Welcome to Our Blog and to Holly's Birth Day!

I can't tell you how excited I am to start sharing the story of our sweet new addition, Holly! It's not only to keep our family and friends up to date but it's also something that I can print into an album that will be something we'll always treasure!

Here's a sneak peak at her newborn pictures that our dear friend, Jenifer McNeil Baker did for us!

The story began on New Years Day (1/1/10)! We were home with my dad who had just undergone surgery that prevented him from having a massive heart attack. His right coronary artery was 99% blocked and he had a stent put in. It was quite the scare, but we were so thankful it was prevented! It was a time when the importance of family was magnified and I couldn't help but count my blessings. Little did we know the day he came home, we would be given another blessing....a positive pregnancy test! :)

Holly at 15 weeks

For those of you who didn't know, Thomas and I chose not to find out the sex of our baby until the long awaited birth day; however, I was sure we were having a boy. I had done all those silly tests and by all means, the ladies at the nail salon said I was having a boy along with just about everyone I came in contact with. Apparently I presented only how someone who was having a boy would! ;)

Needless to say, on Sept 11th at 2:50 in the morning I could not believe my eyes when I met the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen!! I will never forget the doctors words when he said, "we have a baby....girl!" She was just perfect and we were instantly in love with her!

Our Sweet Holly Anne Halka

September 11, 2010

7lbs 3 oz

19 3/4 inches

~Our 1st Family Photo~

It all started on the morning of Sept 10th when I went in for my regular scheduled doctors visit 3 days before my due date and was told it was likely that I would have this baby over the weekend and that the doctor on call would deliver me. I hadn't imagined going through labor with a different doctor! We had built such a great relationship with my OB over the past 9 months and had such a peace in knowing our baby and I would be in great hands if there were any complications. After much thought and prayer, we made the decision to be induced. So, at 2:30pm on Friday, Sept 10th we left our home and headed to the hospital. Before we left, we put on some music for our dogs (call us crazy!!), and the song that came on stopped us in the rush of it all and made us realize "What a Wonderful World" we live and what a wonderful life we have! Our little house of two was about to forever be changed to a sweet three. It brought tears of joy to my eyes!

Our family before Holly!

So, to make a very long story somewhat short....at 11:00 on the evening of Friday Sept 10th I was 10 cm dilated and 100% effaced...I was READY! The most amazing friends and family headed out of the room and waited, us all thinking this just might be a Sept 10th baby!

Here's some pictures before Holly arrived:

Cheryl (Thomas' mom) and I

My Family

My Amazing Friends!

Well, hours went by and our little one was positioned stubbornly and didn't quite feel ready to show herself until 2:50 in the morning! The talk of C section and forceps had been discussed in that last hour of labor and all I kept saying was "WE CAN DO THIS!"..."WE CAN DO THIS" and I just kept on and WE DID!!!! I was determined and so were my wonderful husband, nurse and OB! I had the perfect team!!

Here they are! Check out Holly's eyes! TOO CUTE!

Here are a few pictures that were captured after Holly arrived with

our special friends and family!

My dear friends, Kara

And Tara

My friends from Parkland, Katy & Jen

And my sweet friend, Renea from Parkland and her 4 month old...soon to be one of Holly's first friends!

Our dear friends, Beth and Sanjay

Thomas's good friends, Chad, Krystal and Kyle

Thomas's good friends, Steve and Jaki and their sweet family!

That expression of my dad is pure love! A favorite of mine!

And how sweet is this of Holly and my dad's hand!?!?!

My mom

My brother, David

My Sister-in-law, Robyn

My Sister-in-Law, Audra

My mother-in-law, Cheryl

Daddy and his little girl

Mommy and Holly

Dear Sweet Holly,

We can't tell you how happy we are that you are finally here! As you can see, you are quite loved and will continue to be throughout your life! We can't wait to share each day with you and watch you grow! We hope you enjoy this blog someday as much as I know we will posting the days of your life!

We love you bunches and bunches!

Mom & Dad