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Our Balloon Release Baby Gender Reveal! It’s a….

"It's a...GIRL!" Our Balloons-in-a-Box Gender Reveal! How we pulled off the balloon release, tips we'd offer, and way more details that you ever wanted to know. {Tee hee.}

Greetings, friends!  Ever since sharing the exciting news of our pregnancy, we’ve been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love you all have sent our way through emails, comments, and virtual hugs galore.  Thank you.  From the bottom of our mushy-as-pie hearts.

As of tomorrow, I’ll be 20 weeks pregnant, which means, “Whoa, we’re halfway there.  Whoa-oa, livin’ on a prayer.”  And yes, my life is one big musical.  {Snicker, snicker.}

This is around the time in a pregnancy when most parents-to-be find out the gender of their little bundle of joy (if they so choose to).  But Mark and I couldn’t wait that long.  Actually, we were chomping at the bit to find out as early as possible, so we opted for a special ultrasound at 14 weeks.

Going into it, neither of us had a strong hunch either way as to whether we were having a boy or a girl.  So when our ultrasound tech Fabio (yes, that’s his real name) shared his 200% certainty as to the gender, we were floored.  And elated.  And giddy as could be.

It’s amazing how that ultrasound experience really bonded us to our little bean.  Not only did we get to see our baby kicking and stretching and hiccuping during that ultrasound 2D and 3D ultrasound, but the news of the gender meant “Baby” was no longer an “it,” but a–

{Record scratch.}

Before I spill the beans, allow me to paint a picture for you of how we announced the big news to our family.  That way, you can join us for the official gender reveal through photo-story.  Come along, dear reader!  Balloon and merriment await you.

The Gender Reveal

Since we were gathering with Mark’s side of the family in the days after Christmas, we decided that would be the perfect time to execute a fun ‘lil gender reveal.  While we can never count on a white Christmas down here in Florida, we do often have the perk of warm weather, and this year was no exception.  That meant we could announce the news in the great outdoors using the classic balloons-in-a-box method!

Perhaps you’ve seen this done before, but in our Pinterest-searching, we quickly latched onto this idea of stuffing a big box with helium balloons (either blue for a boy, pink for a girl), inviting guests to countdown from 10 to 1.  Then, we’d bust open the box to reveal the winning color!

The Box

The night before the event, we found the biggest box we owned and wrapped it in *black Kraft paper.  Then, I grabbed my acrylic paints, and I just free-handed a big white heart across the front along with the words, “It’s a,” which was inspired by this purdy design from Lindsey Tackett on etsy.

I also decided to add some blue and pink bunting across the top edge for a little touch ‘o color and whimsy, similar to these fun boxes by Into Your Will.

Tips: I also decided to remove the two interior top flaps, so we’d have less to worry about when busting open the top.  We also used a blue painter’s tape to seal the top, making for an easy quick-release.

"It's a...GIRL!" Our Balloons-in-a-Box Gender Reveal! How we pulled off the balloon release, tips we'd offer, and way more details that you ever wanted to know. {Tee hee.}

The Balloons

The next day, we called ahead to the grocery store and put in our order for helium balloons.  Here was what we requested (and I’ll explain exactly why we did it this way):

  • 4 balloons, no weights, not tied together (stored in a bag)
  • 6 balloons at different heights between 5′ – 8′, weighted together in one cluster.
  • 6 balloons, weighted individually, not tied together (stored in a bag)

Our plan: we wanted the 4 solo balloons to fly up into the sky moments after we opened up the lid to the box, but we decided to leave 6 of them all tied together in a cluster, so we could re-live the moment over Skype with my parents in New York later that day.  Also, it made for a fun photo op after the fact!

So, with a bit of finagling and lots of teamwork, Mark and I got our box of 10 balloons all prepped and set for the reveal in the Publix parking lot amidst high winds and wide-eyed stares from passersby.  I like to think that was our first true test as parents-to-be…and we didn’t lose one balloon!  (Phew.)

What was the deal with the extra 6 balloons?  All individually weighted?

Well, you see, we have 6 nieces and nephews who were all going to be in front-row attendance for this grand reveal, and we figured what better way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of the 7th “cousin” than through ballon party favors?!  So, we had them at the ready in a garbage bag for quick distribution after the reveal.  Instant fun for all!

The Poll

Have I dragged this out long enough?  Are you even still reading or have you scrolled down to see the pics?

I have one more detail to disclose for the Patient Pattys out there, then I’ll share the pics.  I promise!

We polled our family members prior to the big reveal to see where the predictions would lie, and I decided to keep a tally on the back of the box, similar to this box by Bless Our Nest. Much to my surprise, the results were pretty evenly split!  Here was the final count:

"Cast your vote!" Here was the predictions poll on the back of our gender reveal box...pretty evenly split! The balloons revealed which team guessed correctly! Here's how we pulled off the release, tips we'd offer, and way more details that you ever wanted to know about our Balloons-in-a-Box Gender Reveal. {Tee hee.}

Enough stalling!

Okay, dear reader.  You’ve been patient long enough.  Time to count down and finally reveal the gender of Baby Lanker.

Count down with me, now:  “10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1…

…it’s a…

"It's a...GIRL!" Our Balloons-in-a-Box Gender Reveal! How we pulled it off, tips we'd offer, and way more details that you ever wanted to know. {Tee hee.}

…GIRL!

We’re so excited.  And we just can’t hide it.

"It's a...GIRL!" Our Balloons-in-a-Box Gender Reveal! How we pulled it off, tips we'd offer, and way more details that you ever wanted to know. {Tee hee.}

And if her ultrasounds are any indication of the kinda girl she’ll be, she’ll be a mover and shaker.  Probably a dancer (or possibly a yogi).

We can’t wait to meet you this June, baby girl!

"It's a...GIRL!" Our Balloons-in-a-Box Gender Reveal! How we pulled it off, tips we'd offer, and way more details that you ever wanted to know. {Tee hee.}

(You’ve already got quite the fan club.)

"It's a...GIRL!" Our Balloons-in-a-Box Gender Reveal! How we pulled it off, tips we'd offer, and way more details that you ever wanted to know. {Tee hee.}

To Close

Dear reader, thanks for joining us for our gender reveal celebration!  I’m truly grinning from ear to ear having relived this experience alongside you.  Your presence is a present to the three of us.

And don’t forget to grab a virtual pink balloon as your party favor!  {Wink.}

"It's a...GIRL!" Our Balloons-in-a-Box Gender Reveal! How we pulled off the balloon release, tips we'd offer, and way more details that you ever wanted to know. {Tee hee.}

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45 Comments

  1. Congratulations to you and your husband! Many blessings as you near the next adventure in your lives. What a precious gift from God for you both. Looking forward to watching the journey continue.

  2. Congratulations!! That is just wonderful. When I saw the picture of you being pregnant and red the begining of your post I guesed it was a girl.
    It is great to be a Mom.

  3. Congratulations Mom and dad to be! Girls are The Best! I’m blessed with my girls. You will be a cool mom! I wish you all the best! Love Lori

  4. Lauren, I am thrilled for you and your husband. My youngest will be 46 next Week. Time will fly by! Congratulations!

  5. Yay!!! I’m so happy for you and your family!

    (cue French accent)
    ? Thank Heaven… for little girls ?
    Congratulations!

  6. Congrats!! So very exciting! Having a little girl is an adventure 🙂 Think of all the wonderfully cute things you can make!

  7. What an awesome Idea to announce the gender of your baby. I am so Happy for you and your hubby. I know you and hubby will be great parents.

  8. CONGRATULATIONS, Lauren & Mark! My one and only child is a girl … and she has been a joy for all of her 21.9 years! Her name is Sarah … in case you’re looking for a name. ;o) You’re going to be such great parents … just look at how excited you are!

  9. I had a feeling you would have a girl!! Congratulations, Lauren & Mark! Words cannot describe my excitement for you!!!! Wonderful news *huge grin* God bless the rest of your pregnancy, Lauren. SO looking forward to meeting her!!! Love you!

  10. You are going to be THE most amazing momma! I’m so excited for all three of you. She has no idea she’s just hit the love lotto 🙂 big hugs, CoCo

  11. Congratulations! Such wonderful news! I can’t wait to see all of the lovely crafts you make for your darling little miss!

  12. Love the enthusiasm you put into everything you do. Such a cute reveal, you both look so happy! Prayers that the next few months go by fast, without much discomfort and your baby girl is beautiful and perfect. Congratulations!!!!

  13. Lauren,
    Congratulations on the news of your baby girl. I bet your family enjoyed the celebration as much as you did creating the reveal. Your baby girl has a wonderfiul family to join.
    Happy Creating,
    Karen Marie

  14. Congratulations on this wonderful news! I was a patient patty and waited all the way til the end. I even placed my own wager – I was wrong, guessed boy! Your little girl is one lucky ballerina/yogi/rocket scientist. Best wishes to you both. Cheers!!

  15. Congratulations, blogger friend. My first born’s a girl, also. So much fun. The best part: seeing my husband fall in love with his little girl. To this day, their relationship is a special kind of tender. And 35 years later, we have both fallen in love with another little girl and her big brother. You think your children are a blessing and a joy, they aren’t even in the same league with grandchildren! Thanks for sharing your joy.

  16. Sooooo exciting!! Girls are such fun! My little Jade was a definite mover and shaker too while in the womb, and boy is she still. 😉 So much more fun and activity that way! Ha! Hope your pregnancy is going well. You look fab my dear! All my best as you continue on in this adventure!! 🙂

  17. Loved how you did the reveal! What a wonderful surprise for us soon to be grandparents! We love sharing your joy and can’t wait to meet HER, your little lady!

  18. Awww!! So happy for you!! We chose to find out the gender as soon as we good, too. I really think it helps with the bonding when you can refer to baby as he or she. And for us, we then knew baby’s name, too. We kept that to ourselves until the birth announcement for the element of surprise.

  19. Soooo excited for you guys! I am hoping for June 17th. I lost my Mom this past June, and her birthday was June 17th, so it would be nice to have another pleasant memory of that day. I was good and read all the way through and waited for the reveal (aren’t you proud of me, I actually had some self control!????). You are both going to be wonderful parents and this girl is going to be very loved and cherished. Congratulations again.

  20. Congratulations to you and your husband! Many blessings as you near the next adventure in your lives. What a precious gift from God for you both. Looking forward to watching the journey continue.

  21. Congratulations! I am so happy for all of you. God’s blessings to each of you as you prepare these next few months for the arrival of your precious gift from God. She will be loved by so many. I am anxiously awaiting the birth announcements, nursery decorations, and everything girl!

  22. YAY YAY YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! You and Mark are going to be the coolest parents ever! What a blessing!!!

    I love all the planning and forethought that went into this balloon reveal. Now, I’ll admit, I fiendishly scrolled to see if it was pink or blue, then went back and actually READ the post. 🙂 I couldn’t help it! I’m just beyond excited for y’all!!

    Ok, fingers and toes crossed for a June 4th baby girl. Can’t wait to know her name! I have no doubt she’ll be decked out in all kinds of personalized fashion! Love you!!

  23. Many congrats, Lauren and Mike! Now I know what your posts for the next few years will be like 😉 Enjoy the many beautiful days and years to come with your little blessing! The gender reveal was amazing. I cant wait to see the birth announcement! i am sure you will come up with something sweet-er!

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