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.
They say 'first a girl, then a boy,' so I'd like a girl first.
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.
Lately some people take 'ichihime nitarō' literally and say one girl and two boys are ideal.