… 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.
Katie says
Congrats!! It will be so fun to see a baby boy added to your loving family! Did you have any girl names swirling in your head as contenders? If so, care to share? Or are you keeping those secret if your family continues to grow after Barnicle…by means of baby or Chihuahua sister for Burger ;)
YoungHouseLove says
We should totally do a Young House Life post on that! We were 100% sold on a girl name and have no clue what boy name we’ll end up with! Funny how that works!
xo
s
Katie says
oh yes, please do!
Amy E. says
yes, i love this post idea!
mason says
I had a boy so , automatically I assumed I was going to have a girl – you know, one of each – so when the tech told me it was a boy, I didn’t believe her. She went and got the doctor to verify. I didn’t believe her either. And then they showed me the penis on the ultra sound and THAT’S when it became real! A second boy!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS you all!
kelly says
HOORAY! little boys ARE THE BEST! Sherry – he will melt your heart with all the little “I love you, momma”‘s and “lets snuggle, momma” — seriously, you’re going to LOVE being a boy mom! and PS – our gender reveal is scheduled for Tuesday at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital… I keep thinking we might run into y’all there, but no luck yet!
Hope the remaining weeks go smoothly & uneventfully for you – Best wishes!!
Chelsea says
CONGRATULATIONS! So excited for you guys!
kellye says
Congratulations! I wish you all much health and happiness.
Kate in New Zealand says
Congratulations! x
Candice says
Congrats to the Petersiks! First a “bean” and now a “barnacle”. How cute!
Diana P. says
We found out with both of our children (girl then boy) at the 20 week ultrasound, then told families using a cake :-). This time, I am pregnant with twins, so I have to figure out something really fun to reveal TWO babies! We should know in January :-)
Diana P. says
And CONGRATULATIONS! Having one of each is SOOO fun!
Lauren says
Congratulations Petersiks!!
Reghan says
Congrats!! I thought for sure you were having another girl! Excited for you, boys are awesome!
We found out we were having a boy at an 18 week 3D ultrasound because I couldn’t wait 2 more weeks to find out haha the minute the baby came up on the screen the tech said “you have a boy!” My husband was all like “really? Where? Show me? Are you sure?” Because he was so hoping for a boy. It was awesome! To tell my parents we just went and bought some boy clothes and let them look in the bag to see what we were having. We just called everyone else. When we have a second one I’d like to do a more fun gender reveal get together this time! I just find it so hard to keep the news in that long haha
Erika H says
Yeah for you guys! It’s so fun having one of each and you will be constantly amazed at how different they are. Sending lots of prayers your way for a safe, happy and healthy pregnancy and delivery. Congrats!
Karen says
Boy Diaper Changing Tip: make sure when he’s undressed, that you keep a cloth/diaper over his wee-wee. When my brother was a baby and our aunt was changing his diaper, he peed directly into her face.
So happy for you guys!!!
angela says
Mabrook Petersiks , pray you remain healthy throughout. That pic of Burger and Clara is lovely.
Amber says
How exciting!!! We just found out yesterday we’re having a boy too (our first)!
We couldn’t wait, so we went to one of the early gender ultrasound clinic and got scanned yesterday at 15 weeks. Then we called and shared with our family (no one lives super close by).
Also, Sherry, I feel you on the morning sickness. Mine got a little better, then got worse. I’m hoping it goes away for good soon!
Cathierne A says
Congratulations on your Boy Bun (barnacle). Keep that diaper at the ready when changing to avoid a “Thar he blows” pee moment to the face. Trust me. haha So happy for you guys.
Hillary says
Congrats! Finding out is such an exciting time (we paid extra to find out at 16 weeks for both–can you tell I’m impatient?!). We have a 4.5 year old girl and a 17 month old boy so I can tell you that it is wonderful! She loves having a baby brother and is so helpful with getting stuff, helping him if he’s hurt, making him cheer up if he’s crying, etc. Not sure how it would have been the other way around but I can tell you I loved having a girl first. Now get ready for the “Now that you have one of each, you’re done right?” comments;) Congrats again!!
Karen says
Leo
Max
Corey (and Clara. How cute!?)
Ethan
….just some boy name ideas!
Sarah says
YAY! So so excited to see how the baby boy brings changes to your home.
Does this mean that your tree is going to be decked in baby boy blues this year? <3
YoungHouseLove says
I think we’re going for a few colors and a bit of nature too! Can’t wait to get that done! Hopefully this weekend!
xo
s
Victoria says
Congratulations! I am so excited and pleased for you guys. I had to call my husband at work and tell him “It’s a boy!” – I blurted it out with no explanation and, of course, he thought I had lost my mind. After I explained he asked me to convey to you his best wishes. Love to you all.
BTW, I LOVE Clara’s dress. She is such a beautiful and smart darling girl.
Hope you are feeling better, Sherry.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so funny about calling your husband! I love it!
xo
s
Christy says
A BOY! woohoo! I am so excited for you! I love the picture of clara, the baby doll and burger in front of the tree, can’t wait to see a similar shot next year :)
Andrea D says
Congrats! One of each is great (though I’m biased on the subject). We found out with both in the delivery room. With the first, I was so sure that it was a girl that after she was born and someone asked, I said “it’s a girl” without even actually checking!
Anne says
So happy for you. Clara will be the best sister and you will love having a little boy
It is a different experience, nice that you get to have both.
Bboss says
Congratulations! As a mom of 2 boys, they are a lot of fun. Your frustration to find a “baby boy” will only get worse in finding boy clothes and boy stuff in general. You’d think consumerism was geared to girls. Hey, that’s a thought.
Lisa Perry says
Congratulations on the boy!!! And my son loves Octonauts too. :)
Catherine says
We found out in the delivery room for both of ours but, if I was going to have another one, I think I would like to find out ahead of time. Not going to happen but that is what I would do now. I had to laugh about the barnacle bit. I still call my son ‘barnacle bill’. He is the cuddliest creature on Earth so it suits him to a ‘t’. Can’t wait to see all the nursery stuff now!
Marissa says
Congrats to you three! I have a 2 year old girl and 3 month old boy. It’s awesome to experience raising both genders! And you’re right; I had a hard time finding a boy baby doll myself! Best wishes and can’t wait to see your little man’s nursery :)
Elise says
So, so happy for you guys! Congratulations! Now you’ll have one of each ;)
Sara says
We just found out a couple of weeks ago that #2 is on the way! We are going to wait to find the sex until birth just like we did with our daughter. It’s SO hard to wait- but we absolutely love that element of surprise :) Congrats on a BOY!!
Angela Smith says
Congratulations! So exciting. I had a feeling it was a boy. Now to find out about Bowers baby! They need a girl!
Erin Moria says
We didn’t want to know the sex. On my 30th birthday we had a baby girl! Best day ever. We plan to wait on the next one too. With so little surprises in life, we think it’s important to wait. Congrats on your baby boy. I can’t wait to see you decorate a boy nursery this time!!
Rebecca A. says
It’s so exciting to find out! I’m due in March and we had our parents over for lunch and then had the blue frosting in the middle of a cupcake. It was fun to see!
That’s funny about Clara’s suggested name. Over Thanksgiving I asked my 5 yr old nephew if he had a name suggestion for his new cousin and he proudly said Captain!
Nicole Doucet says
YAY!!! congratulations on baby boy Petersik!!
I can’t wait to “meet” the little guy!
I hope the pregnancy continues to go super well…morning sickness and all. Enjoy your blessing! :)
Rachael says
Yay congrats!!! I’m currently 40 weeks today! We are waiting to be surprised but now that I’m 40 weeks I am definitely getting more anxious. The sex has been in an envelope on my counter since 20 weeks! If I go much longer it might not be sealed anymore ;) We waited the first time around too with our almost 2 year old boy. It was fun to announce to everyone “it’s a boy” and keep everyone guessing. But it has been a little harder waiting this time around.
rachel says
Congratulations, John, Sherry, Clara & Burger!!!
When my hub and I attended our 18-week ultrasound, we had a real dud of a technician. She said, “It’s looking girl’ish…” As I lay there with jelly on my belly, I waited a fe minutes, and then said, “So, you’re pretty sure it’s a girl?” It was so anticlimactic, but once she did confirm and proceeded to show us exactly why she arrived at that determination, we were absolutely elated! We knew then that we were having a little baby girl, Rose Sophia.
Immediately afterward, we picked up a pink and white striped onesie. We put a “Hi, my name is ROse Sophia” sticker on the onesie to announce her name as well. THat went into a white box with a white bow (so as not to offer nay hints), which we gave my mom to open in front of the whole family.
After the immediate family knew, we took a pic of said onesie on a clothesline and posted the pic on Facebook for the rest of the world to see. One of the best days ever!
Oh, I am so excited for you!
Stacy Risenmay says
Yay! Boys are so fun :) Congrats!!!
Aubrey Hunt says
Yaaay! Congratulations! I have a boy and a girl (my boy is oldest), and it’s so much fun. So happy for your family!
Amy says
Little boys with big sisters always grow up to be awesome! Congratulations!
Lindze @ Interior Fun says
Congrats!!! Having two boys myself, I’m so excited to see how you decorate for your little man!
My husband suprised me with an early 3D ultrasound to find out the gender of our second son. We ended up getting video of the ultrasound and showed it to our family. They got to see him wiggling around in there, and then the words “IT’S A BOY!” popped up! Very exciting and emotional moment to say the least! :)
Courtney says
Aww waaaa hoooooo!!! So exciting! Congratulations :D Will you guys do a post of all the pinterest ideas you’re looking at? Like, make a mood board of sorts? It would be fun to see what you’re liking, even if your ideas change or are not what you ending up decorating lil Barnacles room like!!
YoungHouseLove says
Of course! I loved doing a mood board (maybe more that one?) for Clara’s room and even did one after she was born about what we could have tweaked if she had been a boy. I love that stuff!
xo
s
Ann says
This is wonderful news! John, we had a daughter and then six years later, a son. I will never forget a note we received after his birth telling my husband that he now had a rich man’s family. That everything he could dream had come true! Congratulations!!
Laurel says
Hip hip hooray! Many congratulations on your little man!
My husband and I did not find out about our son until his birth. I was so focused on pushing (and blocking out the pain) that I didn’t see him come out. My husband, in tears, looked at me and said “it’s a boy!”. It was an amazing moment for us and I have to say, boys are the best! I was so nervous that I wouldn’t know how to connect with him…..all those fears went away once he arrived. He’s been a mama’s boy right from the start-his first word was Mama!
Can’t wait to meet baby boy P! On here of course, not IRL. Take care all!
Xoxo from Seattle,
Laurel
FancyNancy says
Congratulations! I can tell Clara is going to be a great big sister! He’ll be so smart because she will teach him everything she knows!
I just had to share about our 3rd baby. :) My husband is the youngest of 4 boys. Only one brother has actually produced a girl. So, we have lots boy cousins. My first two were boys and I never really questioned the 3rd would also be a boy. The ultrasound was just a formality. Well, except that my oldest son who had asked for a brother and got one, was now determined to get a sister this time. We told him that was really very unlikely. So, the day arrived and we got our oldest son out of school, loaded up his little brother, and trekked off to the doctor’s office. We all gathered around the screen and the sweet, lovely tech said “Do you want to know the sex?” Because we were so certain another boy was on the way, so as not to have to buy all new clothes and toys, we very casually said “sure.” She smiled from ear to ear and announced, “It’s a girl!” And my husband and I sat there a moment, nonplussed. “Huh. Really?” “Are you sure?” The poor tech was kind of deflated as we did not meet her excitement level about this news. It wasn’t that we were not excited, it’s just we really thought it was a boy and she must be mistaken. My husband was really wanting a girl and I think he didn’t want to get his hopes up. Especially since our friends had just delivered a boy after having been told it was a girl. She is a girl. ALL girl. And a world different from those non-verbal, vehicle loving, ball throwing, wrestling brothers of hers. She is all pink, tiaras, ballet, and babies. You’d think she’d be a tom boy, wouldn’t you? :) We just don’t know what our home would be like without all her toys and sparkly clothes!
Katie says
I had my first (a boy) last January. When we found out the sex I had a cute plan of how to tell my sister over the phone b/c she lives about 1000 miles away. I called her and she picked up (much quicker than I was expecting) so she heard me “singing” to my dog “Do you want a baby broooother?” I didn’t even know she had picked up until I heard “yayyyy, a boy!”
Haha. That’s one way to share the news…just overhear me talking to my pup like a crazy person. :)
Congrats on the healthy baby boy! Can’t wait to virtually meet the bun.
Kelsey says
Congratulations!
sarah says
oh my goodness. so excited for you to get a boy!! we have two and i love every minute of them both. (ours are exactly the same as will and weston by about 2 weeks on each) what fun!! can’t wait to see the nursery and hear the name. both times i got early sneak peeks at the 16 week checkup. i convince my doc that i just needed to know. so both times, i was by myself, but we already were convinced it was boys! called hubby both times and said, want to know what the baby is? it was kinda fun, cuz then he got to tell everybody at work…and since he works at a hospital, they enjoyed it so much!
Sheryl says
Oh is this gonna sound so corny when I said I had tears of happiness when I hear read this news!! Well…there would have been tears of happiness if you told us it was a girl too…
Wonderful, thrilling news and here’s to the N & V going away hopefully very soon so you can have an enjoyable last few months!
BTW the picture of Clara with the baby doll and Burger should be your Christmas card this year! Way too cute!!!
God bless all of you!
Tyesha | House Made Home says
Congratulations! Super exciting…it’s nice to experience both worlds.
A Very Happy Kate says
Congratulations! A boy! So awesome! We just found out a few weeks ago that we are having a girl (we have a 2 yr old boy). Everyone was convinced the baby was a boy. I was so surprised when finding we are having a girl… I made the ultrasound tech scan a few times to be 100%!:-D
We planned a small party with the family and played a small trick on them! Since most everyone thought boy, we made cupcakes and put pink frosting in the center and blue frosting on top! So it wasn’t until everyone started to eat that they
realized the pink center! It was tons of fun!
Laura says
Congratulations! Due to infertility and high risk, we actually found out at 13 weeks that we were having a boy. I was thinking girl all the way, so I was overjoyed, shocked and so happy. The minute I actually saw a baby in there was overwhelming…it was hard to believe. It’s a magical moment no matter when you find out. Miracles, all of them.
Anna @ Gone Banannas says
YAYAYAYAYAY! That’s very excited you, guys! I can’t get over Clara! She looks like a little cherub!