What I almost named my baby girl

My gender reveal journey was definitely a roller coaster! After that initial ultrasound mix-up, I learned so much about what to expect during these exciting appointments. Did you know there are different types of ultrasounds you might have during pregnancy? The early ones are usually transvaginal to confirm pregnancy and due date, while later ones, like the anatomy scan around 18-22 weeks, are typically abdominal and are often when you can find out the baby's gender! It's so amazing to see your little one moving around on the screen – I'll never forget seeing that clear ultrasound image of my girl, even with the pink stickers I saw later! Sometimes, things can get a little confusing, as I experienced when my doctor initially looked at someone else's scan, but usually, the sonographer can give you a pretty good idea. For a gender reveal, sometimes they even write it down in a sealed envelope so you can have a big reveal later. That's what we did, and I had my heart set on a fun gender reveal cake, even with the blue layers surprise that had us all laughing! It just goes to show that even with careful planning, sometimes babies have their own little way of surprising us, adding to the magic of the whole experience. Speaking of anticipating baby's arrival, it's wild to think about all the milestones ahead! Beyond the gender reveal, I'm already looking forward to so many things, like those first smiles, first giggles, and of course, those adorable first words. Every baby develops at their own pace, but it's so common for parents to wonder when their little one will say 'mama' or 'papa'. Typically, babies start cooing and babbling around 6-9 months, trying out different sounds like 'ba-ba' or 'da-da' and experimenting with their vocal cords. Their first actual words, usually single words with meaning, often pop up between 9 and 18 months. These first words are often simple, like 'ball,' 'dog,' or 'uh-oh,' but 'mama' and 'papa' are super common too because they use easier sounds like 'm' and 'p' and are often repeated by excited parents. We're constantly talking to our little one in my belly, reading stories, and singing songs, hoping to encourage those early language skills. Even if they don't understand every word, they're soaking it all in! I've read that responding to their babbles, pointing out objects and naming them, and using simple, clear language can really help foster their communication development. Creating a language-rich environment is key! It’s all part of the incredible journey of welcoming a new little person into your family. And who knows, maybe the name Adrian Felipe, which was on that gender reveal cake's topper, might even inspire a future pet name or imaginary friend's name – haha! It's all part of the fun, unexpected moments of pregnancy and parenthood, and I can't wait to hear what her first word will be, whether it's 'mama', 'papa', or something completely unexpected!