Belly shot: 17 weeks

The belly is gaining real pace!! I definitely can't hide it now.

My baby is the size of a turnip!

Belly shot: 14 weeks

14 weeks on and I am definitely getting bigger!!!

The second trimester begins this week.

My baby is the size of a lemon!

Ultrasound scan: 12 weeks

Just had my 12 week ultrasound scan at Frimley Park Hospital.

I couldn't believe how much Baby Bee had grown in 3 weeks.

They measured baby crown to rump,  and then did the nuchal translucency which all seemed fine. Baby is still measuring at my estimated due date!

The thin gap between the spine seemed very thin and it was measured well under the tolerance for concern. This put my mind at ease but I knew they would need to combine this result with the blood tests that they took after in order to get my percentage chance of having a baby with birth defects.

They also check that the skull and brain (already split into various chambers), the abdomen, stomach, bladder, hands and feet are visible/normal.

They need to get the baby into certain positions in order to make their measurements and check the its various parts. So I had to jump up and down a few times during the session!

Ultrasound Scan: 9 weeks

I really needed to know everything was 'okay'. Also, I was a bit worried I could be having twins due to the size of my belly!

My friend suggested Babybond and at first I was against it - thinking I will wait for the 12-week ultrasound scan.

However, curiosity, as well as a lot of very negative posts via Babycentre, induced me to book. I did it online and found that there was one in Ashford, Middlesex - although it seems to advertised as Heathrow. Which is an airport rather than a place! As I grew up around that area I knew the difference.

I managed to get a booking for that weekend when Mr Bee was around. There were earlier slots available but I wanted to go with Mr Bee.

Anyway, so we go and they were very nice. A tiny little shop like place with a small room through a door to the back with all the equipment etc. I think we were in there about 10 minutes in all.

It was all good news - heart beat visible (although they did not measure it as I had seen on some Youtube videos) and baby measured bang on for my expected date of delivery (crown to rump). I was so happy and relieved.

My friend at work said it would just be a blob - but  no - my baby is no blob and it has a head and arms! You could also see the yolk sac.

They took some photos and this is the first one of little Baby Bee:

So that's a review of Babybond - well worth the £99 although I think other places do it more cheaply.

Belly shot: 6 weeks

Only 6 weeks' pregnant and already my normally flat tummy is definitely popping out!!!

FYI - I am a size 8 (UK) size 4 (US) and don't exercise apart from a little cycling! 

My baby is the size of a lentil but obviously, my uterus is starting to grow.

People at work are already noticing!!!

I think I can see a second line!!!

And I definitely could!!!

I'd been feeling tired and headachy for days and my period was uncharacteristically two days late, but I just didn't want to get my hopes up as we'd been trying in earnest for six months with all the ovulation contraptions going!

After one month of 'not trying' - viola - Baby Bee is here!!! Well kind of.

We actually bought two tests from Poundland (First Vue) two days before. Mr Bee suggested that I get two (push the boat out, eh) and I tested that day to no avail. On a very full bladder might I add! I was about a day late.

Two days later (3 days late), after sleeping most of the day, Mr Bee suggested I test again. It was 11 at night and I tested. I couldn't see a second line. Alas, Mr Bee surveyed the stick and agreed - no second line.

Then, as if by magic the most faint second line appears that was only really observable under intense light and held two inches away could be seen. Well, at least by me. I called out "I think I can see a line" from the ensuite to Mr Bee. Mr Bee - no response. So louder and far more excitable - "I THINK I CAN SEE A LINE!!!"

Mr Bee looks very closely, not convinced, and says calmly that there might be a very faint line. I read the instructions and it says no matter how faint it is a positive and explain this to him.

Can you see the line?

I don't think Mr Bee could either. Well not clearly. I needed further proof. Of course, I wasn't going to sleep that night until I had it!

Off we go to the all night Tesco twenty minutes away about 12am! Very strange feeling that journey. Getting excited but not wanting to. A bit scared too.

Get two different types of test - these were definitely more than a pound! Twenty quid in all - First Response and the Clear Blue conception indicator thingie majiggie.

Travel home - do tests and YAY - as the baby forums would say two unequivocal and strong BFPs! Whoops. I am officially up the duff!

I call my mother immediately to let her know the good news. She's in shock!

The moral of this story is that First Vue are absolutely rubbish. Although, as Mr Bee points out it did show a faint line. But I think that's too bloody faint for 3 days post expected date of period.