23 weeks 1 day

8/13/08

The baby should be about 11 inches long and just over a pound (about the size of a large mango). She feels much larger than that when she is punching me, and rolling all around. The movements are so strong now, you can see them just by looking at my belly. I think she must love listening to the Olympics, because she is very active while the USA is winning all these medals. She is now able to pick up on loud noises, like dogs barking. That is one noise she should be very used to by the time she is born with all the barking going on in our house. Owen just doesn't understand that he has a sibling in mommy's belly, and he just loves to climb all over me like I am a jungle gym. I am sure this little baby in there does not appreciate being punched and kicked from the outside by it's older brother. The sibling fighting has already begun! YIKES! I am not sure how much weight I have gained at this point. I didn't pay attention at the office visit because the medical assistant was asking me questions at the same time, and our scale at home needs new batteries. Maybe it is for the best if I just don't know. I have still have not had any heartburn this pregnancy. That is such a relief. I had it so bad last time, it caused an ulcer in my esophagus. Another difference about this pregnancy is that my nose is always stuffed up. I feel like I can't breathe out of my nose most of the time. I had to finally give up my pre-pregnancy clothes. I was wrapping a rubber band around the button, but even now that is not working. Why was I being so stubborn about getting some new maternity pants. I bought some the other day, and I have to admit I was much more comfortable. It is funny, the first pregnancy I couldn't wait to wear maternity clothes, and this time I am trying to stay out of them. : )

Owen is really starting to enjoy snuggling again. He went though a phase where he was just way too busy to snuggle. When George comes home for lunch Owen loves spending time with Daddy. I am not sure that sitting on George's lap is all that comfortable with all that police garb on, but Owen doesn't seem to mind. My lap space is getting smaller and smaller, so I am glad he enjoys spending that time with Daddy. Owen has started to notice when he is the center of attention, and he really lives it up. When he dances, everyone thinks he is so cute, and they laugh, so he will continue to dance, and dance, and dance. If people stop paying attention to him, he will start clapping to get the attention back. He is not a shy kid by any means! He does not know a stranger, and loves it when ALL eyes are on him.