In the prenatal conversation system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the dad, who hunts for food options to bring home; and the mom, who fights her brain for making a decision. These are their stories.

As the pattern may show, food is a big deal. When I want it, I. WANT. IT. When I don’t, I really don’t. The appetite comes in and out and considering what to eat at every meal becomes a serious and important life decision, similar to the kind a couple makes when signing papers to buy a house, or the kind an 18-year-old makes about going to Harvard or Yale, or the kind a woman makes when picking out polish at a manicure appointment. And while I’m not making choices about my home, an Ivy League school, or an O.P.I. shade, food is still a pretty big deal. Especially if you are hormonal.

Bryan IMed me yesterday afternoon prior to leaving work and here’s how it went:

Bryan: so, TODAY i’m picking up In N Out
Bryan: i just need it
Bryan: it’s one of those weeks
Bryan: would you like some as well babe?
Alison: hmmmm
{long pause}
Alison: i want fries
Bryan: i will get some for you
Bryan: no burger?
Alison: eh….
Alison: not hungry enough for a burger
{after some deeper consideration}
Alison: shit
Alison: but i dont want to regret it…………
{another long pause}
Alison: this is such a dilemma!!!!!
Bryan: ill get you one
Alison: it’s kind of a cardinal sin to say no to in n out
Bryan: hahah true
Alison: but i dont actually want it RIGHT THIS MINUTE
Bryan: well i’ll get you one and if you don’t eat it, no biggie
Alison: but who knows?!
Bryan: you can just have the fries
Alison: but to have a burger and not eat it is a cardinal sin too!! I can’t just let an In N Out burger go to waste!
Bryan: should i get extra fries in case?
Bryan: hahaha, true
Alison: being pregnant is SO COMPLICATED
Bryan: princeton can have it
Alison: extra fries is always a good idea

And sure enough, 45 minutes later, in walked Prince Charming Bryan. Out came the hamburger from the bag. And in it went into my belly. No regrets.

All was good in the world.