Pregnancy Survey

Call me a thief - but, after reading this from Ali's blog - I couldn't help but steal it!

Pregnancy Survey!

1. What name did you and your spouse call your baby before you knew the gender?
"Baby", "Bean" and I think I used "Nugget" once or twice. The most overused was, by far, "Baby".

2. When did "Oh-my-gosh-we're-having-a-baby" really sink in?
I'm not sure I've stopped having this feeling! The moments that stick out the most are the times we got to see Gwen during an ultrasound. From the first time, seeing the small speck on the screen (with a heartbeat and all!) at 6 weeks to the last ultrasound at 23 weeks. Just being able to see her on the screen, we felt like we were given a glimpse into her personality!

3. When you think of yourself as a mom, what's the first thing to come to mind?
Being over-protective. I've mentioned this before, that I haven't laid my eyes on her yet - but I know she's everything and more. I don't want her to ever feel less than protected and spoiled (or "well taken care of...").

4. Is your nursery complete? What's the theme and what do you have left to complete?
For the most part - yes, it's complete! I like to think of the theme as just flat-out super girly! We've gone with the tree and bird theme - with little whimsical features throughout. What's left? - adding a few registry items, painting and hanging the small shelf (the same shelf I had in my room growing up!) and buying the rug for the floor.

5. List 5 qualities you hope your baby will possess.
As a baby, I hope she's (1) patient, (2) lovable, (3) warm, (4) happy and (5) a consistent sleeper! :)
As a woman, I hope she's (1) patient, (2) humble, (3) honest, (4) brave and (5) faithful.

6. What's your ideal labor experience?
Ideal? I'm not sure that's even possible. Ideal would be completely painless and quick. Chances of that happening are slim to none.

7. List 5 things that have changed in your relationship with your spouse since you've been pregnant.
Really, the only thing that has "changed" is how much more I'm in love with Eric. I feel so blessed to have him as my best friend, and feel so blessed to give him the opportunity to be a father.

8. List 5 things you think will change once your baby arrives:
(A 5th was hard to think about...so I went with 4!)...(1) The obvious...less sleep. (2) We won't be bored on weeknights anymore! (3) Instead of talking in our "dog voice", we'll talk in our "baby voice". (4) I pray for better eating habits.

9. Where do you think you'll be when you go into labor? Why?
I have this fear of walking through Target or being at work and having my water break. I guess to answer the "ideal labor" question above - I'd really like to be at home, with Eric, when it's go time.

10. Have you been talking to your baby? Playing music?
We talk to her just about every opportunity we can - or when we have something to share with her. We never stop referring to her - or what life will be like with her. As for music, I like to think the car rides are her favorite - as I belt out the radio tunes to her!

11. In what ways do you hope your baby is like your spouse?
Every. Way. Possible. I hope she's calm and patient like Eric. Eric and I define "opposites" - and I envy his patience in so many situations.

12. In what ways do you hope your baby is like you?
I hope she has my desire to protect those close to her. I hope that one day, we give her the opportunity to be a big sister - and that she protects her little sister/brother with as much love as I have for Ryan.

13. How long will you wait for the next baby, or if this is your last one, why/why not?
We need to get through the first one, before we're ready for the next one! :) I am six years older than my little brother, and can remember so many memories of being "just me". I truly wouldn't trade in being a big sister for being an only child, but I love that I had those years to spend with my parents alone. I want Gwen to have that same feeling.

14. What kind of grandparents do you think your baby will have?
Will have?! How about DO have!! There are very few words I can use to even describe how amazingly blessed we are to have my parents and Eric's parents in our life. They have already done so much for us, that we will never be able to repay.

15. Who will be with you during labor? Who will visit you in the hospital during your recovery?
As for labor, it will just be Eric and I. Spending those first few moments of her life as just the three of us is incredibly important to Eric and I. During recovery, we hope to share the those moments with our family and friends - all are welcome! :)

16. How much will tell your baby (child, teenager) about your past? Why/why not?
As long as she'll listen - I'll share as many stories and experiences as I can. :)

17. Do you have any hopes for your child's activities? (Sports, academics, school preference, activities, etc.)
I like to think about what she'll be interested in as a baby and toddler - but, can't even begin to think about sports and school preferences! Of course, I hope she prefers to to wear UK blue instead of Texas orange...

18. When will you tell your baby about the birds and the bees?
I'm not sure I'm mentally prepared for this conversation. For the meantime I'll stick with the "babies come from stroks" version.

19. In what ways do you hope you'll parent like your parents did?
I hope we can teach Gwen to pay it forward instead of giving back. Without question, my parents are the first to help someone in need, not questioning it for a minute and not expecting to receive anything in return. As an adult, I have tried to live by this in so many situations - and can only pray that their example becomes our example to our child.

20. And, finally - which childhood memory do you hope your child will have (similar to the one you fondly remember)?
Disney World! Even at 26, I'm giddy over Mickey Mouse and Cinderella.