Pregnancy Survey!

Whether you landed here by mistake, are an avid follower, or maybe this is your first time reading my blog, I'd love to hear from you!  Also, if you enjoyed this post, take a moment to vote for our blog - Chasing Moonlight & Roses - by clicking on the button below.  Thanks!

1. What name did you and your spouse call your baby before you knew the gender?

 "Baby" and "It" -- haha!  And I hated that.  I don't remember ever coming up with a nickname that stuck.  Kinda called her a "little peanut" every once in a while.

2. When did "Oh-my-gosh-we're-having-a-baby" really sink it?

 Geez, every so often it still sinks in a little more and more.  I would say the first time he was with me to hear her heartbeat was really one of those moments.  Oh, and DEFINITELY the first ultrasound appointment when we saw our baby moving on the screen!!!  How surreal and amazing!

3. When you think of yourself as a mom, what's the first thing to come to mind?

Giving kisses; eskimo kisses, kissing boo-boo's, forehead kisses, and goodnight kisses.

4. Is your nursery complete? What's the theme and what do you have left to complete?

Almost complete -- just needing to paint the letters of her name and put them up, hang a picture frame, and that's just about it.  The room definitely has a girly jungle theme... lots of pink! 

5. List 5 qualities you hope your baby will possess:

#1.  Easy-going  #2.  A good cuddler  #3.  Independent  #4.  Patient  #5.  A gooood sleeper!

6. What's your ideal labor experience?

Having the will and energy to move around as much as possible and utilizing all the natural pain-management techniques offered by our hospital with my husband right by my side.  If I don't get the room with the whirlpool, I'm going to be one unhappy camper!!!!

7. List 5 things that have changed in your relationship with your spouse since you've been pregnant: 

Honestly, I'm not sure that much has changed.  We've known each other for so long and have been through so many changes in those earlier years that I think things don't change us very much.  I know it must have changed us in some ways, but I'm not sure that I could see what those changes have been.  I would say that we have started spending less time talking about ourselves, less money on ourselves, etc. and have done so much talking about Presley and money spending on her already!!!!

8. List 5 things you think will change once your baby arrives:

#1.  Goodbye sleep  #2.  Less cussing around the house for both of us  #3.  Less time in front of electronics  #4.  More music  #5.  A greater need for cleaning!

9. Where do you think you'll be when you go into labor? Why?

Probably at home because that's where I feel like I am the vast majority of the time.

10. Have you been talking to your baby? Playing music?

I don't talk to her TOO often because honestly, I feel crazy when I do that.  In my second trimester I read to her just about every night!  However, Tony was pissing me off the other day so I was telling her some unfavorable things about him... ;)  I have played music for her -- mainly my favorite Disney songs or Mumford & Sons.

11. In what ways do you hope your baby is like your spouse?

Oh, SO MANY ways do I wish she will be like her father.  I hope she has his sense of humor, the naivety in which he looks at things, his taste in music, the fact that he is sooo easy going, his peacefulness, wouldn't mind staring at two sets of those beautiful eyes, his work ethic and selflessness, his common sense, the way in which he refuses to be part of the crowd.... oh my word, I could honestly go on and on and on!!!

12. In what ways do you hope your baby is like you?

I hope that she has my willingness to consider that there is a God and that Jesus came to earth and died for us as well as a feeling of joy and peace while at church,  I hope she enjoys being thrifty & crafty, my love of words and writing, my silliness, love for Disney!!!, love for food, and I hope she isn't afraid of being independent.

13. How long will you wait for the next baby, or if this is your last one, why/why not?

Tony and I have talked about all different kinds of options.  We've considered the possibility of just having her and spoiling her blindly!!!!  But, if we decide that we'd like a sibling for her then I would like to put about two years in between them because I love being about that close in age to both of my sisters.

14. What kind of grandparents do you think your baby will have? 

I wish I was able to see what kind of Grampa my dad would be... it's so odd to think of him with that title!  I am SO beyond excited to see my FIL, Mike, with Presley.  I think he will be just absolutely sweeter than ever with her but won't be afraid to rough her up once she gets a little bit older.  I think both of her grandmother's will readily spoil her and will enjoy doing girl things with her throughout the years.  I think all of her grandparents are going to want to be a big part of her life and try to guide her through life.

15. Who will be with you during labor? Who will visit you in the hospital during your recovery? 

My husband - that is it.  If either one of my sisters make it in town before Presley is born then that would be the only possible exception.  I would be open to friends and family who want to visit us in recovery to be able to do some!  The more to celebrate her birth, the merrier... unless it's sleepytime... then ya gotta go, people!

16. How much will you tell your baby (child, teenager) about your past? Why/why not?

I think that will depend on her age at the time, but I am honestly open to telling her all she'd like to know about my past.  I think it's important to share that openness and if she can learn anything by the choices I've made that would be great.

17. Do you have any hopes for your child's activities? (Sports, academics, school preference, activities, etc)

No preference here, I just hope that she finds all sorts of activities and hobbies that interest her.  I would love for her to pick up drawing or writing, but other than that, I can't say that I would mind what she chooses to spend her time on!

18. When will you tell your baby about the birds and the bees?

I'm sure we'll have a "big" conversation about it at some point, but for the most part, I would like to slowly explain the birds and the bees to her throughout her life, taking into consideration the appropriate details for the age she is.  Tony has already told me that it's not his job, though, since he's a boy but I would like for Presley to be able to confide in a honest and kind man's perspective and someone she can trust in addition to hearing from a woman!

19. In what ways do you hope you'll parent like your parents did? In what ways do you hope you aren't like them? 

I like that we did so many fun things as kids with both of my parents and I feel like when we were younger spanking helped us rather than hurting us (even though it hurt like heck!) when we needed it.  And even though I enjoyed having a BAZILLION toys growing up (and I'm sure with 3 girls it's just impossible to not end up with so many toys), I think we're going to (try to) do a lot less toy buying for Presley and save money for her future as much as possible in place of extra "stuff."

20. Which childhood memory do you hope your child will have (similar to one you fondly remember)? 

GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!! :)

21. And finally, Be annoying! What "advice" do you want newly pregnant women to know?

Goodness.  Just know that you can do it.  Every pregnancy is different.  Try not to get hung up on the number you see when you get on the scale and DON'T let people's RUDE comments about your weight get to you!!!!  Also, don't let the rude comments in general about what you could be doing better/what you're doing wrong get to you because it's easier for rude people to talk about your flaws rather than focus on their own!  But for every negative person, there are a HUNDRED sweet, kind, and helpful people willing to support you and expect nothing in return!  Don't pay high prices for maternity clothes if you can help it -- Old Navy & Kohl's both have great maternity clearance sections and Goodwill is a great option, too!  When you have a question or concern, no matter how small or stupid it may seem, DO talk to your doctor and their nurses about it because it will make you feel better.  It goes by very fast, so document (pictures, writing, journals, etc.) things as you go if you think you'd like to look back and reflect on this important time in your life.  I think that's just about it!  Have fun and enjoy this fun fun fun time!!!!