I have conversations with my unborn babies. Wait, hear me out for a second. Basically, the science right now says that babies in their second trimester, about 26 weeks, can hear conversations happening between mommy and other people, so I figured that’s my opportunity to get to know them early. They are so funny!

For the sake of this column, let’s call the little ones *Sasha and Malia. No, that’s not what their names are going to be when they’re born, mom. Don’t worry.

I introduced myself to them as daddy (mainly to get myself used to the idea) and at first they didn’t react much. We have a running joke that when they first heard my voice they froze like little rabbits do when they see a cat.

I would try to talk to them when they were already moving about and having parties and then they’d stop moving right away. Maybe it was more like I came home and turned on the lights at their house party. But I might do it more for myself than them because it’s a really cool experience. I’ve started to share the menu with them before I cook breakfast or dinner: “Good morning ladies. On the menu today is honey-glazed mozzarella chicken, with lentil rice and asparagus.”

Sometimes they’ll give a kick of approval. We’re trying to keep track of different foods they like (depending on how active they are after mommy eats). So far Sasha likes cheese like mom, and Malia likes fruit like dad.

I realise that the process of talking to unborn babies might look a little weird. I wouldn’t recommend talking in proximity to your pregnant partner’s belly in public for extended periods of time. If that’s your thing, I guess, as the saying goes, “Only God can judge”. I just wanted to acknowledge the fact that my future children are connected to their mother, and you should probably get the “all clear” before trying to engage with her belly in such a manner; just a thought.

For dads, it’s important for us to get a sense of connection with our little ones as soon as we can.

Simple things can go a long way towards forming a bond with our babies. So why not?

Play them music that you like, say prayers with them, tell them about your day. You have a captive audience, it’s not like they’re going to roll their eyes at you.

These moments don’t come around very often, and I like that I’m building a relationship with both of them already.

*Please don’t tell president Obama that I’m using his children’s names as aliases