Telling the girls there’s a baby in mummy’s tummy

I had my 12 week scan a week ago now, but we didn’t tell the girls straight away.

We got back from the scan, then I had to rush off to work, and it just didn’t feel like the right time. Then I wasn’t sure how we were meant to do it.

Is there a right way to tell them about a new brother or sister? I kept meaning to Google it, but forgot everyday.

Then at dinner, really casually, Matt said to Ida and Martha, “We’ve got a little secret to tell you.”

I asked Ida to guess. So of course she comes out with random things. I quickly jumped back in with, “It’s about something in mummy’s tummy.”

And Ida said “BABY!”

And both of them came over and touched my stomach. Ida kept saying sister. Marfs kept asking to see, lifting my top up.

It was the perfect way to tell them.

Then, when I was at work later Ida asked if the baby could be here after this sleep — which I take as she’s excited. She also asked if Matt was going to be a nanny now. And when Matt was changing Marf’s nappy she said she needed to watch because she’s got to look after two babies now.

Weirdly I felt more nervous telling the girls over anyone else.

But they took it so well.

We’ve still not spoken about it too much in front of them. I hate the thought of them feeling pushed out. But sometimes they bring it up. Ida said today, “I don’t want the baby to come out yet, I don’t want it to get lost.”

One thing I have learned from telling the girls, is that don’t tell your kids until you’re ready for the world to know.

They have literally told everyone at all their childcare settings — which is fine, I’m ready!