KICK - 20 WEEKS, 1 DAY

Last night, sat on the sofa watching the darts on telly, I felt some proper kicking. I looked down and could see it kicking from the outside for the first time! Brilliant timing seeing as what had happened that day.

Rob couldn't see it from the outside but as soon as he put his hand on it, he said "Wow!" as the baby was really going for it.

That definitely made our day.

SCARE - 20 WEEKS

My blood pressure was 110/70 - the lowest yet!
Pulse - 70 beats per minute
Temp - 36.1
Fetal heart rate - 155 beats per minute and regular, which was all good.

Really, really want the scan now.

HALFWAY! - 20 WEEKS

The baby measures about 6.5 inches/ 16.5 centimetres from crown to rump and is steadily gaining weight. A whitish coat of a slick, fatty substance called vernix caseosa begins to cover the baby and protects the skin during its long immersion in amniotic fluid. It also eases delivery. The baby's swallowing more this week, good practice for the digestive system. After your baby takes in amniotic fluid, its body absorbs the water in the liquid and moves the rest into the large bowel.

I can't believe I am halfway already. It is going so quickly and before you know it, I will be a mother of 2 in less than 2 years!

Having troubles sleeping at the moment, Ellis is waking up a bit and also because I have to use so many pillows/towels, it is becoming hard to move in the night without having to re-adjust all the support. It's weird because I don't feel like I need it yet but according to the Physio, I do.

Dollop is still only a small mover. Not too much going on in there yet, that I can feel of course. I will be much happier, and more relaxed once the scan has been done. Can't wait to find out what it is so that I can get organised! I think that is something that does unsettle me. I have no idea how I coped when we were travelling, although I think we were still organised. I always did the bags so I knew what clothes went where and I tried to leave the travel arrangements to Rob.

I hope there is stuff still in the sales next week. We went into NEXT this week and they had some nice baby girl stuff. I wouldn't really need any boy things but I would still go back out and have a look.

I think the new year will bring some news. In other words, I think some more of my friends will be joining me in having another baby. I wish them tons and tons of luck with the baby making and hopefully I will soon be able to share my experiences of having another.

Yoga seems to have stopped for the time being. Vivien said she isn't sure what she is going to do with the classes yet and will let me know. I am still waiting. I will be gutted if I can't go. I would actually try and find another class I think, as I really do feel it is quite important. I could do my own at home but it is hard to find the motivation when the chair and computer are calling me.

In the later stages, maybe from 30 weeks on, I would like to go swimming. The only problem this time is having someone to look after Ellis. Rob is probably going to be away 2 nights a week. I think though, I will have to stop line dancing early so I could go on that night instead, when Rob will be home. I would also like to do the active birthing classes but they start at 6:30pm which would mean I would have to leave the house at 6pm. Not sure Rob could make it home in time. We will have to wait and see. Out of all the things I could do, active birth classes would be my top choice.

Anyway, enough waffle, here is the 20 week bump pictures, now and before with new measurements. The figures in brackets are the changes since 0 weeks.

Now...



...before.



Measurements:

Weight = 11st 11lb (+5lbs)
Tummy = 93cm (+8cm)
Upper arm = 28cm (+1cm)
Upper leg = 59cm (+2cm)
Ankle = 23.5cm
Neck = 32.5cm

PHYSIO - 19 WEEKS, 6 DAYS

I had to split the video in 2 parts as I ran out of time in the first one.

DADDY FELT IT - 19 WEEKS, 3 DAYS

BUGGY - 19 WEEKS, 1 DAY

Still not feeling any real movement and certainly not on a regular basis. With Ellis, from about 16 weeks onwards, I felt him all the time. Very strange.

Had a really good Christmas and I have been feeling much better recently.

I have my first physio session on Wednesday but at the moment I'm not having any problems. I hope they don't just leave me too it.

Rob and I ordered the double buggy today. We think we got a good price but I need to speak to Jaidan to find out what she paid.

We ordered the Phil & Ted 3 wheel sport in black with the baby cocoon.



Really looking forward to the 20 week scan, but also worried too. Not sure if we are taking Ellis with us or not yet. I would rather not take him but Rob would.

Bump still goes up and down. This morning I just looked a bit bloated but by the time the evening arrives, it is rather round and sticking out. My belly button is well weird this time too. It has been sticking out since the early days, and last time it didn't stick out at all.

I watched quite a few old videos tonight of when Ellis was first born. It is quite scary how big I was and also looking back, I can't remember what to do! With Ellis I felt reasonably confident about how to look after him, and what I planned to do, but this time around I just don't have a clue. I'm sure it will all be fine.

1:10,000 - 18 WEEKS, 1 DAY

I was 18 weeks pregnant yesterday! I can't believe how quickly it is going by.

Not feeling too bad. Had a bit of sickness yesterday and my pelvis has been playing up a little bit. I have been doing quite a lot of physical things in the last few days so maybe I should take it easy.

Today I have done tons of housework. I have made a small dent in it but there is still loads more to do. Rob said he was going to take Ellis out tomorrow so that should help me to get on with it.

Bump seems to go up and down. I'm not as big as I was last time which is actually good news. My face is starting to fill out a bit but Rob doesn't agree.

Still not really feeling much movement, and in fact the last few days, I haven't felt any which has made me a bit worried.

Phoned the midwife yesterday and received good news about the Downs Syndrome screening. There is a 1:10,000 chance of the baby having Downs Syndrome. For Ellis is was 1:3,500 so the odds are looking quite good.

Just over 2 weeks until the 20 week scan and I can't wait to find out what it is. I feel like it is a girl. Rob, my brother Craig and sister Kate think it is a boy. It wouldn't bother me what it is this time around.

BED - 17 WEEKS, 4 DAYS

Feeling fine and everything seems to be going well. I'm sure I can feel movement although not proper kicks yet.

I have a small bump now which is nice but I can still hide it if I want to and I am still in my size 12 jeans which is amazing compared to last time.

Naomi said that she didn't tell anyone until she was 20 weeks! For one thing, how on earth could you keep it secret for that long? I would be bursting! And the second thing, where did she hide her bump? And if she didn't have a bump, then why the hell not?

Eating has gone a bit wrong since Friday so need to get back on the wagon as such. Need to eat better and less snacking.

Had a couple of funny turns recently which may be related to food but not sure. Just came over all dizzy about 3 times but it passes really quickly.

Yoga last night was brilliant. I felt like I had a really good work out and I enjoyed it. No pain in my pelvis at all today so that is really good news.

I have a line dance tomorrow night but I will still take it steady and I wont be doing as many spins as I normally do. To be honest, I have cut out a lot of spins already.

Getting really excited about the 20 week scan now. So much is going to happen in the next few weeks, it's going to be amazing.

I have to phone the midwife on Thursday to get the Downs Syndrome blood test results. I'm a bit nervous but remaining positive.

Rob is away tonight so I have the bed to myself which should be nice. Although last time I woke up having a nightmare and then I couldn't get back to sleep as I was worrying that someone was trying to break-in!

HEARTBEAT - 16 WEEKS, 4 DAYS

Had my second midwife appointment last night.

We arrived on time, and Judith didn't take long before calling us in.

She took some of my blood to do the screening for Downs Syndrome and then I laid on the bed and we listened to the heart for the first time. It was just as amazing as the first time with Ellis. Little Dollop didn't like being poked and had a little wriggle.



Next appointment isn't until the end of February now! That is ages away.

Blood pressure was still normal, 120/70, which was good news.

The last couple of days have been a bit of a struggle. I've been feeling really sick and not really wanting to eat or drink even. I was sick a bit at Sharon's house during Mummy afternoon and then again at the doctors. Not very nice. I hope it is pregnancy related and that I don't pass a bug onto anyone. Feeling slightly better today and I have managed to have a bit of breakfast.

Pelvis seems to be much better, touch wood. I am going to attempt line dancing on Wednesday and see how I get on. I think I will take it steady for the first week back.

I have two Christmas parties this week and I have nothing to wear! Maternity stuff is way too big and normal clothes are pinching a bit. All my tops are riding up and my one pair of jeans need to visit the bin, permanently. Will have to go shopping on Thursday I think.

Been feeling Dollop move quite a bit, especially in the evenings and when I am in the bath. It is really reasurring and I love it.

Off to try and eat some lunch now.

16 WEEKS

Since my last entry I have started to feel a bit better. I may have a water infection but that isn't causing me too many problems. A wee sample has been sent off and I'm waiting for the results. I will have to wait until Monday for the results.

My pelvis injury seems to be just that, an injury. I know that my pelvis is unstable and it can't take a lot of punishment right now. The pain has nearly gone but I have a niggly feeling when I do certain things and I need to remain careful. I have been resting and nursing it since Monday and that seems to have done the trick. It is obviously a weak spot and I will note its progress.

I have also not felt the need to have my morning naps as much. It may have something to do with sleeping a bit better but I am still having horrible dreams.

Last night I dreamt I had a miscarriage and Dollop had to be removed, and there was lots of blood and tears. It wasn't very nice and then in another one, Ellis managed to get hold of a packet of chewing gum and he had hundreds in his mouth. Every time I took 5 out, 6 more would appear! It was very scary.

So far in this pregnancy there have been a few differences to my first one. Obviously the pelvis pain kicked in very early and I have had lots of colds this time too. My boobs haven't been anywhere near as painful and my baby bump seems to go up and down. I don't think I have filled out so much this time either. I mean my face, arms, bum, legs, neck and feet ballooned very quickly last time. I am more active I suppose and eating less than before as we aren't living with my parents. Mum did huge meals, healthy but lots of it and they had a "chocolate box"!

Also I think about the pregnancy a lot more than I did with Ellis. I think that has something to do with the fact that I am not really taking it for granted and I am waiting for each stage to kick in, if that makes sense. Can't really explain what I mean. With Ellis, we would keep forgetting but I suppose I have to be very careful with Ellis jumping about and the fact that my pelvis is bad has been a constant reminder too.

Rob is home for the next 4 days, and we have a busy weekend so it should be nice but will go fast.

Well, I'm now 16 weeks so here is my 16 week photos and measurements.

This time...



... last time.



Measurements:

Weight = 11st 10lb (+4lbs)
Tummy = 91cm (+6cm)
Upper arm = 27cm
Upper leg = 59cm (+2cm)
Ankle = 23.5cm
Neck = 32.5cm

INJURY - 15 WEEKS, 3 DAYS

Mum - Don't worry I'm okay, just a bad day. x



Midwife phoned just after 2pm to say that the physiotherapist is currently off on long term sick and that I shouldn't hold my breathe for an appointment. She will try and refer me to Southmead instead to see if I can get an appointment there. In the mean time I'm told to take Paracetamol and to keep my knees together! Great!

MOVEMENT? - 14 WEEKS, 4 DAYS

BAD BACK - 14 WEEKS

14 weeks today and I'm not feeling too bad. I over did it a bit today and my back is feeling the strain of carrying Ellis, bags, shopping and bending up and down.

Still waiting to feel it move but I can't wait.

When I lie on my back now I get a little hard lump which is reassuring, and I often lay my hand on it thinking back to the scan and picturing the little person waving back at us.

Boobs are still growing and nipples are very sore but that is all good I suppose.

Nothing else to report.

WAVING - 13 WEEKS, 4 DAYS

I now have an accurate date, thanks to my dating scan today. I am 13 weeks 4 days, which makes my due date 22nd May 2009.



Here are the scan pictures including the one where Dollop gave us a little wave to say hello. Click on the pictures to see the larger version.









Just as a comparison, below is Ellis' 12 week scan picture. He was 2 and a bit weeks younger than Dollop.



The pregnancy is already going so fast! I want to really try and enjoy every bit of it, especially as it might be my last time. I hope it isn't but we will have to see how things go.

Been getting loads of messages of congratulations and it is so nice. I love it. I'm going to make a note of them all for the scrap book.

Hopefully hear the heartbeat in a couple of weeks and then shortly after will feel it move. So exciting.

BUTTERFLIES - 13 WEEKS, 3 DAYS

This time tomorrow, we will be at the hospital either in having our scan or waiting for it.

I am so nervous this time. I keep getting butterflies in my tummy when I think about it. What if it only has one arm or some other deformity? When I had my scan with Ellis I wasn't that worried, just excited to see it. Wish I could feel the same this time.

Everyone keeps saying to me that it will all be fine, but they don't know that for sure. Things go wrong all the time.

All being well, I will attempt to scan on the pictures of Dollop and Ellis for a comparison.

Fingers and toes crossed.

12 WEEKS? - 12 WEEKS, 6 DAYS

From my calculations I think I am roughly 12 weeks today. The scan on Tuesday will hopefully confirm that but if not, then I will update and make any changes necessary.

I have updated bump watch picture and Dollop picture and below are my 12 week pictures and measurements.

12 weeks this time.



12 weeks last time.



Measurements:

Weight = 11st 11lb (+5 lbs)
Tummy = 89cm (+4cm)
Upper arm = 27cm
Upper leg = 58.5cm (+1.5cm)
Ankle = 23.5cm
Neck = 33cm (+.5cm)

Still feeling fine although I am aware that my weight gain has been rather rapid! Will have to keep an eye on that, except for tonight of course as I am having Chinese food with my Mummy friends.

CRITICAL - 12 WEEKS, 2 DAYS

I've reached quite a critical part of the pregnancy and so far I feel okay. Well I say okay, cause I'm not being sick or even feeling sick but for the last 2/3 days I've had quite a sharp pain on my right hand side, right over the area that was badly bruised from my c-section. I'm sure it is just muscles and stuff moving around but if it gets worse, I will go to see the midwife.

Boobs are getting much bigger now! My right one which is slightly bigger than the left is starting to poke out of the top of my bra now. Will have to get in the loft to find the bigger bras. I'm also going to need bigger jeans pretty soon. I am much bigger this time, doh!

Not long until the scan now which is good. Would be nice to know everything is progressing okay and to know how far gone I actually am.

Been being a bit dopey recently. Loosing me marbles so to speak. I don't really have any stories to tell but just generally been a bit slow on things.

Jaidan and Leighton came over today with their gorgeous brood. We had a lovely time and I really enjoyed chatting to Jai about what it is like second time around etc. I'm really excited but also scared. I am just going to enjoy the pregnancy for now, which so far, I am.

Yoga group again tomorrow. Hope it is as good as last week.

POT BELLY - 11 WEEKS, 6 DAYS

BETTER YOGA - 11 WEEKS, 3 DAYS

HORRID COLD - 11 WEEKS, 2 DAYS

Had a horrible cold since Tuesday so been trying to take it easy. Feeling much better today but not 100% yet. Ellis started coughing this morning so I think I may be in for a bit of hard work soon. Poor baby.

Dollop is doing okay I think. The pressure on my bladder is making me wee all the time, but not a lot comes out. Trying to improve my fluid intake too which is proving to be quite difficult, as I just forget all the time.

I did my wee sample for the doctors this week, which should tell me if I have a water infection or not. Not sure when I get the results.

I'm enjoying doing my blogging and I can't wait for the scan. It seems really close, now that we are in November. I haven't received a letter about the appointment yet so will chase midwife during the week if it hasn't arrived by then.

Still really excited and happy. I went to bed last night with all the children catalogues I could find and started doing lists of things I need to do and things I might need to get for Dollop. I know, I know, it is too soon but I just like thinking about it all.

Pelvis is really clicky but so far, not too much pain. Lower back pain has started over the last couple of days but that might be from sitting on my bum so much.

I will be trying to add a few more things to the website over the next couple of days. I need Rob's help with it so it might take a while. Have a vote in the new poll while you wait.