From what they said in the "TS2 University Part 2" (See Josh's message from today), you'll get to play with the new stuff even if the Sims aren't using the college life part. So, you will get to use the "new toys." They may be staged, but as far as the "hospital cut scene" was concerned, I think that was something they planned to do but took out because it took too much time. (Sort of like the honeymoon that is in TS2.)
With the information that is eaking out, I am starting to get more excited. 20 days to get a degree, make social relationships, etc. That's pretty long in Sims Life.
This one's easy: If you are "expecting" a baby, it is, obviously, a curse. People WISH for babies, right up to the point where they expect it, whereupon it becomes a curse!
