That connection is "one of those great mysteries of life" that no one understands but which makes "life wonderful," said Dr. Rebecka Meyers, chief of pediatric surgery, who was coordinating surgeon during the separation.

She said doctors would follow the girls' cues in terms of reducing pain medication. As they heal, the twins will have lower blood pressure and need less pain medicine, which will in turn bolster their breathing and allow doctors to remove the ventilator, "the next big step." One of the best signals they are healing will come when they urinate. That will also help reduce the swelling.

As for the future, the girls will need more reconstruction, particularly to allow each to be fitted with a prosthetic leg.

"These girls will never be girls who did not undergo a major separation and have special battles and special needs," Meyers said. But they will live rich, fulfilling lives, she predicted.

Overnight, the nurses in the intensive-care unit arranged the twins' hair in elaborate French braids to surprise the Herrins. And they remembered to celebrate a difference. Maliyah's bow is yellow, Kendra's purple, just like their favorite colors.

"They looked so pretty this morning," said Meyers.

Jake Herrin said he suspects the girls are sleeping better than mom and dad. Erin Herrin woke up in the night convinced something was wrong. A call to the hospital reassured them the girls are doing well.

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E-mail: lois@desnews.com