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Prenatal Development & Birth
I was a full term baby born at 40 weeks gestation. 7 pounds, 13 ounzes, 20 inches long at 11:34am on February 13, 1981. My mother had no maternity complications and had routine doctor visits. -
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The First Two Years
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Biosocial
I was in the 50% for height and weight during my first year of life. I slept all the time and was a great napper. My mother had me get all the immunizations that were required at the time. -
Cognitive
My first word was Da-Da. I did not have a naming exlosion at 18 months old, it wasn't until I was two when I started talking more. -
Psychosocial
I had terrible separation anxiety. My parents had the neighbor friend take care of me during the day and I cried everytime for months. I had a secure attachment with my parents while at the babysitters house. -
First Two Years
Age Newborn to 2
Took first step on 1st birthday but didn't walk again for several months! -
The Play Years
Ages 2-6 -
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The Play Years
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Biosocial
My mom said I had excellent nutritional habits and snacked all the time. I definitely became left handed and the only left handed person in the entire extended family! I was always on the go and had enough energy to go around. -
Cognitive
I was kind of a shy child and at this age my mother said I wasn't talking as much as other 5 year olds. I started Kindergarten and loved it! -
Psychosocial
I showed prosocial behavior at this stage towards my younger brother. I didn't show any aggrestion towards him until I was older and he was old enough to realize what was going on.
Parents used authoritative parenting style to my brother and I. -
The School Years
Ages 7 to 11 -
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The School Years
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Biosocial
I was in the 95% of weight classing me as obese. I joined the basketball team during this stage and disliked gym class. I was involved in neighborhood games such as flag football, riding bikes, building forts with piles of leaves and much more. -
Cognitive
During this stage, I can remember learning about the Presidents and knowing them in order. I developed an excellent memory and was able to do very well in school because of this. I was very good at establishing memory aids and using them to help me learn. During this time, I wasn't exposed to a second language but I do remember doing a book report on Japan and having an ethnic lunch. -
Psychosocial
I come from a nuclear family and had a peer group of about 5 girlfriends. I compared myself to them and followed them. This is the time when I was also bullied from boys my age about being overweight. My friendship was strong with the girls I hung around with so that got me through it. -
Adolescence
Ages 12-17
Adolescence was such a hard time of my life! During this time I was overweight, went through puberty, started high school, got a drivers license, had my first boyfriend along with my first heartbreak. -
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Adolescence Years
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Biosocial
Puberty began and never had any problems with nutrition. I loved all kinds of food and had parents who cooked a variety of foods.
I would be part of the statistic in the large U.S. survey who drank and tried cigerettes during this age. One thing I didn't do were drugs. I never followed my teenage friends when it came to drugs. I made sure to never put myself in that position. -
Cognitive
Adolescent egocentrism is exactly what happened to me! Appearance was everything. I always wondered what others thought about me.
I was a motivated student when it came to homework. I enjoyed doing class projects and going to class. -
Psychosocial
I had achieved my identity during my late adolescent years. I knew I wanted to be a nurse and help others,
I experiernced peer selection during freshman year in high school. Stopped my friendship with a girl who started doing drugs, drinking alcohol and never listened to her parents. It was hard but I got a new group of friends.
I had a two year relationship with my first boyfriend and when he broke my heart, I thought my world had ended. -
Emerging Adulthood
Ages 18-25
This part of my life was fun but leaving me no choice than to grow up. I graduated high school, dated a few men, moved out of my parents, graduated college, became a registered nurse and got married. -
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Emerging Adulthood
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Biosocial
I exercised more during this age range than any other as well as eating healthier. Learning about nutrition helped me understand whats good for you versus foods that are not. My BMI was 23. For a short time, I did experience anorexia but developed a lot of migraines so I over came that. -
Cognitive
Having parents with no college degree and struggled with jobs gave me the insight that college is not a choice. I had set goals, morals and values to get me through college. -
Psychosocial
I met my husband at age 22 and we lived together for 3 years before getting married. I strived for my independence otherwise I would've waited until we got married to move out of my parents. -
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Adulthood
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Adulthood
Ages 25-65
This part of my life is full of responsibilities and lets me be in control of everything. Having the opportunity to work full time, raise two children with my husband, buy a house and help my parents with their health conditions. -
Biosocial
I think that when I am 50, I will feel like 50. I am already weak and tired at age 30, I can imagine it being a lot worse in 20 years.
I will focus on preventing wrinkles, getting enough sleep, seeing my doctor regularly and eating right to keep my BMI down.
Menopause will occur in early 50's like my mother and it will involve lots of hot flashes and mood swings. -
Cognitive
I don't recall every taking an IQ test but after learning about all the different forms of intelligence, I agree with Spearmans theory. I think an IQ test consists of vocabulary, memory, and reasoning. That covers every category to validate an IQ. -
Psychosocial
No need to worry about my "social clock" at this point. I got married at age 25, had two kids before age 30 and finished degree at age 31.
I will definitely have a life filled with stress. Both major and minor stresses including finances, taking care of parents and paying for my childrens college.
I hope during this stage, my brother and I become closer and are able to enjoy one another's family. -
Late Adulthood
Ages 65- Estimated death at age 82
This is a stage I'm definitely not looking forward to! I expect to feel depressed, lonely and uncomfortable. I try and think positive but I'm not looking forward to elderspeak, being known as geriatric and delaing with health issues. -
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Late Adulthood
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Biosocial
I will have high blood pressure (because I already have high cholesterol) and will have cardiac disease because of my family history.
I think I will have to bother my children to drive me around and take me my doctors appt along with getting me groceries. -
Cognitive
My health might be on the poor side as well as my energy but my memory will be great! I will have a working memory and be able to process everything. Dementia and alzheimer's will not be a factor in my life. -
Psychosocial
I hope to retire by age 70. I certainly couldn't do it alone, so I hope my husband will retire then with me. I hope to retire and live in the home I raised our children in. Because I will retire from the hospital, I see myself volunteering there and making the popcorn like they do at my current job!
I hope not to lose my spouse until long after retirement. I do think I will be a widow and that's where my depression and loneiness come in. -
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Epilogue - Death and Dying
82 years old-pass away -
Death and Dying
Estimate of passing due to heart conditions at age 82. I think I will pass from heart problems because of being diagnosed at a young age with high cholesterol and family history of cardiac problems. My wishes are to donate organs if possible and to be cremated. If need be, I would like hospice care to assist with my death allowing me to be as comfortable as possible.