Saturday, December 27, 2008

6-7 WEEKS


The miracle of reproductivity is really THAT, isn't it? A miracle. At left is a picture of an embryo about 6-7 weeks old. It's amazing. A wonder. A miracle.

After the egg is fertiilized, the embryo, which has been free-floating for the first few days, comes to rest on the lining of the uterus and burrows in. The embryo is now a round mass of cells. By week 2, the embryo receives nutrients from the rich blood supply and develops both 'insiide' and an 'outside' layers. At week 3, a third cell layer has appeared - a 'middle' layer. These layers are destined to become different tissues in the developing child, such as skin, nerves, intestines and muscle. The heart has begun to pump; the brain and spinal cord begin to form. By week 4, the disc-like embryo now has a head and a tail, with buds that will grow into limbs. The embryo is about 4 to 5 millimeters long -- a bit less than 1/4 inch. By week 5, eyes are starting to form, a mouth-like opening appears and fingers and toes begin to take shape. The brain now has three recognizable divisions just as it does in the fully-developed baby and adult. At week 6, a nose and palate appear and eyelids cover the eyes. The brain is now growing rapidly, making a prominent bulge in the head region. The length is not quite one inch - about the size of a pea. At weeks 7-8, there is significantly more brain growth. Intestines, liver, kidneys, lungs and heart are all taking shape. The first muscle movements take place.

It's a miracle.

That picture you're looking at up top there --- that's a picture of our new miracle. It's what our grandson/granddaughter looks like about now. Joelene and I found out this week - or rather, got permission to SHARE this week - that we are going to be GRANDPARENTS in mid-August sometime. Our oldest daughter, Whitney, and her husband, Sam, are pregnant. I know some of you who are regular readers and friends of ours guessed our 'unraveling and late-breaking news' ahead of this post.

So, I guess I'll be a grandfather before I turn 50. I don't know if that's good, bad or neutral, but it's true.

So we're enjoying the last couple of days up here in Minneapolis with our 3 daughters, 2 sons-in-law and 1 grandchild on-its-way.

And be blessed.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you both! Funny that I just asked Joelene about that a few weeks ago :o) Which daughter is expecting?

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on soon becoming grandparents! You sounded a little concerned about being a grandparent before turning 50. My grandparents were 47 when I was born. Combining their physical "youth" with their mental "youth" was the greatest thing a kid could ever ask for; I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful my childhood was with them. And even though he is gone now, my grandmother is still the picture of health and is able to enjoy not only her grandchildren, but 5 great-grandkids as well. So think of it this way; God willing, you will see your grandchildren grow into adulthood and maybe another generation after that as well. AND, you can love on and enjoy all these kids and then send them home with their parents!

LA Nickers said...

What wonderful news! How exciting!

Congratulations to the whole family - parents-to-be, grandparents-to-be, aunts-to-be, uncle-to-be.

Joy all around.

Blessings,
LR



HEART OF A READY WRITER – Reading through The Daily Bible with KFA friends and others in 2009

Anonymous said...

Oh, it's good...it's VERY good!

Congratulations...Nonno and Nonna!

That's Italian for...well...you already know THAT!

Have a WONDEFUL time with your kids...Joann :~)

Unknown said...

Yes, it was kind of a first jump guess but none-the-less an awesome new time is beginning in your lives. I am very happy for all concerned. I know you must be thrilled!
Praise God for this little miracle! God Bless all of you.
Love,
d

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!! You will make a super granddad. I'll be praying for the new little one who is coming to bless your family.

Whitney Thulin said...

Daddy,

I suppose you don't feel the need to clarify which daughter is pregnant... :) Not saying that I need the recognition or anything, but I wonder if everyone will assume that it's me. I love you and am glad you're excited. You're going to be the most amazing grandpa, poppi, moppi, (whatever) in the world!

Dr Phil said...

Grandfather before 50 is not bad. More years to enjoy them. I was grandfather just before turning 47 and now I have 5.

PK's BLOG said...

AUDRA:
Thanks for the great encouragement and wise words. That was great.

keithdaugherty said...

Congrats! That is outstanding news! I don't know if a kid could have better grandparents than you and Joelene.

PK's BLOG said...

KEITH:
Thanks for saying so.

Gary and Denise said...

Congratulations, what a blessing.
Joelene and you will be great grandparents.
I better start the baby blankets.
Love you guys.