23 Weeks

Hi little man,

This week you are around 11 inches and just over a pound, about the size of a large mango. Blood vessels in your lungs are developing to prepare for breathing outside of your lovely liquid environment. Your ears are picking up many more sounds. Loud noises that you hear now may become familiar and won't bother you later. I hope you are learning the sound of my and your daddy's voices.

Yes, I have Minnie Mouse footie pajamas

You are certainly moving a lot more now! Or, probably I can just feel your movements a lot more now. Several times per day I feel you moving around or kicking. Or maybe you are headbutting my side or something... You certainly feel strong! I keep trying to put your daddy's hand on my belly so he can feel you. But, you always stop moving or he just couldn't feel you. Then, on Friday night, I was feeling some kicking that was stronger so I told your daddy to come quickly and feel. We waited a few moments and then you kicked right on his palm...and he felt you for the first time!!! I laughed and almost cried. It was an incredibly beautiful moment for the three of us. Our love for you grows every day little one.

Sometimes we both feel terrified of your arrival...afraid that we will be bad parents or mess you up somehow... And then other times we absolutely cannot wait until you are here in our arms!! Even during the times of fear, we love you to the core of your being and are praying for you.