Baby please come out.....

Well I had a homevisit from the midwife this evening and she attempted a membrane sweep, well lets just say it was a very uncomfortable experience and it didn't work as she couldn't reach my cervix. I have been booked for an induction on the 26th, but I have no intention of going for that unless they can tell me that baby is at risk and prove it.

Anyway, long story short, I'm still here and still pregnant and ready to have this baby, but she is not ready to be had!

Still here!

Well I'm still pregnant! My due date according to my scan was yesterday but according to my dates I'm not due til Sunday. No sign of anything happening though I have been having Braxton Hicks on and off and some mild period type pains. I think she's going to come over the weekend, but that remains to be seen!

Here's the latest bump photo, taken last week!

Okay, totally un-baby related!

What have you done? via http://www.lifenut.com/blog/

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris (does the airport count?)
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk.
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe.
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing (well tried)
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland (does being born there count?)
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents (well cremated)
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours (possibly)
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

Ok.....

So I decided to take some photos of my bump and post them on here so anyone who might be interested can see that I'm still alive (and growing)

I'm 34+3 weeks today!

I've got a bad cold and I threw up this morning, but I feel much better and I've eaten dinner so I don't think there is anything too serious wrong!

3D scan!

Today we went for our 3D scan. I had decided I wanted to have one as I've been feeling a little be detatched from this whole pregnancy thing.
Anyway it was today, and it was the most amazing experience. There is such a different between seeing a 2D image of your baby and seeing her 3D and on video. We saw her moving and yawning and she is beautiful, even now at only 28 weeks!

I'm so naughty!

Okay so I'm really bad at updating! Sorry Sar!
I've been fine if a little emotional and unpredictable at times.
I was in Ireland last week visiting my mum and brother.
I'm 26 weeks pregnant today and getting bigger, baby is very active and loves to kick and wriggle!
Jon's mum has been knitting and we've been shopping so this little girl is going to have more clothes than she knows what to do with!
I start my maternity leave in 6 weeks! Well 3 weeks annual leave followed by 26 weeks maternity leave. That makes my return to work date May 13th 2007!
I've posted a picture of my bump taken 3 weeks ago at a friend's wedding. I'm much bigger now, I'll get Jon to take some pictures at the weekend!

21 week scan!

Today we had our 21 week scan. We got to see our very lovely and very active little girl!! That's right, no boy bits!
I know I have previously voiced a slight preference for a boy, but I am so thrilled that we're having a girl, I really hope that she and I have the sort of relationship I have with my mum!
She wouldn't stay still during the scan, I think she was very unimpressed with the imposition! Anyway, everything was fine with her heart etc and she had everything she should have! I just can't wait to meet her now!

We have movement!

Well over the last few days I've definitely felt our baby move. I had felt some flutterings for a couple of weeks but this is definite movement! He/she is a little fidget bum and seems to be more active in the evening, I hope that doesn't continue, I want this baby to sleep at night! It is an amazing feeling though!
Well, today I am 19 weeks + 5 days, my belly is growing and I'm finally starting to believe that it is a baby and not just fat!
The weather here has been so hot, it was 32C/90F on Friday, I have really struggled to sleep, the heat has also made me breathless and lightheaded! I didn't go to work on Friday for those very reasons, I just couldn't face a 12.5 hour shift. I'm working nights tonight and tomorrow, I'm praying for it not to be too hot during the day when I need to sleep. Yesterday it rained and everything cooled down lovely! I had a much better nights sleep last night. Today the forcast is 25C/77F but it's due to go up to 30C/86F tomorrow. :o(
One last thing, I heard from my friend K yesterday that she is 12 weeks pregnant, but had spent yesterday in A&E because she had been bleeding, the bleeding has stopped but she has to wait til Mon or Tues for a scan. Please pray for her, she is such a lovely girl and it would be heartbreaking if she lost this baby. Thanks

16 weeks + 1 day

Yesterday I had my 2nd midwife appointment, she is so nice and I really feel relaxed around her. Jon came with me and we heard our baby's heartbeat again. It was 154 bpm and the midwife predicts a girl! or a very active boy! Apparently under 140 bpm is usually a boy and over is usually a girl. The fact that I have a very tiny, slight preference for a boy means I'm ignoring her prediction and waiting til my scan on August 1st where hopefully they will be able to tell for real!
Anyway, all my blood tests were fine, my iron levels are good, there was nothing weird or strange in my wee! Oh and I'm thinking about having a home birth............

On Monday Jon treated me to a shopping trip to Bluewater, and bought me my first maternity clothes!! I got a pair of jeans, 2 t-shirts, and a pair or tracksuit bottoms! Oh they are so comfy! We also bought baby a lovely little white snowsuit in the sales!

Yesterday before my midwife appointment, Jon's parents took us to look at prams, and we have ordered the one we want. Jon's parent's have kindly offered to pay for it!
this is the one we are getting. It has everything we need and because the baby can sleep in the carrycot we don't need to buy a moses basket. They also bought us our cot which was a really good price, and we got an electric steriliser on sale and a bouncy seat for just £10.

Well that's me all updated!

Update!

Okay so I've been really bad at updating!! Jon and I have been away for the last 6 days, we went to Jon's parent's caravan on the coast. We had a really lovely time, the weather was fantastic and it was just nice to be together and be away from work etc.
Anyway I had my scan just over a week ago and it was such a lovely experience! We saw our baby and he/she was looking like a baby! We saw him/her waving his/her arms and legs around and it was amazing. There is a little person growing inside of me! My next scan will be 1st August when we should be able to find out the sex of the baby if baby is co-operative! He/she was very co-operative with this scan, the Dr managed to get all the measurements he needed. I have my next midwife appointment in 2 weeks which will be good, it feels like things are progressing now I'm in my 2nd trimester! It will be December before I know it!!

Anyway here is the long awaited picture!

Double figures and 1/4 of the way there!

Well I have reached 10 weeks pregnant!! Yipee, I know it's not that big a milestone, but it's double figures and 1/4 of my pregnancy so that to me is a pretty big deal! Just 2 weeks to go til we're out of the major danger spot and until we see our baby again!

Scans

Well if you look below you should see my scan photo from April as I finally managed to scan it and post it. I found out the other day at work that I can get a free nuchal scan because I work at the hospital. Normally if I wanted one it would cost £90. For those that don't know, this test tells you your risk of having a baby with Downs. Now I wouldn't have paid for this test and if it comes back high risk I won't act on the results as in I would never have an abortion, however I would like to know in advance what to expect if I was going to have a baby with Downs. Anyway, this is also a normal 12 weeks scan, we will be able to see our baby and if I didn't have this scan I was told by my midwife that I might not get one til 16 weeks. So really I'm just very excited about seeing my baby in 2 weeks time! So June 5th is the date!!

9 weeks

Well today I am 9 weeks pregnant and I had my booking appointment with my midwife. It went well, she's very nice and Lucy really liked her!! She (the cat) kept trying to climb in the Andrea's (the midwife) lap. My bp was fine, there was no protein or glucose in my wee! It turns out I will get a 12 week scan though it might be a bit closer to 16 weeks, I will also get a scan around 20 weeks. I'll see Andrea next around 16 weeks and I have to have blood tests done around 12 weeks :(

Here is what Babycenter says about baby at 9 weeks.
"His eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. He has earlobes, and by week's end, the inner workings of his ears will be complete. His upper lip is fully formed, too, and his mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The tips of his fingers are slightly enlarged where his touch pads are developing. All major joints — his shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles — are working, enabling your baby to move his limbs. As for his heart, it has divided into four chambers now, and the valves have started to develop. External sex organs are there, but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks."

As for me, I'm doing fine, still no morning sickness!! Just very tired at times and taking lots of naps.

7 weeks (+6 days)

Sorry I've not updated in over a week. This pregnancy lark is tiring! I did have 4 days off over the bank holiday but we were busy, seeing friends and visiting Jon's grandmother, we also got some work done in the garden (well Jon did!)
So I will be 8 weeks pregnant tomorrow! So far I haven't had any morning sickness, I did feel a little nauseous earlier in the week but I think I was just hungry! I've been told that it could still start, but I'm really hoping I will be one of the fortunate ones. I met my midwife on Monday, she had said she would phone me but while I was in the shower Jon came and told me she had turned up at the door!! I was really worried that we had arrange this and I had forgotten but we hadn't, she had been in the area and decided to drop by instead of phoning. I personally would have prefered she phoned before dropping in, esp as I had to go speak to her with wet hair and wearing my pyjamas! Anyway, she seems nice, she has left my notes and will come and do my booking in appointment on the 14th which is a Sunday which I thought was a bit weird but it's early at 9, so I will still be able to go to church.

Well according to my book, baby is 1 inch long and weighs about 1/10 oz!
The baby has a face with a nose, mouth and tongue, the heart and internal organs are established! Baby is also moving around a lot though I can't feel it yet!!

6 weeks (+2 days) (warning, too much information in the post)

No, your eyes do not deceive you, I have only gained 1 day in the past week! This morning I had some (Here's the TMI bit, turn back if you're squeemish!) brownish discharge when I went to the toilet before leaving for work. I immediately burst into tears and phoned work to speak to a colleague who is also a midwife. She said it was probably nothing to worry about but to stay at home and phone my doctor when they opened. Anyway, I got an appointment with a locum doctor for 10.30 and he was lovely, I was really worried that I was over reacting or wasting his time but he asked lots of questions, examined me, reassured me and then phoned the hospital to get me an early scan. My scan was for 11.45 so I went home and then Jon drove me to the hospital. We were seen almost straight away, and I had an internal scan (exactly what it sounds like) which was an "interesting" experience, but completely worth it because we got to see our tiny little baby bean and it's little heart beat! The nurse couldn't see any bleeding and said everything is fine. So I really am pregnant, there really is a tiny baby in there. The only real change is that the scan dated me at 6weeks + 2 days not 7 weeks + 1 day like I thought! So the baby is now due December 17th, it's getting closer to Christmas!

*Update* So I finally managed to scan my scan picture which you should be able to see above. The large black kidney shape is my uterus, the greyish blob at the top on that is baby bean and the white semi-circle below baby is the yolk sac which feeds baby before the placenta is established!

6 weeks (+ 1 day)

Okay, so I'm six weeks pregnant now, well six weeks and 1 day! I would have posted yesterday but I've been working nights so I've been asleep during the day.
Well I don't feel much different to last week, still very tired (even more so due to nights). I've requested to change from long to short shifts at work. I usually work (3) 11 1/2 hour shifts a week but I've really been struggling to get through those days, so I'm going to have a go at doing (5) 7 1/2 hour shifts instead. I will be difficult being a work 5 days a week when I'm used to having 4 days off but I need to give this a go. I'm also not going to work nights again for a while, so last night was the last one for a while, yay!
Anyway, what happening with baby?
This week the head begins to form followed by chest and abdomen. The immature heart is beating. Blood cells are circulating. Blood vessels are forming in the umbilical cord to the placenta. There are small depressions where the eyes will develop and the beginning of a mouth. The lower jaw is visible. There are arms and leg buds. Length 6mm (1/4 inch)

5 weeks

Well today I am 5 weeks pregnant! I went to see my dr to tell her and she has refered me to the midwife who I will see me at about 8-10 weeks. I must admit I don't know what I expected when I saw the doctor but I came away a little disappointed, maybe it was just my hormones. I also found out that our local health authority doesn't offer routine 12 week ultrasound scans. :( I was really tearful but I think it's because we live in quite a poor area and the hospital serves a huge number of people and they can't afford to offer 12 week scans to everyone. However I don't think that's right and I'm really upset by it. I'm not sure I can wait til 20 weeks to see my baby. Anyway I will just wait and see what happens and see if I can sweet talk to midwife when I see her! If it's really not possible I could always get a private scan but that costs money!

Anyway:
How am I feeling? I'm tired, though I've been waking quite early in the mornings and once I'm awake that's it. I've started to get a little acid reflux which isn't so nice, I got some heartburn medicine today and that isn't so nice either, but it did work! I've completely gone off chocolate! I'm going shopping for maternity bras tomorrow as things are growing, if you know what I mean!

Baby: is between 2 - 6 mm in length, this week the heart starts to beat, the eyes, mouth, arms and legs are starting to develop.

Sharing the news

Well yesterday after my driving lesson I phoned my mum and told her she's going to be a Grandma!! She was so pleased, she came very close to crying. It's strange telling people as in a way that makes it all the more real. So many people are superstitious about telling people before 12 weeks, but I'm not superstitious and I know that taking about my pregnancy is not going to cause things to go wrong. I want to tell a few people as I will need support if anything does go wrong. We're not going to tell everyone yet and we'll wait as long as we can before we tell most of our friends and work colleagues, but we want our families to know. Anyway after I told my mum I called my brother and told him! He was very shocked and I don't think it had expected that news. Later on he texted me to apologise for being a bit weird on the phone and that he's really happy for us! So tomorrow we tell Jon's family!
I'm working a night tonight so that will be interesting, I've been so tired lately I don't know how I'm going to be able to stay awake all night! I think I will have a nap this afternoon.

Anyway, in answer to your question Esteban, yes we do have names decided. I've always known that if I have a boy he will be Thomas after my dad. We also like James. Girls names we like are Isabel and Eleanor.

I must be making this up......

Well it turns out that the impossible has happened!! Well not actually the impossible, but that which I had convinced myself was impossible. After 10 months of trying and crying, I am pregnant. I still feel like a fraud writing these words, it just doesn't feel real, I feel like a little kid who had made up a story and is going to get caught in a lie. I'm not lying though, the pregnancy test says I'm telling the truth!
It is such early days, I'm only 4 weeks and 2 day gone, the baby isn't due until December 11th. That seems so far away but it's not and before I know it it will be fast approaching.
Anyway, what happened? This last week I've been so tired and getting stomach pains that made me think my period was on its way, but it was due yesterday and there was no sign so I sent Jon a text asking him to buy me a test (I was at work), I was going to wait and do the test this morning but I couldn't so I did it last night and it was positive. I can't believe it but it must be true. There is a tiny little life beginning inside me and that is just mind blowing.
I am so thankful. I was convinced this would never happen but God did it all in His own time.