Art Student Enhances Ultrasound Technology

"I just can't wait to hold my baby!" How many times have the expectant mothers among us expressed such a desire? Now, it's finally possible...in a way.

Brazilian PhD student Jorge Lopes has pioneered a method of converting data from MRI and ultrasound images into life size models of unborn babies.

His method, called rapid protyping, slowly prints layer upon layer of plastic powder until a 3D model appears. The method has been used for everything from jewelry and car components to mummies; and now to babies hidden within their mothers' wombs.

'It’s amazing to see the faces of the mothers. They can see the full scale of their baby, really understand the size of it,' said Dr Lopes.

Read more about this amazing new technology here .

and the winner is...

Wait, wait, wait. You expect me to tell you right off the bat? No way, Jose! First you get to see pics of the Highly Technical Drawing Procedure we followed.

1. Find the cutest three-year-old you know. Fortunately, I live with one, so he was pretty handy. Employ said three-year-old in cutting out small pieces of paper.

2. Encourage him to keep cutting while you tally up entries and start writing names on already cut pieces of paper.

3. Help him fold and insert papers into knit hat ("You mean fode dem so dey wook wike chips?Awwwright!")

4. Hold up hat by the earflaps to admire your work sufficiently. Ta da!

5. Okay, here it comes...WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

Congratulations, Allison! Many blessings on your new marriage!

Family Attic giveaway!

We want to introduce you to one of our precious team members - Nana from Family Attic! Here she is, in her own words...and don't forget to check for details at the end of this post for how you can enter to win one of her beautiful custom signs!

There's nothing more important to me than FAMILY. As a little girl I would sneak up an old winding staircase to my Nana's attic and dig through her old trunks & dusty boxes exploring for treasure. That attic was like a time capsule and I just LOVED IT! Memories of those times at my Nana's house stayed with me. :) That is where I got the name for my Cottage business, FAMILY ATTIC SHOPPE.

I get inspiration from anything vintage & chippy. Those objects speak to me and become a part of my cottage sign designs. I've painted for as long as I can remember and everything I LOVE comes together in my cottage signs, and I think it shows. Now my grandchildren call me Nana and so do you! I adored my Nana who taught me about FAMILY. I'm honored to carry on her name in my business, FAMILY ATTIC SHOPPE.

Years ago my husband and I purchased 80 acres in a small town, much like I grew up in and we built a country ranch home together. It took us six years to finish but when it was complete we were amazed. It felt as if we lived there all our lives because the house was a reflection of who we were and what we love. Now we are struggling to keep it. Our primary business has all but failed after 25 years of hard work. The economy has effected us like it has many families in the world. After praying for direction I started painting again and my sign business started making enough for food. Then enough to pay this bill or that. Now we are hoping it will be enough to keep our home that we built and our daughters grew up in and our grandchildren enjoy.

My heart has always gone out to children of any age. I discovered a group called LIFE CARE CENTER. They provide young single mothers with diapers, food, bottles, medical care, etc. and they need help. I've decided to create a children's line of signs and donate the profits to them.

I love Family Attic! And I loooove the sign Nana is giving away! Below is an example, it measures 10"x24" and will have the winner's family name. Here's how you can enter to win - and yes...you can enter more than once!

1. Leave a comment here mentioning your favorite item from Family Attic (1 entry).

2. Become a follower of this blog (1 entry).

3. Become a follower of Family Attic's blog (1 entry).

4. Add the HFL badge to your blog and post a link in the comments below (2 entries).

5. Blog about this contest and link our blog on it - and don't forget to give us the link below in the comments! (3 entries)

Existing followers and those who already display the HFL badge count as entries, as long as you post a comment (with link if applicable) to let us know! Them's the rules... you can have up to 8 entries! Contest closes Friday, November 20th, and we'll announce the winner on Monday, November 23rd!