It’s been a while since we’ve posted a “how Junior affects Jen and Matt” update. In contrast to the first trimester (which was bordering on abject misery for Jen), the second trimester is pretty smooth sailing. Based on all the books and web sites we had studied, we expected this and planned our trips to Costa Rica and the Virgin Islands accordingly.
What we have learned in this second trimester is that Jen conceals the evidence quite well. While traveling, I had to point out that Jen was pregnant or people wouldn’t have known. Most challenged the pronouncement, looking first at the belly, and then to mommy’s face to verify. At 24 weeks, Jen is finally beginning to show, but the bulge is really only evident when she’s au naturale. Naturally, that limits the audience.
I’d expect that more than a few ladies read that nugget in envy. I’m also certain that nearly every proud papa out there knows my disappointment. After all, I’ve been waiting for that belly to “pop” out and make it’s self-evident proclamation. How else can I walk around with that silly “Yup, I did that” grin on my face? My day is coming, it’s just a matter of time.
I’ve noticed a few role reversals happening lately. For starters, I’m no longer the appetite that drives the eating habits of our home. Before the pregnancy, Jen was the driving force behind meal planning. She based a significant portion of her creativity on trying to select foods I’d like. In the first trimester, that shifted radically with her eating the few things she could keep down (or that tasted fine coming back up) and I fended for myself.
Now that we’re in the second trimester and Jen can eat again, I find our eating habits have reverted to their original patterns, except we’ve reversed roles. I’ve been shedding a few pounds so my intake is considerably moderated from my mountain climbing days. Jen has taken over my role as primary eater and for the first time, I find myself defending my food.
I have been advised to expect many more role reversals during this transition from happy dual income couple with no kids to the brave new land of parenthood. The best book I’ve read on this subject is Babyhood by Paul Reiser. Instead of boring (or frightening) you with all the details, he presents his own transition in the same comedic fashion that has made Mad About You such a popular television show. It’s a very enjoyable read.