The Voice Australia finalist Rachael Leahcar and husband Chris Johinke expecting their first child

Singer Rachael Leahcar is ready for her biggest challenge yet, as she and husband Chris Johinke prepare to become parents for the first time.

Adelaide singer Rachael Leahcar says she couldn’t be more prepared for the challenges of parenthood.

The Voice Australia favourite and husband Chris Johinke are expecting their first child in December, eight years after meeting backstage at one of her performances.

“I already feel a lot of love in me and Chris for this baby. We’re really, really excited and seeing the bump grow and feeling all the kicks, it’s been amazing,” said the vision-impaired singer, 29, who shot to fame as a teenager on Nine’s reality TV show in 2012.

“I know it takes a lot to take care of a human. I’ve always had a very maternal instinct.

“I’ve had fur babies for many years with guide dogs … so I feel like I’ve had a little taste of what it takes to keep something alive.”

Diagnosed at six months with the degenerative eye condition retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Leahcar said doctors estimated there was about a “one per cent chance” of their baby inheriting the same condition.

“Even if they were born with it, I think we’re the best parents to raise someone with a vision impairment,” said Leahcar, who’s 23 weeks’ pregnant.

“There’s an extra layer of challenge (to parenthood) for me, there’s so many things that I’ll have to adapt to but I’m used to that with everything in life.

“I’ve always found a way to do things. And Mum is also just down the road so I’ve got plenty of support and advice on hand.”

Rachael Leahcar and Chris Johinke are expecting their first child due in December. Picture: Matt Loxton.

Rachael Leahcar and Chris Johinke get married in the Adelaide Hills in November 2022. Picture: Ciaran Whelan, An Ounce of Light.

Adelaide contestant singer Rachael Leahcar on stage in scene from Channel 9 TV program 'The Voice' in 2012, singing Jewel's hit song 'Hands'.

It’s been a busy time for the happy couple, who are keeping the gender of their baby a surprise. They have just returned from a European honeymoon and this week moved into their new Glenelg East home.

To celebrate the impending arrival, Leahcar has written a new song, Little Bird, which will be released in October.

“The first time I felt it (the baby), it was like little fluttering wings on the inside of my tummy. It’s like there’s a little bird inside of me,” said Leahcar, who will complete a Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education in November.

“I'll have a lot of time to sing to the new baby and hopefully one day we can do a duet together.”

Originally published as The Voice Australia finalist Rachael Leahcar and husband Chris Johinke expecting their first child