expression
first a girl, then a boy is ideal
Traditional proverb expressing that having a daughter first and then a son makes for an easier and more harmonious family. The girl can help with childcare, and the boy is the hoped-for heir.
「一姫二太郎」と言うから、最初は女の子が欲しいな。
They say 'first a girl, then a boy,' so I'd like a girl first.
expression
one girl and two boys are ideal
Modern colloquial reinterpretation of the proverb, taking 二太郎 literally as 'two boys' rather than 'then a boy.' Used when discussing ideal family composition.
最近は「一姫二太郎」を文字通りに、女の子一人と男の子二人が理想って言う人もいるね。
Lately some people take 'ichihime nitarō' literally and say one girl and two boys are ideal.