23 Weeks Pregnant

This week baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about the size of a large ripe mango). More blood vessels are developing in her lungs to prepare her for breathing. Her ears are developed enough to hear familiar sounds outside the womb, like mom singing along with her Colbie Caillat Pandora station or Jet and Leo laughing while throwing Legos all over the house. I’m pretty sure she knows daddy’s voice…because she stops moving every time she hears it! Little stinker! This week she may even begin to open her little eyes. Hopefully we’ll be able to catch that on our 4d ultrasound appointment coming up!

Growth: This week my belly is 38.5 inches around and my total

weight gain is -2 lbs (I’ve lost weight). Stretch marks? I have one,

tiny stretch mark just below my belly button.

Movement: This week, I’ve notice a huge difference in the type

of movement I’ve been feeling. Before it was just little kicks and prods,

but now I can officially say that I can see and feel her ROLL. I was also

able to feel her hiccup a couple of days ago! That was precious!

New Symptoms: The terrible heartburn has begun. I’ve never

gotten it this early. It has returned with a vengeance! I keep a value-size

bottle of Tums by my bedside at all times. Normally, women say they gain more energy in the second trimester, but I have been just the opposite!

I have to sleep in or take naps. The other day, I slept 11 hours and then

took a total of 2 hours in naps. And I was STILL tired.

Cravings: Salty and sweet. I love peanut butter-anything right now (REESES!), olives straight from the can, and whole tomatoes with salt!

Great, now I’m hungry.

23 Week
Belly Picture