Formerly Conjoined Twins Doing Well

Abbigail Lynn and Isabelle Anne Carlsen were born November 29th at 10:50am to the proud parents of Jesse and Amy Carlsen at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis. As identical twin sisters, they were conjoined at the lower chest and upper abdomen, a condition called omphalapagus. Doctors determined that their livers were connected and they shared a common bile duct and part of the small intestine.

On Friday, the two baby girls were separated following at daylong surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and are currently in intensive care under sedation, breathing with the assistance of ventilators. Although they have a long recovery ahead, the twins are doing well.

The family writes:

Thank you Lord for answering our prayers!!!

Abby and Belle are now two separate girls and just as beautiful as always!

When I went to see them this morning I was told they had a good night with no problems. Mom and I went to Abby's bed and talked to her and her legs started to stir so I know she heard us. Belle was getting an ultrasound to check things out and we were told everything looked good on both girls. They might take them off anesthesia later so both Abby and Belle will be awake. We will be there to make sure the first thing they see is our faces. If all goes well I hope to have the first pictures of Mom and I holding the girls seperate for the first time this coming week.

Thank you all for your support and prayers! It's amazing how our girls have touched so many people. You all care so much about Abby and Belle I wish there was a way you all could meet them after we leave the hospital. I plan on keeping up with these updates so in a way you will all be with us.

Remember! No prayers are too small and no prayers are too big. We've had our prayers answered up to now. And we will continue to pray for a perfect recovery.

God Bless!

Jesse and Amy