Jake and Katie Sladky of Neligh welcomed Lucy, their third child, two days before her due date. She joins big sister Emma, 3 1/2, and brother Leo, 20 months. She weighed 6 lbs, 9 oz and measured 19 inches long.
The Sladkys said Lucy is a distant family name while Frances comes from Pope Frances, who is the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic Church.
As for the honor of having the first baby born this year, the Sladkys said it came as a surprise, even though it was so early in 2014.
"It was a surprise. We weren't thinking about having the first baby of the New Year," said Katie Sladky, who is no stranger to Antelope Memorial Hospital.
Katie works part-time at AMH as a PRN. She's now an instructor at the Norfolk College of Nursing and continues to work limited part-time at AMH. Jake is in his fifth year at Pope John, where he teaches Science and coaches golf.
The Neligh Chamber of Commerce continued its annual tradition of welcoming the first baby born of the New Year with gifts. The Sladky family received flowers arranged by the Flower Corner (Lucy's) and $50 in Neligh Big Bucks. The gifts were presented by Chamber President Carrie Pitzer, treasurer Koryn Koinzan, member Dennis Anderson and Economic Development Director Greg Ptacek.
Ryker Samuel Todd Lammers, son of Todd and Shanna Lammers, was the first baby born in 2013. He arrived January 23, 2013.