It seems a lot of bloggers we follow are announcing their second pregnancies, how exciting! With that in mind, I thought I should share this post we wrote a while ago about finding out the sex of your baby.
To find out, or not to find out? That is the question.
We have two different stories to tell, both exciting and both equally as special. Enjoy.
Vicky’s story
We were very much ‘on the fence’ with finding out.
I remember walking around Next at 18 weeks pregnant, thinking how much easier it would be to find out the sex of the baby. I’m a natural organiser, so it would have made perfect sense to find out.
Even on the drive to our 20 week scan, we were still unsure. So we came up with a little plan…
Armed with a piece of plain paper and an envelope, we asked the ultrasound technician to write down the sex of the baby and seal it away.
We left our 20 week scan with our fuzzy ultrasound photo, and our white envelope. I was absolutely buzzing.
My theory was, if we really wanted to find out, then we would look. The 20 week scan is only half way, so if we decided further down the line to find out then we could.
But, you know what? We never got the urge to look, not one bit. I loved not knowing. As my bump grew, all I cared about was my little baby growing inside me. I didn’t need to know whether they were a boy or a girl. That would be my surprise at the end.
I had a 3 day labour. It was pretty tiring, but that unknown made me work that little bit harder.
There aren’t many happy surprises left in life, but this was one. That moment when Matt told me through teary eyes that we had a little girl, will be the best moment of my life. It still brings a lump to my throat.
Then you have the magical moments of telling all your family and friends. Yep, bring on more lumpy throats.
I wouldn’t swap any of these moments for the world.
Alex’s story
Anyone who knows me, knows I’m pretty impatient. In fact very impatient. So no surprise, I found out the sex of our baby at the 20 week scan. Deep down, I knew I was having a boy, call it mothers intuition, but I was so sure.
As much as I wanted to know, I would only find out if Joe wanted to too. I strongly believe it should be the decision of both parents. As much as one wants to know, if the other doesn’t they should respect that. Luckily for me Joe couldn’t wait to find out!
Holding hands and walking in silence, we were both as nervous as each other. This was it. The moment had finally arrived, was beansprout pink or blue? Days had been spent disagreeing over names, struggling to find ones we liked, at least now we could eliminate 50% of them!
While we were waiting for the scan, Joe turned to me asked what I thought we were having. After a minute of mumbling ‘I want a boy, but it could be a girl, blah, blah’, I plucked up the courage to say ‘boy’. (I hate being wrong, so really didn’t want to make a final decision). He turned to me and said ‘so do I’. We smiled at each other. I don’t know why, but it’s like we already knew.
Well, we were right! On that tiny screen was our beautiful baby boy. Our little blue beansprout.
A lot of people said to me ‘don’t you want a surprise?’ I always replied with ‘it’s a surprise either way’. Whether you find out at the scan or wait until the baby is born, it’s a surprise, just as special, and just as emotional.
So if you are undecided about finding out the sex, why not try Vicky’s idea and seal it in an envelope? Or if, you really want to know then go for it! Knowing the sex of my baby allowed me to bond with the little boy growing in my belly. (And also meant daddy had to redecorate the spare room to be more suited for a boy! Pale pink just wasn’t acceptable for my little blue beansprout!)
Oh, and did I mention, I told Vicky she was having a girl all along?! I love being right 😉
Alex x
Ah love this! I didn’t find out with either of mine as like you say, the not knowing is just so exciting! I can see why parents do find out though. I feel very lucky to have one of each variety!! X #sundaystars
I found out with Lamb, but if I have another I want to wait. That way I’ve experienced both ways! I would love a girl next time, so I have one of each, but Lamb would love a little brother so I’d be happy either way xx
It’s such a personal decision whether to find out or not. I must admit I’m a bit of a control freak and needed to know asap both times. For me the births were wonderful moments, made even more special by the fact that I was prepared and focused on the fact that I was having girls. I’m just one of those people who doesn’t like surprises. Although, I think it’s amazing that other are able to wait and find out on the day!
Thanks for linking up to #SundayStars xxxx
I’m so impatient I had to find out, but I’ve decided when we have another I want to wait. That way I’ve experienced both ways! With my first I wanted to be as prepared as possible, but with my second I think I’ll know enough but be able to wait xx
Love this post, very relevant to me as I am not far off 20 weeks pregnant. I couldn’t wait to find out with my two, I wanted to be organised! But now I am expecting baby no.3, we both want to keep the baby’s sex a surprise! I totally understand Vicky’s idea of a surprise when the baby is born, but previously always had the same opinion as you, funny how things change. Great post x
Yes things definitely change! When we have another I’m going to wait until it is born to find out the sex. I want to experience it both ways! But for my first I’m go glad I found out so I could plan and organise. But for the second I think I will be ok with not knowing xx
I know what you mean, so many pregnant bloggers at the moment! I’m so impatient and cannot wait for our early scan. I’m a planner and want to know whether we need to start again or reuse Indianas bots haha xx
There are so many! And their 1st child is younger than Lamb! Well most of them I think. Makes me think I’m falling behind lol! But I’m just not ready yet. Plus we don’t have the space and can’t afford to move. So we are waiting until Lamb is in school I think x