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Name:	Julie
Online Name:	Jue_b.......... juju_dot
Country:	USA
State:	Michigan
Age:	17
Your Birthday:	March 5
Special Talents:	writing...and that's about it
Hobbies:	sports, reading, writing,playing with my puter
Where do you work?	At a local school district doing enrollments
Were you working when you became pregnant? If yes,doing what?	yes, i was a nanny, and working as a cashier part time
Are you in school?	Yes i am
If you've graduated, what is your degree?	haven't graduated yet...still waiting for June to get here!!
How old were you when you had your first child?	16
Did you keep? abort? give up for adoption?:	I kept my beautiful baby girl :o)
Was it the first time you had sex?	yes
Were you and the father a couple?	yes
Are you still together?	Not a chance :o)
If you're not together, is the father involved? How is he involved?	No
Were you using protection against pregnancy? If yes, what kind?	No
If not, was it because you were trying to get pregnant? Please explain:	I wasn't even thinking of pregnancy at the time!
Did you know how you would support the baby? Support yourself?	I knew my family would help, but i was determined to do it myself.
Were you using protection against STDs?	Nope
How many children do you have?	1
What are their names, ages, birthdays?	Shayleigh Kaye, 13 months, Dec.15
Was the pregnancy emotionally difficult?	At first it was, but i had a lot of support at the end.
Was the pregnancy physically difficult? i.e. were there any medical problems?	Yes, i had morning sickness until i was 6 months along. Then the whole delivery thing was just AWFUL...read my story :o)
What was/is the most difficult experience as a young mother?	Not being able to do whatever i want, whenever i want to do it.
Was your family helpful/supportive?	MOST of my family was supportive. There's always a few exceptions there to make you're life miserable :oP
Did you stay at home with your parents?	Yes, and I'm staying here until August! (they can't get rid of me that easily!!)
Did your family help support you? The baby? Emotionally, financially, or both?	They helped me in any way they could.
Do they support you now? Emotionally, financially,or both?	Mostly financially now
Did/do you need public assistance? How did/does that make you feel?	Yes, we had medical.
Was the father's family involved with the pregnancy? Emotionally, financially, or both?	No
Did the father's family help support you? Emotionally, financially, or both?	No
Does the child have a relationship with the paternal Grandparents?	No...she knows Joe's parents as grandma and grandpa
Do you feel accepted by people your age?	No, most of my "friends" that i had before i got pregnant won't even look at me walking down the halls.
Do you feel like you have it harder than people your own age without children?	I really don't know. All of their problems and worries seem almost petty to me at times.
Are you happy with the decisions you have made? (Be honest. . .it's ok to feel bad, we all do sometimes)	Yes, I'm very happy with my decision. When i have a bad day i think about how it could've been, if i didn't have Shay.
What are your personal goals? (goals for yourself as an individual not as a mother)	To get a degree in Early Education
Have your goals changed since you became a parent?	yes, i want to stay at home and have more!
Do you feel that reaching your goals will be more difficult now that your a teen parent?	No, it will just take longer to get there.
What would you tell a (school age) 12-18 year old girl that wanted to get pregnant?	I would ask her what else she wants to do in her life. then tell her she better do it BEFORE she has a baby.
How do you think being a Young Mother has changed you?	It hasn't really....well, other than I'm usually running late! :oP
How do you think society looks upon teen pregnancy?	I believe that most see it as a disgrace to parenting. I've been lucky enough to live in a community that embraces teen parents.
Why do you think there are so many teen parents?	I think it's because kids aren't educated enough. They're still stuck in "that won't happen to me" mode.
List 5 Pro's to being a teen Mother?	you'll still be young when you're kids graduate, you'll be able to see your grandchildren/great grandchildren, i think you'll have a better relationship with your children because you're younger and more "with it" :o)
List 5 Con's to being a teen Mother?:	you lose most of your friends, you don't get to "enjoy your teen years" (i am enjoying mine as a mom),you don't get the respect you deserve
What do you expect to get out of being a member of Young Mothers?:	To be able to share my story with other teens, and hopefully help some.
Today's Date:	Jan. 28, 2000