Are you a Boy or a Girl?

My favorite story that Steve tells about his childhood took place when he was in 7th grade on a trip to Disneyland. I won't spoil the story by typing it in my own words (he has really perfected the delivery), but it involves Steve spending some quality time by himself with the trip's bus driver. One of the scenes goes something like this:

Male bus driver (to Steve): So, what's your name anyway?

Steve (trying to sound macho): Steve.

Bus driver: Sheath??

Steve: No, Steve.

Bus driver: Well all right then Sheath. Sheath, you a boy or a girl?

Naturally, we've been repeating, "Baby, you a boy or a girl?" especially as we get further along in this pregnancy (almost 19 weeks!) and near our ultrasound date (tomorrow!). I've also been taking informal polls from whoever will offer an opinion on the gender of our baby. So far, my family thinks it's a boy, Steve's family thinks it's a girl, Steve thinks it's a boy, and I think it's a girl. I've heard mostly "girl" from friends and co-workers.

Just for fun, here's what old wives' tales say:

Carrying low (I think): boy

Last heartbeat rate=147: girl

Craving salt (Asian noodles) and sweet (pineapple): inconclusive

Chinese birth chart: boy

Ring trick: girl

No morning sickness: boy

Husband doesn't gain weight*: boy

*Not that any of these are good predictors of gender, but this one really isn't...especially for my marathon-training husband.

So, any last minute predictions? Blue or pink? (an apple is the 15th week fruit in case you were wondering) We go in for our big ultrasound tomorrow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will be able to tell. And I'm continuing to pray for a healthy baby (it is so easy to get caught up in worrying).

And finally, here are some belly photos that, I must admit, I've been a bit shy to share. I was inspired by another blogger who stood by a chalkboard each week and snapped a photo of her growing belly. My chalkboard is nowhere as pretty as hers, but it has already been fun to see the changes.

After the 13th week I got a little discouraged and stopped taking photos for awhile. Then, suddenly over mid-winter break, there it was--a real baby bump.

I almost changed the scene a bit to include our wire clothesline and mini chalkboards, but decided to stick with the original. As you can see, Steve has joined in the countdown too.

*Fake belly. Remember, this guy runs 50+ miles a week. I'll probably pass him in weight by the time this whole thing is through. ;)