My baby daughter Aara turns 23 weeks today in my belly.  I have been semi wincing at her steady kicks to celebrate since morning. It is such a joy to feel her move...my dolphin like baby who squirms after anytime after I've eaten or am happy. When and if I get angry or sad (as a result of turbulent hormones) she stops moving as if frightened.

The highlights of week 23 is that my breasts have started leaking a clear premilk (which is not yet colostrum) and I have also started to stimulate Aara -- which means if I stroke my belly or speak to her, she has learnt to kick me a response. I've noticed that I get angry and upset if I get hungry so I need to make sure I've eaten at all times.

Last night Aara and I ate a vegetarian meal with her Daddy who made us a pasta while I made a salad. This morning we ate breakfast later Oreos and a chicken sandwich. Later tonight we shall go to the doctor and see her progress on ultrasound. A website tells me Aara is as big as a mango now and I don't disagree...last night while I lay down I felt all of her quiver for a second and I could sense her shape as she lay inside of me.

I shall post a photo of her ultrasound later so please stay tuned and watch out for weekly updates on baby Aara -- the most precious thing to have taken over my body and my life. We have 17 weeks to go till we can meet face to face and I can plant real kisses on her little face, so far I keep kissing my palm and pressing them onto my belly hoping she will understand.

Anika