Giada De Laurentiis apparently has something in the oven, and it's not one of her signature Italian dishes.

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The Food Network chef and regular The Today Show contributor announced she's expecting her first child in April with husband Todd Thompson on Monday's broadcast of the NBC morning show.

"I thought I'd share with you guys a little something I don't think I can hold back any longer -- that come April, I'm going to be a mom," De Laurentiis told Today co-anchors Natalie Morales and Hoda Kotb.

"When I found out I was pregnant, I was in complete shock, just shock," the 37-year-old chef said.  "Todd and I looked at each other and we both said 'How is this possible?'  Well we all know how it's possible -- I just really truly didn't believe it.  I honestly thought, 'There has got to be a mistake.'"

However thanks to her first few sonograms, which allowed her to watch the unborn baby -- a girl -- go from the size of a "lima bean" to a "lemon," De Laurentiis said she eventually came to the realization that she and her husband of four years were expecting.

"[It] brings tears to your eyes," said De Laurentiis.

According to De Laurentiis, her pregnancy -- or lack thereof -- has been a frequent conversation topic in recent years.

"In the last, I'd say, five years, it's been sort of the rhetorical question.  Every single person, every book signing I do, every public appearance, my friends -- everybody," said De Laurentiis. "[They say] 'You know, you're getting older, you can't have children forever.'"

The Italy native serves as the host of Food Network's Everyday Italian, Behind the Bash, Giada's Weekend Getaways and Giada in Paradise programs, and also competed in an episode of the network's Iron Chef America reality competition series. 

In addition, she's written "Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes;" "Giada's Family Dinners;" and "Everyday Pasta," however the chef is hoping her best creation yet is the inedible kind.

"I just hope that I can be a good mom," said De Laurentiis.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
Christopher Rocchio is an entertainment reporter for Reality TV World and has covered the reality TV genre for several years.