Baby on Board: Sharing Our Big News in Italy

There’s something magical about Rome, the cobblestone streets, the historical buildings…and now the memory of the sweetest surprise we’ve ever shared!

Not only was baby a surprise but the trip itself was spontaneous. We were invited by our friends from church to an all expense paid 5 day trip to Italy. Two of those days were spent traveling. We had been to Italy just the year prior to celebrate my birthday, however, that was only a quick two day stay in Florence, with the majority of our trip in Spain. So this was an opportunity we did not want to pass up.

When in Rome…

Announce baby on the way!

The heart of the news

We found out I was pregnant at the end of October and our friends told us in November about the trip to travel at the beginning of December. We were still trying to figure out how to announce it and how we would make it special. I didn’t want it to be your average pregnancy announcement because I felt our baby deserved to be celebrated extra since she truly was a blessing, a miracle to us since it had not been easy.

We jumped at the opportunity to travel internationally once our friends let us know they had two extra tickets. Funny enough I was on my last semester in my graduate studies and was nervous I would not be able to go since it was so spontaneous. However, my instructor was nice enough to say I was excused from the mandatory attendance and that I quote “Better accept this trip and enjoy.” Something along those lines. So we packed our bags and off we went.

The Announcement Details

Originally, I was going to ask my friend or cousin to take me some cute pictures with our ultrasound for us to share but since we were traveling internationally and our itinerary was all set for us we had to come up with a plan. I don’t exactly remember the itinerary details but the last day was a free day where we could roam on our own in Rome. We decided this would be the day we make the big announcement. We bought a balloon display that said “baby” from amazon. We researched Rome famous monuments and found that Piazza di Spagna was a plaza related to Spain in a big shopping & tourist area. So we decided we would do it there. We packed our baby’s first ultrasound the balloon saying “baby” and we set off to Rome, Italy.

Our DIY Pregnancy Announcement

at the Spanish Steps in Rome.

[Location: Piazza di Spagna]

Why Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy

You might be wondering why did we go all the way to Rome just to announce it at a place related to Spain. The year prior we had visited Madrid, Spain for my birthday and fell in love with that country and although we were in Italy I wanted something related to Spain. I am an avid traveler, any chance I get to travel I take it so I also liked that connection of Spain in Italy. Giving hope to someday take our babygirl to Spain and Italy.

Rome is described to be an eternal city through its rich history. We also took this symbolism as a chance to mirror the timeless joy of new life. Rome being perceived as invincible and a strong power over the years. My hope for my daughter is that she knows she can do anything, whatever she sets her mind to no matter what part of the world she is in. I’ll someday tell her how a father and daughter took our pictures at the Spanish steps and how we were blessed with a spontaneous trip to Italy.

The Challenges of Announcing in a Foreign Country

My big announcement plan was to use the BABY balloon at the steps, however, since this is a cultural site I didn’t realize it was not allowed until we were already in Rome. The steps are a protected site and you cannot sit, eat, or have any signs otherwise you get fined. It is also prohibited to put your phone down to take your own picture and there are guards there all day that enforce these rules.

Once there we decided to ask someone to take our picture with the ultrasound. Lucky us a father and daughter needed their picture taken to so as good tourists do we took their picture and they took ours. Since we had the balloon and didn’t want it to go to waste we found a park near by and took some more pictures there on our own.

Our Own Photoshoot

In a park near the Piazza de Spagna Steps. We found a beautiful park and did our photoshoot there.

*Tip for announcing baby in a foreign country

My advice to you if wanting to announce in a foreign country make sure to research if the location you want has any rules, regulations, or prohibitions. And if planning ahead, maybe look into hiring a local professional photographer so you’re more prepared.

We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect moment to share this miracle. God’s timing is always right—never would I have thought we’d announce in the middle of ancient ruins and cobblestone streets. Rome will always hold a special place in our hearts—not just for its beauty, but for the memory of this incredible chapter beginning. One day, we’ll tell our little one about the magical city where we shared the news of her arrival.

Have you ever dreamed of announcing something special while traveling? I’d love to hear your story—drop it in the comments below!