Great Expectations

Remember this?

This is my son, Nathan, and his wife, Sarah, who were married last November. While we were visiting Encinitas this weekend, we got together for dinner on Saturday night. We hadn’t seen the kids ( 😉 ) for a couple months, so we were really excited to see them. Not as excited as we would become, though, because shortly after sitting down, Sarah and Nathan announced that they were expecting a baby!

Although she’s just barely along (due in late November), we are all as happy and excited as we could be. I have to say that my mother-in-law radar was right on, though. When I was speaking to Nathan before we met for dinner, he told me that they had changed some plans earlier in the day because Sarah wasn’t feeling well. Later, I told that to Alan, and wondered aloud, hmmm, pregnant?

Fortunately, I didn’t have to be the prying MIL, since they told us right away. They are both so happy. Nathan has had some health challenges in the last few months, first his gallbladder had to be removed (on Christmas!), then he has been dealing with a condition called Vestibular Neuritis, which started as extreme dizziness, then advanced to complete loss of balance. It took more than two months just to get a diagnosis. They had to deal with the possibility of a tumor, and then just not knowing what the problem was and if it would ever go away (it actually does not, but his brain and body will learn to adapt).

As for me, I am thrilled. I already have three grandchildren. The twins, the children of Alan’s son and his wife; and Nathan’s older daughter, who lives in Nebraska with her mother. This, though, will be my first opportunity to be there from the beginning, to watch the changes, help out when needed, actually hold my infant grandchild.

I apologize if I’m rambling a little, but I haven’t really had a chance to put my thoughts together. Nathan and Sarah gave me permission to write about the pregnancy and I wanted to share.

Sarah has asked me for some advice, and I, in turn, am asking my readers. What are the best resources for pregnant women these days? She already purchased “What to Expect When You Are Expecting,” and I can answer her questions about exercise and nutrition. Are there any other books that you’d recommend? How about blogs? I know there are a lot of women who write about their pregnancy (and mommyhood) experience, and Sarah would love to read some of the good ones.

My main advice so far: As far as exercise goes, if you were doing it before, you can continue while you are pregnant, maybe with some modification (check with your doctor). And, no, no matter how hungry you may feel right now, you are not eating for two!