First Pre Natal Visit

We had our first doctors visit today. I had to leave school a little early to get there by 3. I have to admit that it was nice to walk away from school because of something to do with my real life. I have been slightly stressed out with work lately...going early, staying late, bringing stuff home. This is mostly due to my involvement with Homecoming. I have to do so much during the day that many of my normal duties (grading papers, etc) are piling up a little bit.
Richard met me there. He brought me food, which made the belly very happy. I am hungry by about 3 after eating lunch at 11:30! We were there for about an hour doing all of the fun first visit stuff. They told us that the due date in May 13th. This could change after my first ultrasound, which is next Wednesday! It felt good to have a medical professional tell me that everything looked good. Until this visit, all I had to go on was the pregnancy test I took at home and my own feelings. My favorite part of the doctors visit was the goody bag they gave us that was full of useful things. It was our first baby gift!
Until now, I have been so blessed to not have morning sickness. I have been a little nauseated when I get hungry, but other than that, the only symptoms that I'm dealing with are a mood swings, a little fatigue, and sore ta-ta's. I am thanking God while that lasts!
The baby center website said that our little one is the size of a lentil bean this week. I don't know what that is, but I bet it's cute:)
Richard is THE best husband in the world. Not only did he bring me food to my appointment today, but he had the house cleaned top to bottom (vacuumed and dusted, might I add) when I got home today. I love how excited he is about the baby. It makes me love him even more.
Stay tuned for pictures of how I announced my pregnancy to my students and co-workers!

It's a Doty!!!

Party of 5 (taken on Sunday, September 21, 2008)

After 5 months, Richard and I got our prayers answered. I woke up earlier than usual on the morning of September 11th and crept into the bathroom. Over a month ago I bought one pregnancy test for this very moment. I had taken several in the months before, but I already knew that this result would be different. I was feeling very strange and I thought I knew the reason.
I thought about that commercial that said this was the most advanced technology you will ever pee on and I laughed. I read the direction and it said to take the test and then wait at least 2 minutes to see results. But, to my delight, after about 20 seconds I saw the most beautiful plus sign I have ever seen...and I've seen a lot of those in my days as a math teacher! I laughed out loud and instantly thought about how I could tell Richard. I had nothing clever in mind, so I just walked to the bedroom, gently woke him up, and gave him the news. We celebrated and laughed and cried and prayed. It was one of those moments in life that never leaves you. I will always remember that morning and that joyful feeling I had all day long.
I decided that I would start this new blog to keep everyone up-to-date and in the loop on all the latest belly news. I will also try and upload a belly pic each week:) Let the growing begin! Pray for us and the new little heart that is already beating inside me. What a wonder! We have our first appointment on Thursday, Sept 25. We should be due sometime around May 17. I'll know more after the first visit. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!

In other news, my twin sister, Lyndsey (pictured above on the right) is only 28 weeks pregnant with twin boys and is already on bed rest, so pray for her and the little ones (Chase and Andrew) that the Lord would let them bake a little longer and grow to be strong and healthy at delivery. Also, pray that Lynz doesn't go insane with all the laying around and that her husband, Jonathan, doesn't go crazy building their new house.