December 27, 2010 | 6:12 pm

Mazal Tov to Natalie Portman (Mother-To-Be) and The Man She Keeps On His Toes

Posted by Mihal Levy

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After a time of pirouettes and pointe shoes, Black Swan’s leading lady and her onset dance coach Benjamin Millepied have something else keeping them on their toes; a bun in the oven.

People magazine announced that Portman and Millepied are engaged and expecting their first child together.  (And to think, some of us only got a ring.)

I have always had great respect for Portman in keeping her private life, well…private, as well as staying out of weekly gossip magazines.  But a pregnancy would have to be known sooner or later.  Portman explained to EW.com, “I have always kept my private life private but I will say that I am indescribably happy and feel very grateful to have this experience.”

A few months ago, Portman was still not ready to let her secret out.  In a mid-November interview with the Los Angeles Times, after the premiere of Black Swan,  Portman explained that she probably had a case of “food poisoning.”  She stated, “Yesterday, I was on the red carpet like, ‘Please don’t throw up.’  I went home after the red carpet last night and had a saltine and applesauce and was, like, asleep by 10.”  (And that did not make it into the tabloids?  Was no one curious?)

With all due respect, Natalie Portman is a brilliant actress and has a great year ahead of her.  Mazal Tov to both you and Benjamin!  “Be Shaa Tova!”  And from one mother to another mother (to-be), I hope you take home an Oscar, but know that there is no greater accomplishment than the award you are already carrying.  (But I am sure you already knew that.)