Papa Pilot
Hey, everybody. Bring on the weekend! I already have one small project lined up…
This stroller’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:
Of course, I’ve gotta transform it from it’s current state:
Expect Gina to do a review on it once our future little one has a chance to try it out 🙂
Anyway, that’s pretty much been my routine since we’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. There’s not a lot guys can do otherwise. I mean, there’s studying baby books and foot rubs, but outside of that, we can’t take on the extra baby weight or nausea for a day. That’s too bad because I know there are days that are pretty tough my lovely bride.
There’s a saying, “women becomes mothers when they get pregnant and guys become fathers when the baby’s born,” but I’m trying to be a little more involved than that 😉 We still have date nights, evening walks, etc. but I’m sure there’s something I’m missing.
So, that’s where I could use your help. How can I make life for my pregnant wife easier…or what was the best thing someone did for you to alleviate the “not so fun” side affects of being pregnant??
Can’t wait to read your responses!
Cheers,
The Pilot
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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!
So sweet! I almost wish I could offer some advice but I’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 🙂
thank you, friend!
“How can I make life for my pregnant wife easier?”
Giver her daily foot massages! That was my husband’s role towards the latter part of my pregnancy!
I love the last picture of your hand on Gina’s baby bump! How sweet!
Pilot — You are already such a great partner / husband / friend to your wife. She’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 that’s the best. You’ll be there for her thru all of it, and that’s all that matters !
amen to that <3
Love the post, Tom! And that is one epic stroller that would make any guy proud to push it. 😉 I can’t speak from personal experience about pregnancy (at only 18, I haven’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 it’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 you’re doing a great job already and I’m sure you’ll be a great dad. 🙂
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 😉 or make her breakfast in bed!
one vote for the designer bag! YES!!
This is the sweetest post ever, my heart is melting times a billion!! 🙂
I’m not pregnant (yet!) but from what I’ve read from Gina you’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 lows…although I’m sure you’re doing that already!
You two are going to be the most amazing parents ever to that lil nuggette and I’m so happy for you two 🙂
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 🙂
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 🙂
yes! so sweet 🙂
GOSH the fact that you are asking, I think you’re ahead of many. you two are going to be fantastic parents. <3
wish i could give some advice, but im no there yet… i just wanted to say how i love the last pic!
Swoon 😉
The best thing my husband did for me while pregnant was just being supportive…listening to me…putting up with my moods and understanding that I was going to be a little “cray cray” as your wife calls it. He was always good for a laugh when I was in a “mood.”
Michael expressed that he didn’t feel that connection until the baby was born, and it wasn’t as strong in the beginning as it is now because the baby needed ME for everything and there wasn’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 duty…when 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 swoon…when he cleaned up what he cooked 😉
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!
How sweet are you? I say keep doing what you’re doing. It’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).
he is- i’m a very lucky girl 🙂
I can’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!
I’ve never been pregnant and don’t plan to for a while. But what I’ve learned from reading your wife’s blog when she wants a shrimp salad, just smile and say okay 🙂 hehe!
this cracked me up. and you’re totally right 🙂
Awwwe. Mr. Pilot , I think you are doing great just as you are doing. You guys are too cute. 🙂
I second the foot rubs. That is pretty much the best thing my boyfriend can EVER do for me, and I’m not even pregnant. And it sounds like you are already on that track. You rock!
It’s so fun reading this post now that I’ve actually met you. 🙂
I’m not sure what I will want my hubby to do for me when I am pregnant but I’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. I’m sure you’re doing a great job!
…put 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
PUSH PRESENTS!!!
Very sweet post!
Agreed!!
LOL! That’s a great picture and a great look Bella is giving you both. I think you’re doing a great job already. Mrs. Fit seems pretty happy and I’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. Can’t think of anything more than you’re already doing, you’re both going to be great parents I can tell. Thanks for telling Gina to “get a hobby”, haha! Yay for Starbucks. 🙂
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. I’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 – done! 🙂
He definitely “became” 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 – it is the best feeling in the world!!
You just need to walk around with your shirt off. A lot. That will work magic for her.
I think you’re already doing great…my 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.
Be able to read what she needs: sometimes that’s a good cuddle and “I’m so proud of the mother you already are” whispered into her ear, sometimes that staying the hell away…the frustrating part is sometimes she won’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. 😉
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. I’d say if you engage in all those crazy convos you will be greatly appreciated 🙂
Very sweet! I think you are already being a good dad by being good to your wife!
I’m not pregnant currently, but I’ve felt with something very similar, and I can say that the best thing to do is simply be there for her. If she’s tired and needs to rest, rub her feet, massage her shoulders, play with her hair – anything to help her relax. Emphasize the need TO relax instead of constantly going – 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.
Keep telling her she looks amazing, that pregnancy suits her and, if she is feeling despondent about becoming a blob, gently reassure that it’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. 😉 (disclaimer: I have no kids, but have lived through two of my sisters pregnancies – 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 – 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, don’t leave a mess around (you may not anyway… 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.
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 night… (anytime of day really) and seriously I did not have 1 cramp the entire pregnancy! He was FAB….
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! I’m glad Gina and I are two of those lucky ladies!
Awhh at the pilots hand on your belly <3
Have not been pregnant myself but I hear from friends lots of massages help 🙂 when I go to boston I see lots of people with that stroller and love the look of them!
Hugs. Lots of hugs. Let her vent…hug. Let her cry…hug. 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.
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.
Diamonds! I have a friend who insisted on a new pair of diamond earrings for her first pregnancy. I still don’t understand why, but what kind of girl says no to diamonds?!
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 bag…that definitely wouldn’t hurt! Congrats and best of luck to you both!
I love the slightly-possesive/protective side-eye Bella is giving in the last pic! So freakin’ cute! I loooove dogs, the bigger the better (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhd8eUpREzk&feature=related)<– don't worry, not a creeper link, but Bella has definitely got me wanting a little one 😉
How to make your pregnant wife’s life easier? Clean the house, especially kitchen/bathrooms, for her. At least, that is what my husband could do to make this pregnant lady’s life easier :).
Such a sweet papa! Just remember “yes.” It’s always, always yes no matter what she wants.
And foot rubs. Lots of foot rubs
It sounds like you’re on the right track already 🙂
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 pain… all with no complaints. His support, understanding, willingness to go the extra mile and love me a little extra has been the best ‘push present’ any girl could ever have!
I think just the fact that you are looking for ways to help wifey is fan-damn-tastic! 🙂 mazel tov!
Dear Pilot,
From the sounds of it you are already doing such an amazing job! 🙂 Gina, baby, and Bella are so lucky to have you!
Do you have a brother? 😉 lol. Kidding of course!
he doesn’t. what a waste of good genetics 😉
Damn! All I can say is you don’t find guys who would make such lovely husbands in the Starbucks I go to!
You are very sweet. The best advice I can give is to “not try to solve her problem”, just say you understand and be there for her. That’s it!
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. 🙂
Tom, you are doing a WONDERFUL job! 🙂 There wasn’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! 🙂
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.
you are the sweetest!! I’m sure Gina appreciates all the stuff you do already. I can’t give advice b/c I have not been pregs yet, but it sounds like your heart is in the right spot! I”m hoping my Hubbs will be as thoughtful as you- altho last night he told me ‘you might not get to be a mom’ – keeping it real, (I’m already 30 + have an autoimmune disease) but OUCH!! So as long as you are there with help and reassuring words, you’re doing great in my mind!
Ah, such a SWEET post Tom!
You know, my hubby is doing exactly what you are doing (I am 32 weeks) and i couldn’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)….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!
I was already emotional after reading this post but then Sarah’s suggestion of saying “I’m so proud of the mother you already are” pushed me over the edge. Beautiful!
That is fantastic advice and the words that every mother wants to hear – new or otherwise.
Oh, and a designer bag would really put the cherry on top! 🙂