Chap and Tara Smith learned they were expecting twins around February 21, 2022, and the girls would be here in October 2022. Three girls under

the age of two would be challenging to any young family, but all were

excited and blessed by the news. They were told that not only were they going to have twins, but the babies were identical. Shortly after that

news, we also learned that the girls could develop Twin/ Twin

Transfusion Syndrome is a rare disorder that affects the development of

some twins. Within a few weeks, Tara was advised to transfer the care of the twins to Houston, Texas. She, Chap and her father left Walterboro and drove straight through. Tara’s first procedure went well. They were able

to come back to South Carolina, provided Tara remained on bed rest.

Following that, a few complications developed due to the 1st procedure. Tara was monitored very closely in Charleston. There were a few

setbacks during this time, but Tara and the girls fought back and won

most of that battle. As a family, they had crossed one hill.

On June the 10th, the ultrasound and labs in Charleston indicated that

Tara would need to travel to Texas for another procedure. This trip was

not quite as rushed. They arrived in Texas on Monday for consultation

and had a second procedure on Tuesday, 6/14. Follow-up appointments/labs and ultrasound were not as good as hoped. Last Friday morning, the physician decided to go back in to stabilize the situation - one of the

babies was struggling hard. Surgery started around 5:00 or 5:30 PM.

We got a text message at 9:30 PM EST that the girls and Tara were out of surgery and stable. Saturday AM report - heartbeat stable and good on everybody; Tara would be discharged Saturday PM, with a follow-up Tuesday am, and if all was well, our family members would be headed home. Monday morning, that plan changed; Tara had to return to the hospital

as the babies were ready to come. What we know now is the

physicians are planning to keep Tara in the hospital for the next 8 to 10

weeks. At this point, we feel like the babies are well. Of course, the

extended family is working on how we will assist and be there for Chap,

Tara, Jocelyn and the babies. We all know that prayer has gotten us this

far, and God knows the plan. Your prayers and gifts are welcome. We

will do our best to keep everyone informed.