25 November - 12 weeks

Even though the little monkey has taken absoloutely everything out of me in the past month, I was quite nervous for this scan. Firstly, it was 4 weeks since my last one, secondly, I reallllllllly didn't want to faint again (I fainted for a second time, on the train, a couple of weeks ago), and thirdly, I just can't help it... I think its my job to worry now?!

The morning didn't start particularly well - the baby didn't like getting up early and being rushed into raisen toast and apple juice for breakfast, so all of that came back up straight away (the toast still warm and the juice still cold). Normally, I have to stay in bed as long as I can, and get up and have breakfast very slowly, something which I am very grateful to be able to do. (Yay for being a housewife in Japan!)

I was very happy to have my first external ultrasound! The baby was wiggling around lots and moving its arms and legs. I also heard its heartbeat for the first time. It was lovely! He or she is now 5.9cm long. I'm not sure how clear the ultrasound pic comes up, but you can see its nose sticking out and the indents of its mouth. It's amazing how much it looks like a little person so early on. Dr Katayama took bub's head measurements and everything is right on track. I've lost 4kgs but will have plenty of time to make up for that later. When I thought it wasn't possible, the baby made me sicker than usual for the rest of the day - it seems bub doesn't like being photographed (doesn't take after its father!).

Speaking of Nug, he has been wonderful. He goes and gets all the groceries after work cause the smell makes me gag, and I'm too scared of fainting to go alone; he downloads shows I might like to watch because I'm too sick to do anything else; he is always trying to buy me new food things that might miraculously cure morning sickness; and he cuts up my fruit because he does it how I like it and I'll probably chop my finger off anyway. He still hugs me super tight and rubs my back after he's heard me loudly vomiting all night, and still tells me how beautiful I am even though I haven't worn make up in months, desperately need my hair done, and get too dizzy in the shower to shave or wash my hair as often as I should. I'm very lucky to have him.

So, I'm off to try and win my next battle. What will stay down for dinner?