Yes, 2016 has been a bit of a shocker, but it's not been all doom and gloom.
And many of the happiest mmoments came in the form of the news that some of our favourite celebrities were pregnant or had given birth.
So here’s our round-up of some of the best and most imaginative baby announcements from the stars this year.
Helen Skelton and Richie Myler
Blue Peter presenter Helen and husband Richie announced they were expecting their second child in November.
And the children’s television host got her 17-month-old son Ernie involved in the big reveal.
She shared a picture on her Twitter page in which he can be seen holding a board with the message: “Ready for my partner in crime due Spring 2017.”
Verity Rushworth and Dominic Shaw
Emmerdale actress Verity and her husband Dominic got creative when announcing they were expecting a little one with their own little work of art.
The soap star shared a picture of herself and her hubby on her Instagram page in which she can be seen chomping on two burgers.
She captioned the snap: “Eating for two” and “drinking for two.”
Billie Faiers and Greg Sheperd
Former The Only Way Is Essex star Billie and her fiance Greg thought up a simple but very cute way to announce they were expecting again.
The couple took a picture of themselves on holiday in which their young daughter Nelly can be seen pointing at her mother’s tummy.
Billie captioned the picture on Instagram: “….And then there were four.”
Geri and Christian Horner
Spice Girl Geri Horner, who is already mother to daughter Bluebell, 10, announced she was expecting her first child with Christian by using a lyric from her hit It’s Raining Men.
Ginger Spice doodled a picture for Instagram of a pregnant lady and wrote the words: “God bless mother nature #mama spice.”
Alex Fletcher and Neil Davies
Hollyoaks actress Alex, who plays Diane O’Connor in the soap, revealed the happy news that she was pregnant after tragically losing a baby last year.
The star spoke out about having a rainbow baby, a child that’s born after the loss of a previous child.
“It is understood that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of any storm,” an explanation reads. “When a rainbow appears, it doesn’t mean that the storm never happened, or that we are not still dealing with its aftermath.
“It means that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds.
“Storm clouds may still hover, but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of colour, energy and hope.”
Of her pregnancy, Alex told Hello: “It’s so thrilling and slightly surreal. I’m still on a bit of a high about it all.”
Shayne Ward and Sophie Austin
Coronation Street actor Shayne and former Hollyoaks actress Sophie announced they had welcomed a little girl in December.
And they revealed it in a simple but very relevant way in a post on Twitter complete with emojis.
Shane wrote: “Proud to share our incredible news. Me and Sophie had a beautiful baby girl. We are completely besotted and in love with the deepest of hearts. Our world. Willow May Ward,” along with a heart and baby emoji.
Matt and Emma Willis
McBusted star Matt and television presenter Emma included a little bit of comedy in the announcement that they were the proud parents of baby daughter Trixie Grace.
They made reference to Star Wars Day as she was born on May 4.
Emma tweeted: “Thank you so much for all your lovely messages. Trixie arrived in the world on Wednesday. May the 4th be with her indeed!”
Peter Andre and Emily MacDonagh
Former pop star Pete and wife Emily kept things traditional but sweet when announcing they were going to be parents again.
Reality star Peter simply shared an image of Emily’s ultrasound on his Instagram page.
He wrote: “OMG dad to be AGAIN :))) Brilliant. So, so happy.”
Alex Jones and Charlie Thomson
Television host Alex and her partner Charlie came up with a cute way to announce they were expecting a baby in 2017.
The broadcaster posted a picture of a T-shirt which had baby feet on it and the words: “Coming soon.”
She captioned it: “Charlie and I are very happy to confirm that we’re expecting a little baby in the new year. Absolutely delighted and feel very lucky that we’re about to become parents #andbreatheout #newbabyalert.”
Have you come up with an imaginative way to announce you were expecting a baby? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.
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