I don't know how to be any clearer on this point. whoanellie: I agree with you! THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE. My objection is to PUBLISHING the picture. It is inappropriate to put the picture in the paper. And it's fine if you disagree, although I personally don't understand that view.

thank you,John, for fighting for our country and I hope you can come home before your baby is born! I am 50 years old and see nothing wrong with this picture! It's of a beautiful pregnant woman. this might even be a help to some other family that the spouse is deployed and didn't know this was possible! dave and you others out there who think this is inappropriate: we see worse than this everyday on tv. Commercials and tv shows ar emusch mor eexplicit than this! I think the teens today are offensive with there butts and boobs hanging out all over. I think you need to stop thinking with your mind in the gutter!!!

And to ilovehockey - I also "think it is great that you guys can communicate that way!". DUH.

I used the word "gross" only to respond to another question. It doesn't matter to me if it's this woman or (name your celebrity sex symbol). It's too personal to publish.
It's fine if you disagree. Pregnant woman can indeed be beautiful! That does not equate to it being appropriate to publishing a picture of an ultrasound procedure. AGAIN - those that think it's wonderful, I respect that opinion - why can't you accept mine? As a veteran, I feel more than qualified to empathize with and appreciate the sacrifices made by our current and former military personnel. That has absolutely nothing to do with my comments.

I think you guys got it wrong, superdave doesn't need to grow up, I think he has long since grown up, hence the "prude" attitude about a beautiful and appropriate picture. LOL!

Congrats to the family. I think it is great that you guys can communicate that way!

Ijust want to say that I did not forget what the story was about, I already said thank you to all the soldiers. Adn I will say it again! You are right they fight so we can do just this! And I am SOOO thankfull for all of them! At the same time I dont feel thsi photo had anything wrong with it at all! I loved it and the story. I am so glad this father gets to be part of it while he is protecting and serving!
I dated a soldier a while ago and it wasnt for me so I have to give a round of a hand to both of them! It takes a strong woman to do this!

Just a thought but maybe SuperDave has never seen a woman's belly before and he thinks its nudity. I don't see how the photo is inappropriate for the rest of the public.
SuperDave use the Internet you can look up all kind of stuff on it. Or better yet do us all a favor and throw away the power cord for your computer

thanks for serving our country! you have a beautiful family come home safe and soon please!

showing this "medical procedure" doesn't seem inappropriate to me. Maybe you think it is cause it could be the same gel used during and anual pap test and THAT WOULD be inappropriate to show.
"gross" what a rude term to use to describe this picture. I hope you dont watch any GROSS commercials with pregnant women in it.

It is "gross" cause she is SO pregnant? Would it be less gross if she we only 3 month pregnant?

I see nothing wrong with the photo.
YES she is "glowing" NOT GROSS.

Beautiful story, everything about it. Thanks to all of our troops for all the sacrifices they (and their families) make during this difficult time. You're all true heroes!

WOW!! Did you all miss the point of this article? It is no wonder our troops don't want to deploy! They are fighting for your right to be able to debate if the picture was appropriate! Get over yourselves and look at what the article was about.
I for one wish my husband didn't have to fight for the rights of stupid and self absorbed people like so many of the people who have posted on here!

there is not one thing in this picture that is inappropriate, she has all her clothes on the only thing showing is her stomach and really if you don't like it superdave get off this blog and stop looking at it, it's not your wife it's not your baby so you really don't have to worry about how this family is deciding to live their life, I personally think it is great that they are letting other families know who have loved ones serving our country that they can still be part of what is going on at home, seriously grow up, you can't tell me you have never walked around without your shirt on ever, this lady is covered except a portion of her stomach, this is not a picture of her hoo hoo showing and the baby coming out of it, you are making a mountain out of a mole hill and are being childish

SuperDave is probably one of those men that think pregnant women are fat and need to diet.

I read 6 answers... not the "over dozen" you claim to have given. 6 = 1/2 dozen. Oh well. Consider the source. I'm done with this article. If you think "it's gross", you obviously have never had children and if you did, I'm so sorry to the woman that you had them with. I'm out.

for someone who hates being called negative you really are, and no I wasnt.

I am SO glad that i dont know you! Does it make you feel better that you have tried to degrade people on here? You must feel like a big man now huh?!?!

Just for your post I will not be able to sleep tonight.....oh wait a minute I dont really care. Yes we all have our opinions but I think yours are stupid. Its not a surgery its a woman seeing her baby. its a tummy its not a picture of a teenage girl with her tong sticking out of her pants. Its an amazing thing. Do you have a wife and kids? if you do was it gross to see your wife liek this?

Okay young lady. Since apparently you cannot read and understand things, let me quote myself.
Your question: WHY is it inappropriate?
1. "way too personal, way TOO MUCH INFORMATION for me and I suspect many others"
2. "that picture is just GROSS"
3. "hoping for a little more decency, modesty, and decorum"
4. "obviously of a personal nature" (I'm already starting to repeat myself for people that cannot read and comprehend the first time).
5. "putting a picture of a medical procedure in the paper" (is inappropriate).
6. "an analogy" (read it again).
And those are just MY comments!!! And AGAIN, no, I'm not going to describe details of the picture that I find unsuitable for publication. It's the picture taken as a whole.
I'm done. I've now given you over dozen answers to your question (including having to repeat myself since you don't comprehend the first time).
Now you can pick apart my answers as you see fit, I really don't care. AGAIN, you are entitled to your opinion, and I am mine. But you really need to respect other people and not be so "negative" about those with whom you disagree.

for all of you people complaining about the belly shot grown up they showed her mid section it is not like they had her spread eagle with all her glory showing. Pregnancy is a beautiful thing and you sour pusses are trying to make it sound border line dirty pic. God bless her for being comfortable enough in her skin to show her belly like that and let the world see how her and her husband are making it work. I have seen plenty of non pregnant woman and men whose hairy bellys and some butt cracks have hung out and they don't seem to care. get a life stop turning a wonderful story into something it is not.

Oh superdave I wish I was just like you!!! I have read them and you have not answered. So it makes me think that you can NOT answer. Thats fine if you cant think of a reason to back up why you said soemthing it must be pretty awsome!!

facebooker: You are being quite ridiculous. I am perfectly willing to accept your opinion. But I've already answered your question, now how many times? Sorry, but I have other things to do today then preside over an intellectual nursery. If you have further questions, please re-read my previous comments, and/or do your own research. Have a great Friday.

because you have not really explained it. Is it just your age??
You have to actually answer questions for people to understand you. I get that everyone has their own thoughts and thats great it would suck if we all thought the same BUT you cant just say I dont like it becuse I dont like it.

Exactly. You don't.

ignorant woman wow you are so smooth!
And no it does not explain WHY. WHY do YOU feel its so bad? Your age??
Im in my mid 20s I think its fine, my husband is in his early 30s he thinks its fine, both my parents who are in their 60s think its fine...so no I dont get it.

Oh, and serendip, pls lose the tired old expression "negativity".

The thing is, if I have to explain to you WHY it's inappropriate, then you obviously don't see it. It's like the old cliche about trying to win an argument with an ignorant woman - it can't be done because she just doesn't "get it".
Maybe I can explain by way of an analogy. A parent may not like the way that his teenage daughter dresses, that's it's too revealing, too suggestive. The daughter, on the other hand, simply cannot understand what the "big deal" is - in her eyes, she is dressing the same as many of the girls at school. Obviously the two are seeing things through two entirely different prisms. Who is right?
I would submit to you that those that object to the publication of the picture, like myself, tend to be over a certain age. And those that don't object are under that age. Just a hunch.
I hope that answers the WHY question, which BTW I've already explained. I'm not, however, going to get dragged into describing the minutia of the picture just so those of you that don't understand can then say - well, gee, what's wrong with that?!?!?! Gee SuperDave, you're so easily offended, maybe you should close your browser...and other ridiculous ad hominem attacks. Fair enough?

serendipitous I love your posts! :)

He can't answer it. Because he doesn't know. He just wants to be the source of negativity.

So when they show a child getting their teeth cleaned, that's inappropriate? Or someone having a stethoscope put to their chest - that's inappropriate? Or an eye exam? You see those kinds of pictures all the time.

This isn't a medical "procedure". A medical procedure would be them giving her a c-section. This is an ultrasound. No body parts are showing. No one is in pain.

So HOW is it appropriate? I think it's a great picture. If they just showed her sitting there, it wouldn't prove a point and it wouldn't show what her husband was able to view while in Iraq.

Answer the question that is posed to you and we'll leave you alone.

Superdave, I can not speak for every person here but I asked WHY it was inappropriate? and HOW you thought that. Not if it was or not. I dont think it is, you do fine. I wanted to know WHY???

You people are too funny. I never said I was "offended" by the picture. I said the picture was inappropriate. And again, for you speedreaders, I never said there was anything wrong with the procedure, I just said it is INAPPROPRIATE to PUBLISH the PICTURE in the PAPER. All of you who think it's just wonderful to do so are entitled to your opinion, as I am mine. But to spend your time attacking me and those that agree with me...well, whatever floats your boat. This might be a good time for you to grow up and respect other people's opinions. If you like the picture, think it's beautiful, whatever, that's just fine. Some of us just don't happen to think that putting a picture of a medical procedure in the paper was the right thing to do. It's as simple as that. And notice that some of our health care professionals seem to agree!

Should we ban all television shows also? And all movies? They show a lot more than a pregnant woman's belly in a public forum. Heaven forbid. That's what we'll do... all music videos, all television shows, and all movies will be banned! While we're at it, let's take religion, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny out of our schools because we wouldn't want to offend someone. There are just some people that get offended over everything because they LOVE to cause drama and they love to be the center of attention.

I dont see what everyone is so uptight about. It just a pregnant woman's belly. Lighten up people. If you offended by the photo here is something to try. Try not looking at it or close your Internet browser or look at something else.

Yes, they should have draped her abdomen for the photo. A health care provider would be in trouble if(s)he allowed a pregnant woman's belly to be exposed to the public during an exam. Prenatal ultrasounds are performed in exam rooms with the door closed. BTW, the photo does not offend me, but I did do a double take, wondering why the Gazette used the photo.

John is my husbands boss and I am SO happy that they were able to get pregnant! I know they were trying for a 2nd baby before he left and now they are blessed with being able to accept another child into their family.
My husband is currently overseas too and if I were pregnant you bet I would use Skype for him to be with me at every doctor appointment!
And for the tummy haters out there...there is nothing wrong with the photo AT ALL!!
Congrats Erika, John and Elija! Hope John makes it home for the birth and comes home quickly after!!!

See Super dave I read through the whole thred and I dont see where you explained why it was so wrong....
My husband saw the pic and wanst offended, he actually thought it was great. My son saw the pic and even though hes only almost 4 he thought it was awsome. He said whats that, so I explained she was getting to see her baby and so on. He said thats really cool!

omg gazette. is this site for kids?? i used symbols for the word, sorta like a finger is a symbol for you know what. you can print the picture of a killer showing his finger symbolizing you know what, but i cant reference the picture of him showing you know what??

what i said was if the gazette can print a picture of a killer basically saying you know what im sure this picture wasnt even a question.

i hope this comment is acceptable mr angus. if you are busy playing with your crayons or taking your morning nap and you arent the one who hit the delete button on my comment i apologize but please pass this note on to the closest adult in the room. thank you.

I'm a woman, and while the photo makes me mildly uncomfortable for no specific reason, I don't have a real problem with it. Erika's very pretty and her happiness radiates from her face.

I do wish, however, that The Gazette would put the photos/story clicks on a rotator. I visit the site a couple times a day to see what's happening and what absurd things you people are saying to each other, and it'd be refreshing to not see the same picture for 24 hours. The Gazette has a fantastic photography staff, why can't they use that space to showcase it?

belly bashers

How about "tummy haters"?

Is that all you got, SuperDave?

One more post...I had to laugh at the last post, calling us "complainers". We've already been called "negative", anyone care to go for the trifecta and call us "whiners"?
Any original thoughts out there?

When I was first with my first child my husband was deployed. He missed months of my pregnancy...It was depressing but we were lucky he returned just two weeks before our baby came. I can now vividly remember the heartache of seeing our baby without him. and the anguish at making copies of our ultrasound pictures to send to him.

I'm glad that there is now a better option for our soliders and their families and that Mercy was so open to it.

Congrats to the family on their impending arrival! Thank you for your service and sacrifice!

---------------------
Shame on the rest of you complainers. If you don't like the picture, don't look at it! Otherwise just shut up seeing that you can seem to explain WHY her stomach is 'inappropriate' to be viewed by others. It's her choice and I see more nasty things hanging out of clothes going to the store...

Tsk, tsk. All you negative people LOL! Well we've already explained it every which way. Go back and read the whole thread, it's all there. And no it's not a "hangup" or a "maturity" issue on our part. HA!
Community standards are deteriorating faster than Obama can raise our taxes. This is all I have to say on this issue, so now go ahead and flame me if that's your thrill. Peace out.

its a womans pregnant stomache it is a beautiful sight. nothing gross or inappropriate about it. people show more just walking around the streets. people are acting like this is an 'R' rated picture or even worse. Grow up people!

serendipitous and bullysarebest - well said!

It's not inappropriate at all. Whatever SuperDave's hangups are his own concern. And, sorry, I use the word tummy all the time!! ROFL Sorry if you don't like it. I'm not pulling SuperDave's leg, I really don't get why he thinks it's inappropriate and he apparently doesn't want to explain why. So, whatever, I'll just chalk it up to ignorance on his part!!
ERIKA--you are beautiful, you're TUMMY is beautiful and I think it's even more beautiful that you found a way to share this with your hubby!! Congrats and best wishes for your WHOLE family!

Wow.. SuperDave, Joan and SarahB, you have GOT to be kidding me! Are you that immature that the sight of a woman's stomach grosses you out? Why don't all woman start wearing black robes that cover our entire body because the 3 of you are embarrassed by it? I've read other posts on other articles and the 3 of you always have something to complain about. It's too bad that you are so negative because it really affects the rest of us. And the fact that SuperDave won't go into the gory details of what he finds so disturbing about the picture, just proves that he has the mentality of a 4 year old and when he hears certain words he giggles in embarrassment. Grow up!!!

how is it "obviously inappropriate"??

No criticism of Erika is intended! We are objecting only to the publishing of a photograph that is obviously of a personal nature and just as obviously inappropriate to put in the paper!
Amallama: Take your own advice and stop reading the reader's comments. No sense upsetting yourself.

Oh... and Erika... you are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!

Once again.. a great story about great people. Thank you Gazette- Then BAM, SuperDave and SarahB go and ruin it... yet again!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't like her belly- dont look, read, or make comments (over and over and over) ... Maybe, if Erika has to have another ultrasound, you two could go over there and stand in for him so her husband can be here in person for this amazing event...

Nice: You get the prize for being the first to accuse us of being "negative" LOL. No we're not "negative". Just some mature adults hoping for a little more decency, modesty, and decorum in this world. And of that I am positive.

No matter the story it seems someone has to focus negitavely on some aspect. I just don't get it. I found everything about this story to be wonderful and I wish all the best to the family!!

Thank you to this solider and all soldiers first of all!!!!
May you enjoy your entire pregnency and dont listen to people sayign is gross to see this pic!

....

Its a stomach...how is that gross?? I agree if it was a soldiers wife that was at the beach in a swim suit using her lap top this wouldnt be an issue. But if you add some jell on her tummy its gross??

I see absolutely nothing wrong with the picture. What is "gross" about it? That her stomach is showing? That it has gel on it? The combination of the two?

bullys: Sorry if you think my comments are rude, but I made an attempt to explain the obvious to YOU. I'll pass on going into more detail to "explain what about it is gross".
I'm starting to think you are pulling my leg. You can't possibly be that unaware. And you keep saying things like "squirt a little gel on her tummy and rub a wand thing over her stomach and the pic appears on the screen". Yes, I think anyone over the age of five knows what an ultrasound is, give us a little credit. And btw, what adult says "tummy", unless they are talking to a three-year-old? Come on, read the comments of other people and figure it out.

LOL Especially is she wasn't pregnant and wearing a bikini--I bet every 'old sailor' then wouldn't be complaining!

I'm just floored by people thinking a pregnant woman's tummy is gross. WOW!

The event and subject are positive, thanks to our hero serving our country and all his comrades and their families. That said, the tummy picture is inappropriate and grosses me out. She is a beautiful woman, please let's have some decorum, I know it's old fashioned, but we could use a bit of modesty in our society.

Superdave>> WOW do you need to be so rude???? I really don't get how it's gross in anyway--really!! Could you explain what about it is gross? There nothing being shown but her tummy--you see more than that on a beach and women in bikinis. Do you know what the procedure even is? If you do, then how is it gross? The squirt a little gel on her tummy and rub a wand thing over her stomach and the pic appears on the screen. Again, don't understand how that even comes close to gross.
The actual birth---ummm, yeah that would be inappropriate to show. But, then that's a lot more involved and complicated than an ultrasound. Definitely would be showing some more body in that one LOL
Again, I don't get your position or your really rude attitude.

bullysarebest: I can't believe I even have to explain this to you. Having an ultrasound might be a beautiful experience for the parents, but for this sailor that picture is just GROSS. The procedure is not "inappropriate", publishing the picture IS.
And you don't get it? How about the actual birth? Again, could be a beautiful, joyous, emotionally overwhelming, wonderful experience to the parents. But trust me, I am NOT interested in seeing photographs of the event. A big DUH to you.

Superdave~~how is having gel put on your tummy with a wand rubbed over it inapporpriate in anyway? How is that too much info? I don't get where you're coming from on this. She's completely dressed and the photo shows nothing inappropriate. I think it's wonderful!!! Congrats to their family and I'm so glad the dad could see it.

How is having an ultra sound humiliating? It's a beautiful, wonderful, joyful thing!!! I couldn't wait to have mine, as I guess most pregnant woman feel the same.

The photograph - I wanted to close my eyes every time. Between the breast exams they can't wait to show on TV, now are we moving on to ultra sounds?

Where's my prostrate exam! Just women get humiliated? I just want to see his face when he coughs - is that too much to ask?

SuperDave: Thank you! I, too, felt out of sorts over this photograph ... and I am an RN! Even though I know the patient approved of the photograph, it just didn't seem right to me for some reason. Anyway, congratulations to the parents and brother on the upcoming addition to your family.

I echo the positive comments regarding the story. It's great that the husband can utilize Skype!! And I fully support our troops! All that being said, the photo of the woman getting an ultrasound is completely inappropriate for publication - way too personal, way TOO MUCH INFORMATION for me and I suspect many others. Let's use a little discretion and judgement!

There was another story like this where the father got to see the birth. Its amazing where computers can get us.
Its perfect for my soldier over seas too.
Congrats to the both of you :)

Something finally that technology has been good for. Having a baby is the most amazing experience a couple can go through and the fact that skype has made it possible for the father to be apart of this miracle is great. Congrats to both and god bless you for serving our country.

neat......great story....... John if you get in here to read the story and the comments....... I just want to say "Thank You" for serving!!!! and hurry home to the family!! Good Luck

That is wonderful.

cool story.

What a beautiful mom-to-be and a great story of how to stay connected!

I hope and pray John makes it home safely to see the birth of their newest member of the family.