4 Weeks

Dear Baby G (as Alyssa has so affectionately termed you),

Your daddy and I have been anxiously awaiting this moment. We found out one week ago that we were expecting you. It has not been an easy road, and the next 34-35 weeks will probably be a little tough too. You see, I have lupus and that makes it a little more complicated to bring you into this world.

Today I took my first injection of Lovenox in my stomach. This is to protect you and keep my blood from clotting. I know I wouldn't be able to give myself a shot in the stomach if I wasn't getting you in the end. You are worth all 260 shots I will give myself by September.

You are so very loved already. There are lots of people that can not wait to meet you! I promise we will love you and care for you each and every day of your life. We can't wait until the day you arrive and we bring you home to meet all of your family and friends, and of course: Bruiser, Daisy, Charlie, and Roxie. You will be the most perfect addition to our family.

Love,
Mommy


How your baby's growing:
This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of your baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when she'll be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with her development.Right now your baby is an embryo the size of a poppy seed, consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of her organs and body parts will develop.The primitive placenta is also made up of two layers at this point. Its cells are tunneling into the lining of your uterus, creating spaces for your blood to flow so that the developed placenta will be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby when it starts to function at the end of this week. Also present now are the amniotic sac, which will house your baby; the amniotic fluid, which will cushion her as she grows; and the yolk sac, which produces your baby's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to her until the placenta has developed and is ready to take over this duty.