India's mum: yes it was me that asked about gender of baby. But s'ok! Happy to get a surprise along with everyone else. Really hard to know and not let slip though isn't it? It's a shame your sister got so mad at you when you accidentally said s/he. People are often delighted when someone slips up and they get 'inside information'! Oh, and I can only imagine how long your pregnancy feels when you've spent so much time being pregnant the last two years. For me, i felt that way during the first trimester: because i'd spent 8mths in the first trimester over about 18mths! But i feel different now because this is as far as I've got since DD and it reminds me more of my experience being pregnant the first time (which ended well with my beautiful DD). What i mean is, i'm able to enjoy this bit more because i was starting to think i'd never get this far again with a lovely big tummy and a kicking baby. Having said that, i can't enjoy it quite as much as the first time: too anxious to get this little one out in the world and know s/he is safe and sound.

Melster: Sorry you have been so sick. IKWYM about how it's hard to take time off when working part-time. I feel really guilty doing it and it's hard to avoid: between DD and I there is often a reason for me to be home sick or looking after DD when she is. And when you only work part-time it's hard to make up the work I find. (Well in my job anyway). Lucky for me i have a very child friendly job and they don't give me a hard time about sick leave (it's mostly my own guilt that's the problem). Hope you feel better soon.

Darkdreamer and Phebee: good luck with your scans! Do they still do the full bladder ones? My more recent early scans have all been internal. I know that sounds worse but actually i haven't found it uncomfortable at all; less uncomfortable than a full bladder in fact. I remember my earliest scan with DD nearly four years ago where i did need to drink beforehand and sitting in the waiting room feeling sooo uncomfortable trying not to wet myself!

Alish: How are you going? Any news from Damprye?
Tegam: Welcome back after your ban! I know i should ban myself as well and get some things done to prepare for baby etc... but i just can't bring myself to do it! Too addicted.
Jenna Jayen: Sorry for your loss. Sounds like you had mixed feelings about the way things turned out in terms of your baby being so young still yet liking the idea of another baby. I hope you continue to feel ok.

Wannabemum, Cheshire, Cheezelmonster and anyone else i've missed hope you are all well and enjoyed the long weekend. DH and I had a day just the two of us on Monday and did some cleaning and sorting to make room for baby in the spare bedroom. Then went out for lunch together. Nice day and made me feel good that we'd made a start on the baby's room (even though baby will probably sleep in our room in a bassinet for a while).

AFM: You know how they tell you to be aware of whether the baby is moving regularly? Well I do, and sometimes I stress when baby is quiet but mostly it's ok. But i also read that if there is 'frantic' kicking this can also be a sign of baby in distress. How are you meant to know what that feels like? Sometimes the baby does these funny shuddery movements that worry me a bit and I hope the poor thing isn't getting tangled in there. But it's probably just when i am sitting forward and squashing it a bit instead of sitting up nice and straight and letting it have lots of room. Still, hard for me not to worry. But mostly i enjoy the movement. Last night baby managed to poke out in three places at once. Like a little octopus! Arms and legs everywhere!