Big Bang Theory’s Johnny Galecki and girlfriend Alaina Meyer expecting first child together

The couple are "over the moon."

Big Bang Theory's Johnny Galecki and his girlfriend, Alaina Meyer, are expecting their first child together. The couple, who went public with their romance late last year, confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE.  They said:

“We are absolutely over the moon to announce that we will soon be welcoming a little one into this crazy and wonderful world. “We ask that you please respect our privacy during this celebratory time for us and our families. There truly is love out there for all. We hope ours is the ember of yours, as we feel yours is the ember of ours."

Fans rushed to congratulate the parents-to-be on their happy news. The couple's baby announcement comes as the Big Bang Theory is set to come to an end later this month. Galecki spoke to TV Line earlier this week where he recalled the emotional moment he said goodbye to his character, Leonard Hofstadter. He explained:

“I took a little walk by myself around the [soundstage] after we wrapped and kind of said goodbye to Leonard — as odd and crazy as that sounds.”

And as sad as it was, the actor admitted he felt it was "absolutely" the right time to end the Big Bang Theory.  “Everyone was on the same page and [we] had talked for years about 12 being the right number," he said. The two-part finale of the Big Bang Theory is set to air in North America on May 16.