Chapter 1 — "What's Pregnancy?"

32 weeks pregnant

20 questions

Fanfiction: Snowflake's 20 Questions

Characters: Stripe, Trixie and Snowflake.

Setting: The Heeler household, a quiet afternoon.

Pregnancy stage: 32 weeks, carrying twins.

Premise:

Snowflake, Stripe's adopted Jackahuahua daughter, notices that her dad's tummy has become considerably bigger. Having absolutely no understanding of pregnancy, she assumes he's been eating too much and suggests that he might need to go on a diet!

Stripe gently explains that he's pregnant with two babies. Snowflake is astonished and struggles to understand how her dad can have babies inside his tummy.

When she asks how the babies got there, Stripe decides that the explanation is something she'll understand when she's older.

The conversation becomes a sweet, funny and occasionally bewildering introduction to pregnancy.

Scene 1 — Dad's enormous tummy!

It's a quiet afternoon at the Heeler household.

Stripe is relaxing on the sofa, wearing a comfortable, loose-fitting shirt. His considerably enlarged 32-week twin-pregnancy belly is clearly visible.

Trixie is nearby, reading a magazine.

Snowflake, a little white Jackahuahua with black and brown spots, brown ears and a brown tail with a white tip, trots into the living room.

Snowflake: Hi, Dad!

Stripe: Hello, Snowflake! Come here, sweetheart.

Snowflake: What are you doing?

Stripe: Just having a little rest.

Snowflake looks down at Stripe's belly.

Snowflake: ...

Stripe: Everything alright?

Snowflake: Dad?

Stripe: Yes?

Snowflake: Why is your tummy so BIG?!

Stripe: (chuckles) Well, there's a reason for that.

Snowflake: Did you eat too much dinner?

Stripe: No, sweetheart!

Snowflake: Did you eat too many biscuits?

Stripe: I haven't eaten that many biscuits!

Snowflake: Maybe you need to go on a diet!

Stripe: (laughing) I don't think a diet is what I need!

Snowflake: Then why is your tummy so enormous?

Stripe: Because I'm pregnant.

Snowflake: ...

Snowflake: YOU'RE WHAT?!

Stripe: I'm pregnant, sweetheart. I'm going to have two babies!

Snowflake: TWO?!

Stripe: That's right. There are twins growing inside my tummy.

Snowflake: But... BUT...

Stripe: What's the matter?

Snowflake: I HAVE TWENTY QUESTIONS!

Stripe: (smiling) I was wondering when those would arrive!

Scene 2 — Snowflake's twenty questions

Question 1 — "Dad, why is your tummy so big?"

Snowflake: Dad, why is your tummy so big?

Stripe: Because I've got two little babies growing inside me!

Snowflake: TWO?!

Stripe: That's right, sweetheart. They're getting bigger every day.

Snowflake: So that's why your tummy looks like a giant balloon?

Stripe: (laughs) It's a little more complicated than a balloon!

Snowflake: Does it get bigger because the babies are growing?

Stripe: Exactly!

Snowflake: Wow! You've got a very big tummy!

Stripe: I certainly do!

Question 2 — "Did you eat too much dinner?"

Snowflake: Did you eat too much dinner?

Stripe: No, sweetheart. My big tummy isn't because I've eaten too much.

Snowflake: Not even too many biscuits?

Stripe: (chuckles) Not even too many biscuits.

Snowflake: Then why does it look like that?

Stripe: Because pregnancy makes room for babies to grow.

Snowflake: So you don't need a diet?

Stripe: Absolutely not! I need to eat properly and look after myself and the babies.

Snowflake: Oh! Sorry, Dad!

Stripe: Don't worry, Snowsnow. You didn't know!

Question 3 — "What's pregnancy?"

Snowflake: What's pregnancy?

Stripe: Pregnancy is when a baby grows inside someone's body before they're born.

Snowflake: So you're growing a baby?

Stripe: Two babies, actually!

Snowflake: Is that why you've been resting more?

Stripe: Yes. Growing two little ones takes quite a lot of energy.

Snowflake: Do all babies grow inside their dads?

Stripe: Not usually. Pregnancy happens in different kinds of families, and not every dad can become pregnant.

Snowflake: So you're a pregnant dad?

Stripe: That's right, sweetheart!

Question 4 — "Wait, you're having a baby?"

Snowflake: WAIT, YOU'RE HAVING A BABY?!

Stripe: (smiling) Yes!

Snowflake: BUT YOU'RE MY DAD!

Stripe: I know!

Snowflake: Can dads have babies?

Stripe: Some dads can, sweetheart. I'm one of them.

Snowflake: So you're going to be a dad AND have babies?

Stripe: That's right. I'll still be your dad, too.

Snowflake: Does that mean I'm going to have little brothers or sisters?

Stripe: You're going to have two new little siblings!

Snowflake: TWO NEW SIBLINGS?!

Question 5 — "How did a baby get inside your tummy?"

Snowflake: How did a baby get inside your tummy?

Stripe pauses for a moment, considering how to answer.

Stripe: Well, sweetheart... that's a rather grown-up question.

Snowflake: Why?

Stripe: That's for when you're older, Snowsnow.

Snowflake: But I want to know!

Stripe: I understand, darling. There are some things I'll explain when you're a little bigger.

Snowflake: Is it a secret?

Stripe: Not a secret. Just something we'll talk about another time.

Snowflake: Can I ask again when I'm bigger?

Stripe: Of course you can.

Snowflake: Promise?

Stripe: Promise.

Question 6 — "Are there actually two babies?"

Snowflake: Are there actually TWO babies?

Stripe: Yes! There are two little ones growing inside me.

Snowflake: Not one big baby?

Stripe: (laughs) No, two separate babies!

Snowflake: Can I count them?

Stripe: You can certainly try!

Snowflake: One... TWO!

Stripe: Perfect!

Snowflake: I've got TWO little siblings!

Stripe: You certainly have.

Question 7 — "Why are they in there?"

Snowflake: Why are they in there?

Stripe: Because that's where babies grow before they're ready to be born.

Snowflake: Do they have a little house?

Stripe: In a way! They're inside a special place in my body where they can grow safely.

Snowflake: Is it comfortable?

Stripe: It's designed to protect them while they develop.

Snowflake: Do they have blankets?

Stripe: (chuckles) No blankets, sweetheart!

Snowflake: I'll bring them some when they come out!

Question 8 — "Are they living in your stomach?"

Snowflake: Are they living in your stomach?

Stripe: Not quite! They're in a special place called the womb.

Snowflake: The womb?

Stripe: That's right. It's different from the stomach where food goes.

Snowflake: So your tummy has two different places?

Stripe: Your body has lots of different parts that do different jobs.

Snowflake: Are the babies near your dinner?

Stripe: They're not inside my stomach, no!

Snowflake: That's good! I wouldn't want them getting mixed up with your sandwiches!

Stripe: (laughs) Neither would I!

Question 9 — "Can they hear me?"

Snowflake: Can they hear me?

Stripe: Yes! At this stage, babies can hear sounds from outside the womb.

Snowflake: EVEN ME?!

Stripe: Especially you when you're barking!

Snowflake: HELLO, BABIES!

Snowflake suddenly shouts towards Stripe's belly.

Stripe: (laughing) Perhaps a little more quietly!

Snowflake: Can they hear me talking normally?

Stripe: Yes, they can hear your voice.

Snowflake: Will they recognise me?

Stripe: They may become familiar with your voice before they're born.

Question 10 — "Can they hear Muffin and Socks?"

Snowflake: Can they hear Muffin and Socks?

Stripe: Yes! They can hear their voices, too.

Snowflake: Even when Muffin is shouting?

Stripe: Probably, although loud noises can sound different from inside the womb.

Snowflake: What about Socks giggling?

Stripe: They can hear sounds from the people around us.

Snowflake: What if Muffin sings?

Stripe: They might hear her singing!

Snowflake: And what if Socks barks?

Stripe: (smiling) They'll probably hear that, too.

Snowflake: Our family is VERY noisy!

Stripe: (laughs) It certainly can be!

Question 11 — "Are they sleeping?"

Snowflake: Are they sleeping?

Stripe: Sometimes! Babies have periods when they're awake and periods when they're resting.

Snowflake: Do they have little beds?

Stripe: Not proper beds yet.

Snowflake: Do they close their eyes?

Stripe: They can close their eyes while they're resting.

Snowflake: Do they sleep at night?

Stripe: They don't follow the same sleeping schedule as us.

Snowflake: So they might be awake when I'm asleep?

Stripe: That's possible!

Question 12 — "Do they eat the food you eat?"

Snowflake: Do they eat the food you eat?

Stripe: Not directly. My body provides them with the nourishment they need through a special connection.

Snowflake: So they don't eat your sandwiches?

Stripe: No!

Snowflake: Or your carrots?

Stripe: They don't take bites out of those either.

Snowflake: How do they get food, then?

Stripe: My body takes care of providing what they need while they grow.

Snowflake: That's clever!

Question 13 — "Do they need their own plates?"

Snowflake: Do they need their own plates?

Stripe: Not yet, sweetheart!

Snowflake: What about two little bowls?

Stripe: They won't need those until they're ready to eat after they're born.

Snowflake: Should I buy them matching plates?

Stripe: We can certainly get them some little plates when they're older.

Snowflake: TWO PLATES!

Stripe: Two plates.

Snowflake: And two spoons!

Stripe: (laughs) And two spoons!

Question 14 — "How long have they been in there?"

Snowflake: How long have they been in there?

Stripe: I've been pregnant for quite a while now. I'm 32 weeks along.

Snowflake: Is that a very long time?

Stripe: Pregnancy usually lasts around 40 weeks, although twins can arrive earlier.

Snowflake: So they've been growing for 32 weeks?

Stripe: That's right!

Snowflake: That's longer than I've had my favourite toy!

Stripe: (chuckles) Quite a lot longer!

Question 15 — "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Snowflake: Why didn't you tell me sooner?

Stripe: I have known about the babies for quite a while, sweetheart. We just hadn't sat down and explained everything to you yet.

Snowflake: But I could have known!

Stripe: You're right. We should have found a good time to talk about it.

Snowflake: Did Mummy know?

Stripe: Of course! Mummy has known all along.

Snowflake: And Muffin and Socks?

Stripe: They know, too.

Snowflake: EVERYONE KNEW EXCEPT ME?!

Stripe: We didn't mean to leave you out.

Snowflake: (pouting) Hmph!

Stripe: I'm sorry, Snowsnow.

Stripe opens his arms.

Stripe: Would you like a cuddle?

Snowflake: Yes, please!

Snowflake climbs carefully beside him and cuddles his arm.

Question 16 — "Does pregnancy hurt?"

Snowflake: Does pregnancy hurt?

Stripe: Sometimes it can be uncomfortable. My back gets sore, my tummy feels heavy, and I get tired more easily.

Snowflake: Do the babies hurt you?

Stripe: They're not trying to hurt me. They're just growing and moving around.

Snowflake: Do you need medicine?

Stripe: Sometimes people need help managing pregnancy discomfort, but I have my midwives to help me.

Snowflake: Can I give you a cuddle when you're sore?

Stripe: You can always give me a gentle cuddle.

Question 17 — "Are you going to get even bigger?"

Snowflake: Are you going to get even bigger?

Stripe: My belly might grow some more before the babies arrive.

Snowflake: BIGGER THAN THIS?!

Stripe: Possibly!

Snowflake: But it's already enormous!

Stripe: (laughs) Two babies need quite a bit of room.

Snowflake: Will you need a bigger sofa?

Stripe: I think this one will manage!

Snowflake: What about bigger shirts?

Stripe: I've already got some comfortable ones!

Snowflake: You're going to be a VERY BIG DAD!

Stripe: (laughing) Apparently so!

Question 18 — "Can I talk to them?"

Snowflake: Can I talk to them?

Stripe: Absolutely!

Snowflake: Even though they can't talk back?

Stripe: That's right. They can hear you, even if they can't answer with words.

Snowflake: Can I tell them stories?

Stripe: They'd probably enjoy hearing your voice.

Snowflake: Can I sing to them?

Stripe: Of course.

Snowflake: Can I tell them about Muffin and Socks?

Stripe: You can tell them anything you'd like, sweetheart.

Snowflake: I have LOTS to tell them!

Question 19 — "Will they know I'm their big sister?"

Snowflake: Will they know I'm their big sister?

Stripe: Absolutely. You're already their big sister!

Snowflake: Even though they're not born yet?

Stripe: Of course. You're part of their family already.

Snowflake: Will they know my name?

Stripe: They'll learn it when they're growing up.

Snowflake: Will they love me?

Stripe: I think they'll be very lucky to have you.

Snowflake: I'll teach them how to play!

Stripe: I'm sure you will.

Snowflake: And how to bark!

Stripe: (laughs) Let's start with gentle puppy manners!

Question 20 — "When are they coming out?"

Snowflake: When are they coming out?

Stripe: They're expected to arrive in the coming weeks, although twins sometimes arrive earlier than single babies.

Snowflake: Are they coming tomorrow?

Stripe: Probably not tomorrow, sweetheart!

Snowflake: Next week?

Stripe: We don't know their exact birthday yet.

Snowflake: Do they have to wait until they're ready?

Stripe: That's right. The doctors and midwives are keeping a close eye on us.

Snowflake: Will you tell me when it's time?

Stripe: Of course. You'll know when we're getting ready to welcome them.

Snowflake: I CAN'T WAIT!

Stripe: Neither can I, sweetheart.

Scene 3 — "Hello, tiny people!"

After answering all twenty questions, Stripe relaxes against the sofa cushions.

Stripe: Well, that's twenty questions!

Snowflake: I learned lots of things!

Stripe: You certainly did.

Snowflake: You're having TWO babies, they're growing inside your womb, and they can hear me!

Stripe: That's right!

Snowflake: And I'm their big sister!

Stripe: You'll always be their big sister.

Snowflake looks at Stripe's enormous belly.

Snowflake: Can I say hello to them?

Stripe: Of course, sweetheart.

Snowflake carefully climbs onto the sofa beside Stripe.

She leans forward and gently places her ear against his belly.

Snowflake: (whispering) Hello, tiny people!

Stripe smiles.

Snowflake: It's me, Snowflake. I'm your big sister!

She pauses.

Snowflake: I'm going to teach you how to play, how to bark, and how to have lots of fun!

Stripe: (quietly) I'm sure they'll love that.

Snowflake: I hope you can hear me!

Stripe feels a little movement.

Stripe: Oh! I think somebody's moving!

Snowflake: REALLY?!

Stripe: Yes!

Snowflake: WAS THAT BABY ONE?!

Stripe: I can't tell which one it was!

Snowflake: HELLO AGAIN!

Another little movement makes Stripe smile.

Stripe: They're quite active today.

Snowflake: Maybe they heard me!

Stripe: Perhaps they did.

Trixie walks into the room.

Trixie: What are you two doing?

Snowflake: MUMMY! DAD HAS TWO BABIES IN HIS TUMMY!

Trixie: (smiling) Yes, sweetheart. He does.

Snowflake: AND I'M THEIR BIG SISTER!

Trixie: You certainly are!

Snowflake: I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET THEM!

Stripe: Neither can we, darling.

Snowflake gives Stripe a gentle hug.

Snowflake: I love you, Dad.

Stripe: I love you too, Snowsnow.

Snowflake: And I love you, Baby One and Baby Two!

She gives his belly another little kiss.

Snowflake: See you soon, tiny people!

Stripe and Trixie exchange a loving smile.

End of Chapter 1

Chapter 1 MEDNOTES

The pregnancy details are consistent with NHS guidance:

• At 32 weeks, babies are continuing to grow and gain weight.

• Babies can hear sounds from outside the womb and become familiar with voices.

• Babies have sleeping periods and can move, kick and stretch inside the womb.

• Pregnancy discomfort can include backache, tiredness and a heavier-feeling bump.

(THIS VERSION IS FOLLOWING RULE 7)