For Dads To Be

For all of you dads to be, whose wives are currently (or even potentially) in that delicate condition of pregnancy, I offer some advice.

These are but a few of the more significant things that I wish I had heard as a young, inexperienced expectant father.

Because we are not ourselves dealing with being pregnant and all that it entails, it is easy to become rather detached from the event, and even aloof. Let me assure you: it is not something that your wife can become detached from. If she had a choice, I guarantee you that you'd get to be pregnant for a while.

It is said that the energy a pregnant woman has to put out every day is comparable to climbing a mountain. So it's no wonder that she's tired, maybe cranky, maybe reeeeeally cranky, and needs a lot from you.

So arm yourself with knowledge. Here are my tips:

• Be stronger than you ever believed you could be.

• Give 200% at all times.

• However tired you think you are, you're not as tired as she is.

• Have a plan at all times. Be prepared. Keep a list of her favorite foods and where to find them. Know where things are in your town so you could virtually drive to them blindfolded.

• Sleep lightly. Have going-out-for-stuff clothes ready by the bed.

• Whatever it is, it isn't about you.

• No matter what she says, she still loves you and needs you to take care of her.

• Be stubbornly committed.

• You'll survive. Really. No, really.

Good luck and God bless. Take care of her, take care of your kids. You're the dad.