My pregnancy - 18 weeks

Once we get to the end of this week, we pass the halfway point in my pregnancy and there will be officially less time to go than the time that has passed.  This milestone means a lot to me in that it signals the end is in sight - and, whilst I don't want to wish my life away, I'll admit that there's nothing I'm looking forward to more than reaching the end of my pregnancy and welcoming a healthy baby into the world.

In terms of forward planning, very little has been done - but this is mainly because there is very little to do.  Shortly after Daisy died my husband and I packed away all of our baby things.  It took a while for us to face going into the baby's room and carrying out the heartbreaking task of packing up everything we had lovingly prepared.  Each item was tenderly folded and tucked away in storage boxes - from blankets and bedding, to nappies, baby toiletries, toys and more.  The patchwork baby quilt I'd made.  The lovely baby gifts from my work colleagues.  The soft, fluffy hooded towels all washed and ready.  The boxes were filled and these are currently stored in the cupboard in my mum's spare room.

We hadn't bought much but we'd had everything we needed.  As all of this is stored away, we'll have everything we need again - although I don't plan to collect the boxes and bring them home until much nearer the time of this baby's arrival.

Last time we didn't buy any clothing except the basics, as we were leaving it until the birth to find out if we had a new son or daughter.  This time, we're planning to find out whether the baby is a boy or a girl and this will allow us to buy a few things in pink or blue in preparation for his or her arrival.  It will also give us a chance to firm up on a name for our baby.

The baby's movements are getting stronger and Lizzie is delighting in these movements just as she did during my last pregnancy.  She kisses my bump every morning and every night, starting each day by asking how the baby is doing.  She has also taken to singing to the baby now she knows that he or she is starting to hear sounds from the outside world.  Although, to what extent the baby is enjoying her renditions of "Gangnam Style" is anyone's guess....

Best Wishes
Debbie