Identical Twins in Triplets

Guest Blogger:  Megan J.

My triplet ballerinas are my triplet daughters, Makenna Anne, Jaeli Jo and Maysie Jailyn.

When I was about 7 weeks along with my pregnancy, we learned we were having triplets. At this time, we were told they are all fraternal because they were in three separate sacs. It didn't really matter to us, we were just happy to have three babies and didn't think much of it after this.

After the triplets were born and in the NICU, we noticed right away that Jaeli and Maysie looked exactly the same. We even had trouble telling them apart. We only knew who was who because of the names the nurses put on their cribs. At only a few weeks old, we took the girls back to the hospital for pictures and had to remove Maysie's hip brace and Jaeli's heart monitor. After taking the pictures, it was time to put everything back on. This is the only time that I was ever confused about which one was Maysie and which one was Jaeli. Thankfully, I had previously painted Maysie's toe nail in case this would happen. This made me start to wonder though if Maysie and Jaeli were really fraternal. I remembered hearing from another triplet mom that she had her triplets tested with an at-home DNA test. This was very cheap and simple to do, so we decided to have it done. It was mostly so all of us would know when they were older if they are identical or not. I also knew we would have questions from outsiders as they grew up. One day, the lab called and said they were emailing me the results but wanted to let me know that the test showed a 99% match for Jaeli and Maysie being identical twins. I was very excited and happy we took the test but was a bit frustrated with the doctors for telling us they are fraternal and not even suggesting the possibility that they are identical.

As Jaeli and Maysie have gotten older, it is easier now to tell them apart. They may be identical but they are also different in many ways. Like their triplet sister, Makenna, they both have their own individual personality that makes them their own person.  

Beverly's Facebook Page:  The Triplet Ballerinas

Three Triplet Ballerinas, Not Just One

My Triplet Ballerinas are my triplet grand-daughters Makenna, Jaeli Jo and Maysie.
Recently, I decided to make a big change in the children's picture book I am writing (see my Facebook Page: The Triplet Ballerinas). My story has mostly been about just one of these triplet ballerinas. The reason for this was everything I read about writing a picture book said there should only be one main character. In the beginning, I decided Annie would be the main character out of the three girls, Jamie, Annie and Macie. Later, I switched the main character to Macie since she seemed to suit my story better. But, recently, I received a critique of my manuscript that encouraged me to write my story about all three triplet ballerinas since "rules are meant to be broken when you have a great idea." So, I am excited to begin my journey writing about three triplet ballerinas, not just one.  Beverly

Lovin' Those Triplet Grandchildren

My triplet ballerinas are my triplet grand-daughters, Makenna, Jaeli Jo and Maysie.
Is there any greater love than a grandmother for her grandchildren? Well, yes, the love of a mother for her children, but a grandmother's love is special too as is the love she receives in return. When I was first blessed with grandchildren (and three at once!), I thought it couldn't get better than that. But, with hugs and kisses and "I love you, Grandma" times three, the feelings are indescribable. Of course, some days, one or two will love you more than the other. And, I know, at times, like with all children or grandchildren, that love is tested, but it never goes away. So, in this month of LOVE, I will cherish any "I love you, Grandma" and hugs and kisses that are given as each one is very precious to me.   Beverly                       
My Facebook Page: The Triplet Ballerinas

(Starting with this month, I am only going to blog once or twice a month with a Guest Blogger once a month also.)