For the week of January 9 - 15, 2002

Alitaya Ballard is first baby of 2002

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By TRAVIS PURSER
Express Staff Writer

Blaine County’s first baby of 2002, Alitaya Ballard, came into the world on Jan. 2 at 10:24 p.m.

Ashley and Justin Ballard are the parents of Alitaya, the first baby born in 2002. Express photo by Willie Cook

The baby’s father, Justin Ballard, 24, said the family has a history of unique birthdays.

The baby’s mother, Ashley Ballard, 22, was born on Valentine’s Day.

And, the baby’s due date was "Christmas day, but I guess she wanted to be a New Year’s baby," the father said.

The threesome spent a quiet morning Friday resting at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center before returning to their Hailey home that afternoon.

Ashley Ballard said she had a "pretty quick" labor giving birth to Alitaya, who weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces.

Justin Ballard chose the name "Alitaya" which he heard while on a mission in the Philippines.

St. Luke’s presented Alitaya with a hooded robe and a rattle for being the first baby born this year.

Other gifts included hand-knitted stockings and cap from a hospital volunteer, and, for the parents, a week’s worth of meals cooked in their home from a Boise company that provides the service.

The couple moved to Hailey from Logan, Utah, in April. Justin Ballard works for a recruiting firm, and Ashley Ballard works at a hair-care salon.

 

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