February 12, 2010

What is that Smell?

I have never had a strong sense of smell but I now want to gag when certain scented wafts of air drift past my nose.

I’ve read that your sense of smell is heightened when you’re pregnant and this is absolutely true with me! This evening, for example, I was taking public transportation and a man sat next to me. Immediately after he sat down, I was given the less than odorous “treat” of a Caesar salad or something garlic and tangy he must have consumed before stepping onto the bus. This in turn gave me the same gagging sensation I feel every morning. I was wondering where to run should I actually throw up.

Luckily it is winter and so I nuzzled my face into my coat but not before contemplating how long the walk home would be should I get off early! Garlic has been my number one aversion since the beginning and to smell it so close to me on a stranger made me feel ill.

I’ve never been one to care about smells as much as I do now.  My hormones are raging and my estrogen levels are making even the faintest hint of cologne, musty winter coats or garlic unbearable to my sensitive nostrils. 

Hopefully this sensitivity subsides when the baby is born and I’m faced with poopy diapers! Otherwise daddy duties will no doubt double!

February 10, 2010

A Shout Out to My Husband

I didn’t get pregnant alone. My husband played just as big a role as I did in conceiving this little blessing I have now growing in my belly. In the name of Valentine’s Day this Sunday I thought it would be nice to mention how thankful I am for his support so far.

Valentines or not, I am lucky to have someone in my life who will go that extra mile to make sure I’m happy. That “pregnancy glow’ you hear about isn’t always “glowing” so I think whether it’s your husband, your boyfriend or a good friend, it’s important to have someone there for you acting as your “pregnancy partner” to celebrate the good days and help ease the bad.

With my husband, I do notice an increase in back and foot rubs, homemade dinners and treats. By treats I mean I’ll have my lunch made for me or my favourite foods will suddenly show up in our fridge. The other week I was craving chocolate milk and I haven’t been short of it since!

Not only does he make sure I’m feeling comfortable but he also makes sure to lend an ear and a shoulder to cry on when I’m feeling “fat” or just moody and tired. What’s most touching though is the look in his eyes when we saw our baby for the first time on the ultra sound. I just know he is going to be an amazing daddy.  

February 8, 2010

When it Comes to Old Wives Tales, Fun is the Name of the Game

Since discovering I’m pregnant, I’ve heard of so many old wives tales claiming to predict the sex of the baby. I realize they are for fun only, but having to wait to find out whether I’m having a boy or a girl has got me on pins and needles (we find out March 2!).
In order to ease my curiosity, I’ve decided to try some of these old legends for myself. Here are the results:

Chinese Gender Chart
This chart cross references the month my child was conceived with my age at the time of conception to figure out my baby’s gender. It claims to have 99% accuracy.
After entering that the baby was conceived November 1 (we’re almost 100% positive about this!) and my age at the time (29), it’s determined that I should be having a girl.

Baby’s Heart Rate
Apparently, if the baby’s heart rate is 140 beats per minute and above it’s a girl. If the heart rate is 140 beats and under, it’s a boy.  I suppose if my baby’s heart rate landed right on 140, it would be a tied between the both!
My last ultra sound showed my baby’s heart rate at 146. If the wives tale is true, I’m still having a girl!

Needle on a String
My mom was so excited to do this for me this past weekend. By placing a pin on a string and dangling it over the belly, you can find out whether you’re having a boy or girl by the direction the pin swings. If it swings in a large circle, it’s a girl. If it swings to and fro, it’s a boy.
In this case, it looks like I’m having a boy! The string swung side to side. Hmm very interesting.

Cravings
Apparently a sweet tooth means you’re having a girl and a craving for all things salty means you’re having a boy.
I’ve never been much of a sweet fan and I do love my chips, so in this case it looks like I’m having a boy.

How I carry the Bump
If my belly is growing low out in front it’s a boy. If my belly is higher and I’m gaining weight in my face, hips and butt, it’s a girl.
Again it looks like I’m having a boy.
So far, my belly is growing straight out and is lower. I know I’ve gained over 10 pounds already but it’s not in my butt (no complaints there!).

Hair Growth
If the hair on your body is growing faster than normal than it’s a boy. If hair is growing at regular pace, it’s a girl.
Wow, my hair has been growing like crazy. I noticed how bushy my eyebrows had become this past weekend and yes the hair on my legs is getting hard to keep up with. I guess it’s a boy!
So if I add up my “score” it looks like I’m having a boy. I’d be more than happy with either or but I can’t wait until science actually tells me what I’m having so I don’t have to keep relying on these old tales!

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