Half Way Mark

Well as of today, I'm half way through this pregnancy. 20 weeks today and it really has flown by. I think a lot of that is down to not being able to enjoy the pg as much as the first one, simply because real life must go on. I must work, cook, clean and take care of Caitlin. Last time round, I was afforded the luxury of being able to lie and read *every* pg book available and constantly monitor each stage I was at, whilst making Ivan do everything for me

I was starting to get worried about the lack of movement I'm feeling but last night my tummy felt like it was on a rollercoaster for about 4 hours. I finally think it's starting and I know that in another 4 weeks I'll be cursing the elbows and feet in the ribs!

My baby bump has taken on a life of it's own this week I'm starting to get *big* This week, I got one stranger asking me when I was due and another stupid silly bitch in work asking when I was due and then saying "OMG, you're massive. Are you sure you are not having twins!" No ~ I'm just having a BIG baby.

Anyway, I'm going to be brave and post a 20 week belly pic. Last time I post a belly pic was @ 16 weeks. What do you think?

20 Weeks

20 Week Belly Pic

My Little Picasso

Big Girls Bed

A Blissful Retreat

I've booked for us to stay in a hotel overnight tomorrow and I'm soooooo looking forward to it. It's a bit of a belated Valentines gift And probably the last time we'll get away together on our own for a while!

We are staying here :: www.armaghcityhotel.co.uk OK, so it's not far from were we live but it's a break and that's what I feel need right now.

Caitlin is going up to stay with her Nana overnight and she is already looking forward to it! She can't wait to pack her rucksack. I might take her swimming in the morning to help tire her out. I'd hate to hear that she didn't sleep and kept them up all night or something ~ they mightn't want to have her back, lol.

Woo Hoo :: 1000+ Visitors

Who would have thought that I'd get excited over this, lol. Over a thousand visitors to my little blog.

How vain am I?

18 Weeks

I've not been on for a while but all has been well.

Last Saturday I was just about slipping into a depression filled weekend when Ivan pulled it out of the bag at the last minute, lol.

After some huffing, stomping about and tears (all from me) he told me to go up and get ready to go into town. We drove in and he then said he was taking Caitlin for the afternoon and would pick me up later!

I was in town, on my own, to shop, for myself. I had not done this in a looooooooooong time!!

It didn't take long to get my grove back I got maternity jeans, lots of tops, a sports cardy and new shoes. I felt like I was walking on cloud 9 when Ivan came to pick me up. (I've also ordered a lot of stuff online that I'm hoping will arrive this week ~ look's like I've been bitten by the shopping bug).

On Sunday, Caitlin and I popped up to visit my mum for her birthday. My sister said that it looked like I'd lost a lot of weight and my bump was more pronounced. She also said I was *blooming* That is great coming from her.

Lots of people in work mentioned my bump this week. It is growing. When I breath in it doesn't make any difference now I've also noticed that I'm running to the toilet a lot more now. My internal bits and pieces must be getting pushed around a bit. The joy's of pregnancy!

I got the results of my Triple Test back on Friday and they are all good. In relation to the risk of having a baby with Downs, the apparent score for my age is 1:500 but my blood test showed a risk of 1:1400. That is a relief but I still find myself worrying about other things. I think that is only natural. At the minute I'm not feeling a lot of movement. They say with your 2nd+ pregnancy you should feel movement earlier but except for the odd flutter, I'm feeling nothing. Even with the flutters, they've passed before I realise. I'm hoping the next few weeks bring about a change.

MW Appointment

Today was eventful to say the least. Caitlin had a little rash on her tummy yesterday morning and I took the "wait & see" approach. By the time I got home from work it had spread so first thing this morning I took her to the doctors. Turns out she has Shingles!

The doctor was very impressed! Never seen or heard of it in one so young. The doctor is hoping it won't cause her too much discomfort given her age. She thinks the older you are the worse it can be. We've got an antibiotic cream and that's about it. Caitlin may develop the flu and be out of sorts but we can deal with that.

I guess the main thing is Caitlin is ok and there is no risk to me or the baby.

We were back at the doctors this afternoon for my midwife appointment. It was quick and painless. My BP was great and my urine was clear.

I heard the heartbeat for the first time. Caitlin heard it too. She said "who is making all that noise?" when we said that it was the baby, she said "baby's banging in there" The MW couldn't compose herself!

Antenatal Appointment

Had a hospital appointment yesterday afternoon to get the Triple Test done and should get the results in about 10 days. Ivan came along too and we were lucky enough to have another scan. It was great to see our little bubba kicking and punching around. He/she looked safe and happy. Really active, yet I couldn't feel a thing!

I think I'm feeling the odd bit of movement depending on how I'm sitting or lying. It feels like little flutters down deep in my tummy. I can't wait for the big ailen rolls, twist and turns. I can't wait for Caitlin and her dad to be able to feel the kicks too.

I have a midwife appointment at the GP surgery tomorrow. Usually they just check bp and urine. If I'm lucky they will use the doppalar and listen for the heartbeat. If so, this will be the first time I've heard it.

I took a funny turn a tea time yesterday and ended up going to bed with Caitlin! I thought my morning (noon & night) sickness had passed! All day I had been really looking forward to a baked potato with bacon and melted cheese. I was dreaming about it and tasting it all day but as soon as I'd made it and sat down to eat ......... ugh! I just couldn't bring myself to eat any. I felt sooooo ill. I was asleep by 8 pm, right through till this morning and I think I'm off baked potato's now!