Alaska Governor and former Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin gave birth to her fifth child - Trig - almost a year ago. Palin hid her pregnancy from the public and even her own children - but was almost discovered by one of her daughters, when Sarah made one slip-up.
PEOPLE Assistant Editor Lorenzo Benet's biography of Palin, titled Trailblazer: An Intimate Biography of Sarah Palin, reports details on her pregnancy with Trig and why she hid it. The book also sheds light on Sarah's oldest daughter Bristol, and her relationship with fiance Levi Johnston and their newest edition - son Tripp.
A few highlights from the book:
On Sarah's pregnancy with Trig:
One of Palin's daughters found her ultra-sound photo of Trig but Sarah explained it away. "Sarah made one slip-up - but [she] dampened suspicion by explaining it away." Sarah was also given the news that her unborn baby would have Down syndrome, but did not disclose that information to her family either, until after his birth on April 18.
"Not discussing the pregnancy with her daughters, she felt, would shorten the process and spare them from unwanted attention." Sarah also felt unsure about how to handle her own emotions.
"Not knowing in my own heart if I was going to be ready to embrace a child with special needs - I couldn't talk about it."
Trig's health issues started right at birth:
Baby Trig was born with a congenital heart defect typically found in about 50 percent of babies with Down syndrome. However, his cleared up without requiring surgery.
The Palin home is typical of a big family:
There are chaotic times, like in any household, one-on-one basketball games, kids bantering back and forth and take-out dinners. They have lots of extended family to help out when needed, especially when Sarah was on the campaign trail last year. The family also hired a Wasilla nanny to lend a hand.
On the relationship between Sarah's oldest daughter Bristol, and her fiance Levi Johnston:
Bristol and Levi became teen parents on December 27, 2008, with the birth of their son, Tripp.
During her pregnancy, Bristol, now 18, was living in Anchorage with her aunt and uncle, Heather and Kurt Bruce. She was working two jobs and attending West High School.
Levi was living 40 miles away in Wasilla, but, "there was certainly no ban on them dating. Levi used to drive to Anchorage to take Bristol out."
Heather Bruce was quoted for the book: "He used to bring her flowers and take her to dinner and a movie. He would come in and say hello, but he says few words. He's a quiet boy."
As a parent, I'm not sure I'd hide my pregnancy from my older children - what's the point? Sure, I'm not in the public eye, but why hide it from your own kids? They're eventually going to find out and why not let them be a part of it? I don't like 'secrets' in a family - but that's just me.
[Source]
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