Welcome

I started having braxton hicks and contractions the week before and they continued to increase Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before my doctors appointment on Monday. So we called my mom to have her come because it would work for her schedule with work and I wanted her here. We all felt that she needed to be here. Then on Sunday we got a little surprise from my brother he came up so he could be here if she happened to come. With little sleep and lots of walking all weekend we were all exhausted so when we went to my doctors appointment on Monday my doctor looked at me and asked what I was thinking I said I want you to tell me we can have this baby today. Little did I know that he was ok with that plan. When the words came out of his mouth that we could both James and I looked at each other with complete surprise awe and maybe we were a little scared/nervous. My mom had to help put it into perspective for us and realize that yes we were going to welcome our little bundle of joy. After nine long months of waiting I still wasn't sure I was ready but yet she couldn't stay inside forever. My doctor quickly made arrangements for me to go to the hospital to begin what could be a very long wait and night. We made arrangements to make sure everything was taken care of James' job, Chey, Grandpa, a few errands and eating of coarse. While we were out people would ask how far along I was and so forth when they found out I was headed to the hospital to have a baby that day they were shocked I was out.

When we arrived at the hospital it finally sunk in that we were well on our way to greeting our precious baby girl. I was scared but still ready for her to meet us and become a member of our family officially. I was given a gown, monitor placed on my tummy to hear her wonderful heart beat (the one sound you can never get sick of) then a pill was given to me to help things along. Little did I know that would be all I needed besides my water being broke (no pit yeah). I was moved to my room where our little girl would be welcomed into this world in a matter of hours. The doctor broke my water at 7:45pm and I was well on my way, epidural at 11:30 then some peaceful sleep (if you can call it that in a hospital better then before the epidural for all those involved) I was given oxygen at 3 am which scared me but I was quickly reassured that it was pretty routine (not to me) then pressure to push started to come around 4:30 5 am. My doctor came at 6 said we would start pushing in 10-15 min. The reality was starting to sink in for me, James and my mom that she would be here soon. I started pushing at 6:15 with a few things to help her along the way because her heart rate was dropping she was laid upon my now squishy belly to greet, hold, see, love and care for as much as I could in a few precious moments before they took her to her bed (still in my room thank heavens) to evaluate and clean up. James was able to cut the cord and be with our new daughter until he was able to bring her back to me. I will never forget the feeling I had when she was placed in my arms the look on James face, our connection that increased 100 fold, the look on my mom's face and the love that filled that room. They played music to announce she was her and the journey begins to heal and care for her in a way I never thought possible. We are truly blessed and grateful for all the help, love and support we have had the last week or so. We can't begin to express the love we have for all those that have been there. Thank you mom for all you did and the long night of labor you helped me with. I can't begin to express to you the love that I have for you. I can't believe the connection you have so instantly with someone so quickly it is amazing.

Hartleigh Michelle Ward was welcomed with warm loving arms on

September 21, 2010

7:06 am

7 lbs 11 oz
21 inches long

(warning lots of pictures)

Trying to pass the time and keep my mind off of contractions

Right before I started pushing

One of her first photo ops

Maternity Pictures

There were so many things running through my mind about her, labor, being a mom and when she would come. A few days before our new arrival James, Cheyanna and I went for a drive to take some maternity pictures to remember what I looked like pregnant and remember how amazing pregnancy and birth is. I am still amazed at the process and to think she was inside me.

I wasn't nervous about delivery until I started to have contractions 3 days before she came

I started to become nervous about being a mom and being a good mom at that about a month before she came and it continued to increase as the time got closer

I was anxious to see her what she looked like and that she would be healthy

Here are a few maternity pictures from our little photo shoot the delivery story and pictures of our bundle soon to follow. (still trying to adjust)

First Day of School

Now with Cheyanna living with us we are now into the relm of; homework, car pools, football games, curfews and everything comes with a teenager. It has been fun to get her ready and talk about her world. She seems to be liking school, her classes, the bus, and all her friends (even meeting more new people). Enjoy her first day pictures and a few extra's (this is for you Mom and Morgan) Love ya.

She is a ham even if she won't admit it!!!

Special Event

My sister spent the summer with us this year and it has been an amazing experience with some struggles but still amazing. She has been a BIG help working around the house, keeping me company and helping James with things that I can't due to my "condition". We have had alot of fun, we took her to the drive in for the first time and the fair which has been fun. The biggest thing that happened or changed for her this year was her baptism. Around April I signed up to feed the missionaries for the first time in oh 5 years (being in the RS presidency I felt like I needed to do more and do my part) Well that put into place a friendship and connection that allowed Cheyanna to learn more about the gospel and her desire was and still is great to learn. We started with just a dinner to introduce the idea of the missionaries to her and that is where it all began. She then had a tremendous desire to learn more and take in everything she could. Then the question about baptism came up (made me nervous) but she answered with a yes so quick I had to ask what she said twice. It has been so fun to watch her grow, learn and ask more and more questions. It has brought a spirit into our home that we were not expecting but we are so glad it has. She has been an amazing example to us and taught us so much. Her baptism date was set for the same weekend as our family reunion (I was worried it wouldn't work out) and after alot of planning, a few snags and lots of praying for everything to go well she was dunked. She had a lot of support from family, friends, missionaries and the ward which was amazing. We had so many people there we had to start in the chapel and then it was standing room only in the font room. It was such an amazing experience for us to watch and be a part of and I think it showed Cheyanna that she was making the right decision. My mom and brother were there which made it even more special for both her and myself. It was so crazy though I didn't even get a picture so I'm waiting for one to be emailed from Elder Foreman, so crazy infact the font was not full when we got there nor had the water even been started. So with a few changes in the program and Cheyanna standing there in her white jump suit pouring water in with pitchers, missionaries running around like crazy to make it work and warm for her we were still able to get it done. James baptised her and Elder Foreman confirmed her the next day (there were some snags with this too but it worked out). It has now forever changed her way of thinking, actions and routine. After her baptism we started contemplating her living with us for the school year. After lots of prayer, fasting and discussions it was decided she would stay. Since then it has been a crazy month trying to get her ready for school, a room officially set up for her, getting use to a teenager in the house but we love it. It has taught us alot and is preparing us for alot in the future I'm sure of it. We are very excited to continue to watch her grow and learn while she is here. We love her very much.

Service, Sun, and Swimming

This year the Stewart family reunion was close to home for some prego girls, new baby and my grandparents. We traveled to Pocatello to a water park for some swimming, sun and food. We found some sun for a little while, some wind, rain, family and food. It was a great way to start the weekend. Then we headed to grandma and grandpa's house for some more games and family time. The next morning started early with a a wonderful breakfast and then we were able to provide some assistance to my grandparents with some service at their home with some projects that desperately needed to be done. After the projects were completed lunch was eaten we all dispersed to get ready for a very special event that evening (to be shared later it deserves its own post). Finally more food, family time and candy jars. My aunt Christine did an amazing job bringing everyone together, providing help to my grandparents, having some yummy food and a fun time.

Air Show

We were able to go to the Air Show performed by the Blue Angels here in Idaho Falls, it was a lot of fun and somewhat surprising to have something so big come to our town. It was funny every time the planes flew really low my stomach would tighten up I guess she just didn't like the loud noises. It was hot and a little crowded but a lot of fun. It was amazing to watch the timing and the skills they had to fly so close together and not crash, sometimes only 18 inches apart. Most people have a hard time driving a car straight. Skills baby skills that's all I can say.