Name:	Elise
Online Name:	Lee-c, Glitter Princess, Princess Lolly, Inklestinkle, Cajun Angel, Sprunket and *Angel*.
Country:	USA
State:	Louisiana
Age:	enter here
Your Birthday:	September 24, 1982
Special Talents:	I'm an artist (Visual and Applied) and I'm great with kids and animals! I write poetry and articles. I've been told that I'm a great listener too!
Hobbies:	Making web pages and graphics for web pages. Giving makeovers, henna and temp tattoos, manicures... etc...
Where do you work?	At home, doing web pages, and giving makeovers!
Were you working when you became pregnant? If yes, doing what?	Nope!
Are you in school?	Yup, home schooling to finish High School!
If you've graduated, what is your degree?	N/A
How old were you when you had your first child?	16
Did you keep? abort? give up for adoption?:	Keep my little Michael!
Was it the first time you had sex?	Yes, I'm just a fertile little turtle!
Were you and the father a couple?	Yes, we had just gotten engaged
Are you still together?	Yup, and will be for the rest of our lives!
If you're not together, is the father involved? How is he involved?	enter here
Were you using protection against pregnancy? If yes, what kind?	Nope...
If not, was it because you were trying to get pregnant? Please explain:	Nope, because I didn't actually think we were going to do it, it was a last minute decision for the both of us...
Did you know how you would support the baby? Support yourself?	Yes, Michael and I still live with my parents, and Tim works full time.
Were you using protection against STDs?	Nope, neither of us had anything because we were both virgins and had been tested for other stuff before.
How many children do you have?	One right now, but planning on more....
What are their names, ages, birthdays?	Michael Richard, 9 months, April 7th, 1999!
Was the pregnancy emotionally difficult?	Yes, I was a manic depressant before it and it didn't go away till I gave birth!
Was the pregnancy physically difficult? i.e. were there any medical problems?	Nope, not at all...
What was/is the most difficult experience as a young mother?	When my friends all dumped me, and when something almost broke up Tim and I.
Was your family helpful/supportive?	Yes... Their awesome!
Did you stay at home with your parents?	Yup, and I still am...
Did your family help support you? The baby? Emotionally, financially, or both?	They helped me financially but sometimes made me feel worse emotionally.
Do they support you now? Emotionally, financially, or both?	Yeah, but not for much longer...
Did/do you need public assistance? How did/does that make you feel?	Nope
Was the father's family involved with the pregnancy? Emotionally, financially, or both?	As much as they could. (They live in another city.)
Did the father's family help support you? Emotionally, financially, or both?	Emotionally.
Does the child have a relationship with the paternal Grandparents?	Yeah, we try to go see them as much as possible.
Do you feel accepted by people your age?	Not that much, a lot of people act nice but look at me funny and talk about me behind my back...
Do you feel like you have it harder than people your own age without children?	In a lot of ways, but I also don't have to deal with some of the stuff I'd normally have to if I was still out there with them.
Are you happy with the decisions you have made? (Be honest. . .it's ok to feel bad, we all do sometimes)	Yes, I think it is what's best for all of us... But I have to say it wasn't just my decision but OUR decision....
What are your personal goals? (goals for yourself as an individual not as a mother)	enter here
Have your goals changed since you became a parent?	Yes, but for the better...
Do you feel that reaching your goals will be more difficult now that your a teen parent?	Just a little...
What would you tell a (school age) 12-18 year old girl that wanted to get pregnant?	I'd hand them my child and tell them to come back in a week and let's see what she has to say...
How do you think being a Young Mother has changed you?	Its changed my outlook on life. I've become more responsible and more determined to reached my goals...
How do you think society looks upon teen pregnancy?	As a disease that needs to be eliminated by abortion, or as a bunch of unfit parents/children raising children.
Why do you think there are so many teen parents?	There are just too many reasons for me to name right here...
List 5 Pro's to being a teen Mother?	I have the energy to handle an extremely hyperactive child. I have much more responsibility than many other teens my age, therefore I can handle things that they can't. I have age on my side, and I'll be one of the best looking moms in Michael's class (Sounds conceited, but I know you're thinking the same thing! ). I a better friend to the friends that did stick around, because i care more about people now. I think whatever doesn't phase us makes us stronger in the end, so with all the stuff I'll have to go through, I think if I can make it then I'll have accomplished something far greater than a lot of people have!
List 5 Con's to being a teen Mother?:	We are looked down upon by society. Some people don't take us seriously. Our children may feel weird about the whole situation. It's harder (but not impossible) for us to reach our goals. I've lost almost all of my friends and some even lose their guy.
What do you expect to get out of being a member of Young Mothers?:	Support and friendship from wonderful women that know what we're going through, and a chance to do the same for others.
Today's Date:	January 30th, 2000