The Feast of Twins

I have seriously neglected this blog, and I've pondered what I should do with it (I at least need to change some of the information up top, that is outdated), but... at least for now, I was actually inspired to write a post :-p

A friend passed along some info that, according to Pagan lore, today (May 18th) is know as the "Feast of Twins." And that, on this day, festivals honoring twins are held in the African republic of Nigeria, because the Yoruba people in particular, hold a wide belief that all twins are born with magical/supernatural powers.

I haven't been able to confirm this just yet... a quick online search didn't bring up anything, but I'm gonna keep digging :-D However, I'm definitely familiar with the Yoruba people, who have a big twin connection...

While the birth rate of monozygotic (identical) twins is relatively constant worldwide (approximately 4 per 1000 births), the rate for dizygotic (fraternal) twins varies widely. The incidence of dizygotic twin births in much of Africa is significantly greater than in the United States, with the highest incidence among the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria, with a frequency of 45 per 1000 births. In fact, the Yoruba town of Igboora boasts of a twin birth rate average of 150 per 1000 births, and is therefore considered the twin capital of the world.

Now, while there is no scientifically proven explanation of why the birthrate for twins is so high among the Yorubas, a possible cause is their large consumption of yams. Yams, especially those found in that region of the world, contain phytoestrogens, which is believed to be a possible cause of hyperovulation (the releasing of more than one egg in a menstrual cycle) in some women.

Again, I haven't been able to find any info just yet on an actual Feast of Twins day, but the birth of a particular set of twins is celebrated in Yorubaland, with the whole town having a feast when they are born to prominent members of the tribe. And, the Yorubas do hold twins in high regard... they believe that twins have the power to bring health and happiness to a family... although, they also have the power to bring distress and destruction. (Sounds about right :-p)

So, whether or not today is an actual "Feast of Twins" day, I think it's as good a day as any to celebrate what I consider to be the most magical blessing in my life. Maybe with some sweet potato casserole? :-D

Come Play With Us...

Forever... and Ever...

LOL, just thought I'd post a quick pic of the girls in their Halloween costumes. I've been wanting to do this since they were babies, because I think it's the ultimate twin costume: This is Josie & Anna as the Grady twins from "The Shining." :-D

No, they've never seen "The Shining." I just told them they were dressing up as "Ghost Girls." They really got into it, though! You can see more pictures here, as well as check out the little video we made:

What did your twins dress up as? Feel free to post a link to your pic(s) in the comments! There's also a Halloween costume contest being hosted by our friends at Twin Parenthood, so you can go post them there, too!

P.S. If you have a moment, I'd love it if you voted for the girls in a couple of contest I've entered their picture in: The Children's Place and BuyCostumes. And, if you vote for them, maybe they won't eat your soul... maybe :-p

Help Emily Find Her Voice!

So, I have totally not been keeping up with this blog, and I've actually had thoughts recently of just scrapping it all and maybe starting over fresh (possibly using Tumblr because I've come to like it more than Blogger)... but, for now, I wanted to go ahead and post this on behalf of a friend of mine...

One of the greatest things to come out of this blog is the fellow twin parents that I have become friends with. It may just be over Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, etc., but even if I haven't met them in person (at least yet), I can't help but feel that I know them so well through all the posts, stories, pictures, videos, etc. that they share.

This is for one of those friends.

Jennifer (yes, another Jennifer :-p) has twin girls and, both are exceptionally sweet with beautiful smiles. However, one of them, Emily, also has many special needs. This is a fundraiser Jennifer has started in order to find a way to help Emily communicate, not only with her Mommy, but the rest of the world. You can read more below, but please consider giving even just a little to help out this amazing family!

A note from Jennifer, Emily's Mommy:

My sweet Emily is special in many ways because she has cerebral palsy, cortical vision impairment (blind) and epilepsy. Many therapist and doctors have given up on her but we refuse. We need a way for her to communicate with us. I am wanting to raise money to buy an iPad that she can work with for communication. Her speech therapist is willing to work with her and her iPad but we need the equipment first. We are looking at an iPad2 for 599.00 and the app Proloquo2go which is 200.00, so we need to raise $800.00!

Can you please give at least a dollar? We thank you and she does too!

Click here to give!