IDENTICAL!
The official DNA test was conducted by Affiliated Genetics based on our sampling of the twins’ cheek cells (4 separate samples from each, I might add). We sent it in in early July and Ron called today to see if they’d gotten it. Before he got off the phone, they offered the results (the mailing went out yesterday, so we haven’t yet received it).
Anyway, the result is that they are in fact identical. What this means is that they are monozygotic — one egg/sperm combo that split. There may still be differences in the girls which are caused by environmental factors — such as Emily’s head shape being different because of her position in the womb.
This also means that it was NOT genetic, rather a fluke of nature — all identicals are a fluke.
To determine identical/fraternal, the company used 9 indicators that provide a greater than 99% accuracy in determining identical/fraternal. All 9 indicators came back matching which means it is greater than 99% accurate that the girls are identical.
So, despite my (Aimee’s) thoughts that they were fraternal, I was wrong! Here are some of the things that clued Ron in to the fact that they might be identical …
– Each is O+ (blood type)
– Same hair color
– Same eye color (so far)
– Same hands and feet (very common in identicals)
– Very similar faces (despite the head shape and differences in their cheeks)
– Same “pointed” ear — on their right side — they get this from Mom!
So, there you have it!