… HE!
We haven’t done one of these posts since 2010, so it feels kind of strange and exciting to be sharing this kind of news with you guys again. We found out on Wednesday, and then scurried to tell our families over the last 48 hours. Of course, the most important person to tell first was Clara. We didn’t want her to learn the news from an ultrasound technician, so we scheduled a playdate for her with my dad during this particular appointment. Then when we were back together, we surprised her with a baby boy doll (which are surprisingly hard to find, we learned). It was a cute little “OK, look in the bag to see if there’s a little boy or a little girl in mommy’s belly!” moment.
And if there’s one thing she enjoys more than tearing through some tissue paper, it’s baby dolls. It was love at first sight and, more importantly, she completely connected the dots that this meant she was getting a little brother. She pretty much immediately started giving him his bottle and changing his diapers and even bragged that she knew it was a boy the whole time. When we asked her what she wanted to name the baby doll, without hesitation she shouted: “Barnacles!” After Sherry and I completely failed at stifling our laughter, Clara explained that its full name was actually Captain Barnacles (a character in one of her new favorite shows, Octonauts). So yeah, she won’t be naming her real brother… but we have called the bun “the barnacle” a few times since then.
She (okay, well all of us) originally guessed we were having a girl. But our instincts started to shift to boy when Sherry’s morning sickness wouldn’t let up (this pregnancy is pretty different than the last). Which is good because Clara started asking for a brother, probably because a few of her best friends have baby brothers. Regardless of the reason, she couldn’t have been more thrilled at the news. And so are we.
After about the sixteenth Captain Barnacle diaper change, Clara called up Nonna to tell her via FaceTime. She was really excited to deliver the news – and Nonna was just as excited to hear it!
For telling my family here in town, we decided to make a little game out of the announcement. We managed to get my parents, my sister, and her family to meet us out to dinner last night (at Panera, since we’re super fancy and all). We came armed with a bunch of blue and pink envelopes, so each person could make a final guess by picking a pink envelope if they thought it was a girl and a blue one if they thought boy.
Then we had them all tear into them at the same time to see if their baby-dar was on point or not. All of the blue ones said some iteration of “yup!” or “bingo!” or “you betcha!” and all the pink ones said “nope!” “try again!” or “wrong-o!” We had about a 50/50 split in guesses, so even though half of ’em were off-base, everyone was thrilled. It was really fun to watch their faces as they all figured it out at pretty much exactly the same moment.
Then we got to make a whole bunch of other family & friend calls to spread the news (Clara was awesome about boasting “I’m getting a baby brother!” about 100 times to various friends and relatives on the horn). And that, as they say, is history.
Sherry and I are both really excited. We’re mostly just thankful to hear there’s a healthy bun barnacle growing in there, no matter its sex. But being able to picture this child – this boy! – a bit more clearly makes the excitement that much more real. As much as two little girls would’ve been fun, we’re really looking forward to the experience of raising a son along with this great daughter of ours. Not to mention that Sherry’s already going crazy looking at nurseries on Pinterest.
It’s fun to think about the possibilities for that room now that we know better who will be occupying it. Not that we’ll fill it with “man things” or make it all blue and green (actually, come to think of it, Clara’s original nursery was blue and green) but it’s just fun to talk about potential projects and colors and art now. The funny thing is that the nursery is the only room in this entire house that had pink trim when we bought it.
Good thing it’s already painted white! Bad that the room is currently housing a bunch of random junk. Guess it’s getting time to start working on that…
We’d love to hear your stories about finding out the sex of your baby (whether halfway through with an ultrasound, one of those early blood tests, or right there in the delivery room). And feel free to share how you told your family and friends. Was it a photo on Facebook? One of those blue/pink cakes? A box full of balloons? Or did you just call or visit people and blurt out the news? Any way you play it, it’s a pretty exciting moment.
Kayla says
We find out in a month what we are having. It’s our very first and we are so excited!!
Ashley C says
Congratulations!! We have two kids and our oldest is a girl and youngest is a boy. They love each other so much and it sure does make life interesting.
Nicole says
Congratulations! Little boys are so much fun (but little girls are, too). We waited until babies were born to find out, but we had 1 dozen carnations (6 pink and 6 blue) delivered to our parents to tell them we were pregnant with our 2nd & 3rd. I was so sick with the first that our moms knew before we did :)
Beth says
Little boys are the best! I am a mommy of two stinky boys, and they are so fun! The hardest part will be finding cute clothes that are not covered in puppy dogs…WHY does Carters think all boy clothes should have a monkey or puppy dog???
With both boys my doctor just sat an Almond Joy on my belly…almond joys have nuts- Mounds don’t. So we just purchased a pack both time and handed the candy bars to family.
Megan says
So happy for both of you! My husband and I just found out we are having a boy too! We told his parents last night, and they were thrilled! I’m excited to hear all your updates about the baby! Congrats again!!
Margaret says
Congrats!!! Although I was kind of hoping for a girl so you and the Bowers could do a Seven Brides for Seven Brothers remake. What, you mean do DON’T want seven kids??? Oh well…
I think Clara’s on to something – maybe Barney?
Natasha says
Congratulations! I have three beautiful sons and one beautiful little girl! You will love having one of each. What an absolute blessing!
Erika says
We posted a picture of an Almond Joy candy bar on our blog. You know, because he was a boy ;)
Yvonne says
Congratulations!!! That is so awesome!! =D
Shana says
So creative! We had a gender reveal party with our family, which you can read about here: http://amakajoys.blogspot.com/2012/11/what-will-it-bee.html
YoungHouseLove says
Really sweet! Thanks to everyone sharing the fun links and stories today. I’m all hormonal and sniffly over here! Haha!
xo
s
Ashley Howard says
Congratulations form Seattle!
Ethne @ Wom Mom Blog says
Congrats! I was anxiously awaiting this news. :)
We found out we were having 2 girls (twins), then 2 days later the doc told us the ultrasound said a boy and a girl instead. 2 months later another ultrasound said it was 2 girls after all (accurately this time) – after I had my showers. Our girls are pretty awesome, but that was a bit of a roller coaster!
Evelyn says
OMG it is def the year of the boy. I am due in feb. and also found out via ultrasound I am having a BOY. Thrilled because I already also have a little girl. So this adventure is exciting. The ultrasound was during the week and early in the morning. All our family knew the time of app and I got blasted with text and calls during their lunch breaks. Luckily for me they all live in one household. So I grabbed my spare house key and decorated away with all boy stuff. Signs and blue balloons. Blue cupcakes.. So when they got home from work they saw and immediately knew it was a boy. They said I was mean for making them wait until they got home from work ;). The anticipation was eating at them! Lol
Rose says
Congratulations!! So excited for your family and wishing you a safe delivery. Can’t wait to see how adorable the barnacle is because his sister is so precious!
Spring says
Congratulations!
Jenica says
Congrats! How fun! Can’t wait to see what you guys whip up for his nursery!
I won’t share my story, it’s not happy or fun!
Barb says
Congrats to all of you!! Clara looks so so happy!
Jenny Stoudt says
I can’t be the only person here who was hoping for a boy simply because I want to see a BOY nursery and projects! Congratulations! I have a two year old son and they are a whole other kind of world!
Rebecca says
Woohoo! Congratulations! I’m having a boy in late February so I can’t wait to see your nursery ideas! This isn’t the sex reveal, just the baby reveal, but since our parents live 6 hours away and we’ve been doing some home remodeling also, I called them and said that we were going to be adding two feet to our house and construction wouldn’t be done until February. My Dad got it immediately. My Mom was like, “Where? Why only two feet? Why will it take that long?” We all had a good laugh once she figured it out.
YoungHouseLove says
I LOVE that story!
xo
s
Lindsey says
You now have the perfect family: a little he, a little she, and your furry little chi(I couldn’t help myself)!!! Congratulations!
Nicole Y. says
OMG I REALLY REALLY hope the Bowers are having a little girl!!!!
Trish says
I KNEW IT WAS A BOY!!! :-D Congratulations you guys. So so so happy for you all!
I just blurted out the news to everyone. I had a fantasy about telling them in some cute way but I was too excited and impatient and I have a loud mouth. We found out at our 13 week ultrasound, but since it was still so early, decided not to take it seriously until our 19 week ultrasound when the tech couldn’t stop talking about our daughter’s labia. I was like, DUDE. Stop talking about my baby’s labia! So weird.
She’s due this January and I am getting sooooo excited to see her little face for the first time. :)
Laura says
Probably more excited than I should be but I couldn’t help but smile! So happy for your family! I text messaged my mom and sister (both of which follow you on FB) and said, “The Petersik’s are having a boy!” And, my sister replied with, “Your blog friends!?” Haha. Nerd for life. I have a 4 year old boy and he is so much fun! Congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love it Laura. Nerds for life, unite (we’re right there with you).
xo
s
Diane says
I LOVE how Clara picked her brothers name based on what she is interested at the time! Our named his baby brother to be “Rocket-ship Jet Tank Car!”
So excited for you! More squeals in a home are always a wonderful thing!
Megan says
Awww, love the big sister-baby brother combination!! My last two are a girl then a boy and it is totally adorable to watch my daughter be a little mama to my youngest son!
So, I have 4 kids in total and we found out the sex of the last 3 at my Veterinarian Husband’s Vet Clinic! Yes, I totally hopped up on the doggie exam table and had him do an ultrasound so we could find out earlier than the 20 week appointment! He was correct all 3 times!!
Alexandra says
My daughter was four years old when I had an ultrasound and found out I was having a boy. Marissa was so angry! She stomped into the corner, turned her back, and said, “No, I don’t want a brother!”. Luckily, she quickly changed her mind. For the remainder of the pregnancy, she would walk up to me and “talk to Timothy”. They are now 19 and 15. Marissa is away at college and really misses her brother.
Jen says
Congrats! Hopefully we will get to do a similar announcement some day!
Ellie says
Splendid news!
We opted not to find out ahead of time what brand of baby, so the first pregnancy, I was absolutely, positively convinced it was a boy. Everyone believed me. She was a girl. The second time, I said though I was wrong the first time, this time I really, really knew that it was a boy. I felt different and everything. Everyone believed me. She was a girl, too. Now, nobody believes me when I know things ahead of time. (But I knew you were having a boy…)
Have fun!
Kelly says
Congrats! Congrats! Congrats!!!
A little boy! So exciting!!!
Actually just got home about 15 mins ago from my 19 week ultrasound for our first little one. We were planning on having the technician write the gender on a card and put it in an envelope for us to open later, but because of some hospital rule she said she couldn’t write it. However, she could tell us, or she could put it in the report and we would have to wait a few weeks to speak to our midwife. We caved and asked to find out. Our instincts were right, it’s a little girl. The Sprout is a Miss Sprout! What a wonderful journey! Thank you Sherry and John for sharing yours with all of your readers. What an honour :)
Danielle says
Congratulations!! By our third boy we could identify “boy” before the ultrasound tech would announce. :) Though it wasn’t for the gender reveal, we had given the grandparents a small gift of 4 items after we had 4 kids. Then when we were surprised with #5, we found the same item and wrapped it up for Christmas. My sister-in-law got it first and the grandparents couldn’t figure out why she was screaming with joy. Great fun. So happy for you guys, Clara, “barnacle” and Burger.
Sarah C says
Mazel tov on the baby boy barnacle!!!
Jan says
Congrats, boys are great! With my first son we didn’t find out, but in all honesty the surprise for me was sort of overwhelmed by the joy of just having a healthy baby and being done labour! So, with our second son we decided to find out. Instead of just having the technician tell us in the ultrasound, we had him write it on a paper with the photo and put it in an envelope for us. That way, we could make finding out more enjoyable for us (much like you did with Clara). The plan was to go on a nice date and open the envelope, but our curiosity got the better of us, and we ended up in a Dunkin Donuts outside the clinic opening the envelope! Still special either way!
Alison says
Exciting news! Clara is going to enjoy being a big sister.
Becky says
We found out last week that we are having a little girl! We tried to wait the two days until Thanksgiving to tell everyone but we just couldn’t contain our excitement. We ended up calling and texting pictures of our little one to all of our family. It wasn’t the most awe inspiring reveal, but it still felt really special to us. :) So happy to hear that your little boy is healthy and that Clara is super excited!
Jill says
One of each – how perfect! We found out our twins’ genders a week before my mom passed away from cancer last year. It was bittersweet being able to tell her, and what their names would be but hard on her because she knew she would probably not meet them. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for the nursery!
Emily says
Congratulations! So how did you keep Clara from spilling the beans at dinner? My son would have walked in and announced it before anyone was seated. Ha!
YoungHouseLove says
She was really funny about that. We said it’s a surprise so let’s not say anything until everyone opens their envelopes and she said “If someone asks me what it is, I’ll just say ‘maybe it’s a snowman!” – we were crying laughing.
xo
s
Ally says
Maybe you should have kept all of that blue trim. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
The funny thing is that it was pink in the nursery of all places! The only one that was opposite!
xo
s
jbhat says
I have a boy and a girl, and it’s just wonderful! You’ll have a really good age gap between your kiddos too. I love the ways you decided to share the it’s a boy news…your thoughtful, creative approach must have made the reveal extra memorable for all.
Yay, congrats!
jbhat
Sarah M says
Congratulations! I’m looking forward to progress on the nursery and see the adventures as Clara gets to be a big sister.
MarieK says
Congratulations, Petersiks! My husband and I are expecting twin boys in April. We surprised our families with the news we were expecting, then the news that it was twins. It was all very exciting and dramatic (Especially the twins part. We were beyond shocked when we found out). When it came time to reveal gender we simply called family and said, “We are having two boys!” I understand why people do the special things to reveal gender, but it’s not really us. We have started on our nursery. I can’t wait to see what you all are going to do for yours!
Stephanie says
Congratulations! That’s so exciting! I hope to also have one daughter and one son!
Mary says
Woohoo!! One of each!! Congratulations! I cannot wait to see what you do to the nursery. :)
Jessica W. says
Congratulations! I have 2 boys and one girl, it’s so fun to experience both sides. So happy for all of you!
Stardancer says
Congratulations! I have to say that I was hoping for a boy–I’m an only girl with one younger brother, so a girl and a boy is to me the perfect combination :)
Helene says
Yay for you guys! Congratulations! My son is almost 16 now and I’m telling you he is the BEST at helping me DIY around the house. Dad is always at work and I often need a second pair of hands. My son has such a can-do, fun attitude and I love finishing projects or looking forward to new ones knowing I’ll have my sidekick right along for the ride. He is quite a blessing. Now same to you!! (And Clara, too, of course!)
Jane says
SO SO Happy for you guys! I cant seem to picture you guys as ‘boy’ parents! But cant wait to see ..I am sure you will do great. Best part about having a older sis is that they can baby sit when they are a lil older! Older sisters make the best tinier versions of mommies!
Bryony says
My favourite is the brother of a friend who, when he found out they were having a boy, collected pictures of things like the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa and posted them in a collage on Facebook saying, “It’s a boy!”
Our second (due any week now!) is a little boy, too. We didn’t have anything particularly creative to do when we told everyone. Our oldest son, though, has loved talking about his ‘beedybuthah’ any chance he gets.
Congrats you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s hilarious! Love all the stories today guys. I’m taking turns tearing up and laughing out loud over here!
xo
s
Jacqueline says
Yay! Congrats! I’ll have to keep your envelope reveal in mind for the next one. For our daughter, we just told our family (boring!) but for our friends, we photoshopped a picture of a BBQ with the caption “big grill” and a picture of me with an arrow to my bump with the caption “baby grill.” We call her baby grill all the time still!
YoungHouseLove says
Really cute!!
xo
s
Gnome Lover says
Yay! Congratulations. I love the way you announced it to your family.
Baby boys luuuuuuv their mommies.
When my daughter found out we were having a boy, she went with us to the ultrasound. She was quiet all of the way to the car after we heard the news.
We asked her, “Aren’t you excited about having a baby brothers?”
Stoically she responded, “Yea, but where’s my baby sister?”
Poor girl! She never did get her. But her brother lets her walk all over him so I think it worked out in her favor.
I am so thrilled for you guys! Have fun decorating the nursery!
Jenni
Chatelaine says
Big Huge Congratulations!!!