DOING MY OWN QUESTIONNAIRE

Stanley

Occupation: Event Planning, Event Coordinating, and Marketing
Position: Executive Director at Solid Events
Website: www.solidevents.ca

How did you meet you partner/wife?
I met Monica through a business metting when she wanted to host a Fashion Show for her brand CC1827 at Atlantis Night Club.

What was your first feeling & thought when you found out that your partner was pregnant?

My initial reaction was "WOW! My sperm actually works."

What was your reaction when you found out the gender of your first child?

I vividly remember driving in my vehicle when Monica called me to tell me the gender. I was expecting a daughter and had even thought of a name for her already. Then she told me that we were having a son. I thought she was joking and questioned her a few times. I was ecstatic as I started to think of all the things that he could do that I didn't get to do when I was a kid. I called my father immediately when I found out the news.

How did you come up with your child(ren) name(s)?

It was kinda difficult for us to choose a name since I know a lot of people considering the industry I am in. We came up with a short list of names from Rowan, Liam, Dominic, to Avery. Our initial choice was Liam. However, we found out that it's been the top name of choice for the past 5 years, hence why we will be using it as a middle name instead. We have decided to name him Avery. 

How did you prepare yourself to become a father?

I haven't really prepared much. Monica prepares me by reminding me to read and she keeps me updated on information that she's learned along the way. I started "nesting" when I realized that we are in the final stretch. 

How do you balance your work and family life?

We discussed my work schedule prior to having our child. I would compromise with Monica and try to spend as much time with her as possible. Especially on the latter half of the pregnancy as it becomes more difficult for her to do things herself  (eg. driving, picking things up that she's dropped on the floor due to her new found clumsiness, though she was still pretty clumsy before).

If you had a super power, what would it be?

The ability to duplicate myself.

Word of advice to other fathers to be:

I am still waiting for my son to be born, however, my advice at this point is to be supportive of your partner! Even if your partner may seem cranky, you need to be supportive.  Always remind them that you appreciate what they are going through. I have a totally different perspective and respect for women as they have to go through great lengths to bare our children. 

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