Baby O - 2.0
SEGMENTS
WEEK 53
One day something amazing happened. It started with Dinah asking when “Baby O” would be born. She knew “B-day” was close. When I replied, “Soon,” tears welled in her eyes. Although she was excited, she did not want to say good-bye to “Baby O” or Speak LIFE. In that moment, I realized Speak LIFE had taken on a life of its own—in my daughter’s heart. I am humbled to be the Momma who lived Dinah’s journey and grateful I was able to write about it! Next week “Baby O” begins a new journey: one as a big sister. Come along with us!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 54
I am six. Six weeks old. You might not have noticed me yet— Hey, what about me? Ahhh!! Who is that? Me. Is that you, Mom? No, silly. It’s me. I’m right next to you. You scared me! That’s what siblings are for. Do you think Mom knows? Knows what? That there are two of us? I don’t know. You didn’t. How big are we this week, anyway? Um, as big as grains of rice. So probably not. Boy, is she going to be surprised. What else is happening this week? Well, our hearts have regular rhythms and next week we’ll be 10,000 times bigger than when we were conceived. Shhh! Why? I need more naps!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 55
We are seven. We are seven. Seven weeks old. Do you feel 10,000 times bigger than when we were conceived? I don’t know, do you? Something feels different. Maybe because your hands and legs are starting to grow. What? I know things too. Oh really? Like that our optic cups and nasal pits are forming? Or that our brains are dividing into five separate vesicles. Into what? Wait, have you been reading a dictionary? Of course not, I don’t have eyes yet, silly. Okay, okay—just get to the point and tell them how big we are. We’re as big as cucumber seeds. Was that so hard?
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 56
We are eight. Eight weeks old. Why do you always do that? What? Start talking before me? Fine, you say it then. But now they already know how old we are. Wait. Who’s “they?” I don’t know. You’re the one who started it. Well, I felt like someone was listening… and they needed to know. Yeah. I know what you mean. Can I tell them? Tell them what? How big we are? Okay. Yay! We are as big as something small, oval and dark… can you guess what? Spit it out, will you? Ha! That’s funny. Did you just tell your first joke? Will you tell them already? Oh, alright. Watermelon seeds!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 57
I am three. Three years old. I am an expert at laundry. I can rearrange a basket of folded, clean clothes in less than thirty seconds. I love to look for bunnies in the yard with Dad when he gets home from work. After a thunderstorm, Momma takes me outside so I can jump in ALL the mud puddles. I like to hum all day long. Anytime I hear music: I dance. I have so many things to occupy me but what I could really use is a playmate! Yoo-hoo! Mom! Dad! I want to be a big sister!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 58
We are nine. Nine weeks old. Will you stop playing the drums so loud? How can I play the drums? My elbows aren’t even formed yet! Well—it isn’t me! Shh. There, hear that? Um—yeah. If it isn’t you then who is it? Both of us, silly. What do you mean? Oh, wait. You mean that drumming is our heartbeats? Yep. Wow. Nice rhythm, huh? Uh-huh. Hey, how big are we this week? As big as almonds. Are you calling me a nut? Well, if I am then we’re both nuts. I guess that’s okay then.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 59
We are ten. Ten weeks old. See? Now stop saying I didn’t give you a turn. Well, it’s about time you let me go first. Hey, is your forehead bulging like mine? You’re changing the subject. How about your ears and chin? Are they fully developed? You’re still changing the subject. What about your arms and legs? Can you rotate them? You’re still not talking about how you don’t let me talk first. Did you know we’re as big as grapes this week? Wait—now you want to talk about snacks? Yes. Well, now you’re talking!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 60
We are eleven. Eleven weeks old. I can open and close my hands. Oh, yeah? Well, I can kick my arms and legs. I know. What you can do I can do too. Oh yeah. How about this? Can you do this? Do what? This. Did you forget our eyelids are still fused? Oh, right. I guess I’ll show you later. What else is going on this week? Our major structures are present and developing. Blah, blah, blah… boring… and we’re as big as…? Fine. Strawberries. Yum! Think about strawberries. It worked last week when we got Mom to eat grapes.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 61
I am three. I am three. Three years old. The thunderstorm scared me but afterward the sun came out. Then you put my rainboots on me, Momma. I. Am. Soooo muddy and happy. How many puddles did I find? Oh, Momma! Look at all the robins. They’re hopping everywhere. They like it when the thunderstorm is over too. Oh, here Momma. I have things in my hand for you. Do you want a sunny, yellow dandelion or a soft, wiggly stick? The robins seem to like the wiggly sticks. I have to go! I see another puddle! Psst. I want to be a big sister!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 62
We are twelve. Twelve weeks old. What was that? What? A slurping sound. What are you doing? I’m practicing nursing. Uh—maybe you should focus on growing your cartilage instead. That would be quieter. Yeah, but not as interesting. Hey, what should we get Mom to crave today? How about an avocado? Nah, that’s boring. We need something crazy. What do you suggest? I don’t know. I guess an avocado does sound good. You think any food sounds good. Yeah, so? How about guacamole? Yum! Perfect! Because we’re about as big as avocado pits this week!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 63
We are—thirteen. Thirteen weeks old! It’s not a race. How else am I going to get a word in edgewise? Ok. Fine. Tell them all about us. Umm…Well? Something about fingerprints and swallowing? You fell asleep when I was telling you, didn’t you? Maybe. You and your naps. We’re practicing breathing and nursing on our thumbs and… And weeing! Yes. That. Don’t think about it too hard or you’ll never swallow again. What? Where do you think it goes? Awww, c’mon! Bleh! Time to tell them how big we are. Oh, fine. A couple of limes. Hey, that rhymes! Ugh.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 64
We are fourteen. Fourteen weeks old! Stop it. Stop what? Making faces at me. Hey, your eyelids aren’t even open yet. You can’t tell if I’m making faces or not. I can too. Stop imagining things. But you were, weren’t you? What— making faces? Maybe. See! I was right. Hey, do you feel fuzzy this week? That’s your lanugo. My what? Your lanugo, the little hairs growing all over your body. Who thinks of these names? Are you going to tell them or am I? What? That now we’re as big as lemons? I guess you are.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 65
I am three. Still three years old. Today I want to remind you how helpful I am. For instance, I am an interior decorator. No room looks the same when I am done. When I help—I am very thorough. Remember how I take every single sandwich bag out of their cardboard box? So now that you know how helpful I can be—Mom and Dad—maybe you can help me? You see, even though I like hanging out with you, I would really enjoy having someone little around like me. I want to be a big sister—and I can help!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 66
We are fifteen. Fifteen weeks old. Hey, wait a minute. You’re quiet? Shh, I’m thinking. Oh, boy. Just listen. Can you hear it? Hear what? I think there’s another drummer in here. What? Where? Just listen. See? It’s a steady beat. Yeah, slower than yours and mine. What do you think? What do I think? Yes. I think I’m hungry. Surprise, surprise. Well, I am. Hungry for what? Something delicious. Like an apple? Sounds good. That’s a clue, isn’t it? Yes. But it’s for them not you. I don’t care as long as I get food.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 67
We are sixteen. We are sixteen. Sixteen weeks old! Hey! I found my hand! What? It’s attached to you! I mean I found my hand with my other hand. That’s probably because we’ve been developing more muscles and some of them can move independently now. How do you learn this stuff? I pay attention. You’re saying I don’t pay attention? You do spend all of your time napping, eating or flexing your muscles. Speaking of flexing muscles, let’s stretch. It feels good not to be curled up all the time. Hey, I almost forgot—how big are we this week? As big as avocados.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 68
We are seventeen. Seventeen weeks old! I win! I win! Win what? The contest. Contest? For who says how old we are first! I didn’t know there was one. Now you do. I won! Okay. Let’s keep score: it’s eight to three. Hey! Now who’s winning? You’re tricky. Anyway, I’ve been thinking. Surprise, surprise. The other drummer is getting louder because we hear better now, right? Yeah. What if it’s Mom’s heartbeat? Hey, I think you’re right. What? Say that again. Just tell them how big we are. Why don’t you? Fine. We’re as big as baking potatoes! Now I’m hungry. Surprise, surprise.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 69
I am three. Three years old. One. Two. Three. Can you count to three? I can count to three. You, you and me. Now count to four. You, you, me and baby makes four! Yay! I’m going to be a big sister! Um, wait a minute. Where is baby going to sleep? What is baby going to eat? Am I going to have to share my toys? How long is this going to take? Uh-oh. I see that look on your face. The one that says I’m going to have to learn patience. One-two-three-four. Can you count to four?
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 70
We are eighteen. Eighteen weeks old. Are you going to tell her? Tell who, what? What do you mean, who? Our big sister of course. All you had to do was say so. Tell her what? That she needs to count to five. Well, we better share the other secret too. Yeah. It’s obvious now. What is? That I’m a boy and you’re not. I think most of them have figured that out by now. Don’t roll your eyes just because you can. How big are we? Achoo! Ha-ha. A hint, right? Let me guess, a bell pepper. Ring-a ling!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 71
We are nineteen. Nineteen weeks old. There you go again. You were napping. Again. Yeah, so? I was bored. I wanted something to do. So you decided to talk? Orange you glad I did? Now you can tell them how big we are. That’s a “Dad” joke for sure. Wait, have you been listening to our family when I’m asleep? What else is there to do? You could practice a few jabs and kicks, like me. Stop! That’s your side. This is mine. Stay on your side. Boy, I have to find a way to get out of here first so I only have one big sister.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 72
We are twenty. Twenty weeks old. Yuck! What is this stuff? What stuff? This icky, sticky, white stuff. It’s vernix, silly. What? Another weird name. Agh! It’s everywhere! Just be glad you have it. You’re going to need it. What do you mean I’m going to need it? It makes us slippery. Why would we want to be slippery? So we can slide out when it’s time to be born. Wait a minute, will it make me slide faster? What else is slippery? I know what you’re trying to get me to say. What? A banana peel because that’s how big we are. You got it!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 73
I am three. Three years old. I’m a big sister! But I’m so surprised! But I think you and Daddy were more surprised. His mouth made a big round “O” and then you gasped when you saw the screen. I love my picture with two babies! Are they really in your tummy, Momma? They must like hanging out together. I wonder what they do all day? Do you think they know I am out here waiting for them? I wonder if they know how to knock down block towers. Maybe I could teach them that. I’ll go practice.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 74
We are twenty-one. Twenty-one weeks old. I wish you would stop craving salad. I don’t like salad. Vegetables are good for you. So are blueberries. Fruit is good for you too, you know. You always want something sweet. Doesn’t everyone? Nope, not me. Tell me about it. How about a compromise? What do you have in mind? A sweet potato. Wait! Are you trying to trick me into getting Momma to crave a vegetable? If we want to keep growing faster than our placentas, we need our vegetables. And let me guess, we’re as big as sweet potatoes, right? Yep!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 75
We are twenty-two. Twenty-two weeks old. Yeah, yeah—I know. Wait. That means we’re more than halfway. When did that happen? When you were napping. Ah, come on. You nap too. Not as much as you. Would you stop that? It’s about time our fingernails grew all the way in. Fine. You scratch. I’ll work on meconium. You and your crazy words. What is that? It’s what we will use to fill our first diapers. Oh, that sounds like fun! You make some for Momma and I’ll take Papaya. Hey, that was a good one! Thanks! Do you think they got it?
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 76
We are twenty-three. Twenty-three weeks old. Ah! Don’t do that! I thought you were sleeping. Surprise! I was pretending. That’s sneaky. Yep. That’s me. Sneaky. Brothers are sneaky. Tell me about it. I just did. What’s the update this week? Our eyebrows and lashes have grown in but our irises don’t have color yet. Uh, that’s kind of boring. Okay, well we’re going to double our weight in the next four weeks. We are? Uh-huh. That means we need to eat. Yep. Yay! Snacks, snacks and more snacks. Hurry, tell them how big we are. We’re as big as mangoes. Awesome! Let’s eat.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 77
I am three. Three years old. Um, I have an itsy-bitsy problem. Here let me show you. I dropped my blocks in here, Momma. In that big white bowl you like to sit on. You know, the one that gets swirly inside when you jiggle the lever! You found them! One, two, three, four—five! I’ve been practicing counting to five just like you have been teaching me. Wow, Momma! You can count to ten! Do it again! Do it again! One, two, three, four—five! I’m so glad I’m alive!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 78
We are twenty-four. Twenty-four weeks old. Why are you doing that? Doing what? Making faces at me. How do you know I’m making faces? We won’t open our eyes for another three weeks. Wait, you’re probably saying that because you’re making faces at me! Right? Wait! Shh! Did you ear that? Did I “ear” that? Yeah, did you “ear” that? Is that your idea of a joke? Maybe. Brothers are so corny. Now that’s a “Dad” joke! Do you think they got it? That we’re as big as ears of corn? I hope so.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 79
We are twenty-five. Twenty-five weeks old. Did you see that? See what? There it is again! We can see shadows and sometimes color now. There! Right there. If I can just… Eeek! That’s my head! Well, that’s a relief. Will you keep your fingers to yourself? Stop pulling my hair. Ah, sorry. Wait, here’s my head. What color is my hair? I don’t know. You said we could distinguish color. You’ll have to wait two weeks until we open our eyes. Wait, wait, wait… well how big are we while we’re waiting? We’re as long as cucumbers.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 80
We are twenty-six. Twenty-six weeks old. How did you wake up before me? I heard Dad talking to Mom this morning. Why didn’t I? You snooze, you lose. What you mean is you napped so much yesterday that you woke up early today. I just go with the flow, don’t you know. Why are you rhyming? Maybe I’m a poet and you don’t know it. Dad read Dr. Suess again, didn’t he? Pop’s the top! I knew it! Well, if you want to rhyme, find a word to rhyme with rutabaga. That’s a made-up word! That’s not so, silly bro.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 81
I am three. Three years old. Oh Momma, put me down. I have things to do! Uh-oh. You’re sneaky. You know I love cuddling. Umm, your lap is getting small. Mmm, I like it here next to you. Can you sing my lullaby, Momma? The one grandpa wrote for me? Yeshua. Please give Dinah peaceful sleep because she is your little sheep. Then wake her with your loving hand because she is your little lamb. As she grows and laughs and plays, gently guide her in all your ways. When she’s grown wherever she walks, keep her in your little flock. Keep her in your little flock.
-a.m.opdahl & dale mellgren
WEEK 82
We are twenty-seven. Twenty-seven weeks old. Stop jiggling. I can’t. Momma ate spicy food again! Hic. Hic. It didn’t give me hiccups. Yeah. Why not? Because I was practicing breathing. I don’t think so. My diaphragm can’t spasm when it’s exercising. You like spicy food. You were thinking about it, weren’t you? That’s why she ate it! You know it gives me hiccups! Look! What? Where? I just opened my eyes! Look. Hey! There you are! I see your head. What color is my hair? It looks like eggplant. Ha, ha. Is that even a color? Well, it’s a vegetable. Not another one!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 83
We are twenty-eight. Twenty-eight weeks old. Are you feeling squashed in here? I’ve been feeling squashed since the beginning. Hey, what does that mean? We’re the same size. Your personality is very large. Someone needs to be comic relief. Yep! That’s you. By the way, we’re in the third trimester. We are? Cool! Ya-hoo! Yay! Um, what’s the third trimester? A milestone: we have survived longer than a lot of other babies. What? Sometimes Moms and Dads throw babies away. Why? Why would they do that? Maybe I butternut say. Will you tell me later? Possibly.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 84
We are twenty-nine. Twenty-nine weeks old. What’s something new you can do? I don’t want to talk. Why not? I’m thinking about why Moms and Dads throw us away. Sometimes they don’t want us. How could they not want us? We’re here because of them! I’m glad our parents want us. Hey! Maybe if we share what we can do, others will realize babies are people too. That’s a long list. Exactly. We can do it. Our brains are developing fast with folds and grooves, like the head of a cauliflower. Is that how big we are? Yep. Ok. Let’s do it!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 85
I am three. Three years old. Hey, Momma, your belly is bigger than my beach ball and much more fun to hug. Do you know why? Because I hear voices, every time I rest my head right here on your belly… or here, or here! Hey! Which one of you did that? You bumped me! Did you feel it, Momma? What are they playing in there? I want to play too. Now what are they doing? Do you hear them? They sure like to talk. Someone said “snacks.” Hey! That’s a great idea, isn’t it Momma? Can I have one?
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 86
We are thirty. Thirty weeks old. Did you make a list? Yep! I can tell when it’s light and dark. Can you? Yep. My brain neurons are developing rapidly. Check! You’ve been practicing your vocabulary! I have to, so they understand we are here. I can make tears. Me too! I’m building fat reserves. Check. I can smell. Check. I can taste. Check. Do you know how big we are? I was busy making the list. I didn’t have time to find out. We’re as big as cabbages. Well, that explains it. Explains what? Why my noggin keeps bumping yours.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 87
We are thirty-one. Thirty-one weeks old. Wow. That’s two weeks in a row! People need to know we are here! Hey, our lanugo is falling off. ♪♫We are here! Did you know our brains are developing connections for interpreting sensory input? ♪♫We are here! Why do you keep saying that? ♪♫We are here? Because we are. Oh I get it, it’s like a cheer! We are here, we are here, we are here! By the way, how big are we? We’re as big as coconuts. There you go, calling me a nut again.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 88
We are thirty-two. Thirty-two weeks old. While you’re itching your leg, can you scratch my back? I think it’s my turn to be head down. You know it’s not easy to switch positions anymore. Because we’re squashed! Another “dad” joke? At least it makes sense. What kind of squash are we this week? Who cares? Squash is a vegetable. Bleh! Hey, those are my ribs! Sorry. I’m just trying to… Stop that! Great. Now your toes are in my face. Well, your toes are in my face too. Look, we need to get out of here. You mean escape? Yep. Now you’re talking.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 89
I am three. Three years old but not for long! ♫♪ Hmm, hmm, hmm to you, ♪♫. ♫♪ Hmm, hmm, hmm to you, ♪♫. Momma— you and Daddy haven’t forgotten, right? I know you’ve been busy with appointments to check on our babies but my day is almost here. I sure like these night-time chats with you. Oh look, Momma! There! I can see stars twinkling at me. There are so many! One, two, three, four… oh, alright. I’ll rest my head on your shoulder if you sing to me. Yeshua, please give Dinah peaceful sleep, because she is your little sheep…
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 90
I am four. Four years old! But Momma—they haven’t said, “We are thirty-three. Thirty-three weeks old,” yet. My ear is on your belly—Momma—but they aren’t talking. Tell them to wake up! Remind them how your uterine wall is thinning so it’s easier to notice when it’s light and dark. Because it’s morning, Momma. They should be awake! Tell them how they’re the size of the fruit you will never, ever let me eat again because it makes me hyper! You know; that yummy, golden, juicy ring fruit. It has a long name… mm, mmm—pineapple!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 91
I am four. Four years old. Grandma? Why are you here? Why are you waking me when it’s dark? Where are Momma and Daddy? Why are you holding me so tightly? Oh! We’re going to cuddle in the rocking chair? I like that idea, because I’m sleepy. Let me find my blankie. Mm, can we sing Grandpa’s song? Momma sings it to us every night. ♫♪ Yeshua, please give my babies peaceful sleep… ♫♪ Did you know our babies are thirty-four weeks old? They recognize the song too. And Daddy says they’re almost five pounds, about as big as cantaloupes. *Yawn.*
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 92
A pregnant woman in peril? Formerly, the reaction was to protect and save lives. But now society would have us believe we must define what is “a life” and even who “is a woman.” Then begins the “rights” debate. Is it not ironic that those who vehemently advocate for “choice” are only able to do so because they have a voice, because they are “alive?” Our twins are in peril. They are silent. Their sister is their voice. I am their voice. Because we cannot imagine a world where the voice of a child was never heard again.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 93
We are thirteen. What? Eighteen weeks old. We’re thirty-five weeks old. Boy, are you mixed up. I’m not a boy. We are ten weeks old. Pops the top! We’re as big as avocados. That was week sixteen. Do you like pineapple? Is it a vegetable? I need a nap. Wait a second, I nap, you talk… there is definitely something wrong with your melon. Get it? That’s how big we are. Hey, sissy! Yoo-hoo! Wake up! Your skin is a funny color. Talk! Sissy, c’mon! Stop kicking! No way! We need to bust out of here.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 94
I am four. Four years old. ♪♫ I’m a big sister! ♫♪ She’s so cute and tiny, Momma. See how her little rosy fingers curl around my finger? Boy, he eats a lot. Oh, look Daddy, he’s making goofy faces again. He’s so funny! I’m so glad they’re out of your tummy, Momma. Can you help me hold them both? Look, he’s holding her hand again. Just like when they came out of your tummy. Listen, they’re making their puppy noises. I guess they need another nap. Let’s sing. Yeshua, please give our babies peaceful sleep because they are your little sheep…
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 95
Sh… we must be very, very quiet. Everyone is sleeping at the same time! This isn’t likely to happen again soon—not for years. Let’s peek. There lay the twins side by side between their parents who survived harrowing hours of uncertainty. Their little “big sister,” is curled up on the other side of Daddy. What’s this? Rosie’s big blue eyes are looking right at us. She’s a noticer that one, and now here’s the inevitable Charlie whimper which means he’s ready for a snack. Surprise, surprise. But they’re all here, breathing and speaking LIFE! Praise Elohim our Creator!
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 96
We are one. One week old. Shhh. I’m trying to nap. You’re always trying to nap. And you’re always talking. You know you’re talking to tell me I’m talking, right? Shhh. You’re the one who always fusses first to eat. That’s because I’m hungry. Hmm, are you sure it’s not because you like Momma cuddles? All this talk about food makes me hungry. Go ahead, let her know, let the whole house know. Then she can call you her little pumpkin which is how big we are by the way. What are you going to do? Talk to Dinah. Surprise, surprise.
-a.m.opdahl
WEEK 96
You are two. Two weeks old. I know. What are we going to do today? Will you both pipe down? Someone is trying to nap. Brothers! Not me. Momma. We could play a quiet game. We can’t even sit up yet. I can make faces. That’s perfect! You first, Charlie. Hungry. Hey, how did you know? It’s so obvious. Here’s mine. Watchful. Ha, ha—that’s the only face she makes. Here’s mine. What is it, Rosie? She looks happy but what does that twinkle mean? Mischief. You would know. What are you three up to? Uh-oh. Oh look, Momma’s playing the game too! Yeah, it’s her trying not to smile face!
-a.m.opdahl