When I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I was unmarried and living in a different state than the father-to-be. I know that's more acceptable these days, but 20+ years ago, it wasn't so much.

It's not as bad as it sounds. We planned on marrying and we were engaged. It's just that the pregnancy was a bit... untimed.

The doctor suspected I had an infection and wanted to give me antibiotics. He asked if it was possible I was pregnant. I said it was possible, but not probable. He insisted on a blood test (fastest test you could do "back in the olden days") and three days later informed me it was positive.

Impression? Terrified.

I mean - husbands, you can divorce. Children, however, are forever. There is no "for better or for worse, etc." with children. You birth them and they belong to you and you have a responsibility for the rest of your life.

That's terrifying.

Then again, you'd think if I was going to react with such terror, I would've been more careful. Don't even ask me what happened - I can't even tell you.

Did we live happily ever after?

Well, as happily ever after as about 50% of couples do, I suppose. We're still married, getting old(er) together and have the pleasure of watching our children make their way into the world.

I've told them to be careful.