Couple Announces The Sex Of Their Baby With Help From ‘Stranger Things’

It’s time to enter the 'Upside Down'.

An expectant couple announced the sex of their baby to their friends and family with inspiration from ‘Stranger Things’ - just in time for the hit Netflix show’s impending return.

Krystal Jugarap, from California, is expecting her first child with her partner, Daniel Vongnakhone.

At the end of September 2017, the couple set up string lights in their home, a nod to the scenes in ‘Stranger Things’ in which mum Joyce Byers uses the lights to communicate with her son lost in the ‘Upside Down’.

Jugarap told HuffPost they are both fans of the Netflix show, but Vongnakhone was the one who came up with the idea.

“He claims the idea just came to him, but I’m sure someone from the ‘Upside Down’ had flickered some street lights on Daniel’s way home to spark the idea,” she said. 

Using a tutorial they found online, tools they bought from Amazon and a bit of intuition to tweak some of the instructions, the couple coded the lights to spell out: “It’s a girl”. 

Jugarap explained that after Vongnakhone posted the announcement on Reddit, many people thought that the beginning - in which he carries a sleeping Jugarap to bed from their couch - was weird.

That part is actually routine for the couple.

“I know the beginning was a little odd to some people, but we wanted to make it seem like a typical day in a life for us,” she said. “Daniel is always carrying me to bed after I’ve fallen asleep on the couch!” 

Jugarap, who is due in February, told HuffPost she and her partner are also big fans of ‘Star Wars’. They plan on naming their daughter Leila Rey, a slightly modified nod to the franchise’s Princess Leia and Rey.

For now, the couple will wait (probably impatiently) for ‘Stranger Things’ to return on 27 October. 

“We have to save Eleven!” Jugarap said. “And Dustin is just the cutest little kid.”

This story was originally published on the US version of HuffPost.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort
I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )
I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )
I'll lose the baby(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )
My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )
I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )
I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )
I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )
Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )
I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )
I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )