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Going the Full Nine
How to be a Model Dad-to-be
By I.J. Schecter
Your role:
Encourage her to drink water, the baby's crucial nutrient river at this point. Buy a case of bottles so she doesn't feel it's a chore to refill her glass every hour.
Second InningYou wake up one morning to find a woman in your bed who has silicone implants, only to realize it's the same woman you always go to bed with. What's more, she's experiencing varying waves of nausea around the clock.
Your role:
Though you may find the change in her body strangely appealing, don't act overly pleased, lest she thinks you weren't happy before. When she gets nauseous, remind her that it's a result of your child beginning to experiment with motion. If she tells you to shut up, do so.
Your wife seems to drowse at the drop of a hat, even though as far as you know she isn't doing any strenuous exercise.
Your role:
Don't be surprised if you're entertained by her sudden narcolepsy, but realize that to her it isn't a laughing matter. Someone is in there taking a portion of everything she takes in for herself. Take some time to think about how that would feel. Remind her that every change she experiences signals another way she's nurturing your child and avoid comparisons like, "I know what you mean – it's like the drain I feel after a good workout."
The risk period has passed; you've made the game public knowledge, and exhilaration reigns. Your mother has called everyone she has ever known to share the news. You're starting to discuss names. The ones you come up with get rejected immediatly. Your wife is feeling flutterings of movement. You've seen hard evidence of your growing child on an ultrasound screen and heard its heartbeat.
