I do think it is different for us, we can feel that little one moving and growing, I can't imagine it from the men's perspective, trying to prepare for something that is kind of an abstract concept because they can't feel it. However, I think that my husband was pretty nervous before baby, and now he is so in love with this baby. He changes probably 90% of the dispers, and loves to hold her. Total turn around. I don't think that they can help but fall for the baby once they see it and hear its cry.....
I am glad my partner isn't the only one that is freaking out about it now. He said to me yesterday 'she'll always be there, she is so reliant on us...... I haven't thought of it that way....this is huge'. I was shocked that he is just 'realising' this now!! How could you now have known? I guess it's just how a lot of males react, I hope anyway........it has made me quite worried!!!
I think the main difference is that we have had the baby for so long and to the men, it probably didn't become real until we got bigger and they could see/feel the baby move.
DH is freaking out, too...in slight ways of "oh no" can I handle this? However, my gut tells me that once he holds her, all will work out ok. We had discussed how our lives will change, that it won't all be easy peasy....but the end result will be wonderful. Just that sometimes the road is going to get a little or alot bumpy at times. :)
I hear ya..
I think it is totally different for men and women.. THEY dont have to actually carry the baby so "keep it in there" is easy for him to say! =P
I do think we shoudl all try to cherish the "freedom: we all still have.. Its all about to change! =)
Hang in there! I am trying to do the same!