5 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing: I am 5 weeks pregnant.  At this point, the baby is about the size of a sesame seed and looks more like a tadpole than a human.  The baby is now made up of three layers - the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm - which will later form all of the organs and tissues.

The neural tube - from which the baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout - is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm.  This layer will also give rise to skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.

The heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm.  This week, the tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.  The mesoderm will also form the baby's muscles, cartilage, bone and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue.

The third layer, or endoderm, will house the lungs, intestines and rudimentary urinary system, as well as the thyroid, liver and pancreas.  In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to the baby, are already on the job.

How my life's changing: Although the outside world can't see any sign of the dramatic developments taking place inside me, my life is already changing as I have noticed some pregnancy-related discomforts like fatigue, frequent urination and a bit of nausea.  This definitely is a new season of life but we are looking forward to the adventure ahead.  

It's amazing how God's timing works... As we've clung to Matthew 6:33  and truly put Him first he has given us the desires of our heart.  We are more dependent on Him than ever (almost like He planned it that way). This definitely is a new season of life but we couldn't be more excited and are looking forward to the adventure ahead.