Papa Pilot

Hey, everybody. Bring on the weekend! I already have one small project lined upโ€ฆ

orbit container

This strollerโ€™s so versatile and dude friendly (read: not pink with rainbows) that Michael Bay would give it a slowmo, close-up in his next blockbuster.

Behold:

 Orbit-Infant-Stroller-SystemSource

Of course, Iโ€™ve gotta transform it from itโ€™s current state:

orbit ready for assembly

Expect Gina to do a review on it once our future little one has a chance to try it out ๐Ÿ™‚

 

Anyway, thatโ€™s pretty much been my routine since weโ€™ve moved into the new casa. Assembly, moving, lifting, baby shopping with wife, cleaning {and of course, working} has been my contribution to our growing family. Thereโ€™s not a lot guys can do otherwise. I mean, thereโ€™s studying baby books and foot rubs, but outside of that, we canโ€™t take on the extra baby weight or nausea for a day.  Thatโ€™s too bad because I know there are days that are pretty tough my lovely bride.

 

Thereโ€™s a saying, โ€œwomen becomes mothers when they get pregnant and guys become fathers when the babyโ€™s born,โ€ but Iโ€™m trying to be a little more involved than that ๐Ÿ˜‰ We still have date nights, evening walks, etc. but Iโ€™m sure thereโ€™s something Iโ€™m missing.

So, thatโ€™s where I could use your help. How can I make life for my pregnant wife easierโ€ฆor what was the best thing someone did for you to alleviate the โ€œnot so funโ€ side affects of being pregnant??

Canโ€™t wait to read your responses!

 

pilot and bella on gina's tummy

 

Cheers,

 

The Pilot

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77 Comments

  1. Pinky on September 8, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    Mr. Pilot you are too sweet and cute for words! I would say just keep doing what you are doing because Gina sings your awesome praises! Maybe tell her she can buy WHATEVER outfit she wants once the baby is born :)! Best wishes again to you both!

  2. Danielle on September 8, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    So sweet! I almost wish I could offer some advice but Iโ€™m quite a few years from that stage. All I can say, and with certainty, is that you both are going to make amazing parents. Wishing you the best ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on September 8, 2011 at 10:52 pm

      thank you, friend!

  3. Sam @ Mom At The Barre on September 8, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    โ€œHow can I make life for my pregnant wife easier?โ€
    Giver her daily foot massages! That was my husbandโ€™s role towards the latter part of my pregnancy!

  4. Holly @ The Runny Egg on September 8, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    I love the last picture of your hand on Ginaโ€™s baby bump! How sweet!

  5. Anon on September 8, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    Pilot โ€” You are already such a great partner / husband / friend to your wife. Sheโ€™s lucky to have you. I think remaining a kind, empathetic listener is the best thing to do. She knows she can count on you and thatโ€™s the best. Youโ€™ll be there for her thru all of it, and thatโ€™s all that matters !

    • Fitnessista on September 8, 2011 at 10:52 pm

      amen to that <3

  6. Raewyn on September 8, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    Love the post, Tom! And that is one epic stroller that would make any guy proud to push it. ๐Ÿ˜‰ I canโ€™t speak from personal experience about pregnancy (at only 18, I havenโ€™t quite gotten to that part of my life), but I can definitely offer some tips on what helps an exhausted/overwhelmed girl out. After a long day, sometimes itโ€™s the best thing in the world to come home and find a lovely dinner on the table. Bath bubbles, chocolate, and having the trash taken out are always excellent as well. Keep it up! I think youโ€™re doing a great job already and Iโ€™m sure youโ€™ll be a great dad. ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. kelli on September 8, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    You are way too sweet!!! i hope one day to find a guy like you<33 Maybe buy her a designer baby bag she would love ๐Ÿ˜‰ or make her breakfast in bed!

    • Fitnessista on September 8, 2011 at 10:51 pm

      one vote for the designer bag! YES!!

  8. Shayla @ The Good Life on September 8, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    This is the sweetest post ever, my heart is melting times a billion!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Iโ€™m not pregnant (yet!) but from what Iโ€™ve read from Gina youโ€™re doing a fabulous job and being a wonderful hubby and soon-to-be daddy. But it if it were me, I would want to be told how beautiful I am while pregnant and have patience with me during those hormonal highs and lowsโ€ฆalthough Iโ€™m sure youโ€™re doing that already!

    You two are going to be the most amazing parents ever to that lil nuggette and Iโ€™m so happy for you two ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. kaila@ healthy helper blog! on September 8, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    Aww that is so sweet that you are putting out a call for advice like that! That right there I am sure makes Gina pretty happy ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. kaila@ healthy helper blog! on September 8, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    Aww that is so sweet that you are putting out a call for advice like that! That right there I am sure makes Gina pretty happy ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on September 8, 2011 at 10:51 pm

      yes! so sweet ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Kristina @ spabettie on September 8, 2011 at 10:34 pm

    GOSH the fact that you are asking, I think youโ€™re ahead of many. you two are going to be fantastic parents. <3

  12. Felicia (Natural + Balanced) on September 8, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    wish i could give some advice, but im no there yetโ€ฆ i just wanted to say how i love the last pic!

  13. Laury @ thefitnessdish on September 8, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    Swoon ๐Ÿ˜‰

    The best thing my husband did for me while pregnant was just being supportiveโ€ฆlistening to meโ€ฆputting up with my moods and understanding that I was going to be a little โ€œcray crayโ€ as your wife calls it. He was always good for a laugh when I was in a โ€œmood.โ€

    Michael expressed that he didnโ€™t feel that connection until the baby was born, and it wasnโ€™t as strong in the beginning as it is now because the baby needed ME for everything and there wasnโ€™t much he could do for her. Of course that love has grown stronger each day and he is as madly in love with Ella Weezus as I am.

    Favorite swoon-worthy hubby dutyโ€ฆwhen he cooked for me. Gina is a super woman, but all i know as time went on and I was larger than life the last thing I wanted to do was cook. He made healthy meals for me and picked up double orders of salads from places so out of the way at the end when I was craving them like crazy. Biggest swoonโ€ฆwhen he cleaned up what he cooked ๐Ÿ˜‰

    I am sure you are doing the best beyond a doubt. Being supportive, Keep doing what you are doing! You are going to be an amazing father!!! The little girl is so lucky to already have such awesome parents!

  14. Shari @ The Daily Dish on September 8, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    How sweet are you? I say keep doing what youโ€™re doing. Itโ€™s clear to me that you are going to make one great daddy (and from the sound of it you are already an amazing husband).

    • Fitnessista on September 8, 2011 at 10:50 pm

      he is- iโ€™m a very lucky girl ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. mac on September 8, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    I canโ€™t help you out with that but just wanted to let you know you won the husband of the year award for helping and wanting to make life easier for her!

  16. Maria on September 8, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    Iโ€™ve never been pregnant and donโ€™t plan to for a while. But what Iโ€™ve learned from reading your wifeโ€™s blog when she wants a shrimp salad, just smile and say okay ๐Ÿ™‚ hehe!

    • Fitnessista on September 8, 2011 at 10:49 pm

      this cracked me up. and youโ€™re totally right ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. Andrea on September 8, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    Awwwe. Mr. Pilot , I think you are doing great just as you are doing. You guys are too cute. ๐Ÿ™‚

  18. avery on September 8, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    I second the foot rubs. That is pretty much the best thing my boyfriend can EVER do for me, and Iโ€™m not even pregnant. And it sounds like you are already on that track. You rock!

  19. Brittany (Eating Bird Food) on September 8, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    Itโ€™s so fun reading this post now that Iโ€™ve actually met you. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Iโ€™m not sure what I will want my hubby to do for me when I am pregnant but Iโ€™m sure most women would love massages and being told they are beautiful. I think having someone to laugh away the not-so-fun parts of being pregnant is probably key too. Iโ€™m sure youโ€™re doing a great job!

  20. beccah on September 8, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    โ€ฆput things that she needs on a normal basis where she can get to them without having to reach up or down too much, you sound perfect other than that from the blog

  21. Valerie @ FreshMutz on September 8, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    PUSH PRESENTS!!!

    Very sweet post!

    • Carrie on September 8, 2011 at 10:58 pm

      Agreed!!

  22. Rachel on September 8, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    LOL! Thatโ€™s a great picture and a great look Bella is giving you both. I think youโ€™re doing a great job already. Mrs. Fit seems pretty happy and Iโ€™m sure a large part of that is your love and support. Not flying off the handle when she has a meltdown is probably the best thing a soon-to-be Papa can do for their wives. Canโ€™t think of anything more than youโ€™re already doing, youโ€™re both going to be great parents I can tell. Thanks for telling Gina to โ€œget a hobbyโ€, haha! Yay for Starbucks. ๐Ÿ™‚

  23. Carrie on September 8, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    Great post! For starters, it is just sweet that you are aware and concerned in the first place. My husband put up with my constant pregnancy self loathing. Iโ€™m not proud of if, but there were some days when I just felt so awful about the changes in my body. He was always so sweet, patient and supportive. Additionally, there were nightly backrubs and he pretty much would have eaten anything
    I wanted- it was always my decision. Chipotle 6 nights a week โ€“ done! ๐Ÿ™‚

    He definitely โ€œbecameโ€ a father when she was born. It just seemed to be really abstract to him until she was here. I had tons of baby dreams and he never had one. He also felt completely calm, while I was so nervous about it all. One thing he did say is that it is even more rewarding than he expected. As hard as it can be, being a parent is the best and I am so happy for you two! Wait until you see that little baby smile โ€“ it is the best feeling in the world!!

  24. Lindsay@LivingLindsay on September 8, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    You just need to walk around with your shirt off. A lot. That will work magic for her.

  25. Carole on September 8, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    I think youโ€™re already doing greatโ€ฆmy only advice is for after delivery. Sleep when and as often as you can. Also remember our emotions can be a little shaky for a bit after delivery. Best wishes. And lots of love.

  26. Sarah on September 8, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    Be able to read what she needs: sometimes thatโ€™s a good cuddle and โ€œIโ€™m so proud of the mother you already areโ€ whispered into her ear, sometimes that staying the hell awayโ€ฆthe frustrating part is sometimes she wonโ€™t even know which one she needs. Gently ask. Gotta love pregnancy hormones. Sounds like you are doing an excellent job as it is, and you two are so connected anyway. Nice work. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  27. Heather on September 8, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    I love this post! My husband is deployed right now and I am about 23 weeks pregnant myself with a little girl and what I really wish he was home for was just someone to talk to with all the crazy thoughts that pop into my head. Those pregnancy books can make you question everything! Plus just conversations about all the fun stuff, like what do we think she is going to look like etc. Iโ€™d say if you engage in all those crazy convos you will be greatly appreciated ๐Ÿ™‚

  28. Julie (A Case of the Runs) on September 8, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    Very sweet! I think you are already being a good dad by being good to your wife!

  29. Krystina (Organically Me) on September 8, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Iโ€™m not pregnant currently, but Iโ€™ve felt with something very similar, and I can say that the best thing to do is simply be there for her. If sheโ€™s tired and needs to rest, rub her feet, massage her shoulders, play with her hair โ€“ anything to help her relax. Emphasize the need TO relax instead of constantly going โ€“ I know that Gina is very active and likes being active, but being pregnant requires a lot of rest, especially towards the end of the pregnancy.

  30. Sara on September 8, 2011 at 11:35 pm

    Keep telling her she looks amazing, that pregnancy suits her and, if she is feeling despondent about becoming a blob, gently reassure that itโ€™s temporary, worth it and that she will be one of the lucky ones that get no stretchmarks and bounce back to slimness like a spring after birth. ๐Ÿ˜‰ (disclaimer: I have no kids, but have lived through two of my sisters pregnancies โ€“ sisters get to hear it all, I tell ya).
    Also, and this is from experience of having the baby niece living with us for a while โ€“ the most important part of support comes once the baby comes. Having a man that hears the baby cry and gets up so that tired mum/aunty can get some sleep is worth more than twenty bazillion dollars. And, anything you can do to make looking after the house easier will be appreciated. Like, put your clothes in the washer, donโ€™t leave a mess around (you may not anywayโ€ฆ but ya know.. everyone gets busy and leaves the towel on the floor). Gina will be spending a lot of time feeding that baby and she will appreciate not doing it while simultaneously observing that the house is disintegrating into an example of chaos theory.

  31. Bec on September 8, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    so honestly. Just being there myself. Every night my hubs would rub my calves. Yes that sounds weird, but I was prone to AWFUL cramps in the middle of the nightโ€ฆ (anytime of day really) and seriously I did not have 1 cramp the entire pregnancy! He was FABโ€ฆ.

    Also softly rubbing her back always helps the nausea!

    ps..I love that you are trying to be involved! There are so few guys out there who really WANT to help during this time! Iโ€™m glad Gina and I are two of those lucky ladies!

  32. chelsea on September 8, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    Awhh at the pilots hand on your belly <3

  33. jen on September 9, 2011 at 12:12 am

    Have not been pregnant myself but I hear from friends lots of massages help ๐Ÿ™‚ when I go to boston I see lots of people with that stroller and love the look of them!

  34. Dynamics on September 9, 2011 at 12:15 am

    Hugs. Lots of hugs. Let her ventโ€ฆhug. Let her cryโ€ฆhug. Got it? You are already amazing. It appears like you are a natural. I foresee your future with a beautiful little one wrapped around your finger.

  35. Ali @ urbanfruitbat on September 9, 2011 at 12:36 am

    Hey Pilot! Thich Hanh says that the best thing that we can offer someone is our presence. Just being there, giving her your attention and love is the best thing in the world you can do. And I get the feeling that you are already pretty awesome at doing that.

  36. Lisa @ Fresh Spinach on September 9, 2011 at 1:13 am

    Diamonds! I have a friend who insisted on a new pair of diamond earrings for her first pregnancy. I still donโ€™t understand why, but what kind of girl says no to diamonds?!

  37. misty on September 9, 2011 at 1:37 am

    Some of the best memories I have from my pregnancy (my daughter just turned one) is when my hubby used to massage cocoa butter on my belly. It gets really itchy from the stretching and just feels nice for it to be moisturizer. Plus baby really loved the massage and would be very active, so hubby got to feel her kick lots during those times! Try to have her current cravings around, or go get them for her when she really has one..sometimes baby is very insistent with their food requests!:) Keep up with the foot massages, especially as she gets bigger and they sometimes get swollen. You are sweet to want to help Gina as much as possible during this wonderful time! I saw someone mentioned a designer baby bagโ€ฆthat definitely wouldnโ€™t hurt! Congrats and best of luck to you both!

  38. Karen on September 9, 2011 at 1:45 am

    I love the slightly-possesive/protective side-eye Bella is giving in the last pic! So freakinโ€™ cute! I loooove dogs, the bigger the better (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhd8eUpREzk&feature=related)<โ€“ don't worry, not a creeper link, but Bella has definitely got me wanting a little one ๐Ÿ˜‰

  39. Megan on September 9, 2011 at 2:17 am

    How to make your pregnant wifeโ€™s life easier? Clean the house, especially kitchen/bathrooms, for her. At least, that is what my husband could do to make this pregnant ladyโ€™s life easier :).

  40. Morgan on September 9, 2011 at 7:40 am

    Such a sweet papa! Just remember โ€œyes.โ€ Itโ€™s always, always yes no matter what she wants.

    And foot rubs. Lots of foot rubs

  41. Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) on September 9, 2011 at 7:51 am

    It sounds like youโ€™re on the right track already ๐Ÿ™‚

    The best thing my husband has done for me all pregnancy is being there to rub my feet, my head, my back, and any other ache and painโ€ฆ all with no complaints. His support, understanding, willingness to go the extra mile and love me a little extra has been the best โ€˜push presentโ€™ any girl could ever have!

  42. RachelG on September 9, 2011 at 8:30 am

    I think just the fact that you are looking for ways to help wifey is fan-damn-tastic! ๐Ÿ™‚ mazel tov!

  43. Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats on September 9, 2011 at 8:34 am

    Dear Pilot,
    From the sounds of it you are already doing such an amazing job! ๐Ÿ™‚ Gina, baby, and Bella are so lucky to have you!

    Do you have a brother? ๐Ÿ˜‰ lol. Kidding of course!

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 12:13 pm

      he doesnโ€™t. what a waste of good genetics ๐Ÿ˜‰

      • Clare on September 9, 2011 at 12:58 pm

        Damn! All I can say is you donโ€™t find guys who would make such lovely husbands in the Starbucks I go to!

  44. michele on September 9, 2011 at 9:10 am

    You are very sweet. The best advice I can give is to โ€œnot try to solve her problemโ€, just say you understand and be there for her. Thatโ€™s it!

  45. Jen Correa @ Mom's Gotta Run on September 9, 2011 at 9:13 am

    In terms of giving her support, you are already doing awesome. A nice token might be a gift (read: jewelry) when she gives birth. It is a Mom gift. ๐Ÿ™‚

  46. Krista on September 9, 2011 at 9:26 am

    Tom, you are doing a WONDERFUL job! ๐Ÿ™‚ There wasnโ€™t much my hubby could do when I was pregnant the first time, but when I was pregnant with my son he took care of Sarah pretty much from the time he came home from work until her bedtime so I could just put my feet up, nap or rest in general. My two are 12 & 9 now and I still appreciate that he did that! ๐Ÿ™‚

  47. Ann on September 9, 2011 at 9:40 am

    I think you are doing a wonderful job! Of course, carrying the laundry basket, letting me lie down and take up the whole couch, and coming to all the doctors appointments are important. But the best thing my husband has done for me is do all the reading and research on his own, so that when I freak out about some symptom (ahem, daily), he is the voice of reason and calms me down. Without that, I would be one big, crying, wreck threatening to go to the hospital every week. Also, weekly trips for ice cream are good.

  48. anne on September 9, 2011 at 9:46 am

    you are the sweetest!! Iโ€™m sure Gina appreciates all the stuff you do already. I canโ€™t give advice b/c I have not been pregs yet, but it sounds like your heart is in the right spot! Iโ€m hoping my Hubbs will be as thoughtful as you- altho last night he told me โ€˜you might not get to be a momโ€™ โ€“ keeping it real, (Iโ€™m already 30 + have an autoimmune disease) but OUCH!! So as long as you are there with help and reassuring words, youโ€™re doing great in my mind!

  49. April on September 9, 2011 at 9:52 am

    Ah, such a SWEET post Tom!
    You know, my hubby is doing exactly what you are doing (I am 32 weeks) and i couldnโ€™t ask for more, well i guess i could always ask for more, but seriously, we need you to do all that you do and be supportive (as you already are)โ€ฆ.Oh, and tell Gina how beautiful she is EVERY day, but i am sure you already do that:)
    I applaud you (and my hubby) for being such awesome husbands. ha ha, i am acting like i know you:)
    And like everyone else has said, you will be an amazing father! Good luck guys!

  50. Nicole on September 9, 2011 at 10:51 am

    I was already emotional after reading this post but then Sarahโ€™s suggestion of saying โ€œIโ€™m so proud of the mother you already areโ€ pushed me over the edge. Beautiful!
    That is fantastic advice and the words that every mother wants to hear โ€“ new or otherwise.

    Oh, and a designer bag would really put the cherry on top! ๐Ÿ™‚

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