Do you enjoy gender reveal parties? I’ll admit I do — scrolling through blog posts and Facebook feeds full of pink and blue decorations, watching family members place their bets, and replaying the reveal video with the parents’ surprised faces is oddly entertaining. I love seeing how creative people get with decorations and themes, even if I’m more of an observer than a planner.
For me, though, throwing a big reveal party wasn’t realistic — most of my family lives far away. My husband’s family is local, but not mine, so I wasn’t sure who would actually come. One friend suggested we still get a cake just so we’d have an excuse to eat cake, and I loved that idea. Simple, sweet, and zero-planning required.
Free Printable
We had a “sneak peek” ultrasound at the doctor’s office on a Tuesday. A month earlier my doctor had asked whether I wanted to find out the baby’s sex before the routine 20-week scan. Yes, please — the sooner the better. I paid the optional $30 for the earlier ultrasound and crossed my fingers that the little one would cooperate for a clear view.
Etsy
I brought my husband, Coach {duh}, and our three-and-a-half-year-old, Miss A. She is completely enchanted by this pregnancy — she often pretends to be pregnant herself, patting her belly and announcing, “Oh, the baby is moving!” She’s already decided the baby’s first nickname is “Watermelon” and talks endlessly about how she’ll feed, burp, shop with, and play with the new baby.
At the ultrasound, the technicians worked to capture the indicators. At first they couldn’t get a clear shot because the umbilical cord was between the baby’s legs. They gently prodded and tried to reposition the little one, hoping for a better angle. Then, after a few tense moments, one of the techs announced—
GIRL!!!
The tech found clearer views and confirmed what our hearts were hoping for: this baby is definitely a girl. After two years of trying, experiencing loss, and praying for another child, I would have been overjoyed with either gender. Above all we wanted a healthy baby. Still, I felt a private excitement at the thought of another daughter. We’ve kept Miss A’s clothes, and these two girls will have birthdays less than a week apart — practical and sentimental at once.
Evin Photography
Growing up the only girl among five younger brothers, I always longed for a sister. It feels surreal to think that not only did I get the sister I dreamed about, but my own daughter will soon have a sister too. The idea of two daughters fills me with joy — and a little disbelief.
Our home will soon be full of pink, princess dresses, tea parties, spontaneous dance sessions, hair bows, painted nails, and lots of giggles. It’s a sweet vision of family life that makes the waiting feel even more exciting.
Etsy
When we told Miss A in the ultrasound room, she gave us a look that clearly said, “I knew it.” She had been convinced from the start that the baby would be a sister — originally named Watermelon, then briefly renamed Caroline. We do have a name chosen, but we’re keeping it private for now. Little Miss A asks every morning whether her sister is ready to come out and play, and the anticipation is so sweet.
Sweet baby girl: you have been wanted and prayed for for so long. Mommy, Daddy, and your big sister are counting the days until they can hold you. We can’t wait to meet you, to see your face, and to smother you with love and kisses.