August 1998.

I am now 5 months pregnant, and it's time for my anomoly scan. I have been looking forward to it so much, but now that it is here I am worried. I keep dreaming up all sorts of things that they might find wrong. Luckily the scan was perfect, it is very reassuring to know that the baby is basically healthy. Unfortunately we couldn't find out which sex the baby is because it was in an awkward position, but we have decided to refer to it as "he" anyway, to be more personal. Although we would love to have a girl this time I can't quite imagine the baby not being a boy again, and I think Matthew would prefer a brother to play with.

The baby is starting to kick quite hard and has some definite waking patterns, which is great because I am really bonding with him now. I don't talk to him as much as I used to talk to Matthew, when I was last pregnant, I don't know if this will change, but he hears my voice enough through me talking to Matthew now.

Apart for tiring a little easily though, I am hardly noticing being pregnant. Sometimes I get a little teary remembering the joy of having somebody new to love and care for, and I'm likely to react more emotionally to things than normal, but otherwise life just seems to go on as normal....I really enjoyed taking Matthew camping, for me it was like old times because I had camped lots when I was a child.

As a dedicated tummy-sleeper I am now entering the period of pregnancy when I find it hard to sleep. You're not supposed to sleep on your back, and anyway I find this uncomfortable... but when I sleep on my side I end up rolling forwards, only to be woken by kicks of protest from my baby! I try to cuddle a rolled-up spare duvet to help me sleep, but I'm still finding it hard to drop off: I remember last time thinking how lovely I would be once Matthew was born, to only be woken up two or three times a the night!!!!