Former Miss NJ Ashley Harder on Stork Magazine
When former Miss New Jersey Ashley Harder, 20, resigned her post in January due to her pregnancy (Miss USA contest rules prohibit participants from being pregnant or ever having given birth) — many CBB readers applauded her decision to surrender her sash for the sake of her baby. Four months later, Ashley and her boyfriend Greg anxiously awaited the arrival of their daughter, whom they plan to name Ava. Ashley is currently working for Expecting Models and plans to continue with them for a year after Ava is born.
Ashley is featured on Stork Magazine this month, with a photoshoot and interview inside. Here are the highlights.
On stepping down from Miss USA:
This is my choice, based in love, and I’m enjoying every minute of it. This is not a scandal I’m having; I’m having a baby.
On her pregnancy:
Nothing is a coincidence, and life happens the way it’s supposed to. This is the first time I can say I am truly happy with myself. My choice is rooted in love and I wish that freedom were available to everyone. I’m having a baby with the man I love. I’m filled with happiness in every part of my life. My belly is embraced by love.
Family first:
My mom and I are extremely close. My family comes first. I honor quality time and take pleasure in our bond; spending time is what I live for. I know my life is going to change after the baby is born. It will only make me stronger. There are so many options. I can model with Ava for the first year. I’m in a position where I can take my Ava on all of my bookings. This won’t stop me from continuing to succeed. I’m up to the challenge.
Photos by Gabelli Photography for Stork Magazine.
Click below for an additional photo.
Tags: Ashley Harder, Miss USA, Stork Magazine
- Posted on May 8, 07 at 8:16PM
- Permalink
- 4 Comments
May 9th, 2007 at 11:01 am
Good for her! Her comments on her pregnancy were so lovely. Shame on the Miss USA rules for forcing the resignation for anyone who has children or is pregnant. That’s horrible. Ashley sounds like she is going to be a joyous and very loving mother, and I know she must be excited.
I wasn’t married when I had my first daughter, but like Ashley, I was with the man I loved, and we refused the “shotgun wedding”. It’s a ridiculous tradition that is quickly going away, as seen with many celebrities. You don’t need a metal ring and a signed paper to make a “legitimate” family. Love truly is what makes a family.
My daughter was 3 years old before we married. We never rushed into planning a wedding. We bought a house, and spent time raising our child. When we did marry, we conceived our second child on our honeymoon. Some people even viewed THAT as scandalous. I’m disgusted with some people’s views. LOVE IS ALL THAT MATTERS.
May 9th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Good for her!! I wish her, and Ava and the rest of the family lots of luck!
May 11th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
im proud of her! i feel that you shouldnt be held back because you’re having or have had a baby.. bringing new life into this world is beautiful! i wish her and her new family all the best and i cant wait to see pictures of your beautiful addition
May 11th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Why are you not allowed to participate in Miss USA if you’ve had kids? I can see that if you’re pregnant you might have problems with the pregnancy and not be able to attend some events but I wondered about the reason if you already have kids. Is it because they think you shouldn’t be unmarried and have kids?