My husband Shawn and I are the proud parents of Raymond Michael and Joseph Oliver Downey. Born February 7, 2008 at 32 weeks, the boys’ original due date was March 29. Raymond weighed 4 pounds, 5 ounces and Joseph weighed 3 pounds, 15 ounces. They were born early due to Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. This is a syndrome where identical twins share blood vessels that connect the two babies through the placenta, causing fluid and blood flow deficiencies between the two. We underwent a fetal ablation at 22 weeks in Cincinnati, Ohio, to correct the issue. This procedure was successful and I was placed on modified bedrest at home while the boys were monitored very closely by weekly ultrasounds. At 29 weeks, I was admitted to the hospital for strict bedrest due to the membrane separating the two sacs holding the babies. Three weeks later, the twins were born. The boys were born strong and breathing with Apgar scores of eight and seven. However, twelve hours after birth, they both experienced lung issues. One of Joseph’s lungs collapsed and he was placed on a ventilator. He was also on strong medications, (nitrates) due to pulmonary hypertension. Raymond had bilateral chest tubes and was intubated as well. They both were intubated for one week and extubated on Valentine’s Day. We held them for the first time on February 15, 2008. What an amazing feeling! The boys were in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for five and six weeks. Raymond came home first and Joseph one week later. The boys are now 7 years old and you would never know they were preemies. They have no residual effects from the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Raymond and Joseph are outgoing and loving little boys. They play baseball, soccer and basketball. They love superheroes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and spending time with their grandparents. We couldn’t be more thankful to the NICU, the doctors, nurses, therapists and family and friends who were involved in their early care. We are so happy to raise money and represent the March of Dimes at March for Babies. We are definitely blessed twice.