Carla’s time

It took a while for it to happen but when it finally did Carla Seaga stopped just short of pinching herself.

Like most women she dreamt of becoming a mother – giving birth and watching the baby grow into adulthood.

“I have wanted children for a very long time,” the blooming mom-to-be told All Woman in an exclusive interview.

The 42 year-old wife of Opposition Leader Edward Seaga, is expecting the couple’s first child, due in about five months. The diminutive expecting mom married Seaga in 1996 and indicated from then that she wanted to have babies. Though not yet showing , she is savouring the bliss and preparing the nursery for what tests say will be a baby girl. Motherhood was a path she gave serious thought.

“When I was ready it didn’t happen right away, this is God’s work, it is his timing,” she beamed.

While there are more 40-something women having their first child, the risk of complications is still very high.

“I was warned very early about being cautious and we were asked not to say anything until all the tests were run. The doctors asked me to keep it quiet and I did not want to let them down.”

There was the telltale nausea and drowsiness, which is common, especially in the first weeks of the pregnancy.

She joked that there have been times when she has fallen asleep during conversations with her husband.

Then there are the cravings which were first for olives and now for cheese.

How is he taking the stork’s announcement?

“He is excited and very happy,” she told All Woman.

While diaper changes and gripes will be new to the prospective mom, Seaga, who has fathered two children Anabella and Andrew and adopted a third, Christopher, should be an experienced hand.

“He has tried to caution me and spoke to me about nutrition and doing all the right things”.

What about the public’s reaction to the opposition leader’s becoming a dad for the fourth time at age 72?

“We expect some teasing and that’s alright. Isay look at the person’s life and not how many years left of it,” she replied.

Her husband, she said, is in good shape and is ready for the physical challenges a new baby brings, as he eats properly and walks on his treadmill machine often.

“He takes good care of himself,” she said.

Her pregnancy comes in the middle of an election year and at a time when Seaga’s Jamaica Labour Party will be campaigning hard for their first win at the polls in 13 years. Election campaigns mean many public appearances and fundraisers and Carla says she will be very careful.

“My doctors have advised me that I can go to some but not all the events,” she said.

As her due date nears, she will scale back on the public occasions, especially the rallies she enjoys.

“There are always going to be demands, but we have to establish priorities.”

Among the activities she has to organise is her small business, Reggae Wrapping Limited which sources craft items for resort shops.

“We are in the retail side of the business, it is very exciting.” This is in addition to her earlier effort Reggae Rhapsody, scarves designed in vibrant tropical colours and designs. The craft industry has been severely affected by the 9/11 attack on America, she said, noting that there needs to be more planning to meet the demands of the craft market.

“We have to decide what we are going to do about the local craft industry. Maybe the influence needs to come from other countries but we have so much talent here,” she said.

The craft effort is affected by slow production, a sameness in designs and poor workmanship.

Business aside, there is the Social Support Fund, which she said just received a grant of US$10,000 from the American Friends of Jamaica. The fund was established to assist residents of West Kingston affected by last July’s violent outbreak.

Does she see a personal role in the move for peace between followers of the main political parties, especially if she were to become the first lady?

“Most people in Jamaica want peace. We see it in Parliament after the session is over and both sides get together but the public doesn’t see that. I would lend my support to any initiative for peace.”

What is it like being married to someone often perceived as strict and impatient?

“People misunderstand him. He is really a romantic, in his own way.”

A room in the couple’s home has been cleared out and will become the nursery.

Until it’s new occupant arrives, mommy will be taking extra special care.