I'm 40, so I am considered "older mom". And I already have two teenage girls from previous relationship.

I wouldn't say I made the decision to have another child in my time of life easily. It took me more than 6 years of my new marriage to come to this. But here I am finally. Before getting pregnant I did piles of research. So, yes, I know all about risk. That is why I opted to do CVS testing at 10 weeks, which brought me a good news - no genetic abnormalities are detected. Why I didn't chose amnio? Because it is done at 16 weeks and in my opinion it is too late to terminate the pregnancy in case of severe problems.

I'm basically healthy. Before getting pregnant, I used to drink occasional glass of wine or a couple of beer with my husband. I stopped this as soon as I tested positive. I don't smoke or use drugs. I'm almost vegetarian with ocassional fish and seafood, but no meat of any kind. So I eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies and avoid junk food. I have been practicing tai chi for more than three years and I continue it now. Since I have a beloved dog, I go for a walk every day, at least three times a day. I live in Washington state in a very clean area near the forest. Oh, and I don't have extra weight. So you see, I have a reason to believe I am well fit for this pregnancy despite me being "older", so I look forward to having my baby with optimism.

14 April, Monday

30 weeks. Two-third of pregnancy is over and the big day approaches. Still feel relatively good. LIttle guy kicks me every nigh and every morning. He slows down a bit during the day, but I feel him often enough so not to worry. Continue my tai chi classes, although I have to modify movements a bit - not to bend too low, not to kick to high etc. Also I go for a walk with my dog 3-4 times a day, so it gives me additional hour or so of excercise.

15 February, Friday

Today I went for my 2nd level ulrasound. This was the first time my husband joined me for the doctor appointment. I was a little bit worried what if we discover something wrong and my hubby would be there too and there would be no way to soften the blow for him. But it went very nicely. The doctor showed us all pictures and explained that everything looked "beautiful" and "perfectly normal". He tried to involve my husband also. At one point he said, while looking on the screen, "I see your baby has a kind heart. Do you know why I can tell?", and then to my husband, "Because you have such a kind face, your baby must have a kind heart". Other time he showed us the baby holding his tumb up and said,"Look, he is saying, not to worry dad, I am ok." It was fun. Well, I am relieved that all results are good. In a couple of days I will be 22 weeks and time is flying.

28 January, Monday.

It is 19 weeks already. Almost half-way. Recently I felt the baby move for the first time. It was like definite pokes from inside. Most of them were low and some hit my bladder. Then for a couple of days there were nothing. Today I again feel something, although not as strong. I hope soon I will feel the baby moving all the time.