Just this last weekend we went out to lunch with some friends who have a ten month old. We love hanging out with them and most importantly we love talking baby-stuff with them. In fact, they have offered us some really great advice already that I’ve added to my baby information queue. What was interesting about this outing, though, was that we ended up sitting next to another couple who had a young child also. Of course we ended up getting into quite a conversation with them, and it turns out that they are the proud owners of every single possible piece of baby gear known to man. The most obvious piece (and the conversation starter for obvious reasons) was the chair that their kid was sitting in — Phil and Ted’s MeToo Chair.

“Quite a handy little item,” I thought, tucking away this piece of information for later use. I was happy to stop the conversation right there. I got my tidbit, now let me enjoy my lunch. But no, these baby accessory enthusiasts had much, much more to offer…so much more than our group of four adults, one baby, and two dogs would ever want to know.

Look. I’m all for some friendly stranger-to-stranger baby chat in a restaurant. This experience, however, was not a simple chat. It was a full-fledged baby-centric infomercial. I’ll admit, I was almost sold on their awesome stroller-carseat combo designed by NASA that was super safe and easy to use. I said almost sold because then they mentioned that they paid $1,500 for it. Seems to me they got a little ripped off though — looks like it’s available for a mere……$900.

I guess I’m not really an expert on all this baby gear yet, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t see any strollers in this price range when Alison and I took a our own stroll through Babies R Us. (But maybe I just blocked them out from my memory…) Anyway, something tells me we’ll be able to find a nice simple stroller that does the job and makes us happy…for a much lower price. I hope.

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.