Hi, my name is Michaela, I live just outside Belfast and this is my first pregnancy which I am over the moon about. I've been married since Sept 2006, and my husband and I wanted a child to complete our family. We've been trying for three months now and didn't really think it would happen this month as there wasn't much BDing. At present we have 3 cats and some tropical fish!! All the cats are boys, so I would like a girl to even things up a bit!

My baby spike Bad hair day!!

Baby Roobarb (2 years ago)

Baby # 3 - Casper ( he's the youngest, such a lap cat)

Jase and I have been together for 9 years in September, for the first year we had a long distance relationship - he was in England and I was in Northern Ireland. When I qualified I moved to England, stayed ther for 5 years, we got engaged there 5 years ago and 3 years ago we moved back to Northern Ireland and bought our first house. Then last September we went to Borneo for a once in a lifetime trip where we got married.

our wedding day... in the hotel in Borneo

Tried to give up smoking on New Years Day 'cos we were trying to get PG, but after 6 weeks gave in, as was feeling frustrated. We found out on 13th March that we were PG, so I saw my smoking counsellor who told me that going cold turkey put the pregnancy under too much strain, so we cut down slowly. (I finally quit on 1st of May 2007 and haven't looked back.)

I was told at age 20 to have children within a year as my chances were slim (I've had repeated abdominal surgeries and spend alot of time in pain). At that time I was still studying and had only been with my man 6 months so there was no way I could even think about children. Now 7 1/2 years on we are thrilled at the prospect of being parents, it still hasn't quite sunk in, except for the sore boobs, extreme peeing, nausea, and erratic sleep pattern. I told my parents on Mother's Day that they were gonna be grandparents - they were thrilled. Jase is flying to England soon to tell his parents.

7 weeks

6/04/07

I'm now in my 8th week and I had an emergency scan a few days ago as I was having severe pain, baby is okay (saw heartbeat, but haven't heard it yet!), but have been told that this is only the start of it, and the pain may get even more severe throughout the pregnancy, which is a very scarey prospect, but it'll be worth it in the end.

Have just received my first antenatal appointment, it's not until 2nd May ( seems like ages away) , I'll be 12 weeks by then so the scan should be alot clearer than the emergency one I had last week.

10/04/07

Well I'm now 9 weeks and not feeling too bad. Nausea and vomiting seems to have settled for now, no major mood swings- except crying at ridiculous things on TV, my waistline is getting a bit thicker and I'm scared to step on the scales 'cos I've been hungry all the time over the past week. Have had quite a lot of pain over the past week so my hot water bottle and electric blanket have been my best friends.

Decided to change my OB. consultant- so got an earlier appt. (2 days difference) so scan is now 30th April.

23 april 07 -10 weeks +6 days (1/4 done!)

This last week has been long and hard. Have had the cold, am constantly exhausted and have lower back pain. Can't seem to sleep deeply, can't get comfortable, up to pee a lot and find it difficult to get over to sleep. My sleep pattern is pretty messed up - mostly due to doing 3 night shifts a week- but hopefully from next week I'll be down to just one a week - maybe things will settle then.

28th April - (11 weeks+4days)

Having a better week, have finished my sets of night shifts (no more 3 in a rows), down to one a week and rest are day shifts. Hopefully my sleep pattern will start to improve now. Have got my scan on Monday- can't wait to see my jellybean and to talk to my consultant. My sleep pattern is still a mess hence the tiredness persists, still have tender boobs but apart from this I have very little pregnancy symptoms. Did go psycho-chick on DH earlier this week but to make up for it we decided to book a holiday for end of June - we were talking about going on a city break to Spain etc, but we went a bit crazy and are now of to the Maldives for a week in June!!! Now we have something to look forward to - i'll be 20 weeks then so hopefully will be glowing!! Have added bump photo - my mum says I'm having a baby and a very large bag of lollypops!!

11 weeks + 4 days

30th April - 11 weeks 6 days- well I've been to the hospital today for my booking in appointment. They took loads of bloods (blood count, HIV, syphillus, hep B and blood group), give me a full medical then I got my scan - jellybean was waving like mad!! Everything looks good. My dates are right. Couldn't hear the heartbeat as they didn't have the doppler (which was disappointing) but hopefully I'll get to hear that in 2 weeks time at my midwife appt. (Found out today that my hospital doesn't tell you the sex which I am really pleased about.)

11 weeks 6 days

Don't get another scan until 2nd July (which is the day after we get back from our holiday- so we wont mind coming home so much).

7th May 2007 12 + 6 weeks (end of first trimester)

Well it's the last day of my first trimester and I feel pretty good, only complaint is tiredness which hopefully will go away in a couple of weeks. Have been off cigarettes for 6 days now and have no cravings for them at all. My bump is starting to take shape and look less like flab and I now have only 2 pairs of trousers that fit. My mum lost 6 1/2 stone over the past 3 years so have raided her "bigger" wardrobe, unfortunately its only useful for tops as I'm about 6 inches taller than mum - So I still have to go SHOPPING!!! This week we've also been trying to come up with names. I've had a girls name picked for 2 years but now DH says he's not keen!! We've shortlisted boys names down to about 15.

15th May 07 - 14 weeks

Well went for my antenatal appointment today, everything went well, blood pressue is fine and urine remains clear, unfortunately couldn't hear heartbeat, jellybean just wasn't playing, my heartbeat was very clear but no baby heartbeat! GUTTED! Still feel tired but not as bad as the last few weeks. Appetite is insatiable. Am doing well off the cigs , 13 days now and feel great. As of today I no longer have any normal clothes left that fit, my only pair of jeans now are secured with an elastic band. I'm going shopping with my Mum on Thursday for travel system, so will have to buy more clothes then.

Week 15

Starting to feel more normal, except for the tummy swelling, am starting to get more pain, but that's only to be expected with my other abdominal problems. I'm now off the cigarettes 3 full weeks and feel great not a single craving, and still can't stand the smell of my hubby when he's just had one!! Food cravings include fresh crusty bead with ham and coleslaw, plain hula hoops and Marks and Spencers pink pigs! Have now got some clothes that fit properly and have cleared wardrobes and drawers of all redundant clothing.

15 weeks + 3 days

16 Weeks +1 day - 30th May 2006

All is well here, still getting a lot of pain, but it's copable with. Loving my pregnant belly at this stage, I can still bend over to pick things off the floor and sleep on my tummy so i'm happy for now. Appetite is still excellent and i'm now off the cigarettes for 4 weeks and am feeling great. I'm still waiting on the flutters, have felt some strange sensations in my belly but not sure if it's jellybean or wind. Have my next appointment with my doctor on 12th June - hoping to hear the heartbeat for the first time.

31st May 2007

Have felt kicks, well it felt like kicks, once last night and a double kick tonight. Makes it all feel more real and it also reassures me that everything is going well.

6th June '07- 17 weeks + 1 day

Feeling okay, had a stinking cold, sore throat and chest infection halfway through last week, am starting to shake it off now. Have been doing some more maternity wear shopping, and getting prepared for our holiday. Hubby is in nesting mode, i'm still working myself up to do a big tidy and clear out. Off the cigs 5 weeks now, still no probs. Starting to have a lot more energy, so maybe that cleaning will get done this week.

10th June '07 - 17 weeks+5 days

Had a bit of a scare today. I was working on the ward this morning when suddenly i developed excruciating pain at my lower left side of my abdomen, pain was so bad I almost collapsed. So I went for an emergency check-up and had a scan which showed that everything is ok with jellybean (Thank God!). Good feotal heart beat and movement , good volume of fluid around baby and placenta is a good size and in good position. Was so reassuring to see that it all was ok, and also amazing to see how much bigger he/she had got in the last 6 weeks. They put the pain down to my adhesions and said I was to get plenty of rest.

12th June '07- 18 weeks

Just got back from my check up with the midwife. Hubby took time off work today 'cause he wanted to hear the heartbeat and today was his lucky day. 148bpm and very strong and blood pressure is still excellent. Got home and hubby tried to feel jellybean moving, I ate baby's favourite (cherry yoghurt) and hubby thinks he felt it move. It's all starting to feel more real. Have got a whole new wardrobe off ebay and for very little cash, so now starting to pack for our hols this weekend.

We met up with KatM and her hubby in the Maldives

2nd July '07- 20 weeks and 6 days (over half way there!)

Well we've just got back from our holiday, had a lovely relaxing time. Tummy is expanding, and kicks getting stronger. I'm going for my Ultrasound this afternoon, looking forward to seeing my jellybean again. Uncle-to-be is coming with us, he's so excited.

3rd July '07 - 21 weeks

So I went for my big scan yesterday. I managed to erase all my holiday photos whilst getting the camera ready for filming the ultrasound, only to be told that we weren't allowed to film it!!! I could have cried. Anyway we saw jellybean, and everything is normal, s/he was moving around lots and we even saw s/he swallowing the amniotic fluid, heart rate was 160bpm, also got all my blood results back and they were fine. Have been on a bit of a downer, keep being told by my mum that i'm huge and that everyone else that she know's who are expecting are tiny. Thanks mum!!! Well i've decided to ignore her, I still fit in to the same size maternity clothes and also have to consider that I only gave up smoking 9 weeks ago, I'm eating healthily and am getting exercise. Anyway enough ranting for now.

10th July '07 - 22 Weeks

Well, I'm feeling quite good this week. I've got over the big tummy issue and would like to thank all of you who left messages of support on my VIP page. Only new complaint is that the baby keeps turning round and wedging it's head in my appendix scar, theres alot of scar tissue around there and it hurts like hell. I can't move when it happens and have tried all sorts of positions to move it on but it takes about an hour. Is anyone else experiencing this?

22 weeks

14th July '07

Hubby felt a kick for the first time this evening. It was so nice to finally be able to share this experience with him. We've started to clear out the bedroom that's gonna be the nursery. It's amazing how much rubbish you gather up!!

17th July '07 - 23 weeks

I can't believe that i'm already at 23 weeks, people say that 9 months flies by but i didn't believe them. Jellybean is a lot more active and i love feeling those kicks everyday. We've started to play it music and s/he seems to like it. Hubby has also started to talk to it. I've worked out how to move jellybean when s/he gets stuck in my appendix scar --Half spoon decaff + half spoon caff coffee = no pain in 20 minutes!! My hands are starting to swell in the mornings and my wrists are really sore and stiff - think i've been putting too much pressure through them trying to move in bed. My BP has been low over the past few days 104/60 so i've been drinking plenty of water to try and get it back to normal. The bedroom is cleared now so we can now start gathering up all the essentials.

19th July '07

Saw babies first kick on the outside whilst in bed, told hubby who started to stare at tummy which caused me to have a huge laughing fit - no chance of daddy-to-be seeing anything that night- there'll be another chance soon hopefully.

24th July '07- 24 weeks

I am still felling well, wrists remain stiff and sore but it's minor in the grand scheme of things. Have been off the cigarettes for 12 weeks now and still don't really miss them. Tummy seems to be leveling out for now and have started to do some more exercise- have been attending the local swimming pool on the way home from night duty, it's really refreshing and I find I sleep better when I get home. Jellybean's kicks are getting stronger and more frequent- I love it and Hubby likes to feel them too.

31st July '07 - 25 weeks

Still feeling good, lots of movment from jellybean provides reassurance. Attended my antenatal appointment with midwife today. BP 125/80, foetal heartbeat remains strong and there were no major concerns. We are going shopping for the cot etc on Thursday, have to show hubby what we need and want and get his opinion.

7th August 2007- 26weeks

Time is flying by now. Everything is going well, continuing with exercise (walking and swimming after night duty ), kicks and punches are stronger, hubby is now seeing my tummy move and my mum has finally felt the kicks. I experienced hiccups for the first on Sunday which felt funny. We've bought some paint tester pots to decorate the nursery - decisions, decisions!!

15th August 2007 - 27 weeks + 1 day

Got a phone call last night to say that a honeymoon couple we met in Borneo, had a baby boy on Monday, called Oliver, he's 5 1/2 weeks early weighing 5lb 6oz, and is currently in the NICU due to breathing probs. Still feeling good, went for a swim this morning again, couldn't do as much as i kept getting cramps in my feet (still managed 24 laps). Starting to slow down a bit on nights now, just don't have the same energy levels. My tummy is continuing to expand and kicks remain strong. I have gathered a lot of the essentials now: bath, moses basket, bouncer, bumbo seat, nappies, clothes and toiletries. Just need the big stuff- travel system, cot, baby monitor, but we still have plenty of time, don't we?! I'm going for my maternity interview tomorrow to decide about my maternity leave. I'm planning on finishing work 30th September and going back start of May '08 at the earliest.

16th August 2007

Feeling my first braxton hicks contractions this evening, they're quite strong.

21st August 2007 - 28 weeks (3rd trimester!)

I'm a very happy woman, have been craving "wispa" chocolate bars for months but they were withdrawn from the shelves in 2003, but thankfully Cadbury's have seen the error of their ways and are launching a wispa revival. It will be back in our shops on 7th October. Can't wait. As for me and the pregnancy, this week has been harder than any other, my body is physically tireder than ever before, the littliest things are exhausting- changing bedclothes, going up stairs, hoovering. Really have to start and slow down. I'm planning on going swimming on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see if i can still do as much. Still loving being preggers, still have loads of stuff to do before this little one decides to come out into the world, but i'll get there eventually.

28th August 2007 - 29 weeks

This week went by rather quickly but i've been told it slows down from hereon in. I've developed trigger finger and now have to wear splints to stop my fingers getting trapped. Had my appointment with the midwife this afternoon for my monthly checkup, appointment went great, BP normal, urine clear, baby's heartrate 132bpm and baby is lying head down now. I have to go every 2 weeks for checkups now so next appt 11th September.

29 weeks. Am I huge???

4th September '07 - 30 weeks (3/4 of the way there)

Am definitely starting to feel the strain- back gets tired after being on my feet for too long, feet and hands are swollen most of the time and have developed stretch marks on my tummy :( Hubby has painted nursery and i'm shopping like crazy, have managed to get a few bargains off ebay which helps when persuading hubby that I'm actually saving us money!! LOL. Still a bit paranoid about my size, but still can bend over to pick something off the floor and I can still sleep on my tummy.

5th Sept. '07- found out today that i've just over 2 weeks to work. Yippee!!!!

11th September '07 - 31 weeks

Well over the weekend my feet exploded, they are huge, you can actually press your finger into the swelling and the dent stays for 5-10 minutes. Also i tested my BP at work on Saturday and it was up - 157/90. Went for my antenatal appointment today and I am borderline pre-eclamptic. BP 160/90 on 2 occasions, urine had a trace of protein, but my feet weren't as swollen today (i'd only been up for 2 hours b4 appt as I'm on nights), anyway, i've to take it easy, check my urine daily for increase in protein and to monitor my BP at work and they are gonna see my in a weeks time. Baby's heartbeat was 136bpm and s/he didn't like the doppler today as s/he punched it!

Have been swimming twice this week but taking it nice and steady.

18th September 2007- 32 weeks

This is my last week of work for 7 months, can't quite believe it. I finish 23rd.Have been keeping a really close eye on my BP , it hasn't been as high as it was at my GP's last week thank goodness. I have also been testing my urine 2-4 times a day, so far it also has stayed stable. I have to see my Dr on Thursday again, hopefully he will be happy with me. I have been resting plenty and my feet aren't as swollen as they had been, so I should get a clean bill of health. Have now also got my moses basket here and some other bits and bobs which were given to me by my best friend, so we are pretty much ready for jellybean to join us now. Will update again after seeing my Dr on Thursday.

20th September '07

Well the last 2 mornings I have gone swimming following my nightshifts, did 20 laps yesterday and 14 today. Have now finished nightshifts, only 2 day shifts to work before going on leave. Went for my antenatal checkup, BP is perfect 120/75, swelling has lessened, urine is still positive for protein so they've sent a sample off to check if Ihave an infection, jellybean's heartrate remains strong at 140 bpm. So all in all theyDr was very happy with me. My next review is at the hospital on 1st October for my scan with my consultant.

23rd September 2007

Finished work today, have 7+ months off now (5 weeks annual leave plus 6 months maternity leave. The ward held a little party for me yesterday, lots of cakes, buns and savory snacks. Can't quite believe I've made it to this day, have a lot of jobs to do around the house before jellybean arrives, so will start to get house in order tomorrow.

25th September 2007 - 33 weeks

I'm still feelling good. My hands remain swollen and stiff, my stretch marks are really itchy, I get out of breath going up stairs but i'm coping. Have now started trying to get the house ready for our new family addition, there is just so much to do. I'm due back at the hospital next Monday for my final scan and to see my consultant so will update then.

26th September '07

I just had to share this. My mum recommended a CD called "Classic FM's Music for Babies" so i ordered it off amazon and it arrived this morning. I'm only on the 3rd song and already jellybean is dancing like crazy, don't think i've ever seen my tummy move so much!!!! Well worth £4.23.

1st October 2007

Had my check-up at the hospital today, saw my OB consultant and had a scan which showed that jellybean is weighing 4lb 11oz at the minute, so she estimated baby will be 7lb 7oz at full term. My mum came with Jase and I for the appointment as she hadn't been at the scans b4, but the baby is so big now that the scan is quite disjointed and therefore disappointing for her. My BP was back up again at 140/94, the consultant was not happy as my feet are swollen too, so I had to agree to see my Gp before the end of the week. On the plus side my urine was clear for once. After my appointment Mum and I went shopping, looked at cots and travel systems and found some we like.

2nd October '07 - 34 weeks

WISPA BARS ARE BACK - YUMMY YUMMY!! Have been trying to rest in between doing some small DIY jobs and housework. Trying to get jellybeans room as ready as possible. Have now got a car seat so if things happened earlier than expected we are pretty much ready now. Only outstanding things are travel system and cot- still have plenty of time- don't we? Mananged to get a bargain baby monitor on ebay today and have also purchased a babysling at TKmaxx this week. Feeling well apart from the swelling in fingers and feet and my tummy being extremely itchy especially around the stretch marks. I am sleeping reasonably well and am still enjoying being pregnant- it's the best experience in the world.

4th October '07 - BP recheck 120/65, also had Yummy Tummy at Spa today.

5th October '07 - I think my tummy might have dropped a bit.

9th October 2007- 35 weeks

The baby has been very active over the past week which I love, have had a great week, nursery is coming on, carpet went down yesterday, cot is ordered and everything else is ready. Bags are packed. We went to our first parentcraft class last night and talked about signs of labour and the actual process of labour. Still not sleeping great, have the sniffs and fingers remain stiff, but it's all minor.

11th October

Had a check-up this morning, Bp is behaving 120/82, heartbeat was strong, head is now engaged and urine remains clear. Next check-up is Tuesday. Cot arrived today, but Jase is working 24-hour shift so will hopefully put it up tomorrow.

14th October '07 - bought travel system today- Nurse Dakar Formula Travel System

16th October 2007- 36 weeks

Attended parentcraft classes last night (analgesia and relaxation) and have an antenatal appointment this afternoon. The swelling in my feet continues and hands remain stiff. Baby movements are a lot more defined now, the kicks are really strong, have tried to record it on video but no joy yet. S/he is getting hiccups on a daily basis also. Have been getting a lot of pressure and cystitis like sensations, which I think is normal when head is engaged. Everything is ready for the babys arrival now, cot is up, clothes are washed, bags are packed and travel system just needs collected from shop. Have even picked out bedding if it is a girl or boy! Finally I feel organised!

Back from antenatal appointment- BP 130/78, urine clear, baby's heartbeat is real loud so got the all clear for this week, back again for check-up in another week.

36 weeks today!

Thursday 18th October '07- Got measured for nursing bra today, OMG I've gone from a 36D to a 38G!! Jase and I also completed the birth plan today, not that it will go according to plan but at least he knows what I would like.

Tuesday 23rd October 2007 - 37 weeks ****FULL TERM***

Parentcraft classes ended last night with a introduction to the post-natal care (midwife and health vistor visits etc.) also talked about breastfeeding and baby blues. Baby's movements are quite violent now, i think s/he is warming up to become an olympic athlete! Have started to get strong braxton hicks most nights now. Antenatal check-up this afternoon went well, bp stable, and heartbeat 136bpm. Midwife will review me in a week at home.

27th October 2007 - 11pm

Heading to hospital, just had a blood stained gush, think have had a partial rupture of my waters. I have rang the hospital and they've asked me to go get checked out.

28th October 2007 - 0130

Back from hospital, my waters have broken and I've lost my plug, I'm also starting to dilate, but because I'm not feeling painful contractions they said I can come home until 10 am tomorrow and see if anything happens in the meantime. If not they're going to induce me tomorrow with pessaries. They would like to have this baby born before 11pm as would be risking infection and would need IV antibiotics to protect the baby.

29/10/07 -- 37 weeks and 6 days

Sabah Charlotte Fox was born at 14.58, weighing 7lb 6oz - see birth story at http://i-am-pregnant.com/vip-kids/michaela

13th November 2007- My due date, Sabah is 2 weeks and 1 day old.

Well it has been a bumpy couple of weeks. Sabah ended up being admitted to hospital twice due to jaundice, she also had a 15% weight loss at the start (dropped to 6lb 6.5oz). We got discharged from hospital on 7th November and since then we are doing great, she has put on weight (7lb 4oz yesterday), she is breastfeeding well and sleeping for long periods in between. We are just about to outgrow the newborn clothes. I love her soooo much.

Sabah 2 weeks old

19th Nov. '07 - Sabah now weighs 8lb 4oz (1 lb increase in 1 week)

26th Nov. '07 - Sabah is now 9lb 6oz ( 1lb 2oz increase in a week)

29th November 2007 - 1 month old today, where does the time go? She is doing great, still breast feeding well, she's much more alert now and trying her best to hold her head up. Can't imagine life without her now.

5th December '07- weight 10lb 9oz ( 1lb 3oz on in a week)

11th December '07 - have had 3 very bad days, Sabah has been projectile vomiting and constantly crying if not attached to my boob!! Saw our DR today and she has been started on Gaviscon sachets for reflux. She was weighed today and is still putting on weight, another 6oz in 5 days so now weighs 10lb 15oz. Up until now i haven't used a dummy but now that she is crying so much i would like her to take one but she doesn't know how.

21st December 2007 - Weight today 11lb 7.5oz. This week has been alot better, the medication is working and Sabah is sleeping well at night (at least 6 hours at a time). She also is going longer between feeds during the daytime. We also got our first proper smiles on Saturday past (15th). She still isn't keen on the dummy but is taking the occasional bottle of expressed milk.

25th December 2007- had a fantastic Christmas. Sabah got so many pressies (toys and clothes). Can't wait 'til she really understands Christmas properly.

Sabah' s 1st Christmas. (8 weeks old)

2nd January '08 - Sabah had her first vaccinations today, she only cried a little bit and has slept for the majority of the day. This past week has been pretty rough, she developed constipation and I had to call the on-call dr to get some laxatives which did the trick. We had 3 days of crying which is so unlike her but thankfully her happy self seems to be returning. She sleeps well overnight, 6-8 hours normally and she loves to lie-in in the mornings.

Big cheesy grin (10weeks old)

10th January 2007 - Sabah is now 13lb 3oz. I asked the health visitor to check her measurements as i felt she was going through a growth spurt. She has woken up the last 2 nights earlier than normal looking a feed and she is feeding more often. I was right, she has grown 6.5cms and put on 1 lb 10oz.

24th January 2008

We have just returned from a 10 day holiday to England to visit family and friends in the South West. We also took a train to London for the day and met up with fellow "I-am-pregnant.com" members Baby1 and Tilly with their hubbies and babies. We had a fabulous day and was great to finally meet up and to reminisce about our pregnancies. Unfortunately NikkiN and Buffy couldn't make it, maybe next time.

LONDON BABY!!!!! Who makes the best pillow - Noah or.....

....... Tyelan? All the mummies and babies.

25th January 2008

Sabah had her first baby massage class today which she really enjoyed, we concentrated on legs this week, next week is tummies which is great for colic. Next set of vaccinations are on 30th January and she also has her 3 month assessment then. Where did those 3 months go???

30th January 2008 (3 months and 1 day old)

Weight 14lb 1oz, height 62.5cms, Sabah saw the health visitor today for her 3 month assessment and injections. She is progressing nicely and hitting all the milestones. She cried a bit after the injections and has been a bit grizzly this evening, but what do you expect? Calpol given atregular intervals seems to take the edge off. DH and I have spent today preparing her room for her to move into in the next few weeks. Wallpaper is now up and pics and shelves go up tomorrow and bedding will be finally put in cot. Will post photos when complete.

8th February 2008 - It's been a tough week, Sabah has had really bad colic and has been going through a growth spurt. Lots of crying during the day but still sleeping well at night, occasionally getting 11 hours now, but most of the time it's 9 hours. She was weighed today and is up to 14lb 8oz. Did baby massage again today, she loves it. We've now covered legs, chest, tummy and arms; I have a special one to do with her for the colic also.

Bathtime 08/02/08 (14.5 weeks old)

22nd February 2008- 16 weeks 4days old

Health Visitor came today and did 4 month assessment. Sabah now weighs 15lbs 5.5ozs and is 64cms long. She is still exclusively breast feeding but we discussed starting weaning at roughly 22-24 weeks.

26th February 2008- We are just back from a mini -break to Southern Ireland ~ Sabah had her first swimming pool experience, she loved it and looked so cute in her swimming costume- have taken lots of photos,will put them up shortly.

Sabah and her daddy, feeding the swans.

She loved posing on the King size bed in the hotel.

17th March 2008 (St Patrick's Day) 20 weeks old

Sabah has been grumpy for the past few days, which has led me to believe that she is hungry, (she is still breastfeeding but seems to be drinking so much she ends up being really sick!) so yesterday we had our first spoons of baby rice and she seemed to enjoy it. I'm planning on getting her weighed again on Thursday so will update then.

29th March - 5 months old

Weight 15lbs 11 oz, height 66 cms. ....... Weaning is going well, she has had sweet potato, butternut squash, peas, carrot, banana and apple so far and she seems to like them all, not so keen on the baby rice though!!! She's been a bit more unsettled lately, seems to have separation anxiety - she cries if I leave the room and has started to wake at least once during the night now. She also wants to be held all day- ?!!?breastfeeding has some unwanted side effects - baby is petted too much and therefore expects contact with me all the time. If i do decide to have another child in the future i will definitely express more so that the baby isn't as clingy.

Sabah 5 months old helping mummy with the washing! LOL!!!

10th April - had another weight check with the health visitor as Sabah's weight gain had really slowed down, last month she had only put on 5.5oz. Anyway today she weighed 16lbs 11oz, so has put on 1lb in 2 weeks!!! So nothing to worry about.

24th April - 6 months (- 4days) weigh in

Sabah is up to 17lbs and is 69cms long. Over the past week she has developed very dry patches on her trunk, shoulders and behind her ears. Health visitor feels it could be eczema. Her reflux has been much better the last 5 days, i have been putting the gaviscon powder in with her breakfast and she hasn't been sick at all. (Famous last words!). Weaning is going great - pears, plums, banana and peach cereal, prunes,peas, parsnips, brocolli and blueberries have been introduced and so far no refusals.

25th April - Vip Niki and i met for lunch today to exchange baby tips and we had a walk around the shops. We had a lovely day but as usual i couln't resist buying Sabah some more clothes!!!!

Sabah and Emogene sharing an octopus over lunch.

1st May 2008- 6months +3 days - Sabah has hit a new milestone, she sat up without support for a few minutes.

1/5/08 sitting up unaided for the first time.

29th May 2008- 7 months old..... weight 18lbs 4oz, length 70.5cms. Weaning going great, have now moved onto lumpy textures and she is also having the odd bottle of formula to prepare her for my return to work. Ithink her ezcema is linked to strawberries....yet to be proved. We are heading to London on Sunday 1st June to meet up with Baby1, Tilly01 and Buffy426.. this is Sabah's first adventure by plane, can't wait to see what she thinks of it.

3rd June '08 ... have just returned from another trip to london to meet up with other VIP's and their hubbies and babies. We had a fabulous time with Baby1, buffy426, tilly01 with their little ones Tyelan, Nathaniel and Noah and are now starting to plan another meeting.

27th June 2008- 8months-2days

Sabah is growing up fast. She now weighs 19lbs 8oz. She is attempting to crawl backwards and can scootch around the floor on her tummy or does roly-polys to get where she wants. Weaning is going well, she has a varied diet which now includes meat (lamb, beef, chicken, pork and fish), also eggs, cheese, lentils, rice cakes, weetabix, and all fruits except stawberries as they have the potential to set off her ezcema. She is still going swimming every week, and has been to my friends house for a babysitting trial which went well. She has also had her first cold which resulted in her getting a chest infection which required antibiotics. She also went off her food. We had to stop the antibiotics 4 days into the course as she developed severe diarrhoea but by that stage her chest infection had completely cleared. Her reflux has got worse recently and she requires more mediction to keep it under control. Still no teeth. She now puts her arms up to be lifted without prompting.

8th July 2008 - my baby girl is officially mobile. She is crawling properly forward now. Up until today she was going backwards and pulling herself along. There'll be no stopping her now!!!! She can get from lying on her back to tummy to crawling to sitting which means doesn't require as much attention from me or hubby to fix her position.

24th July 2008 -(Almost 9 months) 20lbs 2ozs and 73cms are her new stats. This past month has been the most eventful and stressful so far! Sabah is crawling like crazy and now pulling herself up on the furniture, we've had to lower her cot as she was gonna fall out. House has been sabah-proofed too. She also has cut her bottom 2 teeth, both were accompanied by a couple of really grumpy days. She is still enjoying her food although she seems to go off it a bit just before a tooth appears. We have had grandpa over for a visit and also an uncle, she wasn't strange with either and seemed to enjoy all the attention. We are still going swimming once a week and now she has been to the play park and she loves the swings too.

I'm heading back to work on Monday 28th July, I have been in to work to discuss my shift patterns and my boss has been very supportive of my childcare arrangements and also my need for extra breaks in order to express milk. I'm going to be working full-time over 3-4 days (37.5 hrs), one night shift, 2 longdays and a half-day every other week. Between my hubby's and my shifts we are alternating the care during weekdays and my parents are going to help out at weekends. We have a holiday booked for later on in the year which is giving us the incentive to work hard and enjoy any precious days off we have together. We are going on a caribbean cruise at the end of November for a fortnight, we can't wait, Sabah will be 13 months then and i imagine she will be walking so it's gonna be fun! As for me, I've managed to loose nearly all my pregnancy weight, i'm down to the last half stone (lost 49lbs so far!), which isn't bad considering i gave up smoking too, I tried on my uniform today and it fits perfectly! Yippee!!!!! My boobs are starting to go down too, i was a 38G when she was born, I got remeasured recently and i'm now 36DD. Well that's it for now, will update again in a couple of weeks when i am settled back in to a work routine and Sabah has had time to adjust to me not being around all the time. In the meantime i am keeping my fingers crossed that i win the lottery and wont have to work again!! LOL!!!

Hope all mommies and moms-to-be are feeling well.