My friend Emily and I were talking on Tuesday this week when she said "Just think about where you were a year ago. Did you know you were moving to FL? I mean if someone said that you both [Cochran & I] were going to get jobs, move to FL, have this amazing year, and be pregnant with twins what would you say?" Immediately on the phone with her I pulled up the Calendar and realized this was the week I received the job offer in Clearwater (Friday, April 23, 2010). Then things moved really fast!
It's funny to me because neither Cochran or I remember how moving to FL was ever brought up. It happened sometime in August 2009. My hubby is the researcher in our family. He began to look at places to live in Florida and he felt we would really like the Tampa Bay area. Neither of us had ever visited here before. Labor Day weekend we decided to check it out. That's when we discovered Allegiant Air with the cheap, direct flight tickets. It was an adventure because for the first time we didn't have anything planned for our trip. We hadn't even booked a hotel yet. The ironic thing is the only apartment we visited and toured is where we are living now. He had already researched that as well. We came down here for several days and said we could definitely see ourselves living here.
When we arrived back home over the course of the next several weeks I guess you can say we second guessed ourselves. Cochran said that he felt like we were running away from something. What I didn't know. I more took it as "The grass isn't always greener on the other side." In my head there was the "What if's." "What if we hate living there...What if it's the wrong decision...." There is definitely a fear of the unknown. I accepted his decision for us. However, I did pray to God that if He wanted us to move that I needed my husband to be 100% positive it was the right decision for us. I knew if it was ever mentioned again and if we were ever to go through with it I didn't need there to be any doubt. So I continued to pray that if it was God's will for us to move I needed Cochran to be our backbone.
December 2010 came and I'm going about my day when I receive a text. Ok, ladies and gentleman, this cracks me up because first of all it had now been over two months of no Florida talk. Out of the blue, on a cold December day my hubby TEXTS me and says "I'm ready for us to move to Florida." Really? Well I didn't believe it. I'm thinking to myself, "It's cold and he's daydreaming about the beach and playing with my emotions." Haha! I didn't believe him that whole week we talked about it until finally he convinced me he was serious. I can say from that moment on my husband has never not for one moment waivered from that decision. Thru all the uncertainty he was always certain that we should move and this was the right decision for us.
Of course in order for us to move so many things had to fall in place. There were two big items on the list. First we had to sell our house. I refused to move without our home being sold. I did not want that weight on our shoulders. We lived on a cul de sac. There were already around 5-6 homes for sell and they were $10-$20,000 less than our home since they didn't have a fully finished basement. Most of these homes had been on the market for well over a year. I decided to call the realtor who sold the neighbor's home that was about three houses down. I didn't meet this neighbor because we were neighbors. Haha! I met her because I marketed to her and we realized we lived on the same street. I was able to see her and get the contact info for her realtor. Her & her husband had it on the market for over a year as a "for sale by owner" and this particular realtor had it sold within two months. Our goal was to sell our home by April 30, 2010. The new home buyer incentive was extended to this date so despite it being winter we felt that this would give us an edge. We placed our home on the market the week of Christmas. We had planned on not telling our families about any of this until well after the holidays, but I can't keep anything from my mom. I totally ruined Christmas and was Scroogette by mentioning "Oh and our house is for sell because we want to move to Florida." Bah Humbug!!!
All of January and February no one came. It was cold and February that year brought a lot of snow. At the end of February our realtor said there was man who wanted to view the property. He came on a Tuesday and wanted to view the property again on Saturday. Our realtor said she thought this was it; however his situation was unique. He was going thru a divorce and they shared a child. Due to the divorce agreement him and his wife had to find homes within so many miles of one another. We knew he liked our home but prayed she would find one suiting for her. On Monday we got our offer, but wait there was a curve ball. There was a contingency that they sold their home. Here's a housing market that is at it's slowest and we are in the mix of trying to sell 3 homes. Of course, we accepted; however we were not completely locked in since we could still show the home in case none of this happened.
Mid March my husband addresses our other big item on the list-Find Jobs. Again, he is the researcher of the family. Job searching feels like punishment to me. He is the one who came across Bouchard Insurance as a possible employer for me. They were voted 2009 Best Places to Work in the Tampa Bay Business Journal (how ironic yesterday I attended the 2011 luncheon and we won again this year!). I didn't have very much confidence but applied online. It wasn't long before the recruiter called me. Our first initial conversation could have not been any better. The timing was that of only God's timing. I had applied for a job that I wasn't completely qualified for. It was for group benefits. She began to discuss what my ideal position would be. I was completely honest with her and she disclosed that the gentleman who holds the position I was describing (Personal Lines Sales Executive-write personal lines insurance) was leaving soon and they hadn't even posted his position; however she felt that it would be a perfect fit for me. I was so excited. I soon discussed with Cochran that we needed to pick a few days to come down here so we could actually line up interviews. We decided April 12-April 15. Now we were actually able to start setting up job interviews and being more serious in our hunt.
I kept asking Cochran how we were going to go in the interviews completely confident when we had no idea how our house situation was going to play out. I was afraid that we might burn bridges with great potential employers. He remained very confident that it was all going to work out and that the house would sell. He was right!!! We found out at the beginning of April that our buyer's home had a contract. To top it off our closing was scheduled for April 30, 2011. To me that was so surreal because that was our goal and it was happening.
With one of our big items marked completed all of our focus went to getting jobs. We didn't want any job but wanted solid employers and positions. When we came to Florida we were all business and no play. We spent all day in our hotel room preparing for our interviews. Most of the employers respected we were only down here for a few days so after our initial interviews we got second interviews scheduled. We made known that we were closing on our home April 30 and not to rush the decision but we needed to know if we were moving our personal belongings in storage or to Florida.
I prayed for patience and someone then told me oh you shouldn't have done that, because God will teach you patience. After a week and half of waiting on April 23rd I finally got the job offer. One week before our closing!!! Cochran had completed 2 out of 3 of his interviews so we were confident once we moved and he scheduled the 3rd interview he would get the job and luckily he did!
Now that both of the 2 big items were completed we had a to do list of about 1,000 items...haha! In a week's time we sold his Navigator, bought an Altima, hired a moving company, finished our jobs, etc. and were on the road to Florida on the afternoon of May 3. We camped out in our apartment for five days on an air mattress. The moving company arrived on our first wedding anniversary, May 8.
I share this story because I want our babies to know how they came to be born in Florida and not Kentucky. Although they will be little Wildcats! I hope that in their lives they have faith that God will lead them and He will make the impossible possible. Since trusting in the Lord and making this move our lives have been even more blessed. I have an inner peace that I didn't have before. I don't struggle with worry or stress like I use to. God made all of this happen and I trust Him beyond measure. I feel Cochran and I have always had a strong connection; however I feel we have grown even closer. We no longer try to plan our lives out and can't say if we'll be here for the rest of our lives. However, we know God will guide us and whatever that may be we can't stand in the way of His plans. I know His plan is far better than any dream of mine. I also know that having twins down here away from family and friends is going to be difficult. However, I'm not going to allow fear to take away from my joy. I know there will be moments of tears and wanting Meme but Cochran & I are a team and we will get through it together. I have always found strength even through all of your kind words and support. If we reach a bridge and decide it's best to return home then we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Regardless, we have no regrets about moving to Florida. We said from day 1 that we would have regret if we didn't go for it. We didn't want to grow old and have that "What if." We've been here a year now and it's flown by. Almost in a blink of an eye. It's been an amazing journey so far and my heart is full of gratefullness.
This just makes me want to ask you Emily's question, "Where were you a year ago?" I can't imagine the story I'll have a year from now.
Have a blessed Easter!
The Cochrans
Matthew 7: 7-8 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Baby A & Baby B emails to Mammaw Borders
I'm not sure how this started but for months now Mammaw and the babies write to one another via email during the week. I've included the past few emails. The babies really enjoy hearing from their Mammaw and they love to write to her. I plan on printing them all out and placing them in a book for the kiddos.
From: Mammaw Borders
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011
How are my babies this morning? I am getting ready to go to the hospital and work for someone, but just wanted to be sure you THREE are okay. It isn’t a very pretty day here and it has really turned cold. For the next seven days our highs are in the 50s. A real shocker after several days in the high 70s and low 80s. We will try to have pretty weather for you and Mommy and Daddy next weekend. Can’t wait!!!!!
From: Baby A & Baby B
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011
Mammaw, you keep saying next weekend but we won’t be there till another a month. You must really be excited to see us because you keep moving up the date…hehe! Next week we are going to Hawaii without you. Sorry! You and Pappaw went without mom once before so she said she doesn’t feel bad. Don’t tell her we told you! We are excited about our vacay! Mom can’t wait to get a break from work. We gotta get a new bathing suit because we have made momma’s belly grow and we told her the truth…she needs to cover up! We got up way early today and went to have mom’s blood work done. We were there at 7am. Mom made daddy go because she was scared she would faint. He was teasing her but it worked. When he gets her fired up she doesn’t concentrate on anything but not hitting him…haha! Don’t work to hard today Mammaw! Are you going to smile and show off your missing teeth? We can make you feel better…we don’t have any teeth! Heck we are just getting our ovaries or testes this week. Can’t tell you if we are boys or girls yet but one of the two is growing. Haha! We crack ourselves up! It’s warm here. Hoping we get some pool time this weekend! But we have a huge list of things to do. Mom really wishes you and Nana Nana could be here this weekend. She has to get started on the registry and she could really use the support & help of you 2 right now. P.S. We can stretch and do summersaults this week. We just did one for you! Love you!!! We are sending sunshine your way.
(Fast forward. I left for Hawaii on 3/31. The next correspondence begins while we were still in Hawaii.)
From: Mammaw Borders
Date: April 8, 2011
Mammaw is so glad you are coming back home. I bet you two are really tired. Did you learn to hula? Did you find Mammaw a good looking gentleman to bring to Kentucky? What about all the animals , like dolphins, sharks and whales, you saw. Do you think you can remember what they looked like when you get here so you can tell Mammaw all about them? You two be sure to get plenty of rest when you get home and tell Mommy to do the same. I can guarantee you that you will have jet lag and adjusting to time will take a couple of days, so find a really cozy place in there, get a really good pillow, hug each other really tight and sleep, sleep, sleep. I love you FOUR a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.
From: Baby A & Baby B
Date: April 8, 2011
Mammaw, we will always remember the sharks, whales, and turtles. We didn't see dolphins here but we see them at home. Mom and Dad took us to Seaworld and said when we get old enough they will take us back. We are very cozy in mama's belly. But we are counting down the days to we make our grand entrance into the world. Our birthday won't be too far from Daddy's. Mom is so excited that we weren't born around the holidays. She also said last night since we are being born at the same time that if her & dad have another child then maybe none of us kids will have the "middle child sydrome." She seemed pretty happy about it whatever that is. We also won't forget the dances, colors, fire, and beauty we saw in Hawaii. Mom found some potential men for you but shipping is really expensive. We have pics and her friend videotaped most of the performances to share with you. By the way, dad said we are going to be really exhausted so we hope that Sat and Sun we get plenty of rest. Mom said she doesn't want to go back to work. She is really dreading it. Dad picked up a power ball the other night and told mom it was for us...he said it's "for the twins." If we won he said he would fly over here to meet us and we could stay an extra 2 weeks. We didn't get one number though! Guess we will have to keep trying! We are going to try and get some more sleep now. We are growing to be close friend's and roommates. We are trying to do our best at sharing. We love you Mammaw! Can't wait to visit you!!! Xoxo!
The Twins
From: Mammaw Borders
Date: April 11, 2011
Well you can wake up now and brag to each other about your suntans and what a good time you had in Hawaii. I know you and Mommy had to get some rest this weekend and now you three have to go and make some money. Are you filled up on pineapple? I got lots of pictures about your trip, and Mommy is showing you two off now. Was Daddy glad to see you? I bet he really missed you and Mommy. Mammaw is counting the days now when you will be in Kentucky. I think you all are going to be gad-abouts just like your Mommy and Daddy so you had better get you some good traveling shoes. I’m going to tell Nana Nana to get you all back packs for your shower. Give Mommy and Daddy a great big hug from me and tell them I love you FOUR a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.
From: Baby A and Baby B
Date: April 13, 2011Mammaw, boy have we been tired since returning from Hawaii. You should see the mess we’ve made at home. I think Daddy and Scooter are very happy we’re home…even if we are a bit of trouble. The pineapple was soooo good. We are now craving ice cream…it’s the best thing in the world! I know we’re at work, but we’re not very productive. Mom keeps daydreaming and taking us to Lebanon. We have butterflies flying around down here because she is so excited. We can’t wait to see you! Guess what! Well first of all Nana Nana is now thinking that she wants to be Mimi or Meme. Not sure how you spell that. We would think MiMi but you know she is all about Me…so we like Meme…hehe! She’s going to get us for that. She’s really not all about her. Every day she calls mom to tell her that she bought us something. So down here we call her UsUs…haha! We are newbies so we are working on our sense of humor. It can get boring you know. However, we are moving but mom can’t feel us yet. But we are dancing down here and playing bumper babies. Second thing to guess…We have a special delivery today! You should know what this is since you helped buy it for us. We get our chair and ottoman today. Yay! We can’t wait to rock and roll on that thing. Dad is really busy today so mom isn’t going to take lunch in case we have to run home at anytime. She can’t wait to see it. Also, Aunt Kathy and Cousin Sara got us a present. We love them too! Oooooooh we are going to have so many goodies! Interruption-we need to discuss with you our special report. We had a Baby A and Baby B meeting this morning and need to inform you that you will have to visit us in Florida. You are one of mom’s favorite people in the world and ours too. So we definitely need to see you at least every 2-3 months. Now, this is non-negotiable. That was the terms we discussed. Now that’s settled we hope you have a wonderful day. We are going to get some water, potty, and snack on a banana. Oh and work too…blech! We love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!
From: Mammaw Borders
Date: April 13, 2011
Well I’ve been waiting a long time to hear from you and your big trip. I told you all to quit that butterfly dancing and get some good nestling sleep. I want you to feel really good when you come to see me. I can’t wait for Mommy to sit in the chair and I am so glad that I made Meme do it too cause that just did it for her. You are very welcome and have purchased a few little surprises for your shower, I can just see you two down there looking at the presents and giggling with each other about the funny old women there at the shower and some of your gifts. I wonder which one of you is going to be the more mischievous. I don’t think you need to work on your sense of humor—neither of you has any choice with the parents you have. And besides, what two babies would go to Hawaii with their Mommy so early in life???? I’m sure your Daddy and your Mommy will have you on the run constantly—and that’s good. Have you learned to roller blade yet? I imagine you are still working on somersaults. You are going to have to start jumping rope or something so Mommy knows you are down there. I love ice cream also and I’ll be sure to have plenty when you get here. Be sure to let me know how you like the chair—you will think you are in heaven. Do you all have any preference as to flavor? Make Mommy and Daddy behave and tell them to hurry to Kentucky!!!!!!!! I love you FOUR a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.
From: Baby A & Baby B
Date: April 14, 2011
Mammaw, we love our chair. It’s so comfy, soft, and big! Mommy just loves the color. She’s so ready to put us and daddy to work soon on preparing the house for our arrival. She is really getting antsy. Daddy is really going to be in for it! Our favorite ice cream is both mom’s and Meme’s favorite…mint chocolate chip! Yum Yum! Daddy took us to Cold Stone the other night. I don’t know if you’ve ever been there but you definitely need to go soon. We got the Strawberry Rendezvous. Sounds fancy huh? It was strawberry ice cream with fresh bananas, strawberries, white chocolate chips, and graham crust all in a waffle bowl. WOWZERS! It made us both do a Tazmanian Devil spin! The women at mommy’s work can’t get over her belly. It came outta nowhere and it’s here to stay and grow over the next 5 months! Everyone at her work is very sweet and asks about us every day. Today one lady brought her a blueberry bagel (our fav) and another lady just went on vacation but snuck mom all kinds of treats in her drawer before leaving. She feels very loved and supported. Also, now mom puts lotion on her belly every morning and night. She said something about stretch marks. We’ve been doing a lot of stretching and growing down here. Do you think we may need some too? There’s no Wally World here. We only have a restaurant, gas station, a dance club (plays a continuous beat we dance too), and of course our bedrooms. We love you Mammaw a bushel and a peck and bunches, bunches, bunches. 2 weeks and we will see you! Yipppeeeee! Xoxoxo!
From: Mammaw Borders
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011
How are my babies this morning? I am getting ready to go to the hospital and work for someone, but just wanted to be sure you THREE are okay. It isn’t a very pretty day here and it has really turned cold. For the next seven days our highs are in the 50s. A real shocker after several days in the high 70s and low 80s. We will try to have pretty weather for you and Mommy and Daddy next weekend. Can’t wait!!!!!
From: Baby A & Baby B
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011
Mammaw, you keep saying next weekend but we won’t be there till another a month. You must really be excited to see us because you keep moving up the date…hehe! Next week we are going to Hawaii without you. Sorry! You and Pappaw went without mom once before so she said she doesn’t feel bad. Don’t tell her we told you! We are excited about our vacay! Mom can’t wait to get a break from work. We gotta get a new bathing suit because we have made momma’s belly grow and we told her the truth…she needs to cover up! We got up way early today and went to have mom’s blood work done. We were there at 7am. Mom made daddy go because she was scared she would faint. He was teasing her but it worked. When he gets her fired up she doesn’t concentrate on anything but not hitting him…haha! Don’t work to hard today Mammaw! Are you going to smile and show off your missing teeth? We can make you feel better…we don’t have any teeth! Heck we are just getting our ovaries or testes this week. Can’t tell you if we are boys or girls yet but one of the two is growing. Haha! We crack ourselves up! It’s warm here. Hoping we get some pool time this weekend! But we have a huge list of things to do. Mom really wishes you and Nana Nana could be here this weekend. She has to get started on the registry and she could really use the support & help of you 2 right now. P.S. We can stretch and do summersaults this week. We just did one for you! Love you!!! We are sending sunshine your way.
(Fast forward. I left for Hawaii on 3/31. The next correspondence begins while we were still in Hawaii.)
From: Mammaw Borders
Date: April 8, 2011
Mammaw is so glad you are coming back home. I bet you two are really tired. Did you learn to hula? Did you find Mammaw a good looking gentleman to bring to Kentucky? What about all the animals , like dolphins, sharks and whales, you saw. Do you think you can remember what they looked like when you get here so you can tell Mammaw all about them? You two be sure to get plenty of rest when you get home and tell Mommy to do the same. I can guarantee you that you will have jet lag and adjusting to time will take a couple of days, so find a really cozy place in there, get a really good pillow, hug each other really tight and sleep, sleep, sleep. I love you FOUR a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.
From: Baby A & Baby B
Date: April 8, 2011
Mammaw, we will always remember the sharks, whales, and turtles. We didn't see dolphins here but we see them at home. Mom and Dad took us to Seaworld and said when we get old enough they will take us back. We are very cozy in mama's belly. But we are counting down the days to we make our grand entrance into the world. Our birthday won't be too far from Daddy's. Mom is so excited that we weren't born around the holidays. She also said last night since we are being born at the same time that if her & dad have another child then maybe none of us kids will have the "middle child sydrome." She seemed pretty happy about it whatever that is. We also won't forget the dances, colors, fire, and beauty we saw in Hawaii. Mom found some potential men for you but shipping is really expensive. We have pics and her friend videotaped most of the performances to share with you. By the way, dad said we are going to be really exhausted so we hope that Sat and Sun we get plenty of rest. Mom said she doesn't want to go back to work. She is really dreading it. Dad picked up a power ball the other night and told mom it was for us...he said it's "for the twins." If we won he said he would fly over here to meet us and we could stay an extra 2 weeks. We didn't get one number though! Guess we will have to keep trying! We are going to try and get some more sleep now. We are growing to be close friend's and roommates. We are trying to do our best at sharing. We love you Mammaw! Can't wait to visit you!!! Xoxo!
The Twins
From: Mammaw Borders
Date: April 11, 2011
Well you can wake up now and brag to each other about your suntans and what a good time you had in Hawaii. I know you and Mommy had to get some rest this weekend and now you three have to go and make some money. Are you filled up on pineapple? I got lots of pictures about your trip, and Mommy is showing you two off now. Was Daddy glad to see you? I bet he really missed you and Mommy. Mammaw is counting the days now when you will be in Kentucky. I think you all are going to be gad-abouts just like your Mommy and Daddy so you had better get you some good traveling shoes. I’m going to tell Nana Nana to get you all back packs for your shower. Give Mommy and Daddy a great big hug from me and tell them I love you FOUR a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.
From: Baby A and Baby B
Date: April 13, 2011Mammaw, boy have we been tired since returning from Hawaii. You should see the mess we’ve made at home. I think Daddy and Scooter are very happy we’re home…even if we are a bit of trouble. The pineapple was soooo good. We are now craving ice cream…it’s the best thing in the world! I know we’re at work, but we’re not very productive. Mom keeps daydreaming and taking us to Lebanon. We have butterflies flying around down here because she is so excited. We can’t wait to see you! Guess what! Well first of all Nana Nana is now thinking that she wants to be Mimi or Meme. Not sure how you spell that. We would think MiMi but you know she is all about Me…so we like Meme…hehe! She’s going to get us for that. She’s really not all about her. Every day she calls mom to tell her that she bought us something. So down here we call her UsUs…haha! We are newbies so we are working on our sense of humor. It can get boring you know. However, we are moving but mom can’t feel us yet. But we are dancing down here and playing bumper babies. Second thing to guess…We have a special delivery today! You should know what this is since you helped buy it for us. We get our chair and ottoman today. Yay! We can’t wait to rock and roll on that thing. Dad is really busy today so mom isn’t going to take lunch in case we have to run home at anytime. She can’t wait to see it. Also, Aunt Kathy and Cousin Sara got us a present. We love them too! Oooooooh we are going to have so many goodies! Interruption-we need to discuss with you our special report. We had a Baby A and Baby B meeting this morning and need to inform you that you will have to visit us in Florida. You are one of mom’s favorite people in the world and ours too. So we definitely need to see you at least every 2-3 months. Now, this is non-negotiable. That was the terms we discussed. Now that’s settled we hope you have a wonderful day. We are going to get some water, potty, and snack on a banana. Oh and work too…blech! We love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!
From: Mammaw Borders
Date: April 13, 2011
Well I’ve been waiting a long time to hear from you and your big trip. I told you all to quit that butterfly dancing and get some good nestling sleep. I want you to feel really good when you come to see me. I can’t wait for Mommy to sit in the chair and I am so glad that I made Meme do it too cause that just did it for her. You are very welcome and have purchased a few little surprises for your shower, I can just see you two down there looking at the presents and giggling with each other about the funny old women there at the shower and some of your gifts. I wonder which one of you is going to be the more mischievous. I don’t think you need to work on your sense of humor—neither of you has any choice with the parents you have. And besides, what two babies would go to Hawaii with their Mommy so early in life???? I’m sure your Daddy and your Mommy will have you on the run constantly—and that’s good. Have you learned to roller blade yet? I imagine you are still working on somersaults. You are going to have to start jumping rope or something so Mommy knows you are down there. I love ice cream also and I’ll be sure to have plenty when you get here. Be sure to let me know how you like the chair—you will think you are in heaven. Do you all have any preference as to flavor? Make Mommy and Daddy behave and tell them to hurry to Kentucky!!!!!!!! I love you FOUR a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.
From: Baby A & Baby B
Date: April 14, 2011
Mammaw, we love our chair. It’s so comfy, soft, and big! Mommy just loves the color. She’s so ready to put us and daddy to work soon on preparing the house for our arrival. She is really getting antsy. Daddy is really going to be in for it! Our favorite ice cream is both mom’s and Meme’s favorite…mint chocolate chip! Yum Yum! Daddy took us to Cold Stone the other night. I don’t know if you’ve ever been there but you definitely need to go soon. We got the Strawberry Rendezvous. Sounds fancy huh? It was strawberry ice cream with fresh bananas, strawberries, white chocolate chips, and graham crust all in a waffle bowl. WOWZERS! It made us both do a Tazmanian Devil spin! The women at mommy’s work can’t get over her belly. It came outta nowhere and it’s here to stay and grow over the next 5 months! Everyone at her work is very sweet and asks about us every day. Today one lady brought her a blueberry bagel (our fav) and another lady just went on vacation but snuck mom all kinds of treats in her drawer before leaving. She feels very loved and supported. Also, now mom puts lotion on her belly every morning and night. She said something about stretch marks. We’ve been doing a lot of stretching and growing down here. Do you think we may need some too? There’s no Wally World here. We only have a restaurant, gas station, a dance club (plays a continuous beat we dance too), and of course our bedrooms. We love you Mammaw a bushel and a peck and bunches, bunches, bunches. 2 weeks and we will see you! Yipppeeeee! Xoxoxo!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Are Identical Twins Hereditary?
My Mammaw Borders was an identical twin. Her and her sister were nicknamed Jerry & Jo. According to Mammaw, "Our nicknames came from Geraldine and Geovana. Mother always said
Dad wanted a boy, so the Jo and Jerry helped to satisfy him I suppose." They were born at seven months and Aunt Jo arrived fifteen minutes before Mammaw. My Grandmother delivered the girls by natural birth at home. (I'm starting to feel even more grateful for my 2011 pregnancy). Mammaw said back then they didn't have incubators so Grandma had to keep them wrapped up in blankets and warm at all times even though it was June.
They quickly became the talk of the small town. Grandma told Mammaw that people would ride by the house very slowly to get a glimpse of the girls playing in the front yard. Grandma dressed the girls alike until they were 16 years old. Pop wanted it that way, but it didn't bother the girls. At 16 they went to the University of KY as freshman and at that time began wearing what they wanted. When looking at family photos they were always dressed to the "Nines." My Grandma actually made most of their clothes. I wish I had that talent.
Mammaw shared her feelings on being an identical twin. "There is no way anyone can understand the bond we shared. Even though we had our own independence, we always knew we belonged to each other. I never remember anything I disliked about being a twin. I was [an identical twin] and there was never a question about what I was-just like you are born short and that is your individuality." When reading this I teared up. I hope that our babies share this same attitude, bond, and love. How special!
Growing up, Mammaw would always tell us grandchildren that one of us would have twins. The old wives tell is that twins skip a generation. The week before I went to the doctor on 2/25 I was talking to my cousin Brittany about the pregnancy and she playfully said, "You know it could be me or you that have twins." Fast forward to my phone call to her a week later with the news. Quickly she celebrated and was yelling, "Yes! I'm so happy it's you and not me." Now she has been added to my daily prayers to have twins.
The hubby & I have both researched if identical twins are hereditary. We discovered that research says fraternal twins can be hereditary but identical twins are not. Scientists say that fraternal twins can be hereditary due to the fact that a woman may produce more eggs during her ovulation. However, scientists haven't really identified and confirmed a clear cause for monozygotic twinning. It seems to be a random event. About 3 in 1000 pregnancies result in identical twins and all parents have a reasonably equal chance of conceiving them. Just yesterday at work, a co-worker said on Good Morning America they had a special about twins. They said it's a 1% chance to have identical twins. She said she even rewound the tv because she didn't think she heard it right. On the show they had a lady who had quadruplets. Follow closely-she conceived two fraternal babies then both of those eggs split. Therefore, she had (at once) two sets of identical twins. In case you're wondering two girls and two boys. In her case, she knew multiples were a possibility since she was on fertility drugs; however the eggs splitting is unpredictable and unknown. Our doctor told us about instances like hers when we had our first visit.
My last question to Mammaw was if her and Aunt Jo ever fought over boys. She replied, "Never fought over boys. I really didn't like any of her boyfriends and she always had one. I kinda liked to play hard to get but sometimes that would backfire on me. Well I ended up with the BEST one God ever made anyway." As most of you know I am extremely close to my Mammaw and was close to my Pappaw too while he walked the earth. I still talk to him and find comfort that he is always there to listen. Like I've told them both before, I have and will always carry them with me. They will always be in my heart. I know that my Pappaw would have really gotten a kick out of me having twins. I can see him grinning from ear to ear and saying "Well that's just something." He would have been proud. I wish I could have a picture of him in his chair holding both of the babies. This definitely brings on tears. However, I know my babies have the sweetest angel looking over them. My Mammaw & Pappaw have always been my rock and have always been role models to me. Their unconditional love and support along with my parents were my saving grace. To know Mammaw was an identical twin and that I'm carrying identical twins makes me feel even closer to her. Despite what the Scientists say Leslie Cochran says that this may not be just a coincidence.
It does put in perspective that the relationship I share with my Mammaw will be what my children share with their Meme (my mom), Nana (Cochran's mother), and Gamey (Tammy). I am so thankful they have three strong, beautiful, loving, funny, and supportive women to be their best friend and role model too.
I don't want anyone of you to get jealous but Mammaw and the babies are already pen pals. They write to one another several times during the week. I have saved some of their correspondence (you know proud mom's collect their children's keepsakes). I will share a few of their conversations in the next blog. I think it's pretty sweet but I'm partial.
I LOVE YOU MAMMAW!!!!!!
XOXO,
Leslie Pooh
Dad wanted a boy, so the Jo and Jerry helped to satisfy him I suppose." They were born at seven months and Aunt Jo arrived fifteen minutes before Mammaw. My Grandmother delivered the girls by natural birth at home. (I'm starting to feel even more grateful for my 2011 pregnancy). Mammaw said back then they didn't have incubators so Grandma had to keep them wrapped up in blankets and warm at all times even though it was June.
They quickly became the talk of the small town. Grandma told Mammaw that people would ride by the house very slowly to get a glimpse of the girls playing in the front yard. Grandma dressed the girls alike until they were 16 years old. Pop wanted it that way, but it didn't bother the girls. At 16 they went to the University of KY as freshman and at that time began wearing what they wanted. When looking at family photos they were always dressed to the "Nines." My Grandma actually made most of their clothes. I wish I had that talent.
Mammaw shared her feelings on being an identical twin. "There is no way anyone can understand the bond we shared. Even though we had our own independence, we always knew we belonged to each other. I never remember anything I disliked about being a twin. I was [an identical twin] and there was never a question about what I was-just like you are born short and that is your individuality." When reading this I teared up. I hope that our babies share this same attitude, bond, and love. How special!
Growing up, Mammaw would always tell us grandchildren that one of us would have twins. The old wives tell is that twins skip a generation. The week before I went to the doctor on 2/25 I was talking to my cousin Brittany about the pregnancy and she playfully said, "You know it could be me or you that have twins." Fast forward to my phone call to her a week later with the news. Quickly she celebrated and was yelling, "Yes! I'm so happy it's you and not me." Now she has been added to my daily prayers to have twins.
The hubby & I have both researched if identical twins are hereditary. We discovered that research says fraternal twins can be hereditary but identical twins are not. Scientists say that fraternal twins can be hereditary due to the fact that a woman may produce more eggs during her ovulation. However, scientists haven't really identified and confirmed a clear cause for monozygotic twinning. It seems to be a random event. About 3 in 1000 pregnancies result in identical twins and all parents have a reasonably equal chance of conceiving them. Just yesterday at work, a co-worker said on Good Morning America they had a special about twins. They said it's a 1% chance to have identical twins. She said she even rewound the tv because she didn't think she heard it right. On the show they had a lady who had quadruplets. Follow closely-she conceived two fraternal babies then both of those eggs split. Therefore, she had (at once) two sets of identical twins. In case you're wondering two girls and two boys. In her case, she knew multiples were a possibility since she was on fertility drugs; however the eggs splitting is unpredictable and unknown. Our doctor told us about instances like hers when we had our first visit.
My last question to Mammaw was if her and Aunt Jo ever fought over boys. She replied, "Never fought over boys. I really didn't like any of her boyfriends and she always had one. I kinda liked to play hard to get but sometimes that would backfire on me. Well I ended up with the BEST one God ever made anyway." As most of you know I am extremely close to my Mammaw and was close to my Pappaw too while he walked the earth. I still talk to him and find comfort that he is always there to listen. Like I've told them both before, I have and will always carry them with me. They will always be in my heart. I know that my Pappaw would have really gotten a kick out of me having twins. I can see him grinning from ear to ear and saying "Well that's just something." He would have been proud. I wish I could have a picture of him in his chair holding both of the babies. This definitely brings on tears. However, I know my babies have the sweetest angel looking over them. My Mammaw & Pappaw have always been my rock and have always been role models to me. Their unconditional love and support along with my parents were my saving grace. To know Mammaw was an identical twin and that I'm carrying identical twins makes me feel even closer to her. Despite what the Scientists say Leslie Cochran says that this may not be just a coincidence.
It does put in perspective that the relationship I share with my Mammaw will be what my children share with their Meme (my mom), Nana (Cochran's mother), and Gamey (Tammy). I am so thankful they have three strong, beautiful, loving, funny, and supportive women to be their best friend and role model too.
I don't want anyone of you to get jealous but Mammaw and the babies are already pen pals. They write to one another several times during the week. I have saved some of their correspondence (you know proud mom's collect their children's keepsakes). I will share a few of their conversations in the next blog. I think it's pretty sweet but I'm partial.
I LOVE YOU MAMMAW!!!!!!
XOXO,
Leslie Pooh
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