So much has changed since the former “winner” of The Bachelor, Melissa Rycroft, was publicly exchanged by Jason Mesnick for the runner-up, Molly Malaney. It has been a year of bliss ever since she found and married her true love, Tye Strickland.

Now Rycroft and the insurance agent are expecting their first child together. Melissa told US Weekly, “It was a shock. We weren’t even trying,” and she added, “He wanted the kids right away, and I was laughing at him going, ‘No not ready!’” Well, it looks like they are ready after all.

With baby number one on the way due in February, the newlyweds couldn’t be more thrilled. “He’s actually cried more than I have,” Rycroft says of her husband, “Tye is caring, he’s funny. He’s going to be a great dad.”

Mrs. Rycroft- Strickland has admitted she is already experiencing cravings and eating for two, and apparently isn’t worried about losing her athletic figure. “Knowing me, I’m going to swell and gain 90 pounds,” Melissa says, “But it’s not about me anymore!” Now it’s Rycroft Strickland and baby and she says, “It’s the most wonderful surprise in the world … It’s such a blessing.”

Melissa is also continuing with her career in television and has become a bit of an ABC celebrity. She will be co-hosting the new reality series in August, Bachelor Pad.