Tisha Campbell-Martin: ‘I’m 40, Pregnant And Loving It!’
Pregnancy can still be enjoyed and worn well. Just ask Tisha Cambpell-Martin, who had a French Cirque du Bebe-themed shower (that she said felt more like “a family barbeque”) at her manager’s home. Surrounded by 180 of her family and friends, Campbell-Martin and her husband, Duane Martin, celebrated the anticipation of their bundle of joy. ESSENCE.COM had some girl talk with the costar of Lifetime’s “Rita Rocks” to talk about her pregnancy scare, motherhood and pregnancy the second time around.
ESSENCE.COM: So, it’s your second time around and you told us a while back that you were concerned about the baby. Is he safe and sound?
TISHA CAMPBELL-MARTIN: Yes, he is, and I told you that in the first few months I was bleeding and that made us very concerned. When you’re 40 things are a lot different, so I know I have some work ahead of me, but I also know this is the last time for me. My only concern now is my blood pressure, so we monitor that, but other than that I’m really healthy.
ESSENCE.COM: Well, we’re happy all is well. So how does it feel, Mama Tisha, knowing you’re having another boy?
CAMPBELL-MARTIN: I love being pregnant! I think I’m a boy-mommy. Xen is so glad not to be the only child. We waited for eight years before we had another child because he needed all of our attention. We say all the time how we kicked autism in the behind because Xen is so amazing—he’s going to a regular school and has friends of his own. He’s a true blessing. My pregnancy wasn’t a surprise because Duane and I are planners, so we did what we had to do, if you know what I mean (laughs).
ESSENCE.COM: (Laughs.) Of course, what the grown and sexy do. So when does your son make his debut?
CAMPBELL-MARTIN: September 21, but I swear he’s ready to come any day now. I’m just trying to get him to stay in there. I’m so big right now—I told my doctor I didn’t even want to know how much I weighed. I don’t look at the scale or anything. With my first son, Xen, I lost 80 pounds, so I’m looking forward to working on getting rid of this baby fat.
ESSENCE.COM: And have you chosen a name?
CAMPBELL-MARTIN: We’re still working on it. Duane and I haven’t settled on one yet that we absolutely love, and every name Xen’s chosen is a cartoon character (laughs).
ESSENCE.COM: So what are your cravings?
CAMPBELL-MARTIN: (Laughs.) I’m craving ice and read that means you have an iron defienciency. And, man, I don’t even want to admit this because it’s so country, but I have to have watermelon (laughs). I will fight for my pregnancy watermelon so people know not to mess with my stash. The first three months I had to have a Taco Bell burrito and now I love the chicken satay at Mr. Chow’s.
ESSENCE.COM: So what has motherhood the second time around taught you?
CAMPBELL-MARTIN: At 40, I have so much more to offer as a mom. Xen gave me so many gifts; it was such a learning experience. I’m hoping for the best in health with my baby. It’s not going to be as hard as it was with Zen. As much as Duane and I make light of his autism, it was not an easy fight, but we fought it. I’ve been praying for it and believe that it will be easier this time around. But regardless of the challenge, I believe God will never give me more than I can handle and I find peace and comfort in knowing that.
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