So Weds. is the big day. Praying baby's legs aren't crossed and we get a good shot of what we are having! Can't believe we are half way through this pregnancy. So I thought I would go through these and try to predict what we are going to have...
Here’s a list of pregnancy old wives tales:
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. Ok, so with Nathan I had heartburn for the last half of the pregnancy and he was born with hair. So far I only had heartburn a few times, so its a toss up.
Old Wives Tale #2: Cravings Curse
This old wives tale is fun to hang over Tarzan’s head. Basically if anyone denies a pregnant woman whatever she is craving, they will get a sty in his/her eye. Personally, I think all men should read this and always give into whatever us pregnant women want! For their own benefit, of course. I know for a fact this doesn't work. With Nathan, I wanted Jack In The Box tacos so badly at 10 pm and Joel wouldn't go get them. Nothing happened except saving a $1.
Old Wives Tale #3: 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. Well, this is how the doctor already predicted what she thinks we are having and I don't want to give it away. So I won't comment on this one!
Old Wives Tale #4: Ugly Baby
This wives tale is weird. If a pregnant woman sees something ugly, she will have an ugly baby. Um, ok. My babies are all awesomely beautiful. So this is not true! :)
Old Wives Tale #5: 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. I drank more coffee with Nathan than ever. No birth marks.
Old Wives Tale #6: Full Moon
A full moon was believed to cause a woman to go into labor and give birth. I can't remember if it was a full moon or not with Nathan. But I do know of quite a few women who went into labor at night. So maybe!?
Old Wives Tale #7: 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. I am carrying low with a big, round belly. What does that mean?
Old Wives Tale #8: 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 did this and it made a really narrow oval. Still don't know what that means.
Old Wives Tale #9: 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. I do feel like my face is more fuller than last pregnancy. So 1 for a girl?
Old Wives Tale #10: 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! I pretty much grab the bunch from my purse and go from there. But as I think back I do grab by the top round part. Huh. 1 point for boy.
Old Wives Tale #11: Mayan Tale
The Mayan tale adds the mothers age at conception and the year of conception. If the result is a even number then mom is having a girl. If the result is an odd number then a boy is on the way! Ok so 29 +2010 = 2039 which equals boy.
Old Wives Tale #12: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones. One of the things I was looking forward to during pregnancy was how awesome my skin was going to look, but nope acne from day one and it never gets better. Another point for a girl.
Old Wives Tale #13: 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. I like my meat and cheese and pickles but I have been eating cookies and fruit snacks and smoothies and chocolate. And if you know me I don't like chocolate. So one more for a girl.
Old Wives Tale #14: 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. I would never eat just a clove of garlic so I can't try this.
Old Wives Tale #15: 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. I just did this one right now. I have a “V”, so one more point for a girl.
Old Wives Tale #16: 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 dadda, you’ll have a boy. Nathan's first word was neither. But he did say daddy first before Mama. So another point for a boy.
Old Wives Tale #17: 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. Ok, so since Joel is the first born and I am the last I will say this is so far accurate. Joel's mom had all boys. So we obviously had a boy first. My mom's order with my dad (not previous spouses) was girl, boy, girl. So that would be I am now having a girl? I don't get this since the man produces the gender.
Old Wives Tale #18: 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. I don't even know how to comment on this. Plus, I don't exactly know the time of conception.
Old Wives Tale #19: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. Legs haven't really changed. I don't work out as much but they are not bigger. So maybe a girl?
Old Wives Tale #20: Moodiness and a Little Pecker
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you. Well, I would say I cry easier but not really moody. How should I answer that?
Old Wives Tale #21: 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… Another point for a little girl.
Old Wives Tale #22: 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. This tale tells me that I’ve having a girl.
Old Wives Tale #23: 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. I definitely don't feel as attractive as I did when I was pregnant with Nathan. But that could also be because I am almost 30!
Old Wives Tale #24: 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. I haven't had a dream either way yet. So I don't know.
Old Wives Tale #25: 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. I am always clumsy. So this would be a point for a boy.
Old Wives Tale #26: 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. Nathan is my toddler boy. He loves "baby". But his toddler friend hasn't noticed either way. So one point for each?
Old Wives Tale #27: Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl. I have always preferred my right side because I face out from the middle of the bed. So one for a girl.
Old Wives Tale #28: 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. Joel has just had a physical a few days ago and gained a pound. So one for a girl.
Old Wives Tale #29: 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. Joel just did this and it was back and forth. So one point for a boy.
Old Wives Tale #30: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having. Joel thinks its a girl. And mine changes daily. Yesterday I though girl. Today I think boy. Maybe this means I am really ok with either.
Old Wives Tale #31: 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. I was never sick with Nathan. And half way through my pregnancy I am still vomiting. One for a girl.
Old Wives Tale #32: Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. I like my meat and cheese. So one for a boy.
Old Wives Tale #33: 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. Well feet are cold, but it is winter and with Nathan I was pregnant all summer and wore flip flops. So this is toss up but since it says colder, the point is for the boy.
Old Wives Tale #34: Hair on Legs
If the hair on your legs has been growing at record speeds, you might be having a boy. Um, I would say that they have stayed the same. So one for a girl.
Old Wives Tale #35: Hands are Dry
If your hands are constantly dry, it’s a boy. Yes. But again its winter. But follow the rules. One for the boy.
Old Wives Tale #36: 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. It is duller than normal. So one for a girl.
Old Wives Tale #37: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy. I have had headaches but I don't remember having them with Nathan. So I guess one more for a boy.
Old Wives Tale #38: 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. This was the opposite with Nathan. We had a girl's name from the start and could not come up with a boys name. But this time we got both names right away! So I guess we will see.
So this was fun and I am excited to see what the outcome is and introduce all of you to our little one... name and all. After we call family of course!
Final tally:
Boy:10
Girl:13
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Generic Junkie
Joel and I have been spending the last six months really working on our budget. We are really getting tighter around it now that #2 is on their way. I have started couponing. Even more than I was. I also work hard to still be frugal about couponing. Even though its a good deal, I don't need 15 of something. It will be a good deal again in a month or two when I run out of it. That's my philosophy on couponing. Granted if its free and I know its something that is never free, I take it. One time Target was having a sale on beefaroni (don't gag, its my easy go to lunch) and they also had an online coupon for it that made it free. I stocked up!
One of the other ways that I have been tightening up is by buying generic on things that I don't have coupons for or are not on sale for the week. For example, I stopped buying Cascade dishwashing soap. I buy Target brand. And honestly, even though this is where Joel works, I think it works better. I have tried other generic brands and they don't work. Of course, there is one thing I can't go generic because of my skin but that laundry detergent. So when its on sale and I have coupons I stock up! But bread is bread. And paying 60 cents for a loaf and putting the extra loaf in the freezer is awesome. Another thing that generic is the way to go... milk, cheese, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, tissues. Unless its a super awesome deal, I go generic. Most store brands have the extra soft two ply toilet paper for about $3-4 less! I also, because of a husband in retail, see what would be cheaper with employee and Target Check Card discounts than the deal at another store. Sometimes the deal is the same but I save on tax because of the employee discount. And that makes a difference.
The other way that I save on our budget is, we don't have any meat once a week. We have pasta w/ veggies instead of meat, soup, grilled cheese, casserole of some kind, or something else. Meat is pricey and cutting it out for one day week helps. I also use half the meat the recipe calls for on any meal with meat. Plus, we read an article that Americans eat too much meat so its healthier too. We also have a left over day. No cooking, just eating whatever we have in the house for the day. Its cleans out the fridge and we spend no money that day on any food for meals.
Our goal is to cut out $60 from our grocery budget for the month. We are slowly getting there but I think we will be able to get there once my morning sickness is gone and I can eat more things too. But we have had to cut back on certain foods because just cooking them makes me sick. And some of those foods are the cheaper meals. Bummer.
I know a lot of people that are super couponers. And I know I have a long way to go but I have made a point to only put so much time into it a week and I also factor in all the driving I do to all the different stores. All of these are huge factors. We have a gas budget and if I don't have the gas to get to all the stores for the week, then we don't shop there. We never go without but if I miss out on the .33 fruit snacks for the week, then Nathan and Joel will just have to snack on something else in the house!
I am proud of all my friends who have taught me so much and the great example they are being to others about how to save $$$ and not go without during these crazy economic times! WAY TO GO!
One of the other ways that I have been tightening up is by buying generic on things that I don't have coupons for or are not on sale for the week. For example, I stopped buying Cascade dishwashing soap. I buy Target brand. And honestly, even though this is where Joel works, I think it works better. I have tried other generic brands and they don't work. Of course, there is one thing I can't go generic because of my skin but that laundry detergent. So when its on sale and I have coupons I stock up! But bread is bread. And paying 60 cents for a loaf and putting the extra loaf in the freezer is awesome. Another thing that generic is the way to go... milk, cheese, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, tissues. Unless its a super awesome deal, I go generic. Most store brands have the extra soft two ply toilet paper for about $3-4 less! I also, because of a husband in retail, see what would be cheaper with employee and Target Check Card discounts than the deal at another store. Sometimes the deal is the same but I save on tax because of the employee discount. And that makes a difference.
The other way that I save on our budget is, we don't have any meat once a week. We have pasta w/ veggies instead of meat, soup, grilled cheese, casserole of some kind, or something else. Meat is pricey and cutting it out for one day week helps. I also use half the meat the recipe calls for on any meal with meat. Plus, we read an article that Americans eat too much meat so its healthier too. We also have a left over day. No cooking, just eating whatever we have in the house for the day. Its cleans out the fridge and we spend no money that day on any food for meals.
Our goal is to cut out $60 from our grocery budget for the month. We are slowly getting there but I think we will be able to get there once my morning sickness is gone and I can eat more things too. But we have had to cut back on certain foods because just cooking them makes me sick. And some of those foods are the cheaper meals. Bummer.
I know a lot of people that are super couponers. And I know I have a long way to go but I have made a point to only put so much time into it a week and I also factor in all the driving I do to all the different stores. All of these are huge factors. We have a gas budget and if I don't have the gas to get to all the stores for the week, then we don't shop there. We never go without but if I miss out on the .33 fruit snacks for the week, then Nathan and Joel will just have to snack on something else in the house!
I am proud of all my friends who have taught me so much and the great example they are being to others about how to save $$$ and not go without during these crazy economic times! WAY TO GO!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Potty Training and the Terrible Twos
I just want to start out with this... I love my son. He is amazing. Even though most people can't handle is not stop movement or his full fledged energy, I love it. It wears on me and I am exhausted most days but he is able to wear himself out and I never have to fight sleeping or eating with this kid.
But I think its fair to say that we have reached the point where this age is the toughest we have ever experienced so far. Even when he had a bad case of reflux we at least knew how to sooth and make him feel better. But he has reached the age of independence. And the age of disobedience. Oh and to top that off we have started the slow process of potty training.
We know this stage doesn't last forever and we know that for the most part he is a good kid but man oh man I cannot stand the constant tantrums that begin the moment the word NO comes from our mouths. We don't have a kid that takes his frustration out on us. He doesn't hit or bite or scratch, but he throws toys. And that has been awful. But on the bright side, slowly we see the self control that comes with the discipline of making sure he knows throwing toys are not allow. The biggest part of this discipline is introducing Nathan to the idea of not just doing what he told but to honor and obey us because that is what Jesus wants of us. So there are a lot of "I'm sorrys", kisses, hugs and prayer time after every disciplinary action that takes place. I'm sure its easy to get a kid to just do what he is told but we want more for Nathan than that. We want to be honored, obeyed and loved through this. And we want Nathan to feel loved by us through discipline. Its tough and hard to stay consistent and to always keep our cool but I really believe it will pay off.
Now onto potty training. We have just started introducing him to sitting on the toilet. Nathan is a little scared of it but he sits on it and tolerates it. Even though he has yet to do anything on it he knows what it is for and that if does go it will be a good day. But we have already encountered a few mishaps. The "poke it down" model for boys doesn't work on Nathan because he is extremely ticklish in that area. I mean its bad. So now we are trying to figure out if the best course of action is to teach him to stand right away and sit for the #2s. Any advise out there for me would be awesome!
Again, Nathan is amazing and sometimes a mom needs to vent. I don't hide that we are imperfect and that my kid has issues. By no means, my kid is far from perfect and sin is setting in and we are working hard to show him the life Christ has for us. He is a boy that is "all boy". He loves to run, jump, dance, play, read, talk, sing, eat, sleep, pray, and laugh. We have a blast together most days. He is a joy in our life. We can't imagine life without him and hope we don't have to for a very very long time!
But I think its fair to say that we have reached the point where this age is the toughest we have ever experienced so far. Even when he had a bad case of reflux we at least knew how to sooth and make him feel better. But he has reached the age of independence. And the age of disobedience. Oh and to top that off we have started the slow process of potty training.
We know this stage doesn't last forever and we know that for the most part he is a good kid but man oh man I cannot stand the constant tantrums that begin the moment the word NO comes from our mouths. We don't have a kid that takes his frustration out on us. He doesn't hit or bite or scratch, but he throws toys. And that has been awful. But on the bright side, slowly we see the self control that comes with the discipline of making sure he knows throwing toys are not allow. The biggest part of this discipline is introducing Nathan to the idea of not just doing what he told but to honor and obey us because that is what Jesus wants of us. So there are a lot of "I'm sorrys", kisses, hugs and prayer time after every disciplinary action that takes place. I'm sure its easy to get a kid to just do what he is told but we want more for Nathan than that. We want to be honored, obeyed and loved through this. And we want Nathan to feel loved by us through discipline. Its tough and hard to stay consistent and to always keep our cool but I really believe it will pay off.
Now onto potty training. We have just started introducing him to sitting on the toilet. Nathan is a little scared of it but he sits on it and tolerates it. Even though he has yet to do anything on it he knows what it is for and that if does go it will be a good day. But we have already encountered a few mishaps. The "poke it down" model for boys doesn't work on Nathan because he is extremely ticklish in that area. I mean its bad. So now we are trying to figure out if the best course of action is to teach him to stand right away and sit for the #2s. Any advise out there for me would be awesome!
 |
| The first time said he actually wanted to sit on the toilet. |
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| My mom said I would always grab a paper to read during potty time, I guess followed suit. |
Monday, January 3, 2011
A new year and a new change coming...
I don't have new year's resolution. Mainly because as a substitute teacher and until recently being married to a teacher, our year starts in August. So we are still getting use to the change of the year starting on Jan. 1 for us. The other reason is because I am not a long term planner in that sense. I can make a goal but then for some unknown reason at the time, it won't work out or needs to change into something else and God shows me that there is always something better.
But this year changes are coming whether we are ready or not for them. A new baby in a 3 bedroom house means no guest room. Less space on the floor and the need to rearrange things to turn our guestroom/office into a kid's bedroom. Its going to work. We have been able to move things around slowly. We sold our guest bed and in turn will buy a roll away bed for guests. Nathan has been out of the crib for a while so baby #2 is ready for it. And our desk and computer has been moved into the living room. We would have put it in our room but the baby will be in there with us for a couple of months so that move will wait as well.
Another big change is planning a vacation. This is new for us because we always had to save our pennies to make sure that Joel wouldn't lose too much money by taking time off of work. Now he gets paid vacation and we can go guilt free without losing $$$. Its a very nice feeling. We've got the dates planned now we are waiting to see what we are going to do.
We are excited about this year and the possibilities it will bring. God has provided and will continue to provide. We trust that completely and that has allowed us to not be worried about what may happen or even if something does happen the ability to know God will provide all we need to make sure we have a roof over our head, food to eat and clothes to wear. Thank you Lord for that. (Last year a big leak in our roof happened and we were able to temporarily fix the leak because we didn't have the funds for a new roof but the Lord provided the $$$ right before monsoons and we are truly blessed).
Happy New Year!
But this year changes are coming whether we are ready or not for them. A new baby in a 3 bedroom house means no guest room. Less space on the floor and the need to rearrange things to turn our guestroom/office into a kid's bedroom. Its going to work. We have been able to move things around slowly. We sold our guest bed and in turn will buy a roll away bed for guests. Nathan has been out of the crib for a while so baby #2 is ready for it. And our desk and computer has been moved into the living room. We would have put it in our room but the baby will be in there with us for a couple of months so that move will wait as well.
Another big change is planning a vacation. This is new for us because we always had to save our pennies to make sure that Joel wouldn't lose too much money by taking time off of work. Now he gets paid vacation and we can go guilt free without losing $$$. Its a very nice feeling. We've got the dates planned now we are waiting to see what we are going to do.
We are excited about this year and the possibilities it will bring. God has provided and will continue to provide. We trust that completely and that has allowed us to not be worried about what may happen or even if something does happen the ability to know God will provide all we need to make sure we have a roof over our head, food to eat and clothes to wear. Thank you Lord for that. (Last year a big leak in our roof happened and we were able to temporarily fix the leak because we didn't have the funds for a new roof but the Lord provided the $$$ right before monsoons and we are truly blessed).
Happy New Year!
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