It ain't easy, being....

The role of expectant father is an odd one: You and the mother of your children got into it together, but your life really doesn't change that much. I've still been able to eat and drink what I want. I'm still sleeping soundly throughout the night, never once getting up to visit the potty. My body is still pretty much the same size as it was 7 months ago (although I have gained some sympathy weight, but that's another post.) Without inviting you into our bedroom too much, I got to have sex and then nine months later get rewarded with children (two in my case!). That's not a bad deal for a future dad.

I can't imagine what its like to be an expectant mother. From the moment you see the two little pink lines on the test (or the digital pregnant readout, or both, because we wanted to be SURE), your body isn't just yours anymore. Every single action has consequences for not just your life, but for another. In the case of twins, you're responsible for two extra lives.

And while the excitement of pregnancy is awesome, I don't think my wife will mind me sharing this: it ain't easy. It ain't happy. Anyone who tells you that its so wonderful and easy has probably already HAD their children. There is no doubt that much of the pain and discomfort are forgotten once you hold your baby(s) in your arms. But in the midst of? Its there full force.

Just here lately, the hormones have been an raging. There have been a number of times that tears have just started flowing for no reason, and rather than turning a sympathetic ear, I just start laughing. This normally sends the wife into a hysterical laugh/cry combo which should totally be featured on America's Funniest home videos.

Add on top of that the inability to find comfort in your once plush and heavenly bed? You've got the makings of breakdown central. I get it. I can't imagine it.

So publically, I want to say to my wife: Thank you. Thank you for putting up with the discomfort so that we may have our family. I know that you know its worth it, but even the best of us get down sometimes. Its okay. You're in the home stretch. You've handled everything so remarkably up 'till now. Just think, in a few short weeks we'll be holding Smith and Addison and changing diapers and arguing if it was gas or a real smile. I love you. Please just hang in there, and in a few months, you'll laugh and tell all your newly pregnant friends about how your pregnancy wasn't that bad and that you'd never felt better in your life!

To the rest of the mother's out there (mine especially) - thank you. Thank you for the pain and suffering you've gone through to get us here.