Baby Talk

I already mentioned that the doctor I met with a couple of weeks ago was teasing us that we may end up having a boy after all (due to the heartbeat rate which was 120). At the next weeks appointment, the heartbeat was even faster(150). Baby was also kicking up a storm which is probably why the heartbeat was faster. This week, the heartbeat was slower (115). The majority of the time, this baby is so active, I can feel strong kicks and strong movement the majority of the day. I think my ribs have been pushed out.

Some say a fast heartbeat means a boy; others say a fast heartbeat means a girl. In reality, the heart rate is an old wives tale that has no significant correlation with the baby's gender. Bruce and I are still convinced that we are having a girl, no matter what other people may say.

Because the last ultrasound wasn't clear on the baby's gender, it must not be recorded on my records. Every new doctor I meet asks me if we know the gender of our baby. (I am going to a group practice. There are a series of five doctors. I have now met them all. Whoever is on call when I go into labor is who will deliver the baby. I hope that clears up any confusion when I keep mentioning new doctors).

A couple of days ago while I was on my morning walk, two different ladies within 5 minutes of each other stopped and asked me about my soon to be new arrival. I mentioned I was 37 weeks along and could have the baby at any time. Part of the exact conversation happened as follows.

Walking ladies: Oh! You must be having a boy.
Me: No, as far as I know we are having a girl, but we are not 100% sure.
Walking ladies: No! The way you are carrying indicates a boy. Girls make you more plump and round, boys stick out at the front. It must be a boy.
Me: I guess we will see when the baby is born.

It could just be the way that I carry, but these ladies are convinced I am having a boy because I am carrying out front. It got me thinking again that I might need to be prepared for a little boy just in case. Why else would two ladies say matter of factly that I was having a boy. Last Saturday, I stocked up on little boy clothes and got some killer deals at garage sales. We are set either way.

Bruce decided to settle the debate once and for all by going to the source. He asked the baby whether it was a boy or a girl, and when it was coming to join our family. He judged the answers by the kicks - hence baby talk.

Bruce: Are you a girl? (no movement)
Bruce: Are you a boy? (a small kick)
Bruce: Are you going to come a week late? (no movement)
Bruce: Are you going to come a week early? (a large kick)

Bruce: That settles it! We are having a little boy on July 12th.

I don't know how accurate this really is considering I was laughing through most of the conversation. I may have influenced movement, and Bruce may have misinterpreted movement with the deep bouts of laughing fits I had during this time. Bruce was being so funny! I couldn't help but laugh hysterically.

Brittney: You don't really believe we'll have a boy on the 12th do you?
Bruce: No, but at least we gave the baby a voice.

So...what do you think? We will take a poll. By viewing this picture of me at 37 weeks, do I look like I am carrying a boy or a girl?