Don’t worry about the no pain thing. Most hospitals here don’t offer the option here either and it all works out ok somehow. I always imagined I’d do it with drugs and never considered myself the natural childbirth type, but after my first I’m a convert. In this case I’m so glad I was sort of “forced” to do something I probably wouldn’t do back home and that I had that experience. I’m sure you’ll do great!

I can`t wait til I can see movement from the outside- but I feel it will be awhile yet!!!

I spoke to my clinic about the gender/sex etc before we went there and they seemed to think that most couples have it confirmed by 22 weeks at the latest. I think if they can`t tell from a 2D scan they do a 3D one- so if I don`t find out next time I hope it will be the time after. Sarah had the same problem though with her clinic in Kobe though hey, and they never told her that BG was a girl.

Suzy- Oh I forgot you were already pregnant when you went back to Australia- how was the experience in the Aussie public system? You said the care was pretty good though right? Yeah I am definitely glad I went for a private room too even though they are a bit more expensive- especially since I want baby to room with me after the first night AND in Japan you have to stay almost a week. I wouldnt cope well in a shared room with 4-8 other new mums.

Illahee- Thanks! I am more than alittle biased but I think he is a bit of a cutie too myself!

I think you and I are going to be right about the sex! But then again I was wrong about Sarah! LOL

Sarah- I am under the impression that getting a private room is fairly easy at my place- of course if they are all gone then I guess I will have a shared one too at least until one opens up. Which would suck, but I could deal with it.

It is 8000yen more a night for a room with a private shower so I am going the “no shower” route and will just shower with the others. Shun took this to mean I would not shower for the week but I set him straight on that. LOL

You are welcome in Tokyo anytime. I am actually giving birth in Chiba though Right near disneyland in fact!

Mandy- haha yeah a private room, no snorers but I will have screaming baby. LOL!

Um, had a check on the baby compared to fruit site and it is now the size of an orange. So there you go. A classic fruit the orange!!!!

You and Tom better visit next year! I will try to get back to Oz too and you guys will be back by then so I am sure I will see you then too- if I do not make it in the April after Easter then definitely for the Christmas later in the year when I will stay about a month (so goma-chan`s first birthday will be in Australia, probably without Shun but I have told him the 2nd birthday is much more exciting!)

Gaijinwife- The no drugs thing is definitely more popular here than in Australia too. Most people are like “WTF” when I tell them epidurals and drugs are not common. They do give gas at my hospital though, or something similar. Not sure if yours did???

The bunster only cost 41man? That is not bad! I am hoping we don`t end up having to pay more on the 43man but we might have to, i guess it depends. I looked at the cost of epidurals and it is 15man and I was like screw that. I might regret that later though, but who knows!

I love hearing about others pregnancies too- it is definitely fun to share. I am enjoying the updates on Ryu as well- he is such a cutie and I think he takes after you a lot more than Shou and Marina. Or is that just me??

Melanie- I was sure I would have an internal scan this time as well (as you put it the dildocam, that cracked me up, you should trade mark it!) I was still examined internally at the 15 weeks appointment. I think that is the norm every time but I am not sure. I have to say, as sad as it sounds I am getting used to showing people my crotch now! LOL.

Looking forward to your next ultrasound pic too, especially since you will almost definitely learn the sex. So exciting!

Can`t wait to see more pictures.

Our town gave back 38 man too – but the bunster only cost 41 and that was including my whole day dossing round the week before in false labor and having the birth on a Sunday. I hope you get nice meals and a private shower and toilet at yours too. Makes big difference:)

The no pain birth experience – I always thought that would be the way I would go – unless things didn’t go smoothly. Having a baby anyway is a great experience but must say that after doing it without drugs you do feel like you have done what nature intended. I think the no drugs thing is more popular in Japan than NZ. My NZ friends definately seem more suprised when I say I had no drugs than my Japanese friends do.

I like your scan pic. The bunster was down low for the first part too – in fact right until the end when he suddenly moved as high as he could.

This is absolute nonsense on my part – but even though the bunster is only two weeks old and in absolute fairness I should still be feeling the pains of pushing him out, just hearing about other people’s pregnancies is soooo exciting. Especially the first time.

And LOVE those long pillows – in the last few months with Shou it was THE ONLY THING I was getting a leg over.