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One of Each
Expecting Boy/Girl Twins
By Alexandria Powell
Marna Schacknies has 15-month-old boy/girl twins, and she's learning that there's a lot of confusion out there about male and female twin pairs. "Most people don't know the difference between identical and fraternal twins," says Schacknies of Berkeley Heights, N.J. "We are usually asked, 'Are they both boys?' despite the fact that my daughter is always wearing something girly and usually pink. And right after we tell people, 'They are a boy and a girl,' they will inevitably ask, 'Are they identical?'"
If you're expecting a set of opposite-sex twins, you're probably already bracing yourself for questions from the general public – and you may have some questions yourself! Here is advice on what to expect and how to prepare.
No matter how similar your little ones may appear, they are not identical. The term "identical" refers only to monozygotic twinning. This occurs when one ova is fertilized by one sperm and then divides into two afterwards.
From a genetic standpoint, boy/girl twins aren't different than any two full siblings who were born at different times. However, a powerful bond often exists between these little ones.
Julie Robinson is a Texas mom of 18-month-old boy/girl twins. "My kids are very close – they still share a room and love to talk, laugh and hold hands through the crib slats," says Robinson.
From the moment of conception, twins are together. Ultrasound studies have shown multiples interacting in utero. "They are very much aware of each other, and there is a bond that develops in the womb and continues afterwards," says Eileen Pearlman, author of Raising Twins: What Parents Want to Know (And What Twins Want to Tell Them)
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Boy-Girl Twins by Anonymous on 12/31/2009 09:42PM
I have a twin brother, and that bond is still strong. When people find out I have a twin brother I still get asked if we're identicle. I always say "yes, except he has brown hair and eyes, I have light hair and green eyes. He's darker complected and I'm really fair. He grows a beard and moustache and I shave mine off." I get funny/dirty looks for saying that but come on, Identicle? So many people automatically think that if you're a twin you must be identicle. Until I explaine the diff.
Boy-Girl Twins by Anonymous on 08/06/2009 02:13AM
girl twin seems much more alert during awake times and sleeps for longer stretches of time. boy twin typically feeds 3-4 hourly. Both are gorgeous though.
Boy-Girl Twins by Anonymous on 07/31/2009 10:25PM
when she4 cries he doesn't. vice versa. much relief!
Boy-Girl Twins by Anonymous on 07/22/2009 11:15PM
THE GIRL ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE THE AGGRESSIVE ONE IN THIS MIX OF TWINS
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Boy-Girl Twins by Mom of 2 on 02/17/2010 09:38PM
My girl/boy twins are now 17 yrs old. As long as he remembers that that she's the boss, all is well. They may not get along at times but there is a definite bond and it is very obvious when thay are tuned into each other and block me out.........I then will say "Will you stop being twins?"