Two years ago, the Internet collectively exclaimed “awww” upon seeing the now-iconic photo of these twin sisters at the moment of their birth.
On May 9, 2014, Jenna and Jillian Thistlethwaite shared the same t s ut t t s st, as they are identical twins, a phenomenon so rare that it affects only one in every 10,000 pregnancies. Their mother Sarah Thistlethwaite spent 57 days prior to the sisters’ birth on bed rest, keeping herself occupied by caring for tt ts F t tt new babies, as complications can easily occur when two babies and two umbilical cords occupy the same space.
Every birth is miraculous, but multiple births are especially miraculous. However, what the physicians and nurses witnessed in the delivery room moved everyone to tears. The sisters, who were born 45 seconds apart, clasped hands and clung to one another as everyone in the room watched in astonishment. Thistlethwaite recounts, “It was the most incredible and breathtaking moment”
The twins are now two years old, and while they have developed very distinct personalities — Jillian is the Fss twin, whereas Jenna is the cautious one — they remain as close as they were when they were born.
It is well-documented that twins share an unbreakable bond, but these sisters have something truly special in common. Thistlethwaite explains that if they are separated for even a brief period of time, such as when she and her husband send them on separate errands, they both become extremely distressed and inquire for one another.
The sisters have their share of mischievous moments, and their parents must purchase duplicates of everything, but they both enjoy swimming and being outdoors.
One thing is certain: these girls will always know the pleasure of having a ready-made best friend, and they will have a truly amazing story to tell at dinner parties as adults.
