"When I first saw the twins [when they were born], I really liked them. And, at the same time, there was a ghost over my shoulder saying, 'What if I hadn't liked them?'" -- Tilda Swinton.
This quote just baffled me. I mean, I'm concerned with a lot of things when my baby is born but I've never considered that I wouldn't be head-over-heels in love. Should I? : /
I mean, I haven't had my baby yet but I wonder what my thoughts will be like about him or her. I think that's why I've decided to stop making assumptions about the sex. I mean, I want a boy and a girl and I've been really struggling with how much I want a little girl. I started thinking about how bad of a person I will feel if I find out I'm having a boy and don't immediately feel joy just for knowing. Or if I spend so much time dwelling on how beautiful a little girl with auburn hair and emerald eyes and have a boy with blonde hair and brown eyes! I mean, I know it's a really stupid comparison but I want my child to always know they are always wanted, just as they are.
Honestly, it doesn't really matter what I'm wanting or scared of or anything - it's not in my hands for most of it. I can only do as much as I'm able to.
With that, I'll leave you with a few quotes about children:
In a dark moment I ask, "How can anyone bring a child into this world?" And the answer rings clear, "Because there is no other world, and because the child has no other way into it." --Robert Brault
Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said. --Author Unknown
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Baby Names I Like (With meaning)
These are just a few names I've thought about. I'll probably come back to this and edit or continue with either list when we know for sure if it's a boy or girl. But here's the ones I've been thinking about...
Boys
Alexander - The first segment comes from the verb
(alexo), meaning to ward or keep off, turn away or aside (Liddell and Scott - An Intermediate Greek-English Lexicon). The second part of the name Alexander comes from the common Greek word 
(andros), meaning of man. A similar but more general word is 
(anthropoktonos) meaning manslayer or rather human-slayer (John 8:44).
Desmond - From an Irish surname which was derived from Gaelic Deas-Mhumhan meaning "from south Munster (in Ireland)". The name derived from the rebellions in the 1500's by the Earl of Desmond and his allies agains the threat of extension of the English government over the province. The rebellions were motivated primarily by the desire to maintain the independence of lords from their monarch, but also had an element of religious antagonism between Catholic Geraldines and the Protestant English state. The result was the destruction of the Desmond dynasty and the subsequent plantation or colonisation of Munster with English settlers. 'Desmond' is the Anglicisation given to the Irish Deasmumhain, which translates to 'South Munster'.
Micah - The name Mica(h) consists of two parts. The first bit is
(mi), the common inquisitive particle that seeks after identity: who? For Micah the second part of the name is 
, which is equal to the word (koh), the demonstrative adverb of manner, place or time: thus, here, making Micah to mean Who's There? For a meaning of the name Micha(h), NOBS Study Bible Name List reads Who Is Like Yahweh? Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads a rather enigmatic Who Is Like Unto The Lord?
Nathan - The name Nathan comes from the verb
(natan), to give. The name Nathan doesn't seem to denote something that is given (as NOBS Study Bible Name List suggests with the meaning of Gift), but rather an active form of the verb: He Will Give. Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads Given.
Girls
Sandra - Short form of ALESSANDRA which is the Italian form of ALEXANDRA which is the feminine form of ALEXANDER. (See above)
Anastacia - Variant of ANASTASIA which is the feminine form of ANASTASIUS which is the
Rebecca - The name Rebekah comes from the unused verb
(rbq), meaning to tie firmly. Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names quotes Gesenius who suggests that this name denotes a woman who ensnares a man with her beauty. But although the Biblical occurrence of this name has to do with a lot, not with the snaring of a man by beauty. The name denotes merely a tying up of cattle, both for their own protection, the establishment of their home and to keep them from wandering off. Within this name lies the notion that individuals are placed together by something higher or smarter than they. The name Rebekah literally means Tied Up but more specific (and more friendly) is Secured.
Vanessa - Invented by author Jonathan Swift for his poem 'Cadenus and Vanessa' (1726). He arrived at it by rearranging the initial syllables of the first name and surname of Esther Vanhomrigh, his close friend. Vanessa was later used as the name of a genus of butterfly.
References:
http://www.abarim-publications.com/
http://www.behindthename.com/
http://www.meaning-of-baby-girl-names.org.uk/
Boys
Alexander - The first segment comes from the verb
(alexo), meaning to ward or keep off, turn away or aside (Liddell and Scott - An Intermediate Greek-English Lexicon). The second part of the name Alexander comes from the common Greek word (andros), meaning of man. A similar but more general word is (anthropoktonos) meaning manslayer or rather human-slayer (John 8:44). Desmond - From an Irish surname which was derived from Gaelic Deas-Mhumhan meaning "from south Munster (in Ireland)". The name derived from the rebellions in the 1500's by the Earl of Desmond and his allies agains the threat of extension of the English government over the province. The rebellions were motivated primarily by the desire to maintain the independence of lords from their monarch, but also had an element of religious antagonism between Catholic Geraldines and the Protestant English state. The result was the destruction of the Desmond dynasty and the subsequent plantation or colonisation of Munster with English settlers. 'Desmond' is the Anglicisation given to the Irish Deasmumhain, which translates to 'South Munster'.
Micah - The name Mica(h) consists of two parts. The first bit is
(mi), the common inquisitive particle that seeks after identity: who? For Micah the second part of the name is , which is equal to the word (koh), the demonstrative adverb of manner, place or time: thus, here, making Micah to mean Who's There? For a meaning of the name Micha(h), NOBS Study Bible Name List reads Who Is Like Yahweh? Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads a rather enigmatic Who Is Like Unto The Lord? Nathan - The name Nathan comes from the verb
(natan), to give. The name Nathan doesn't seem to denote something that is given (as NOBS Study Bible Name List suggests with the meaning of Gift), but rather an active form of the verb: He Will Give. Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads Given.Girls
Sandra - Short form of ALESSANDRA which is the Italian form of ALEXANDRA which is the feminine form of ALEXANDER. (See above)
Anastacia - Variant of ANASTASIA which is the feminine form of ANASTASIUS which is the
Latinized form of the Greek name Αναστασιος (Anastasios) which meant "resurrection" from Greek αναστασις (anastasis) (composed of the elements ανα (ana) "up" and στασις (stasis) "standing"). This was the name of numerous early saints and martyrs, including a 7th-century monk and writer from Alexandria who is especially venerated in the Eastern Church.
Rebecca - The name Rebekah comes from the unused verb
(rbq), meaning to tie firmly. Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names quotes Gesenius who suggests that this name denotes a woman who ensnares a man with her beauty. But although the Biblical occurrence of this name has to do with a lot, not with the snaring of a man by beauty. The name denotes merely a tying up of cattle, both for their own protection, the establishment of their home and to keep them from wandering off. Within this name lies the notion that individuals are placed together by something higher or smarter than they. The name Rebekah literally means Tied Up but more specific (and more friendly) is Secured.Vanessa - Invented by author Jonathan Swift for his poem 'Cadenus and Vanessa' (1726). He arrived at it by rearranging the initial syllables of the first name and surname of Esther Vanhomrigh, his close friend. Vanessa was later used as the name of a genus of butterfly.
References:
http://www.abarim-publications.com/
http://www.behindthename.com/
http://www.meaning-of-baby-girl-names.org.uk/
A boy or girl? And other thoughts...
Eric and I were having a conversation about the baby over the weekend. Realistically, it was a long, drawn out conversation that stopped and re-started over the whole weekend. But yesterday, we just got to talk.
Eric told me that he's fine with whichever comes first and I explained to him the benefits of both. He told me that he thinks that when we have a boy, he'll be just like me and be his mother's son; when we have a girl, she'll have his warped sense of humor and be a daddy's girl. We were talking about what hair color and eye color the kids might have (brown hair and green eyes on either being my favorite; auburn hair and blue or green eyes being Eric's), what we'll teach them, all kinds of things.
I told Eric about the peace that God's been giving me lately. I know that right now, everything is up in the air - job situations, finances, a new home, all kinds of things. But in spite of that, I'm coming to realize the miracle that is happening. Five months from today, I will hold my little boy or girl and all those things we've thought about won't really matter. I'm slowly falling in love with this little person that is no bigger than my hand. I read a book to the baby on Saturday. I've starting talking to him/her and I hope this baby can hear me.
At least we agree on two things without debate -
If it's a girl, she's not getting her ears pierced until she's old enough to ask and give me 3 good reasons why.
If it's a boy, he's getting circumsized.
Eric told me that he's fine with whichever comes first and I explained to him the benefits of both. He told me that he thinks that when we have a boy, he'll be just like me and be his mother's son; when we have a girl, she'll have his warped sense of humor and be a daddy's girl. We were talking about what hair color and eye color the kids might have (brown hair and green eyes on either being my favorite; auburn hair and blue or green eyes being Eric's), what we'll teach them, all kinds of things.
I told Eric about the peace that God's been giving me lately. I know that right now, everything is up in the air - job situations, finances, a new home, all kinds of things. But in spite of that, I'm coming to realize the miracle that is happening. Five months from today, I will hold my little boy or girl and all those things we've thought about won't really matter. I'm slowly falling in love with this little person that is no bigger than my hand. I read a book to the baby on Saturday. I've starting talking to him/her and I hope this baby can hear me.
At least we agree on two things without debate -
If it's a girl, she's not getting her ears pierced until she's old enough to ask and give me 3 good reasons why.
If it's a boy, he's getting circumsized.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Old Wives Tales!
I found a list of old wives tales and I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone thinks!
Old Wives Tale #1: Heartburn
If a pregnant woman experiences heartburn throughout the 9 months of pregnancy, she’ll have a baby born with a full head of hair.
Old Wives Tale #2: Umbilical Cord
If a pregnant woman lifts her hands above her head or does stretches above her hand, she will choke the baby because the umbilical cord will be wrapped around the baby. The baby gets tangled in the umbilical cord in about 1/3 of all births, so it’s not so uncommon.
Old Wives Tale #3: Cravings Curse
Basically if anyone denies a pregnant woman whatever she is craving, they will get a sty in his/her eye.
Old Wives Tale #4: Heart Rate
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy.
Old Wives Tale #5: Ugly Baby
If a pregnant woman sees something ugly, she will have an ugly baby.
Old Wives Tale #6: Coffee
If a baby is born with light-brown birthmarks, it is said that the mom drank too much coffee or had unfulfilled cravings while she was pregnant.
Old Wives Tale #7: Sex
This old wives tale is actually not a myth. Sex is healthy for most pregnant women and is also good in getting the cervix ready for labor.
Old Wives Tale #8 Wearing a Lei
This Hawaiian superstition relates to the lei causing the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby.
Old Wives Tale #9 Boiling Water
Many people use to believe that boiling water was needed to be nearby the pregnant woman during labor. There is not a real reason as to why boiling water played a role in childbirth. Some believe the water was just a task to get the dad-to-be away from the labor, while others believed that it was used to sterilize the tools needed to perform the delivery.
Old Wives Tale #10 Full Moon
A full moon was believed to cause a woman to go into labor and give birth.
Old Wives Tale #11: Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #12: Ring Test
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle. I've read this one before but it's with a strand of the mother-to-be's hair.
Old Wives Tale #13: Shape of Mom’s Face
When your face gets fuller and rounder when pregnant, it means you’re going to have a girl. If your face is long and narrow, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #14: Key Test
This test involves a key. If you pick up a key at the top (the roundest part), you are going to have a boy. If you pick up the key at the bottom (smallest part), you are going to have a girl. If you happen to grab the key in the middle, congrats, it’s twins!
Old Wives Tale #15: Mayan Tale
The Mayan tale adds the mother’s age at conception and the year of conception. If the result is an even number then mom is having a girl. If the result is an odd number then a boy is on the way!
Old Wives Tale #16: Drano Test
The Drano test combines a tablespoon of Drano and urine together. If the mixture turns green, it’s a girl. If it turns blue, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #17: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl.
Old Wives Tale #18: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.
Old Wives Tale #19: Smell of Garlic
If a pregnant woman eats a clove of garlic and the smell does not come out of her pores, it’s a girl. If the smell seeps out of her pores, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #20: Ultrasound
I’m not sure that this falls under ‘old wives tales’, but, as with anything, ultrasounds may not be accurate all of the time.
Old Wives Tale #21: Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl.
Old Wives Tale #22: Previous Kids
This tale only applies if you have had previous kids. If you have and that child’s first word was momma, you will have a girl. If your first child’s first word was dada, you’ll have a boy.
Old Wives Tale #23: Wooden Spoon, Scissors, and Pink Bows
Apparently if you put a wooden spoon and a pair of scissors under your bed and a pink bow under your pillow, you’ll have yourself a little baby girl.
Old Wives Tale #24: History of Parent’s Kids
You can find out the sex by going off of your parent’s kids and the order. If you are the first born, you will have what your mother had but starting with her second child. If you are the middle child, you will have what she said, but starting with the third child. If you are the last child, you will have what your mother had in the exact order. I think this tale only works when the parent’s had three kids.
Old Wives Tale #25: Time of Conception
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be.
Old Wives Tale #26: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl.
Old Wives Tale #27: Moodiness and Other "Gifts"
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have other extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be happier if you are having a boy because there's a penis inside.
Old Wives Tale #28: Bread
If you eat the ends of bread, it’s a boy. If you eat the middle of the load, it’s a girl. I’ve never liked the ends of bread and always have eaten from the middle.
Old Wives Tale #29: Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.
Old Wives Tale #30: Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, you might just be having a little boy.
Old Wives Tale #31: Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having.
Old Wives Tale #32: Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.
Old Wives Tale #33: Toddlers
If a toddler boy expresses interest in a pregnant woman, she is having a girl. If he doesn’t show interest, she’s having a boy.
Old Wives Tale #34: Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lie on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.
Old Wives Tale #35: Hands
When the pregnant woman is asked to show her hands, it’s a boy if she keeps her palms down and a girl if she shows her palms up.
Old Wives Tale #36: Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.
Old Wives Tale #37: Breast Test
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #38: Necklace over Hand
Have someone hold a necklace over your hand. If the necklace swings back and forth, it’s a boy. If it moves in a circle, it’s a girl.
Old Wives Tale #39: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having.
Old Wives Tale #40: Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl.
Old Wives Tale #41: Areola
If your areola has darkened, it’s a boy. This is not true because it's a normal sign of pregnancy.
Old Wives Tale #42: Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy.
Old Wives Tale #43: Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl.
Old Wives Tale #44: Hair on Legs
If the hair on your legs has been growing at record speeds, you might be having a boy.
Old Wives Tale #45: Hands are Dry
If your hands are constantly dry, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #46: Urine
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl.
Old Wives Tale #47: Nose
Do you feel like your nose is growing and getting wider? If so, you might be having a boy.
Old Wives Tale #48: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.
Old Wives Tale #49: Drinking Water
Drinking water is really important when pregnant. An old wives tale was that if the mom-to-be wasn’t drinking enough water daily, the amniotic fluid would be really dirty for the baby. Drinking tons of water will help you stay hydrated, but has no correlation with how clean or dirty the amniotic sac is.
Old Wives Tale #50: Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby.
I'll update this list as I learn more.
Of the 37 gender predictors that would I apply to me, I have 18 that indicate I'm having a girl, 7 that indicate I'm having a boy, and the rest I'm not sure about yet.
Old Wives Tale #1: Heartburn
If a pregnant woman experiences heartburn throughout the 9 months of pregnancy, she’ll have a baby born with a full head of hair.
Old Wives Tale #2: Umbilical Cord
If a pregnant woman lifts her hands above her head or does stretches above her hand, she will choke the baby because the umbilical cord will be wrapped around the baby. The baby gets tangled in the umbilical cord in about 1/3 of all births, so it’s not so uncommon.
Old Wives Tale #3: Cravings Curse
Basically if anyone denies a pregnant woman whatever she is craving, they will get a sty in his/her eye.
Old Wives Tale #4: Heart Rate
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy.
Old Wives Tale #5: Ugly Baby
If a pregnant woman sees something ugly, she will have an ugly baby.
Old Wives Tale #6: Coffee
If a baby is born with light-brown birthmarks, it is said that the mom drank too much coffee or had unfulfilled cravings while she was pregnant.
Old Wives Tale #7: Sex
This old wives tale is actually not a myth. Sex is healthy for most pregnant women and is also good in getting the cervix ready for labor.
Old Wives Tale #8 Wearing a Lei
This Hawaiian superstition relates to the lei causing the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby.
Old Wives Tale #9 Boiling Water
Many people use to believe that boiling water was needed to be nearby the pregnant woman during labor. There is not a real reason as to why boiling water played a role in childbirth. Some believe the water was just a task to get the dad-to-be away from the labor, while others believed that it was used to sterilize the tools needed to perform the delivery.
Old Wives Tale #10 Full Moon
A full moon was believed to cause a woman to go into labor and give birth.
Old Wives Tale #11: Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #12: Ring Test
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle. I've read this one before but it's with a strand of the mother-to-be's hair.
Old Wives Tale #13: Shape of Mom’s Face
When your face gets fuller and rounder when pregnant, it means you’re going to have a girl. If your face is long and narrow, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #14: Key Test
This test involves a key. If you pick up a key at the top (the roundest part), you are going to have a boy. If you pick up the key at the bottom (smallest part), you are going to have a girl. If you happen to grab the key in the middle, congrats, it’s twins!
Old Wives Tale #15: Mayan Tale
The Mayan tale adds the mother’s age at conception and the year of conception. If the result is an even number then mom is having a girl. If the result is an odd number then a boy is on the way!
Old Wives Tale #16: Drano Test
The Drano test combines a tablespoon of Drano and urine together. If the mixture turns green, it’s a girl. If it turns blue, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #17: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl.
Old Wives Tale #18: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.
Old Wives Tale #19: Smell of Garlic
If a pregnant woman eats a clove of garlic and the smell does not come out of her pores, it’s a girl. If the smell seeps out of her pores, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #20: Ultrasound
I’m not sure that this falls under ‘old wives tales’, but, as with anything, ultrasounds may not be accurate all of the time.
Old Wives Tale #21: Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl.
Old Wives Tale #22: Previous Kids
This tale only applies if you have had previous kids. If you have and that child’s first word was momma, you will have a girl. If your first child’s first word was dada, you’ll have a boy.
Old Wives Tale #23: Wooden Spoon, Scissors, and Pink Bows
Apparently if you put a wooden spoon and a pair of scissors under your bed and a pink bow under your pillow, you’ll have yourself a little baby girl.
Old Wives Tale #24: History of Parent’s Kids
You can find out the sex by going off of your parent’s kids and the order. If you are the first born, you will have what your mother had but starting with her second child. If you are the middle child, you will have what she said, but starting with the third child. If you are the last child, you will have what your mother had in the exact order. I think this tale only works when the parent’s had three kids.
Old Wives Tale #25: Time of Conception
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be.
Old Wives Tale #26: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl.
Old Wives Tale #27: Moodiness and Other "Gifts"
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have other extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be happier if you are having a boy because there's a penis inside.
Old Wives Tale #28: Bread
If you eat the ends of bread, it’s a boy. If you eat the middle of the load, it’s a girl. I’ve never liked the ends of bread and always have eaten from the middle.
Old Wives Tale #29: Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.
Old Wives Tale #30: Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, you might just be having a little boy.
Old Wives Tale #31: Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having.
Old Wives Tale #32: Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.
Old Wives Tale #33: Toddlers
If a toddler boy expresses interest in a pregnant woman, she is having a girl. If he doesn’t show interest, she’s having a boy.
Old Wives Tale #34: Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lie on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.
Old Wives Tale #35: Hands
When the pregnant woman is asked to show her hands, it’s a boy if she keeps her palms down and a girl if she shows her palms up.
Old Wives Tale #36: Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.
Old Wives Tale #37: Breast Test
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #38: Necklace over Hand
Have someone hold a necklace over your hand. If the necklace swings back and forth, it’s a boy. If it moves in a circle, it’s a girl.
Old Wives Tale #39: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having.
Old Wives Tale #40: Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl.
Old Wives Tale #41: Areola
If your areola has darkened, it’s a boy. This is not true because it's a normal sign of pregnancy.
Old Wives Tale #42: Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy.
Old Wives Tale #43: Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl.
Old Wives Tale #44: Hair on Legs
If the hair on your legs has been growing at record speeds, you might be having a boy.
Old Wives Tale #45: Hands are Dry
If your hands are constantly dry, it’s a boy.
Old Wives Tale #46: Urine
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl.
Old Wives Tale #47: Nose
Do you feel like your nose is growing and getting wider? If so, you might be having a boy.
Old Wives Tale #48: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.
Old Wives Tale #49: Drinking Water
Drinking water is really important when pregnant. An old wives tale was that if the mom-to-be wasn’t drinking enough water daily, the amniotic fluid would be really dirty for the baby. Drinking tons of water will help you stay hydrated, but has no correlation with how clean or dirty the amniotic sac is.
Old Wives Tale #50: Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby.
I'll update this list as I learn more.
Of the 37 gender predictors that would I apply to me, I have 18 that indicate I'm having a girl, 7 that indicate I'm having a boy, and the rest I'm not sure about yet.
OBGYN Appointment and Family
Well, this little kid is shy so I don't know if he or she is mine! :) Seems Peanut likes to hide from the Doppler which is fine because I would never go to investigate if someone was moving my stuff around. I wait till that's gone. I guess this child is mine :)
My car isn't working and so my awesome mom took me to my appointment. I'm really glad she's there for me - I think it's exciting because this is her first grandbaby but more than that, I get to share my experience of having our child with the person who had me. How amazing is that? She's always been a great mom to me so I can only imagine how amazing she'll be as a grandma. But if you have ever met or seen my mom, she doesn't look like a grandma. She still gets carded and no one thinks she looks old enough to have a married daughter with a baby on the way. I'm really hoping to keep those genes and to pass them on.
Anyway, my appointment! We went in and got my blood pressure. Told her about the pain I'd felt which the doctor said is normal (I love hearing that). She used the Doppler to check the heartbeat and it kind of hurt because she had to press down so much to get close to the baby. She asked me if I wanted to do this blood test for Down Syndrome. I got the order but I haven't decided if I'll take the test. She said it's optional. My mom made a good point and asked if I would do anything different if I found out that the baby did have Down Syndrome. I don't think I would but at the same time, I don't think I have to worry about that. I have the order but I haven't decided if I'll do it.
Also, I got the order for the ultrasound to find out if our Peanut is a girl or a boy. My doctor said that we need to wait about 2 more weeks (so I'll be @ 20 weeks at least) so that we can see. I'm really excited about that ultrasound for more than one reason. First, the obvious reason is that I get to find out if I'm a little boy's or little girl's mommy. Secondly, my youngest sister Susan is going to be at that one and this will be the first real and visible thing I get to share with her. She's been asking since day 1 when I will show and when she can feel the baby move and I love how much she wants to participate because I think the baby will have a great relationship with her. I'm kind of hoping it's the same as when Susan was a baby and I would come in and she would be okay - I hope Susan gets to have that kind of peace and closeness with the baby. But this will make her the 3rd person (other than the ultrasound tech and myself) to actually witness the baby on screen and moving and right there!!
Then again, Melanie's (my middle sister) first view of the baby may be in the delivery room and I can't wait for that. I hope she isn't nervous. Because that girl is holding this baby! I have a feeling that Melanie is going to have a totally different relationship with the baby than anyone else. I don't really know how much she is.
I'm really blessed to have such an involved family. I probably should tell you about my dad soon because trust me - he is a BLAST! And it's a good thing too because I can't recall one story about Eric fishing once and my dad is the king of it. My child needs to know these things!
Peanut - I'll probably do a blog on my family and Daddy's family so you know what you're in for. Kind of. Don't worry - you will be okay. It's just Mommy that will be frazzled.
Thanks for reading, guys.
My car isn't working and so my awesome mom took me to my appointment. I'm really glad she's there for me - I think it's exciting because this is her first grandbaby but more than that, I get to share my experience of having our child with the person who had me. How amazing is that? She's always been a great mom to me so I can only imagine how amazing she'll be as a grandma. But if you have ever met or seen my mom, she doesn't look like a grandma. She still gets carded and no one thinks she looks old enough to have a married daughter with a baby on the way. I'm really hoping to keep those genes and to pass them on.
Anyway, my appointment! We went in and got my blood pressure. Told her about the pain I'd felt which the doctor said is normal (I love hearing that). She used the Doppler to check the heartbeat and it kind of hurt because she had to press down so much to get close to the baby. She asked me if I wanted to do this blood test for Down Syndrome. I got the order but I haven't decided if I'll take the test. She said it's optional. My mom made a good point and asked if I would do anything different if I found out that the baby did have Down Syndrome. I don't think I would but at the same time, I don't think I have to worry about that. I have the order but I haven't decided if I'll do it.
Also, I got the order for the ultrasound to find out if our Peanut is a girl or a boy. My doctor said that we need to wait about 2 more weeks (so I'll be @ 20 weeks at least) so that we can see. I'm really excited about that ultrasound for more than one reason. First, the obvious reason is that I get to find out if I'm a little boy's or little girl's mommy. Secondly, my youngest sister Susan is going to be at that one and this will be the first real and visible thing I get to share with her. She's been asking since day 1 when I will show and when she can feel the baby move and I love how much she wants to participate because I think the baby will have a great relationship with her. I'm kind of hoping it's the same as when Susan was a baby and I would come in and she would be okay - I hope Susan gets to have that kind of peace and closeness with the baby. But this will make her the 3rd person (other than the ultrasound tech and myself) to actually witness the baby on screen and moving and right there!!
Then again, Melanie's (my middle sister) first view of the baby may be in the delivery room and I can't wait for that. I hope she isn't nervous. Because that girl is holding this baby! I have a feeling that Melanie is going to have a totally different relationship with the baby than anyone else. I don't really know how much she is.
I'm really blessed to have such an involved family. I probably should tell you about my dad soon because trust me - he is a BLAST! And it's a good thing too because I can't recall one story about Eric fishing once and my dad is the king of it. My child needs to know these things!
Peanut - I'll probably do a blog on my family and Daddy's family so you know what you're in for. Kind of. Don't worry - you will be okay. It's just Mommy that will be frazzled.
Thanks for reading, guys.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Article from Baby Center - What I Wish I'd Known NOT to Worry About During Pregnancy
I found this interesting article.
"Don't stress if you can't get everything done that you had planned each day. The baby won't know if the housework isn't done!"
"It's okay to tell co-workers that you're not interested in their advice. Every pregnancy is different."
"Remember, every problem has a solution, and confiding in someone who's close to you or who you think can offer help or support is a step forward. Don't be afraid to talk to your partner, OB, or midwife."
"Don't stress about how you look. You're performing a miracle — growing a person inside of you — and that's a fantastic accomplishment."
"If you trust your OB, let her do her job and follow her recommendations; if you don't, find a new doctor who you do trust. You should never be afraid to call your provider with big and small problems."
"Don't stress about tough times with your partner. A baby tests any couple's relationship."
"Don't stress about things like food or weight. Just be sensible. There's no need to give yourself an anxiety attack over the pint of ice cream you just finished. Take it as your special reward for everything you've accomplished so far in your pregnancy, and move on."
"If you're doing everything in your power to make healthy choices, don't worry so much. Women have been having babies since well before we knew what to do and what not to do."
"Mothers-in-law don't know everything!"
"Don't stress too much about things in the environment you think might harm your baby, like standing too close to the microwave or pumping gas. Remember, the vast majority of babies are born healthy."
"Don't worry about labor. It is what it is. Just educate yourself on your options, and be ready to make informed decisions. Beyond that, just take a deep breath and go for it. It's not as bad as you think it'll be."
"Don't stress about how the baby is fending in the womb. It's a roll cage, but your baby is probably comfortable in there."
"Every little twinge doesn't mean something is wrong."
"No matter what decisions you make, someone will always disagree. Try not to let the negative comments upset you, and if you're really worried about something, talk with your doctor or a nonjudgmental friend."
"There's no such thing as a stupid question, especially for first-time mothers. Being pregnant and birthing a child are unique experiences, and a woman will never know what it's all about until she's actually done it herself."
"It's okay if you don't have everything ready for your baby. Newborns don't need a whole lot in the beginning."
"When I accepted heartburn, back pain, lack of sleep, and moodiness as a normal part of pregnancy, they didn't seem to bother me as much anymore."
"If you're worried about being a good mom, you probably have nothing to worry about. My husband keeps telling me that bad mothers don't worry about whether or not they'll be good moms."
"I had never really been around children, and I made mistakes, but as long as you love your baby and are careful with the important stuff, you can't harm him or her with small mistakes. You'll soon get comfortable with the routine."
"Don't stress too much over all the "rules" pregnant women now have. A bath warmer than lukewarm won't lead to disaster. If you accidentally eat a soft cheese you're not sure is safe, there's no use worrying after the fact. Our mothers had fewer restrictions than we do, and we turned out fine."
"Don't stress if you can't get everything done that you had planned each day. The baby won't know if the housework isn't done!"
"It's okay to tell co-workers that you're not interested in their advice. Every pregnancy is different."
"Remember, every problem has a solution, and confiding in someone who's close to you or who you think can offer help or support is a step forward. Don't be afraid to talk to your partner, OB, or midwife."
"Don't stress about how you look. You're performing a miracle — growing a person inside of you — and that's a fantastic accomplishment."
"If you trust your OB, let her do her job and follow her recommendations; if you don't, find a new doctor who you do trust. You should never be afraid to call your provider with big and small problems."
"Don't stress about tough times with your partner. A baby tests any couple's relationship."
"Don't stress about things like food or weight. Just be sensible. There's no need to give yourself an anxiety attack over the pint of ice cream you just finished. Take it as your special reward for everything you've accomplished so far in your pregnancy, and move on."
"If you're doing everything in your power to make healthy choices, don't worry so much. Women have been having babies since well before we knew what to do and what not to do."
"Mothers-in-law don't know everything!"
"Don't stress too much about things in the environment you think might harm your baby, like standing too close to the microwave or pumping gas. Remember, the vast majority of babies are born healthy."
"Don't worry about labor. It is what it is. Just educate yourself on your options, and be ready to make informed decisions. Beyond that, just take a deep breath and go for it. It's not as bad as you think it'll be."
"Don't stress about how the baby is fending in the womb. It's a roll cage, but your baby is probably comfortable in there."
"Every little twinge doesn't mean something is wrong."
"No matter what decisions you make, someone will always disagree. Try not to let the negative comments upset you, and if you're really worried about something, talk with your doctor or a nonjudgmental friend."
"There's no such thing as a stupid question, especially for first-time mothers. Being pregnant and birthing a child are unique experiences, and a woman will never know what it's all about until she's actually done it herself."
"It's okay if you don't have everything ready for your baby. Newborns don't need a whole lot in the beginning."
"When I accepted heartburn, back pain, lack of sleep, and moodiness as a normal part of pregnancy, they didn't seem to bother me as much anymore."
"If you're worried about being a good mom, you probably have nothing to worry about. My husband keeps telling me that bad mothers don't worry about whether or not they'll be good moms."
"I had never really been around children, and I made mistakes, but as long as you love your baby and are careful with the important stuff, you can't harm him or her with small mistakes. You'll soon get comfortable with the routine."
"Don't stress too much over all the "rules" pregnant women now have. A bath warmer than lukewarm won't lead to disaster. If you accidentally eat a soft cheese you're not sure is safe, there's no use worrying after the fact. Our mothers had fewer restrictions than we do, and we turned out fine."
The Worrywart.
I've become a pregnant hypochondriac. Lately, I think I have "round ligament pain."
What is round ligament pain? Round ligament pain refers to a type of pelvic pain caused by stretching of the round ligaments.
That being said, I have been mentally freaking out over every ache, pain, cramp, spot, sneeze, cough, and hiccup. Every time something happens, what's the first thing I do that I know I shouldn't? I look it up. But I don't look it up in What To Expect When You're Expecting. I look it up on message boards and other programs and there is ALWAYS one person who says "...and then, I miscarried" somewhere in their comment.
The beginning of this pregnancy was full of scary things. Let me explain:
1. The test was positive (probably my most scary moment).
2. Telling Eric.
3. Going to my ultrasound to find out how far along I am and them not finding anything in the gestational sac. This resulted in 3 blood tests and another ultrasound.
4. Bleeding at 12 weeks. My nurse told me what I needed to look out for and that if it happens again, I need to go to Labor and Delivery because I might be miscarrying.
5. Went in at 13 weeks for my appointment. Couldn't find heartbeat with Doppler (added to scary moment #4). Resulted in another ultrasound.
6. Pains that are commonly associated with round ligament pain. But because of the pains, it made me worry about miscarrying.
I do not enjoy being freaked out but there it is. I only just told my youngest sister about #4 on Friday night because she was a little nervous when #3 happened and I didn't want to scare her if it was nothing. Which it was.
I only wonder what I'll be like when this baby actually arrives! My poor friends will be subjected to antibacterial hand sanitizer every time they want to hold the baby. My house will have everything off of the floor. My poor baby will be swaddled to the nines and my pediatrician will be on speed dial with my mom.
I don't know how I'll be a mother :) Maybe you're supposed to worry about all of that. My mom has told me time and time again, "If you don't protect your child, who will?" I don't want to be overly protective but how can I just sit back? I hope this child has a good sense of forgiveness and knows that I do all of this out of love. I'm already wanting to say "no" to everyone who offers to baby-sit but maybe that's partially because I'm the one who has been wanting to meet this baby my whole life.
I just want anyone of my friends out there to know - I don't need to justify to you why I'll do what I'll do when we're raising our kids. If I choose not to spank, that's not your choice; it's mine. If I want to breastfeed only and not use formula, that's also not your choice. I appreciate all of the advice and feedback that I'm getting but I'm making the choices that I feel is right and as long as my baby is healthy, I'm happy.
What is round ligament pain? Round ligament pain refers to a type of pelvic pain caused by stretching of the round ligaments.
That being said, I have been mentally freaking out over every ache, pain, cramp, spot, sneeze, cough, and hiccup. Every time something happens, what's the first thing I do that I know I shouldn't? I look it up. But I don't look it up in What To Expect When You're Expecting. I look it up on message boards and other programs and there is ALWAYS one person who says "...and then, I miscarried" somewhere in their comment.
The beginning of this pregnancy was full of scary things. Let me explain:
1. The test was positive (probably my most scary moment).
2. Telling Eric.
3. Going to my ultrasound to find out how far along I am and them not finding anything in the gestational sac. This resulted in 3 blood tests and another ultrasound.
4. Bleeding at 12 weeks. My nurse told me what I needed to look out for and that if it happens again, I need to go to Labor and Delivery because I might be miscarrying.
5. Went in at 13 weeks for my appointment. Couldn't find heartbeat with Doppler (added to scary moment #4). Resulted in another ultrasound.
6. Pains that are commonly associated with round ligament pain. But because of the pains, it made me worry about miscarrying.
I do not enjoy being freaked out but there it is. I only just told my youngest sister about #4 on Friday night because she was a little nervous when #3 happened and I didn't want to scare her if it was nothing. Which it was.
I only wonder what I'll be like when this baby actually arrives! My poor friends will be subjected to antibacterial hand sanitizer every time they want to hold the baby. My house will have everything off of the floor. My poor baby will be swaddled to the nines and my pediatrician will be on speed dial with my mom.
I don't know how I'll be a mother :) Maybe you're supposed to worry about all of that. My mom has told me time and time again, "If you don't protect your child, who will?" I don't want to be overly protective but how can I just sit back? I hope this child has a good sense of forgiveness and knows that I do all of this out of love. I'm already wanting to say "no" to everyone who offers to baby-sit but maybe that's partially because I'm the one who has been wanting to meet this baby my whole life.
I just want anyone of my friends out there to know - I don't need to justify to you why I'll do what I'll do when we're raising our kids. If I choose not to spank, that's not your choice; it's mine. If I want to breastfeed only and not use formula, that's also not your choice. I appreciate all of the advice and feedback that I'm getting but I'm making the choices that I feel is right and as long as my baby is healthy, I'm happy.
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