The Interesting: Old wives tales have given lists of foods to eat to have a boy or girl child. The cynics have discredited them and the traditionalists have sworn by the anecdotal evidence supporting the diet and gender link. A new study has come out in favor—for once—of the old wives. The study conducted at Oxford and Exeter Universities found that women who consumed a high calorie diet (high in potassium and calcium especially) were more likely to conceive a male child. While I was at first skeptical, research has already shown that eggs chose which sperm to allow entry so I guess it could make sense. Perhaps the saying shouldn’t be sugar and spice makes little girls, rather it should be bananas and milk make baby boys!

The controversial: Adopted babies were quite the fashion statement in 2007, with Madonna and Angelina Jolie being two of the most famous adopters. This baby craze led many to turn their eyes towards overseas adoptions, helping many neglected children find homes. The down side of this is that a “baby market” was created. Potential parents began seeking counties that would allow them to adopt children faster, without the hassles of red tape. This new movement has led Vietnam to become the first place parents can head for a quick adoption. Recent reports for the US embassy in Vietnam have stated that the adoption culture has lead to “baby snatcher” incidences, corruption, and even hospitals selling infants. While the report by the US embassy has been challenged, this is surely a troubling bit of information.

A Note on Adoption: If you are willing to open your heart and your home to an orphaned child, I applaud you. It is my only wish to remind readers that there are children in America that need to be adopted as well. So many people gravitate to the younger set of potential adoptees that they either want an infant or a small child from overseas. Please open your hearts to the abandoned children living in America. Our foster care system is overcrowded and budget cuts happen often. The children will thank you.