MY BIG NEWS

My big news is that I'm pregnant! I am almost 20 weeks along (half way). The due date is December 21st. So far, everything is "normal" according to the doctor. I have found that doctors don't give you a lot of information on what is going on or what to expect. So, I've decided to take a Bradley Method class. I went for the first time last Wednesday and I loved it. We talked about exercise and nutrition, something I need a little help with (well, actually a lot of help with). I like having the structure and accountability of a class to get me to do the exercises that will be best for preparing me and to eat all of the nutrients I need to be eating.

Tom hates doctors offices and is petrified of hospitals. He hates needles or the sight of blood. He can't wait for the baby to be here but he is scared to death of the pregnancy and especially the labor. Up to this point, he has tried to avoid knowing anything that is going on with the pregnancy. But this week has been a transformation for him. He sat through my entire ultra sound, has been reading my pregnancy magazines, and will be going with me to my Bradley class tonight.

Both of us are amazed at the miracle of having a baby. It all seems so surreal. We just pray for a normal, healthy baby.

10 WEEKS (2 MONTHS):

This was my first ultrasound. I was amazed to hear the heart beat and see something actually growing inside me. Seeing and hearing the baby made it more real for me.

14 WEEKS (3 MONTHS):This was my second ultrasound in the first trimester since I changed doctors. During this ultrasound I definitely saw something between the baby's legs. I asked the ultrasound technician if it was what I thought it was and she said, "We don't know for sure until the second trimester ultrasound. But, I would bet on it." I had really wanted a girl so this was a shock to me. It took awhile for the idea of having a boy to sink in. I think I was just destined to hang out with males growing up, go to college with mostly males, work with mostly males, and then have a male baby. I have been watching boys and men differently ever since. I think I have seen a softer side of men and I have become more comfortable with the idea of raising a little boy.

18 WEEKS (4 MONTHS):The third ultrasound - the second trimester organ check. Everything looked normal and they confirmed that it's definitely a boy! Tom stayed with me through the whole ultrasound! A first.And what will the baby's name be? I think we have made our decision..... It will be Porter Rockwell Richins. Tom has always loved this name, since before we ever got married. From the moment he found out I was pregnant he started calling the baby Porter (whether it was a girl or boy). I like the name too. Porter was tough, loyal, and brave.