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Young House Love ยป Kids & Pets ยป Baby Petersik is a….

| By John Petersik | December 6, 2013 | 1,368 Comments

Baby Petersik is a….

… HE!

Its A Boy

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.

Clara Bag Peeking2

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.

Clara Baby Boy

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.

All Three

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!

Telling Nonna

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.

Envelopes

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.

Envelopes Open

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.

Nursery Before

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…

Nursery Now

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.

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Comments

  1. Avatar for AubreyAubrey says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:04 am

    Yayyyy! Congrats family Petersik!!!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Sarah CSarah C says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Yay! A little boy DIYER in the making! Congratulations!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for CrystalCrystal says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:05 am

    CONGRATULATIONS! So excited for your family!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Ahh!! Congrats!!!! So exciting!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Laurie SturtevantLaurie Sturtevant says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:05 am

    I swear I just stopped everything at work to check on this. I was like “Oh my God its 10 o’clock!” Congratulations. Wonderful news. So happy for all of you.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Ashley G.Ashley G. says

      December 6, 2013 at 10:21 am

      I DID THE SAME THING!! haha

    • Avatar for KrystalKrystal says

      December 6, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Me three!!! OMG – CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    • Avatar for CaseyCasey says

      December 6, 2013 at 10:39 am

      I did the same thing!!!! Congrats you guys!!!

    • Avatar for Jen M.Jen M. says

      December 6, 2013 at 12:16 pm

      Same here! Congrats, Petersik family! :)

    • Avatar for ChristyChristy says

      December 9, 2013 at 11:54 am

      Woo hoo! Welcome to the adventure that is little boys! They are so much fun!

      Congratulations!

  6. Avatar for CandiceCandice says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Congratulations!!!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for AlleeneAlleene says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:06 am

    Congratulations! I know you’re over the moon with excitement!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for KerinKerin says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:07 am

    Aw, that made me tear up. Currently 37 wks pregnant with a “surprise” — and I have a 2 yr old daughter — so this post hit close to home. So happy for all of you!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for JennJenn says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:07 am

    Yay!!!! That’s all! A healthy boy!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for LaceyLacey says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:07 am

    I have been waiting all morning for this announcement! So excited for your news! Congratulations!!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for CourtneyCourtney says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:07 am

    Congratulations! I must admit, I thought it was a girl too. Can’t wait to see him.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:08 am

    YAY! Congrats! Cannot wait to see his nursery!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Annabel VitaAnnabel Vita says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Woooo! Congratulations that everything looks great and a BOY!

    Clara looks so cute and happy in all these pictures โ€“ and so grown up!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for TiffanyTiffany says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:08 am

    CONGRATS!! I have an 8 month old little boy…they are the BEST!:) You now have the best of both worlds. So excited for you all!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Hannah H.Hannah H. says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:08 am

    I’ve been refreshing since 9 am hoping to see this news today! Congrats, congrats, congrats! Can’t wait to see a boy baby P!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for MelanieMelanie says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Congratulations! A little boy is definitely going to be a fun little mix for you guys!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for HaleyHaley says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Clara is so stinkin’ cute! SO excited for you guys…can’t wait to follow along on a journey with a boy :) (and to see the nursery!!)

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Mary | Lemon Grove BlogMary | Lemon Grove Blog says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:08 am

    YIPPPIEEE!! What great news! I thought it was a boy ;)

    Reply
  19. Avatar for AngรจleAngรจle says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Yay ! Congratulations from France ! :)

    Reply
  20. Avatar for SomerSomer says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Congrats! We waited until delivery to find out and it was the LONGEST waiting of my life. There were so many times I’d look at my husband and say, “Let’s find out!” and he’d say no. I’m glad he did because it was like the best present, ever! He yelled “It’s a girl!!” and they we started crying. Man, it makes me want another!

    Reply
    • Avatar for JessicaJessica says

      December 6, 2013 at 12:00 pm

      I’m waiting until the delivery too and the only thing keeping me from finding out is my boyfriend announcing it! Makes my heart melt just thinking about it :)

  21. Avatar for LexieLexie says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Awesome news! So happy for your family. Having “one of each” is pretty fun. :)

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Rachel WRachel W says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:09 am

    YAY! Congrats to you all :)

    Reply
  23. Avatar for KatyKaty says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Congratulations! Hate to tell you this but my MS with baby boy did not let up until he was evicted on his due date. Diclectin. Diclectin. Diclectin. Let the doctors give you the drugs. Say it with me: TAKE THE DRUGS.

    Reply
    • Avatar for HeatherHeather says

      December 6, 2013 at 10:42 am

      Do NOT take the drugs! The drugs they give pregnant and nursing women have not been thoroughly tested for safety. I was prescribed a drug to treat a bladder infection right after having my son that said right on the paperwork you get with the prescription “If you are nursing do not take this drug” which I was and they knew I was and when I called the office to tell them what the paperwork said and how they needed to stop prescribing it to new mothers they just said “It’s fine but we’ll prescribe something else for you”!! They do not care what happens to people who take these meds. They only care about $$$. Sherry, please for your own safety and for the little bun (barnacle) seek out natural alternatives to drugs. Just my two pennies. :)

    • Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

      December 6, 2013 at 4:44 pm

      Most competent OBs will only prescribe medications that are safe during pregnancy and you can always do your research before taking anything. The most commonly prescribed anti nausea drug for pregnant women is zofran and it works very well. Reglan is another option. Good luck!

  24. Avatar for Shannon RodeShannon Rode says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Congrats Petersik Family! I saw the picture of Clara and Baby Barnacle and got a little teary eyed!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for EmEm says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Yay for a boy! Congratulations. We are also expecting, due in June. So we don’t know the sex of the baby and actually haven’t told ANYONE. We are waiting for a Christmas announcement, which should be pretty fun. I have to say I was thrilled that we are pregnant at the same time because I knew you would post baby stuff (which is my fav right now).

    Reply
    • Avatar for LaceyLacey says

      December 6, 2013 at 10:20 am

      I’m in the same boat… but due in July. We aren’t telling a soul until Christmas… I can’t wait!

    • Avatar for BonnieBonnie says

      December 6, 2013 at 11:20 am

      We’re due in May, and hoping to find out the sex before Christmas so we can do a big announcement!

    • Avatar for KarynKaryn says

      December 6, 2013 at 11:55 am

      I’m in the same boat too Lacey, due in July and we haven’t told anyone (not even our 3 year-old daughter) yet. Christmas reveal is going to be so much fun!

    • Avatar for BetsyBetsy says

      December 6, 2013 at 2:23 pm

      Same here! I’m due in July and we are excited about our Christmas reveal.

    • Avatar for CateCate says

      December 7, 2013 at 4:09 am

      We are due the first of May and just told our families over thanksgiving (when I was almost 17 weeks). We let big brother whose 4.5 tell – we chatted with him a little bit before dinner and let him share the news! Our family was shocked & couldn’t believe we’d kept a secret for so long. My mom is a radiologist, so we were able to go to her office on Saturday and found out it’s another sweet baby boy!!

  26. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Aw, Petersiks! What happy news!
    Hooray for your little bunacle!

    Reply
    • Avatar for EvieEvie says

      December 6, 2013 at 2:55 pm

      Awww, Stephanie, I love it that you gave the bun a brand new nickname! Bunacle = brilliant

  27. Avatar for VanessaVanessa says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Congratulations!! This is so exciting!! So happy for you!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Amanda WaltersAmanda Walters says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Congratulations!! So happy for you three!!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for StevieStevie says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Yay! Congratulations!! Clara’s excitement is so adorable. Also I have a grown-up version of her dress, haha! It’s cuter on her of course.

    I don’t have children yet, but I think I’ll probably just blurt out the news to the folks who matter because I am terrible at keeping secrets when I’m excited. Also, I was so weirdly excited to find out that I refreshed facebook every few seconds for 5 minutes instead of studying for the final I have in an hour. You guys are obviously more important than grad school.

    Reply
    • Avatar for AlinaAlina says

      December 6, 2013 at 11:16 am

      Ahahaha, totally just did the same thing!

    • Avatar for EllenEllen says

      December 6, 2013 at 11:31 am

      Checked in from the middle of my last Property Law class of the semester because I didn’t want to keep waiting! SO much congrats to Sherry and John!!!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 6, 2013 at 12:02 pm

      Aw thanks guys!!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for KelseyKelsey says

      December 6, 2013 at 3:52 pm

      haha! I 100% did the exact same thing with an hour until finals… priorities right?

  30. Avatar for TheresaTheresa says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

    YES!! I’m one of three girls so I’ve always wanted a brother. Thanks for rockin the blue for #2. Congrats :)

    Reply
  31. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Congrats!!! :) I had a feeling for some reason. I just found out on Wednesday at our 20 week ultrasound that we having a girl… we will have 3 girls and I’m very excited!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Katie {deranchification}Katie {deranchification} says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Congrats, y’all!! And what great reveals with Clara and your families! We planned on doing a big reveal with out families but couldn’t wait and ended up texting our families from the waiting room between the sonogram and OB appointment :)

    Reply
  33. Avatar for AlsihaAlsiha says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

    My husband and I decided to wait and be surprised with our son (he just turned one last weekend). After over 17 hours of labor, I had an emergency c-section. When he was born, everyone in the operating room said wow, look at that head size, look at that head of hair… it was probably a good 2-3 minutes before I finally heard “It’s a boy!”. =) It was such a surreal moment. I still get chills thinking about it. I love your idea and Clara is just such a doll. We will likely find out what we’re having if there’s ever a #2. Not sure how we’ll announce but I love seeing all the fun things people do!

    Reply
    • Avatar for BrigitteBrigitte says

      December 6, 2013 at 6:05 pm

      The same thing happened to me. They are so used to most people knowing that no one thought to mention that we had a son. He got handed off to the NICU team with no comment. Also, there was a little drama with my uterus being on the verge of rupture and I was pretty drugged up because the spinal didn’t completely numb me up correctly (I don’t recommend c-section with only partial anesthesia!) So I finally piped up from behind the screen, “um, what is it? Boy or girl?”

      And “it” was a perfect, healthy little boy. Boys are such fun.

      Congratulations! Thinking of you all and sending healthy baby/mommy wishes.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 6, 2013 at 6:24 pm

      So scary! Glad everything was ok!

      xo
      s

  34. Avatar for TayaTaya says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Yay! So happy for you! This is such exciting news!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for AlyannaAlyanna says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Ahhh!!! Congratulations! Having a little brother is the best. Clara is going to love it.

    Reply
    • Avatar for AliAli says

      December 6, 2013 at 10:49 pm

      Totally agree and with the age difference it makes it perfect!! at least i think so, since the age difference between my brother and I will be very close to Clara & lil Mr. P :)

  36. Avatar for AlexandraAlexandra says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Congratulations!! We tried to have the willpower to have the ultrasound tech write the sex in an envelope for us to open together later, but we had to peek at the screen and we both totally thought we knew what we were looking at (or NOT looking at!). :-) We’ve got 2 gorgeous girls – so excited for your guys’ adventures to come with 2 kiddos!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for CourtneyCourtney says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Congratulations! I can’t wait to watch baby boy P grow up like I have Clara!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for ReagenReagen says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Congratulations! So looking forward to the future chronicles of Clara & “Barnacles” Conversations, because I’m sure if he’s anything like his big sister, they’ll be a hoot!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for JamieJamie says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Yay! Congrats! And high five to baking a boys!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Ahh! I’m so excited for you! When you announced your pregnancy, I hoped it would be a boy. I just had my first baby, a boy, and especially throughout my pregnancy I was a little nervous about what I would do with him. I’m such a crafty/creative person (not to mention uber girly), and I was kind of lost thinking about playing with him and crafting for/with him, etc. You all are so creative, hopefully I can piggy-back some of your crafty ideas :-) We told our family and friends with this cute photo: http://rachelplayinghouse.blogspot.com/2013/06/its-a.html. It was a blast! Congrats again!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 6, 2013 at 10:17 am

      So much fun! I love hearing how you guys found out and told people!

      xo
      s

  41. Avatar for CourtneyCourtney says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Ahh my first wrong guess! But so excited for you guys!!!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for DawnDawn says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Healthy baby is number one but I have loved having a boy and a girl. They are very different regardless of gender. For our ultrasound with number two our Radiologist said “it’s a girl”. My husband said “are you sure?” And the Dr. Said “did I say I THINK it’s a girl.”!!! Doctors!! Congratulations!

    Reply
    • Avatar for MayaMaya says

      December 7, 2013 at 6:22 am

      hahaha! We were given 70% chance of having a boy at our 13 week NT scan, so I was shocked when we were told “girl” at the 16 week scan. I asked the doctor if it could change again and he said, “Yes, but only with an operation.” :) We love our girl but it would be fun to get to know a little guy some day too!

  43. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    So happy for you!!!!!!!!!! we had three lovely ladies and then The Lord surprised us with a Baby Boy. What a treat!! Grateful that your little barnacle is a healthy buddy. xo

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Jessica WyndhamJessica Wyndham says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Congratulations!! Boys are amazing, we have two little guys, and I couldn’t be more excited for you both and for big sister Clara!!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Kelly {the Centsible Life}Kelly {the Centsible Life} says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Congratulations! Thrilled for you all!

    Having a boy is definitely an adventure! I have two myself and just like your pregnancy is different a lot of other milestones and experiences you’ve had with Clara will be different (in a good way!) with a boy.

    Reply
  46. Avatar for KatiKati says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Knew it!!!! I made myself write down what I thought it was going to be so I couldn’t mentally excuse myself “Oh you really knew…” how exciting!!!!!!!!! We’re not going to find out with our pregnancy- but we are going to go ahead and turn our little girl’s room into a shared boy/girl room, i.e., a neutral nursery, so that whether this is a boy or a girl the room will work perfectly!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Sarah BSarah B says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Yay!! CONGRATS! So happy to hear everyone is healthy!

    We are due with #2 mid-March; and recently found out we are having another girl! We got most of our family together last minute to do a little reveal ourselves. We had everyone take a guess (about 50/50 split), and revealed the news via pink champagne. It was fun to see everyone’s faces.

    Hope the rest of your pregnancy is smooth sailing!

    Reply
    • Avatar for prueprue says

      December 6, 2013 at 11:57 am

      Lovely! Though I couldn’t help imagining the faces had you offered them BLUE champagne for a baby boy … ;-)

  48. Avatar for StevieStevie says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    So excited for you guys! :) Congratulations! I was refreshing my facebook every few seconds instead of studying for the final I have in an hour because obviously you guys are more important than grad school, right?? Unrelated: I have a grown-up version of the dress Clara is wearing, but it’s much cuter on her!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for LindseyLindsey says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Congratulations!! We love having one of each (our son is 3 1/2 and daughter is 8 months). Enjoy the anticipation of meeting your baby boy!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:11 am

    YAY, so exciting!! Congratulations to you all and I can’t wait to see what the nursery will look like. Clara is going to make a stellar big sister!! :)

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. Weโ€™ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here youโ€™ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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