The Hollenbeck's: Malea Grace

As I sit here proudly holding our new pride and joy, I'm watching the clock tick away nearing midnight. I can't help but have tears streaming down my face as I pray in thanks to our amazing Lord above for what has honestly been the best day of my life. I don't want this day to end... it has honestly been the BEST DAY EVER. I will never forget this day... May 11th, 2011... the day mine and Joel's lives were forever changed in the most amazing way possible.... the birth of our precious, perfect, Gift from God... Malea Grace Hollenbeck.
It was 11:20PM last night when my water broke at home.... I was so thankful I was at home (and not at church or work - 2 places I feared my water would break: ) , and more importantly, that Joel was home with me too, and not at work an hour away. We jumped in the car, and pulled into the hospital right at midnight.... and that was the start of our best day ever. Throughout my pregnancy, I prayed that this little girl would come at the best time possible for her own well-being, that my labor and delivery would be as smooth and painless as possible, and most importantly, that our little peanut would be in perfect health. Well, our prayers were definitely answered. It WAS the perfect day. We checked in at midnight, and by 3:51 AM our little miracle had already arrived. My labor progressed perfectly (and quickly) on its own, delivery went smoother than I thought possible, and then at 3:51, our perfect, healthy, precious baby girl arrived.
Malea Grace Hollenbeck.... 7 lbs, 2 oz, 19.5" long.... she has brought us more joy in this one day alone than I thought possible in a lifetime. She is perfect. And that is why I don't want this day to end. I am so thankful for this perfectly awesome day. 24 hours ago we were pulling into the hospital... and already I can't imagine my life without her. Wow... what an amazing day. What an amazing little girl snuggled up on my chest right now. We couldn't be prouder, or more thankful. Joel is a natural. Watching him hold her, feed her, snuggle with her, and the way he looks at her is so incredible. He is a great daddy already!
Enough blabbering for now... I'm exhausted, but I leave you with a few pictures of our little bundle of joy. Miss Malea Grace Hollenbeck.