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will certainly help her out.
Some men, like myself, enjoy cooking food. Say it with me, "BBQ." Think about it men. How many of you like the smell of a chunk of meat sizzling over fire? From medieval knights celebrating with a fat hog on a spit to Uncle Tony's famous salmon in beer, men cook on fire. The enjoyment is natural, but the skills are not. That is why I suggest the first pregnancy "tools" you should purchase for yourself are few good cooking books. Find some that are geared for the male mind and have tips on side dishes. It is the culinary rule of triangulation: one part meat, one part fruit or veggie, and one part starch. Every meal should have these three things so find a book that provides the side choice for you and save yourself the guess-work.

"Whoa, Mike," I hear from the back, "That does nothing for our squid problem." True, most BBQ's do not come with squid. This is where you hone the art of finding food. You have to be creative. For example: It is 1:08 AM and your princess wants Subway. You, in your 'I'm thinking clearly because I'm not the pregnant one' logic inform her that they've been closed for hours, and she would feel better with some rest. Unfortunately you have neglected that your partner is indwelt at the moment. She has been fighting the craving for a deli sandwich for two hours and can not fight the demon any more. Currently, due to your reply, she is in deliberation as to what to do with your eyeballs once she has plucked them from your head. Your response? Get the sandwich. Find a place that is open all night. Some grocery stores have twenty-four hour service and their deli section with have pre-made subs prepared that day and plastic wrapped for individual sale. Buy two.
For the more exotic tastes, check the yellow pages for specialty markets. You might be surprised at how many ethnic food stores are in your area. From Mexican groceries (the best place to find good tamales) to Asian markets (there's your squid), you may be minutes away from your answer.

It was not until our second pregnancy that I realized how important cleaning was. Okay, so I probably just lost half of the audience. Stick with me men! This isn't that hard. She wants a clean house, and you want a happy wife. It means you get to clean. Here are a few tips.

Make a list.
Cleaning happens faster when you make a list and prioritize. Pick a room, break down the chores, and get to it.
Ask her what she expects.
Tell her that you want to help by doing it right the first time. Chances are she will tell you exactly how she wants it done.
Don't forget the small stuff.
Guys tend to overlook the details like wiping-down the stove top after doing the dishes and dumping the trash in the bathroom. Make sure you are thorough.

Remember, you are there to be her helper, and sometimes that means donning the toilet brush.

Lastly is the role of the concierge. A concierge could also be called the Odd-Job Man. She needs it: you get it. Her socks itch: you find the soft ones. She can't reach her shoe laces: you tie them. The dog stinks: well... put him outside.
Now I know this sounds like servitude. That's because it is. She is unable to perform many of the tasks and you are. You are making your abilities her abilities. Without you she would be struggling to reach the pots in the back of the low cupboard, and wearing socks that drive her nuts. By offering your services to her you are giving her peace, and building intimacy; two things no house can have too much of.

Remember, the male's job doesn't stop at conception. And while you will undoubtedly do more than is mentioned in this short essay, hopefully you have a much smoother time after making a few easy applications to your routine.

Learn more about this author, Michael Shipley.
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