How are they doing?

Last update: August 16, 2006 - 4:22 PM

Jesse Carlsen occasionally answers questions on the family's CaringBridge website. Here are some excerpts:

Q. Are the girls on any medications?

A. No.

Q. Do the girls sleep in the same crib?

A. That's a big no. Since the girls started rolling over, they wake each other.

Q. How do you tell them apart?

A. Right now Abby has chubbier cheeks, but as Belle gains weight it's harder. Their personalities help.

Q. Do the girls have belly buttons?

A. When they were conjoined, they shared one. After the separation, the plastic surgeons had to build each girl one.

Q. What did you use for car seats before the surgery?

A. We used a car bed, which is normally used for small children who have casts. And the girls just lay on their sides.

Q. Where can we send cards or letters and help with medical expenses?

A. First, you all must know I have pretty good insurance so we won't have to pay a good portion of the bill. The money we are receiving is helping with medical bills but also helping make up the difference when a family size doubles and the income is cut in half -- basically helping Amy stay home longer because Abby and Belle can't go to day care right now.

Donations: Carlsen Twins c/o Town & Country Credit Union, 815 25th St. S., Fargo, ND 58103

Source: www.CaringBridge.org/visit/abbybelle

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