Name:	Laura H
Online Name:	§tã®
Country:	US
State:	New York
Age:	20yrs
Your Birthday:	12/26
Special Talents:	Poetry&Art
Hobbies:	Web Design & Sports & Baking
Where do you work?	Home
Were you working when you became pregnant? If yes, doing what?	I don't think so, but I think I had just applied for working on campus as a cashier.
Are you in school?	No, not now. I want to be there for my child 110%.
If you've graduated, what is your degree?	Not now.
How old were you when you had your first child?	19yrs
Did you keep? abort? give up for adoption?:	I kept my baby.
Was it the first time you had sex?	No.
Were you and the father a couple?	Yes
Are you still together?	Yes, we got married Sept 3rd, 1999.
If you're not together, is the father involved? How is he involved?
Were you using protection against pregnancy? If yes, what kind?	Yes, sometimes condoms.
If not, was it because you were trying to get pregnant? Please explain:	Actually I was. We wanted a baby.
Did you know how you would support the baby? Support yourself?	Yes, my bf would work full time for us, which is what he does now.
Were you using protection against STDs?	No, we were monogamous and we were already tested.
How many children do you have?	One
What are their names, ages, birthdays?	Annabelle AngelStar-1yr-6/27
Was the pregnancy emotionally difficult?	Yes, my family was dissappointed at the beginning.
Was the pregnancy physically difficult? i.e. were there any medical problems?	Everything was perfect, never got morning sickness or anything, until I went into premature labor at 26wks(6mons.) Then I had to stay in the hospital, in strict bedrest until my daughter was born a month later.
What was/is the most difficult experience as a young mother?	Not being able to associate with young people my age.
Was your family helpful/supportive?	Yes, they were really far away, but they emotionally supported me.
Did you stay at home with your parents?	No
Did your family help support you? The baby? Emotionally, financially, or both?	My husband and I have supported the baby completely from the start. We might be young, but we can take care of our family very well. My family lives VERY far away and my husband's live in another state, but they have always been there for us emotionally.
Do they support you now? Emotionally, financially, or both?	My husband supports us 100%, he works full time and our families are always there for us emotionally.
Did/do you need public assistance? How did/does that make you feel?	No, we didn't need any public assistance and I am very glad that we could and can make it on our own. But, I do not think that anyone should be ashamed to need it, help is help and you should take it if you need it.
Was the father's family involved with the pregnancy? Emotionally, financially, or both?	They were very involved, they all sent gifts and started a savings bond for her.
Did the father's family help support you? Emotionally, financially, or both?	His parents were very supportive in everything we did, that is about it. Emotionally, they've always been there. financially, we provide for ourselves.
Does the child have a relationship with the paternal Grandparents?	Since all the grandparents live far away it is very hard sometimes, but they all call and talk to her over the phone.
Do you feel accepted by people your age?	Yes, sometimes it is hard, but everyone my age turns to talk to us and compliment our daughter and family. Sometimes it's hard to go hiking or just get up and go for a walk with friends my age, but we just grab a stroller or pouch and bring our daughter along. They all love her.
Do you feel like you have it harder than people your own age without children?	No, not really. There are people my age that are worse off. I don't have it hard at all, I love my life and family.
Are you happy with the decisions you have made? (Be honest. . .it's ok to feel bad, we all do sometimes)	I have given this question A LOT of though, not just now, but always and honestly, I am very happy with my life. My daughter and family were truly a gift from God and I am always thankful for them. I love them with all my heart and can't imagine my life without them.
What are your personal goals? (goals for yourself as an individual not as a mother)	I want to open our own family business someday, ice-cream shop or candy, not sure what yet.
Have your goals changed since you became a parent?	Yes, I'm not as self-centered as I use to be.
Do you feel that reaching your goals will be more difficult now that your a teen parent?	I feel that it will be easier for me. My daughter and family motivate me.
What would you tell a (school age) 12-18 year old girl that wanted to get pregnant?	To really REALLY think about it. There are ups and downs to having a baby, like everything else, but a baby is permanent. Once you get pregnant, you can not get it back. If you decide to not have it, you won't, but you will always wonder "what if you had had the baby." and that will always bother you. You should be in a stable relationship and be secure that you want a baby. Sure you are going to have long nights and you are going to cry and get your heart broken when your baby is crying and you can't make her stop, babies are a gift from God, you just have to be ready for them.
How do you think being a Young Mother has changed you?	I have become more responsible and smart, not just being a parent, but everything overall. Definately matured a lot more.
How do you think society looks upon teen pregnancy?	I do not like the way society looks upon teen pregnancy. Sure it is often a mistake, but not always. Some teens like myself and husband matured at a very young age and knew what we wanted, a family, and got it. Sure we were teens when we became parents, but we probably the happiest people the Earth when we first held our daughter and still get that feeling when we look at her today.
Why do you think there are so many teen parents?	Most teenagers are irresponsible and get pregnant from unprotected sex.
List 5 Pro's to being a teen Mother?	1)Become more responsible. 2)Mature faster. 3)You learn the meaning of unconditional Love first hand. 4)You become more caring. 5)Motivates you.
List 5 Con's to being a teen Mother?:	1)Midnight feedings. 2)Babysitters fees. 3)Dirty Diapers. 4)Less leisure time. 5)Cost of formula.
What do you expect to get out of being a member of Young Mothers?:	Advice from other mothers when I need a third opinion and just relating with other young mothers overall.
Today's Date:	July 10,2000