Week 31

30+2

It's the final countdown da da daa daaaa da da da da daaaaaa!

I'm freaking out a ltitle bit that there's less than ten weeks to go (except it's not because of course I'll go over!).

The main thing bugging me was getting my Maternity Allowance sorted out. I still haven't tackled it yet. The form you have to fill in is so long and detailed and complicated and there's just so many forms and proof of earning/benefits/credits etc. you have to take with you. Not to mention rejection of SMP letters etc. I didn't have it all together and was beginning to panic. Especially as the dozy stand-in MW I saw at my last appointment told me I didn't need a MAT B1 certificate when I did and I couldn't collect one until Tuesday and couldn't get it taken into work until today......!! Anyway, turns out that, on taking the MATB1 in to work today, the bursar tells me the lady from payroll has double checked for me and because I've done enough overtime between December 06 and now (the claim period) I've actually paid enough NI contributions to be entitled to SMP!!!! I'm SOOOOOO thrilled as it means it's now up to work to sort it all out and I just have to sit back and receive the money! Such a load off my mind! I'll still get the same amount of 90% of my earnings but it's a whole load less sorting out and stress. Yay! Only two weeks left of work now!!

I won £30 at Bingo tonight, lol!! I go once a month with my friend as they have free games one Thursday a month and it's my 'thing' I do to get out on my own for some me time! We been doing it for about 8 months and I've never won so was so excited! Just when I really needed it with no bank card after it swallowed by the cash machine!!

The little lady is well. Such a wriggler, Makes me quite uncomfortable sometimes and causes me to catch my breath. My tummy now contorts as she does her larger movements and I love to watch the different shapes she makes! I have no idea which way up she is as the prods and kicks are now all over the place. There is, however either a head or a bottom right under my ribs now and I can barely bend down/forward without feeling like I'm crushing her!

Sleep has come easier the past couple of weeks. I'm sure the hot chocolate is helping me to relax and avoid heartburn. And lots of warm baths with a book! I'm having to be careful what I eat now (apart from late night coke and flakes!!) as I can feel the pounds piling on. I'm determined to keep it under control this time and do something about the excess as soon as baby arrives rather than use the baby as an excuse for being wobbly like I did with Noah! I only have two pairs of maternity trousers, with stretchy side panels and they're now getting alittle tight and uncomfy at the button. With my bingo money I'm going to treat myself to some nice, soft, stretchy, over-the bump jeans or something on Saturday when we go to buy our new double buggy.

Week 30

29+1

I've been in nesting mode this week. The kitchen has had a complete seeing to - including the cupboards, microwave, fridge and oven. There's been scrubbing, mopping and wiping! The bathroom has been cleaned so hard you need to put sunglasses on when you go in - I even spent a good 20 mins on my knees scrubbing the loo! I hope that will have encouraged my little one to turn out of the breech postion!

I've been sufffering with really unconfortable Braxtons that take my breath away and I definitely notice them more when I'm overdoing it. The heartburn too! Every time I bent down to pick something off the floor today that hot, acidy feeling hit me! Bedtime is a nightmare. I've been faffing about until the small hours before giving in to the tiredness and getting into bed. I just have to make sure I'm super tired otherwise I just can't sleep. Getting comfy is becoming a bit of a battle althjough I only seem to be up once, maybe twice a night for a wee now (which is good cos it takes a while to lever myself up off the bed now and I pulled a muscle last night!).

I've put on a good stone now but I'm still feeling pretty good most of the time. I've been craving Coke which is awful as it's full of calories and sugar and caffeine and all sorts of rubbish. I'm also craving sponges. With Noah I used to chew on a clean, new bath sponge enjoying the texture and juiciness (sounds gross I know!) and it's recently appeared this time too but I don't have a clean sponge to chew! No mammoth cravings for ice like I had with Noah though!

The baby's hospital bag is all packed. I was having a sort out and a wash of all the stuff we've got and thought I might as well put it all together before it gets shoved in a drawer and I can't find it! I've got as far as writing a list for mine, and for Noah's to take to Grandma's but won't pack it for a few weeks yet.

11 weeks to go. Time is flying!

29wks: Bump

Week 29

28+1

Just got back from my 28wk MW appointment. The usual lady wasn't there so some old dear was in her place and, although lovely, didn't seem to have a clue what she was doing! Everything took twice as long! Thank goodness they HAD actually taken my 28wk bloods at the same time as I had my GTT - I don't think I wouldn've trusted her to know what she was doing! I'm sure she was very experienced, just a bit unfamiliar with her surroundings!

Everything is normal. Blood pressure, wee etc. I actually measured right this week (whereas last time I was 2wks ahead) but I guess it depends on who's doing it. 1cm or 2 isn't a huge amount either way. The MW had a very painful squeeze of my tummy to see which wasy baby is laying and she's definitely breech for now. I'm not really that bothered by that yet though. She has another 12 weeks to turn. Her heartbeat was fine although by this stage baby girl was a bit fed up of being prodded and kept kicking the doppler thingy off!

I frightened myself silly this morning by taking a pretty spectacular tumble. I was crossing the road with the buggy and misjudged the height of the curb as there was a big puddle up to the top of it. The buggy didn't go up the curb, instead flew forward with me trying to save it from falling while trying not to fall on top of it, or even fall at all! It all happened in slow motion! In the end I managed to let poor Noah fall slowly and he was so padded in the buggy he didn't even touch the ground! I landed with one knee on the buggy, one knee on the ground but managed not to bump my tummy by falling onto my hands. It's quite funny now but at the time I was so shaken up and embarrassed!! My knee has a lovely swollen bruise and graze on it but baby girl was kicking away immediately afterwards so I knew she was ok.

I really need to sort out my Maternity Allowance. It's such a pain that I'm not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay as I only work one day a week and don't earn enough. I got confirmation of my requested Maternity Leave dates last week (I finish on 14th February) but unless I take a trip to the Job Centre, won't be getting any money. I went round today to speak to somebody about the long and complicated Application Form I have to fill in and all the proof of earnings and benefits I need to produce only to find it had moved and I couldn't be bothered to walk round to the new place with a sore knee!

Next MW appointment is in 3 weeks (yay, they get more regular now!) and I have my 2nd GTT in 4 weeks.

Week 28

27 + 0

I had my glucose tolerance test last week. I was really nervous cos I had to have fingerprick test, lol and was worried it would hurt!! Needless to say it didn't really! The nurse also had to take one lot of blood from my arm right at the start and she could NOT get any out. This has never happened before. She was wiggling the needle around in my left arm before she had a go and did the same in the right arm where the blood slowly started to drip out. Bearing in mind I'd not eaten since the day before as well as the thought of the needle wiggling around in my arm I suddenly warbled 'I'm starting to feel a bit funny!' I managed not to pass out though and once I'd had some water and the sugary drink they supply for the test I felt much better! It was very boring sitting in the waiting room for two hours though. I got such a numb bum and back ache.

The Dr surgery is right next door to the flat so when I go back for my second test at 32 weeks I might ask if I can go home for those 2hrs! I went back in to have more arm blood taken (which left a HUGE bruise) and then when to collect Noah from his Grandma's. I felt quite rotten until I had something to eat. Still, it's over now and I get to go through it all again at 32wks.

I take it all is well as they said the results would be back the next day and they'd let me know if there was a problem but I've had no phonecall or anything so hopefully have avoided gestational diabetes for now.

I had a lovely week of hardly needing the loo at all but now I feel desperate all the time! Even while I'm weeing and straight after - like there's still lots in there that can't get out because of the way baby girl is laying!!

I'm getting a little bit of heartburn when I first go to bed still but it's totally bearable.

I think little one is breech too. At my last appointment, the MW said she was lying with her spine down my left side but couldn't tell which way up she was. I'm feeling most kicks down quite low. Still. Plenty of time for her to turn!

I have my 28wks appt on Monday and I'm really hoping to avoid having any more blood taken!!

Week 26

25+2

I had my MW appointment on Tuesday - the first one Sy has managed to make it to as it was on the split between his shifts. All is well, BP fine, heartbeat good (although while listening to the heart the MW did ask if it was definitely a girl which worried me!!). I'm measuring 27wks instead of 25 which is fine. I was always 1cm over with Noah and I was much slimmer then so I didn't think an extra 1cm was too bad!

The bad news is I have to have a glucose tolerance test next monday. Luckily the MIL is off work and can have Noah for the 2 hours it takes. I'm not looking forward to it though! The MW said when I booked in that I wouldn't need one but she's obviously changed her mind!

24wks: Bump

Week 24

23+0

Briefly....

Cooking a gymnast. Still peeing frequently. Heartburn has arrived. Bump endlessly expanding. Simon's life in danger - hormones raging! Finally have a shortlist of a few names - need a few more though! Doing well and happy! Midwife Christmas Eve!

Week 22

21+5

This girly is going to be a footballer! She is soooo wriggly and kicks so hard already and so often - much more than Noah did at this stage. I can now feel it from the outside as I know when she's doing it although Simon can't yet.

We've done a few bits of shopping for pink things and have got a couple of dresses. I just couldn't resist. And ohmygoodness the little tights are so cute!!! I still feel a bit strange looking at girlie things though. Stills feels a littel bit unnatural. I have boy experience and Mummy's and boys have that special bond don't they? Plus Noah is my first and I'm so worried that I don't feel excited enough! I AM excited but worried what having a girlie will be like and what kind of bond we'll have. I'm sure it'll be fine!

My back is starting to get the slightest bit achey now when I've been at work all day. As are my feet. I don't sit down at work much - even on my lunch hour I'm busy getting things done. At least it's only one day a week.

Am still weeing for England! They should do some kind of pregnant women's olympics!

Week 21

20+1

It was so lovely seeing baby again yesterday. The scan seemed so much more detailed than with Noah and you could see all the features and body parts so clearly! Baby even did a yawn while the scan lady checked it's top lip which was sooo cute!

Everything is absolutely fine. Baby was wriggling about and having a right old fidget. The head is already 18cm around, the tummy 14cm and the legs are apparently on the long side - the lady even checked twice to make sure! Another tall child like Noah then, it seems!

We went in 15 minutes early - as soon as we arrived and were in and out in ten minutes! I seem to remember it taking longer last time!

Anyway. Simon was so desperate to find out the sex but the baby was laying face down which I've heard can make it tricky to do so. Plus there was a foot right int he way of our view of the private bits! But, like I said, baby was having a good old fidget and changed position in time for us to found out!

Baby No2 is a GIRL!!

Ill!

Eurgh I've had a horrible, HORRIBLE helping of sickness and diarrhoea.

I went to work on Thursday and felt fine except for being tired for the last hour which I just assumed was pregnancy. We had tea at Simon's Mum's and about half an hour later I just had a really funny turn - felt hot and faint and strange. I knew I needed to go home straight away. On the way I home I started to feel really sick and by the time we got into the car park I couldn't hold it anymore and I threw up ALL OVER the car park!!

Collapsed into bed for an hour before waking and thowing up again, followed by the other end. The same again an hour later. I was sick almost hourly over night, just stomach juices and water I tried to sip in the end and it was painful and hard work and I felt rotten. I was seriously thinking I was going to have to be hospitalised if it carried on!

By 8am I'd not been sick for 4 hours so managed a glass of water which stayed put. Over the course of Friday I managed to drink loads and even ate a few crackers!! I no longer felt sick but felt achey and fluey and slept most of the day - luckily it was Simon's day off.

On Saturday I felt better but washed out so the MIL kindly had Noah for the morning and I joined them in the afternoon. Today I'm absolutely fine!

I've not been 'ill' sick for years - I don't 'do' tummy bugs! The poor baby went really quiet - it was probably starving although I'm not worried as s/he's been making up for the quiet spells today!

Week 20

19+0

I have had the tingliest, hottest most uncomfortable boobs the last couple of weeks. Just like when you're breast feeding and they start to get full again as the next feed approaches. I've had a few little drops of liquid come out but no embarrassing patches yet! I've already bought some breast pads just in case! I think I remember being about 21wk pregnant with Noah when this happened before. Everything's happened a couple of weeks earlier this pregnancy. I suppose my body knows what it's doing this time a bit more!

Noah has taken to lifting my top top at every opportunity and saying 'Ah, baby!' and stroking and kissing my tummy! We went Christmas/birthday shopping at the weekend and we decided to get him a baby doll and some accesories for his birthday so he can see to his baby while I see to mine! I think he'll make a great Daddy!

8 days to the scan!

Week 19

18+0

Have been a bit poorly for a few days - throaty and glandy and tired and foggy with it but feeling much better today. Noah was pleased that Mummy was more 'with it' and we even managed to have a play date this morning with a girl I met at Post Natal Group with Noah and her 20 month old daughter Scarlett.

Still feel 4 or 5 prods most days which I still can't get over at this early stage. Yesterday they were stronger than they had been before and I actually noticed them while I was doing something rather than when I was lying in bed trying to feel them!

I'm so excited that it's now only 2 weeks to the scan and I'll get to see my little bean again and for the (hopefully if all is well - final time before meeting him/her). I have to say I'm back to trying to decide whether or not to find out and think I'll end up deciding on the day! I couldn't bear the tension any longer and wnt through all the newborn baby clothes I have here (Noah's and some of Isabella's) and if I decided not to find out, I have enough vests and babygros to last those first couple of months in each colour without needing to buy any!!! That's a big factor in my (I keep saying my! 'Our' if I have to!) decision.

It's just the blinking name issue. We're just so SO stuck for girls names! Names we have dsicussed include: Lily, Lydia, Lola, Evie, Ava, Freya, Isla, Amelie, Poppy, Niamh and Ruby. All of which are ok but not one I just get that 'feeling' about! We'll have some serious thinking to do if this bump turns out to be a pink one!

Week 18

17 weeks exactly

I got my bottom into gear and rang the MW yesterday to make my 16wk appointment and they had a space free this morning. Better late than never. It meant that Simon couldn't come (he likes to be involved) but he didn't mind too much.

So all in all: my bloods are all fine, BP is 110/65 which is normal for me, urine fine and I got to hear the heartbeat (with Noah led next to me on the bed!) which was sooo lovely. I haven't felt as excited and bonded with this pregnancy so far as I did with Noah but hearing the heartbeat really settled and pleased me. Plus the fact that, laying in bed last night I felt three or four VERY delicate but DEFINITE littl prods from inside. That made me all emotional. Much earlier than last time but I guess I was just laying in the right position. Very exciting!

I can't believe I'm 17wks already! At first I was complaining about how slow it was going this time round but the past 6 weeks have flown by. And I have a scan in 3 weeks to look forward to now. It's all becoming very real!

17wks: Bump

Week 16

15+6

Same old, same old here really. Although I've not had a headache for a while which is nice! Also I seem to have sompletely stopped heaving - even when I smell things...woohoo!

Someone asked me this morning how I was doing and thinking about it I feel really well. For the first time in weeks I look and feel refreshed! My hair is all shiny today, my skin is clear and I feel ready to tackle all the nitty gritty bits of housework and jobs in town that I've been ignoring for the past couple of months!

I've not felt any fluttering or bubbles etc. yet. I first felt them at 16wks with Noah (but nothing more than flutters for another 3 or 4 weeks until he first kicked noticeably). I have, however. felt a kind of 'tickle' from within on a couple of occasions. Like when somebody is running a feather over your skin but inside my tummy, almost like a funny-bone kind of strange tickly sensation. I never got that with Noah. I wonder if it's the first signs of feeling movement or if it's just wind!!

Still haven't phoned the MW to sort out my 16wk appt. I'm sooo much more laid back this time. With Noah I did everything by the book. This time round it's different. I've even had a couple of drinks (I'm not that big a drinker at the best of times - hardly drink anything but I've been really fancying a cold bottle of lager about once a fortnight! Naughty, I know!). I wouldn't have touched the stuff with Noah. I also 'throw' myself around more than I did with Noah. Running up and down the stairs, rolling around with Noah etc. I've lost count of the times he's jumped on or accidently kicked me in the tummy. I hope it's all ok!!

Week 13

12+6

The big report of the week this week is the joys of constipation, lol! I had it a little with Noah at this stage but I've had a pretty bunged up two or three days! Lovely! I'm getting plenty of fruit, veg and fibre etc. so it's definitely pregnancy related! I felt really uncomfortable inside the other day, not in pain just out of sorts, and I've come to the conclusion it was body parts shifting round in there as baby grows. I think that's what kickstarted the inability to poo!!

My tummy has also changed shape. Probably all to do with the same thing. I've got a definite little roundness down low on my tummy now - what was a wobbly roll has firmed up and it quite bump-like. I'm only 2lbs heavier than I was when I found out I was pregnant but my trousers are now getting a little on the tight side but maternity trousers are still too big. It's that horrible in-between stage where jogging bottoms become your best friends!

Still doing the occasional heave and need a daytime nap maybe twice a week but otherwise feeling perky!

Week 12

11+4

I'm feeling much better these days. No constant nausea. It's only the whiff of certain things that will turn my stomach and even then I don't always heave (although I did have to run to the loo all of a sudden a week ago and be sick).

I'm not so tired now either. It's nice. Even though Noah's been unwell and unsettled at night I've been getting to bed at a decent hour and sleeping well when asleep. It'll still take me an hour to get back to sleep when I give in to the urge to wee though!

I just feel so much more relaxed after seeing baby on the scan. Safe almost. It still feels early to tell people though. I don't know why. It seems strange thinking about telling people again but we have told a few more people. I'm not looking forward to all the 'Bet you'd like a girl' and 'what would you prefer?' comments. I honestly don't mind!!!! I'd love to have a girl as, after me always saying I'd like lots of children, I think this'll be the last one. It'd be nice to have a girlie daughter friend and to do the whole pink thing. At the same time I'd love another boy - we wouldn't have to buy too many clothes and money's tight, lol!! Also we have chosen a boy's name that we love and is almost definite (just have to ask somebody's permission, lol!!) but are still struggling with girl's name. I don't really want to call a child a name I just think is ok but will have to because I can't think of anything else!! I have my 20wk scan on 20th November and I just don't know whether or not to find out. Simon wants to but I can't decide. We found out what we're were having when expecting Noah but only as Mum was so poorly and wasn't sure if she'd survive until the birth and wanted to be able to bond with her grandchild while she could. Because we knew he was a boy, everything we bought for him is blue and boyish! We have very little neutral clothing! I don't want to buy stuff I don't need but I don't want my little girls first outfit to be an aeroplane babygro!!! Aaaaaaarrrrggh. It's hard!! If I did find out I'd want to keep it a secret from all the sticky-beaks but don't know if I could!

Week 11

I had my dating scan today!

Phew, there's a baby in there! Phew, it had a heartbeat!

The whole thing was sooo quick this time - I was in and out of the hospital in ten minutes!! Baby is measuring 4cm and I am EXACTLY the number of weeks/days I thought I was! But I can still hardly believe I got a positive result 10 days after conception!!!

Anyway, I'm 10+6 and due 8th April (although they never even mentioned dates, or filled in my notes - just scanned me and sent me off with my photos!).

Noah was in a stunned silence watching the sonographer (or 'snog'rapher as she called herself!) squirt (hot!) gel on my naked tummy and prod me with the scanner - he was good as gold!

Next scan is 20th November. I'm happy to know everything's ok so far but still hope the 20wk goes ok as that's the biggie for detecting any problems.

Week 10

9+1

I had my booking in appointment today. I've got a really friendly, bonkers MW called Jules who was lovely and made me feel so proud as she said how good Noah's speech is for his age! So I did my wee, had my bloods done, went through all the boring forms with her etc. They do all these additional blood tests now (without having to take more blood) as lots of diseases are cropping up. She also said she'd test me for Chicken Pox immunity as an extra as I work with children and it can be dangerous for pg women. I don't think there's a time we DON'T have chicken pox at school!! Hope I'm immune otherwise I'll be having loads of time off!

They're quite big on home births at my new surgery. They can't 'encourage' it but give it a huge amount of support - even have birthing pools you can borrow for free. I'm not sure it's for me but I'm not ruling it out yet. We'll see. I like the safeness of being in a hospital!

I've declined the extra screening again this time for Down's etc. And hopefully I'll be getting a scan in the next 2-4 wks due to my mad cycles and how my due date varies by 5wks depending on whether you go by my LMP or when I reckon I ovulated.

Still feeling grotty. I had a couple of days where I felt fine, which really worried me, lol but then it's hit me back with a vengance since. I also had some funny little crampy niggles last night which I'm putting down to things stretching.

I think that's it. All still very non-eventful!

Week 9

8+2

I feel horrible. Still not being sick but just feel pants all the time. The evening are the worst. I get to about 4pm and the nausea REALLY hits me and I'm incapable of doing anything. Simon's having to sort out tea, bath Noah etc. etc. It's a struggle to stay awake until even 8pm. Working three days this week has nearly finished me off!! Lightweight.

Week 8

7+1

All much the same so far this week. Except the dry heaving has started. Certain, actually MOST, smells are affecting me badly and I spend most of the day doing 'sick frog' impressions, heaving with all my might and no reward into the loo! Have had nothing come up yet though apart from a bit of tasty stomach acid (which I can taste constantly!). I feel most sick when hungry, but even worse just after eating.

I'm not as tired as I was although sleep still comes easily when I take a few minutes to put my feet up and shut my eyes while Noah naps. Think I've just got into the habit now!!

The MW appointment is booked for a fortnight's time. I might just have to take another test before then just to check I really am pregnant again! I'm still not convinced!

Week 7

6+1

The quesiness has started this week. It's there in the background all day but quite subtle most of the time. It gets worse when I get particularly hungry but is even worse after I eat (which I have to do little and often!). A few times a day the nausea surges and I have to sit down with my head in my hands for 15 minutes or so until it passes, telling myself not to be sick!! The retching hasn't started yet but I don't think it'll be long. Smells are really starting to turn my stomach.

I'm still tired but managing to nap for about an hour each day. I can't seem to sleep at night though. It takes me ages to drop off and then I toss and turn and wake all night. I'm not even finding that I'm needing the loo so much so it's not that. I mean, when I wake I need the loo so get up but it's not being desperate that's waking me! I still have a dodgy tummy. Each time I need to go my tummy grumbles and I feel a bit shaky afterwards but I'm keeping my fluids topped up so know I'm ok!

Apart from that I just have a few lovely spots!!

Week 6

5wks 1 day

Still such early days. Still doesn't feel like it's actually real. Still don't have a smidgen of a symptom (morning sickness, sore boobs etc) and I'm beginning to think the tiredness is just because I'm lazy! The only day I did feel sick was the day Simon was ill - but who wouldn't feel sick listening to and smelling somebody else feel sick all night!!

I feel totally different with this pregnancy than I did with Noah. I think with Noah I allowed myself to get excited as I though 'well, I've miscarried once, surely it won't happen again this time'. Stupid I know, but luckily there was no need to worry. This time I'm thinking the other way round - 'I had such a perfect, healthy pregnancy with Noah, surely it's about time I had a turn at something going wrong again'. Such a negative attitude!!

I just know I'm not going to believe I'm actually pregnant until I've had my 12wk scan and know the baby is ok. I just feel sooo normal! I know I shouldn't complain but I almost feel like somebody was tampering with all the digital ClearBlue pregnancy tests in the factory so they'd all come up with 'Pregnant' for a laugh!!

I don't feel worried though. Just nothingy!

Week 4

3wks 5 days

I did have a slight inkling before taking the test that I could be pregnant but I didn't really believe it. I only thought there was a possibility as the night we stayed in a Travelodge type place half way back up France I had a rather 'naughty' dream and got all hot and bothered in my sleep. I had this ALL the time when pregnant with Noah so wondered if it meant anything!

I haven't really had any symptoms yet. Saying that - what a difference a positive result makes. You start to imagine all kinds of thing! Do I have a headache? Is that nausea swimming around in my tummmy or just nervous excitement? Am I exhausted because I'm pregnant or becuase I've just got back from a fortnight on holiday and need to catch up?!! I think it's safe to say I've been rather emotional!

I'm not going to the Dr yet. Going to wait a couple of weeks before popping in (the surgery is right next door!). We had to change surgeries when we moved and although I've registered I've had no need to go yet! Noah's not even seen the HV as I can't get hold of her. Ah well. I still feel so much like it's not really true. I feel so normal! I'd quite like some symptoms to kick in just to reassure myself that all is well!!