is very important.
Our girls were mono-di from day one. Did you catch that? Our GIRLS!!! They each had their own sacs but one shared placenta. During the surgery itsy bitsy teeny weenie little holes were poked in the membrane separating the two babies to allow the amniotic fluid to be shared more evenly since that was a problem with the Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). Now our girls like to be VERY cozy and 9 times out of 10 they are snuggled up next to one another. Sometimes they fight, but they're sisters, that happens!
Our little love bugs plotting, plotting, plotting!
One night just shy of the 20 week mark they loved each other so much that they couldn't stand being apart any longer. There were 4 arms with 20 tiny fingers and 4 legs with 20 tiny toes going in every direction. It looked like I swallowed a case of pop rocks with arms and legs pushing out on my stomach in every direction like tiny little explosions. Then it got quiet, really quiet. As a parent you learn to be more suspicious of stillness than of commotion.
Apparently those 20 tiny fingers and 20 tiny toes, or some of them anyway, discovered the itsy bitsy teeny weenie little holes and tore down the membrane separating them. At our 20 week ultrasound they were all snuggled up holding hands. So sweet!
What's not so sweet is that they are now mono-mono or momo twins. Momo twins can get their cords can get entangled and choke off the oxygen to one another. As soon as they reach the point of viability (24 weeks) momo twins have to be monitored 24 hours a day so they can be delivered at the hint of trouble before time runs out for one or both babies.
So, yes, timing is everything. But you know what? The only timing that matters is God's perfect timing. So now we wait, patiently; we wait, trusting Him and His perfect timing for these two perfect little miracles.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.
Inspirational Quote:
"God has perfect timing, never early and never late and it takes a little patience and a lot of faith."
My Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I am at peace with this new development in our journey to meet our twin daughters. I am at peace because I trust in You and Your perfect timing. Thank you for these two little BFFs and thank you for this new opportunity to demonstrate patience and remain steadfast in my faith. I pray You will protect the babies You have blessed us with and preserve their fragile little lives. I love You and I trust You. Amen.
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