Who's Your Daddy?

Most of you that know my husband know him as a quite and easy going guy that generally goes with the flow.  However, he is a very kind, thoughtful, and insightful guy and his mind is always spinning.  Most people don't generally ask the Daddy what he is feeling and thinking through pregnancy. All the attention is given to the Mamma!  I decided to send him a few questions to answer about how he is and has been feeling through this whole adventure.  Here's to my version of a Daddy Interview: (Dad's answers are in blue and I added a few comments in red after his answers!)

1.  What was your first reaction when you found out that you were going to be a dad? 
    - The great news took some time to set in , but I was very excited to start this new chapter in our lives!

I didn't exactly spring the news on him lightly.  He was leaving for work and I came running into the garage with the digital pregnancy test that said "pregnant."  His exact words were: "What does that mean?"  :)
 

2.  Who did you tell first?
    - My older Brother Jed was the first person I told. He had a two and a half year old son at the time.

3.  What decisions have you made since knowing that Niki was pregnant that have been based solely on the fact that you are going to be a father soon?
    - My calculated level of risk taking, on a scale of 1-10, has dropped from an 8 to about a 7. 
    - I began to research babies through books and articles.

4.  What have you been doing to keep "in the loop" with the whole being pregnant thing?
    - I keep up by reading the "Expectant Father" book, "Baby Bump" online articles, and conversing with the woman that's actually doing the whole pregnant thing.
      Doing a fine job at it too if I might add.

He has also gone to all my doctor appts and pregnancy classes with me.  :)  Huge supporter!

5.  Give an estimate of the number of times you have rubbed Niki's back since she has been pregnant.
    - I lost count a long time ago, but it must be about 5o,ooo,ooo by now.

He is not exaggerating on this one!

6.  What other things do you do to pamper the mamma?
    - Help more around the house with cleaning floors and such.
    - Go out, order, or prepare any meal mamma desires :)

7. What were your thoughts/reactions when you found out it's a girl?

    - I was quite surprised considering the number of boys in my family, but very excited.        Especially for Niki's sake because I knew how much she wanted a little girl.

8. What are your greatest fears about being a father?

    - Being able to provide for my family.    - Losing my little girl to some illness or tragic event.

9. What are you most excited about?
    - The enjoyment of watching my child learn and grow in her new environment.

10.  How are you feeling now with only 1 week looming before Niki's due date?
    - Anxious, excited, uncertain, but at the same time feeling I have prepared myself as much as possible.

11. What is the greatest life lesson you want to pass on to your daughter?
    - One of the many life lessons I hope to pass on to Millie is that she stands up for herself and her beliefs.