July 21st...had another specialist appointment and we'd made no progress...baby is happy in there and still has room to move. Dr. will see us back on July 31st to see if we have progressed and if we have he will 'sweep the membranes' and see if that gets things going for a delivery the first weekend in August. If nothing happens after 'the sweep' he will schedule a c-section 10 days past due date...aka August 7th which just happens to be my 1st son's bday...how bizarre is that? Anyways...feeling very pregnant and when I only have to pee 2 times/night I feel as though I have had the best sleep ever...I know this little one will arrive when he is good and ready and I can hardly wait to meet him!

July 11th...appointment with the specialist today was very re-assuring...he indicated the baby was probablly close to 9lbs in weight and not the 10+ pounds the ultrasound was 'predicting'...however, my cervix is 'long' and the happy has not engaged and is still 'floating'...had the baby not been on the larger size the Dr. said he'd predict I would go well in to August before deliverying...yikes. He did re-assure my hubby and I about birthing a larger baby as my first was 9lbs, so he knows I'm capable...so we return to the specialist in 10 days time and assess all info at that time. I'm relieved as baby can 'cook' a little longer...another 10 days we'll be a week from our assumed due date and I get to attend my baby brother's wedding next weekend...so, mentally I am preparing myself for 10 days remaining before little ones arrival and all is coming together...although if he decides to arrive earlier than that...I'm good with that as well. I am truly going to savour these last few days...we are all blessed to be able to create and carry life! Well wishes to all!

July 6th...this kid is going to be a mover and a shaker! Went to our Dr's appointment Friday and he's moved yet again...Dr. thinks he might even be breech again, so we head off to another u/s to check out his position and size this Wednesday and then formulate 'a plan' from there...he's been moving quite a bit and definately has his times of day that he likes. I'm feeling pretty good...overall tiredness seems to be present most days and being bloated is also a constant companion. The heat lately hasn't helped either, but it will be nice to have a newborn while the weather is nice. That's about it for now...will have an update in a few days and in the prego timeline, regardless of when baby decides to arrive, its not long now!!!

June 18th...saw the specialist at the hospital today and they confirmed the baby had 'flipped' and was no longer breech - YEAH!!! It was such a relief and kind of funny as my husband over the past few days has said that he looked like I'd dropped and was lower...we'll sure enough I am and baby's all good...I can't tell you how relieved I was not to have the ECV done, so its 40 days to go until we meet our little one and I'm finding I'm getting that 'nesting' feeling...looking forward to stopping work next Friday and then just chilling and getting ready for little one...I'm finding its an emotional process as much as it is physical as my body changes...its all good.

June 6th...Dr's appointment today, all is well...baby is still breech and Dr. will now send us to a 'specialist' as breech babies are considered high risk (in our area)...so that all happens next week to figure out what to do next...keeping fingers crossed that he will turn in the next few weeks otherwise we will probablly have a c-section as he is also measuring big with a big head...not too worried, can't do anything about it...all up to a higher power now...looking forward to only 3 weeks left of work...thankfully I get to work from home! Baby still kicking lots, but I'm finding movements are stronger and sometimes even shock me...hope everybody else is doing well.

June 3rd...went for our 'measurement' ultrasound yesterday and to our surprise the baby is breech...fortuneately I have enough fluid for him to hopefully turn around by 36 weeks otherwise they'll have to try and turn him 'manually' and if that doesn't work its c-section for me :( We are 32 wks and baby is measuring at 35 weeks, so he's going to be a big baby (more than 8lbs)...nothing we didn't already expect, but depending on his continued growth...size of head...fetal position, all those things are taken in to consideration. The u/s technician said based on his measurements he weighs approx. 5lbs, 3oz which I thought was pretty good...anyways, Friday we'll have more to tell. I guess the benefit of having baby breech right now is the fact that he's not kicking my ribs, but instead my sides, hence I can still breathe normally, etc...as for me...I'm feeling tired torwards the end of my days and have found my 1st trimester need for naps have returned nearing the end of the day...not a bad thing either. I've got a few weeks remaining of work and then hopefully a few weeks to chill out before the 'real fun' begins...looking forward to it all and hope everybody else is enjoying their last weeks as much as me!!!

May 23rd...went for Dr's appointment this morning and all is well...b/p is good (120/74), weight is ok (31 pounds to date). We are almost 31 weeks gestation, but but baby is measuring at 38 weeks! I almost fell off the table. No wonder lots are asking me if I'm having twins, or due in the next few weeks! Dr. is not too concerned, but of course being the neurotic prego mom I've been researching, on 'macrosomia' (big babies) online. Dr. has ordered an u/s for us which we will have on June 2nd at which point we'll have a better idea of size & weight. Even then, the measurements can be off by 20%, so this pregnancy thing is definately an adventure!!!

May 20th...cannot believe there is only 10 weeks remaining! Seems like yesterday that I was only 10 week preggers! Baby is doing well, moving around lots, but I'm starting to notice he has times of the day that he moves and others where he's quieter...the whole fetal kick count just makes me nervous. Hubby and I have change our minds about baby's name...we're thinkig instead of Benjamin Alexander of naming him Owen Michael Alexander...the name came to us during a road trip a few weeks back and it was like out of the blue, so we'll see how that fits for the next few weeks. We start our prenatal classes this Wednesday and we're both looking forward to them. Weighed myself the other day and I'm at 29lbs to date...not too shabby, but nervous that the expected weight gain is 1lb/week from here on in...oh well...I'm hearing horror stories of women who gain 80lbs, so I guess 40 is not too bad? Anyways, it is what it is and I find comfort in that.

May 8th...went to prenatal yoga class last night and baby completely flipped positions...good to know if he ever presents breech! He also has the hiccups on my left side and seems to favour kicking me on my right. He definately lets me know when he does not like a position I might be lying in. Last night he barely allowed me to sleep he was moving so much. Although I'd rather have him move a lot than not enough. I have been thinking and dreaming more about him and what he will look like...it always brings a smile to my face. Tomorrow is our Dr's appointment when we get our g/diabetes test result and updated measurement of baby...should be good.

April 26th...had our 3D ultrasound today...what an amazing thing that was...we've posted a few photos and the technician was able to get a photo of the baby smiling...its so sweet! All is well with him and he seems very happy kicking around in his 'living womb'...the tech said the baby measured about 28 weeks and weighed approx. 2.7lbs and about 10 inches crown to rump so a big boy...I look forward to further bonding with him in the coming weeks before I introduce him to this wonderful world *sigh*...life is such a gift!

April 22nd...went to the doctor's today...26 weeks, 2 days and her first measurement was 32 weeks!!!! She was as surprised as me and so she measured me again and I was 28 weeks...hmmm...Dr. didn't seem too concerned and said it was probablly due to the baby's positioning...I'm starting to think this baby will be gynormous and walk out on his own!!! Other than that, all is good...weight gain is at 1 pound/week which Dr. said was ok for 2nd pregnancy...no protein in urine and b/p was 123/74, so we're good for another few weeks and then we visit the Dr's every 2weeks...getting close!!!!

April 17th...ok, so I woke up this morning and felt pregnant...it seemed as though my belly was bigger, I was slower and have definately perfected the waddle. I've noticed the baby has 'lifted' and does not seem as low...this of course has brought an increase of heartburn and shortness of breath, but he sure makes a great arm rest! I still feel blessed when he kicks me and I make sure acknowledge him with a gentle belly rub. I have been having some pretty crazy dreams of late which vary from the erotic to tragic to the absolute bizarre...I think I'm in need of a 'spa day' to have all my thoughts become lost through massage or pedicure!

April 11th...baby boy is kicking like crazy!!! I've also experienced some braxton hick contractions which aren't painful, but they sure make my abs hard (for a change). I find myself tired at the end of most days and really have to watch that my 'cankles' (calf to ankles with no shape distinction) are under control but elivating my feet. Other than that, I feel great and LOVE that my hair is so lovely and thick, skin has a nice glow, nails are growing and overall loving my new arm rest (belly). Hope everybody else is doing well!

March 24th...unbelievably I still have a bit of this stinkin' cold...stuffy, ears clogged and cough, but thankfully I feel more like myself. Have noticed lately I've been tired more quickly and not able to do as much in the day and I need to pay more attention to when my body is telling me to rest that's for sure. Noticing more swelling in my hands and feet which seems to go away after drinking TONS of water and putting my feet up. I fly across country on Wednesday and I'm nervous about water retention...I have a feeling most of my carry on is going to be bottles of water...anyhoo, it'll be a nice getaway.

March 16th...I've got a cold *sniff* and it really stinks. My fever has come and gone and I've been on and off small doses of Tylenol to keep the fever under control...now I have this lovely cough which makes me sound as though I've been binge smoking. (I don't smoke). I wonder about BB (Baby boy) each time I cough and my stomach constricts...I try to think of me giving him a hug, so I guess its not all that bad. He's still moving around in there...poking my inards which definately brings a smile to my face. I'm hoping I'll be feeling better tomorrow, or my doctor will be seeing me. I hope all others are well...bring on week 21!!!

March 7th...had our 20 week ultrasound and found out we are having a boy!!! All his 'bits and peices' are as they should be and it looks as though we'll have a big baby as his measurements were 20wks, 6 days and not the 19wk,4day we were expecting...so its all good!!! Hope everybody else is doing well!

February 25...went to Dr. Friday and my blood pressure was up...Dr. has asked me to monitor it and if it exceeds a certain level to see her...all else is well. Heartrate for baby was 130 at this appointment which apparently is normal. Check my b/p again today and it was lower than at the appointment which is a relief. Dr. gave ok to travel at 23 weeks. Hope everybody else is happy and healthy!

February 20...hello all and HELLO heartburn!!! If the oldwives tales are true this kid will be a monkey!!!! Baby has been moving quite a few times/day, usually after I eat, or if I bend over too much...have been retaining lots of water lately, but I think its been too much work at my desk, salt and not enough feet up and water. Other than that all is well. We have a Dr.'s appointment on Friday and our u/s March 7th...all very exciting. Hope all is well with everybody!

Feb. 3...went to Dr. Friday so that she could hear the heartbeat...no problem and was 'clocked' at 135bpm...the Dr. was satisfied and gave me a requisition for our 20 week u/s...we are very excited as we are thinking about finding out what we are having...my husband 'has this feeling' we are having a girl and I would be very pleasantly surprised if the baby was a she...don't get me wrong, first and foremost I would like a healthy baby, but a girl would be nice...just to see the difference. Thoughts on names this week are 'Brielle' for a girl and 'Benjamin' or 'Dawson' for a boy...any thoughts?

Jan. 26th...went to Dr.'s on Friday and she couldn't find the baby's heart beat...of course being the nuerotic (sp?) preggo, I went out and rented a fetal doppler and me and my husband found it ourselves. It was the best $$$ I'd spent in a long time as we (I) were able to put our minds at ease and it turned out to be a lovely bonding moment with me and my hub...I would recommend it! Otherwise, I'm definately getting my energy back which is GREAT!!! Had a dream the other day that I had a boy and the heartrate on the fetal doppler is at 143...I'm curious what the rate could mean in 'old wives tale' speak? Any guesses?

Thursday, Jan 17...still pretty tired most days and beginning to be hungry a lot and I never seem full...what's up with that? At the same time it seemingly takes forever for me to digest food! Also, baby is beginning to feel 'heavy' just above my pubic bone...I can definately feel there is something there...looking forward to feeling movement(s) in the next month.

Wednesday, Jan 16...headache is gone...thanks to all for suggesting I drink more water, it definately worked!

Tuesday, Jan. 15th...holy headache batman...today was weird, out of the blue a bad headache...i had to lie down in the afternoon to get rid of it. Amazing how easily I used to take a tylenol and now I'm confronted with 'dealing with the pain'...all is well now, but I normally don't get headaches...have any of you experienced similar?

Just entering our 12th week and very excited about having made it to the 2nd trimester. Had our 2nd u/s last week which showed us at 12 weeks and 2 days, not the 11 wks and 4 days we were expecting...growth spurt maybe? All was well with bambino, moving tons and heart rate was normal...looking forward to finding out what we are having at our next u/s at 20 weeks. Have my 2nd dr's appt. next week and looking forward to hearing the heart beat again. Still feeling quite tired, but my energy has returned quite a bit since earlier days of which I am very thankful. Hope all is well with everybody else!

Name: Michelle
Age: 37 Height: 5'6
Pre-pregnancy weight: 40 pounds overweight

About The Father
Name: Michael Age: 37 Height: 6'1
Are you still together: Yes...together for 3 years on February 4, 2008, married October 13, 2007!

About Your Pregnancy
Is this your first pregnancy: No, #2, but my first is 15 years old!!When did you find out you were pregnant: November 2007
Was it planned: Absolutely!

What was your first reaction: Shocked as we had just been married and thought it might take longer.

Who was with you when you found out: my husband

Who was the first person you told: my hubby then my sister

How did your parents react: very pleased

How far along are you: 32wks
What was your first symptom: 'hunch'

What is your due date: July 28, 2008

Do you know the sex of the baby: Yes, we are having a boy!

Have you picked out names: Considering...
If so, what are they: Owen Michael Alexander? Benjamin Alexander?...OR ???

How much weight have you gained: about 31 pounds

Do you have stretch marks: nothing visable yet

Have you felt the baby move: Yes - this little guy's doing martial arts in the womb

Have you heard the heartbeat: Yes, 140bpm

About the birth
Will you keep the baby: Yes of course
Home or hospital birth: hospital
Natural or medicated birth: First one was with demerol and gas, may consider epidural...kind of freaked of them

Who will be in the delivery room with you: my husband and maybe my sister

Will you breastfeed: Yes

Do you think you'll need a c-section: No
Will you cry when you hold the baby for the first time: Not as much as my husband
What's the first thing you might say to him/her: Oh my goodness!

Would you let someone videotape the birth: Good lord no thank you

Are you excited about the birth, or scared: A little nervous, but will try and appreciate the journey of labour for what it is and all it will bring.