Sometimes the most heartfelt way to announce your pregnancy is to let the older sibling take center stage and share the news. They’re often genuinely thrilled to be part of the moment and love being given the important role.

I did this with two of my pregnancies. My oldest and I did a photoshoot at Moanaloa Gardens to announce the birth of my son. She had a “Big Sister,” shirt on. Then, when I was pregnant with my third child, I had both kids wearing a “Big Brother” and Big Sister shirt with 2019 on it. We went to my Granny’s house in Aiea, who was 82 at the time. We patiently waited for her to figure out what was on the shirts but she wasn’t paying attention to it. We went outside and took photos after we pointed it out. She was so excited and the kids loved that they got to surprise her. I genuinely think that I don’t love surprises but I really enjoy surprising others.