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Lauren Elise Blackley Life Line
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Birthday!
On a rainy day in Cincinnati, I was born at 7:18 am. I am the first child to Steve and Joan, the third grandchild to both sets of grandparents and the first niece to most of my aunts and uncles. I was born via cesaerean section due to my breech presentation, one week prior to my original due date. -
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First Two Years
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9 month check up
I was in the 90th percentiles for height and weight in my early years. I got my immunizations according to schedule and was babbling a lot! -
1st Birthday!
My extended family came down to Philadelphia to celebrate. I had my own cake which I ate by myself, despite my underdeveloped fine motor skills :) -
Walking
I started to walk just after my first birthday. Luckily I had two great big dogs to help me with my balannce, and also to be gentle. -
Sensitive Moment!
I went to pull on my Mimi's (grandma) curtains and my mother kindly said "no no." I burst into tears thinking I had misbehaved. My mother felt terrible! -
Ross is born!
My little brother was born when I was 22 months old! He was a chunky baby at 10 lbs 14 oz -
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The Play Years
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5 Year Old Boosters
I got my booster shots and immunizations for kindergarten at age 5. At that time, I was still in the 90th percentile for height but not weight. I really liked chicken dipped in ketchup and Tang! -
Jennifer White
I came home from my first day of kindergarten and told my mom about my new best friend. "Her name is Jennifer White and she is black and my name is Lauren Blackley and I am orange." -
Swings
Everyday after kindergarten I would get off the bus and swing on my swingset for 5 minutes before coming inside. It was my own way of unwinding after a full day of learning and stress at school -
Halloween
I got to pick out my own Halloween costume this year! This was a big milestone for me having some control over my choice of clothing. My parents took us around the neighborhood being sure to keep us close but still allowing me to explore as a kindergartener. -
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The School Years
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Talented and Gifted
I tested into the talented and gifted program through my public schools. My parents chose not to put me in as I was not socially ready to deal with older kids. -
Basketball
I started playing basketball when I was 8 and I continued through middle school. It kept me active and healthy and gave our family something to bond over as my brother played too. -
Starting 5th Grade
I started 5th grade this year and started to prepare for the upcoming change of school buildings and a transition to middle school. We started talking about joining sports teams in middle school and the increased demand on our homework schedules -
Bully
I only had one issue with other kids when I was younger and it was with a group of girls. They decided I was not good enough and they would all disclude me from their groups. Luckily I made some other good friends in the process! -
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Adolescence
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Marching Band
I started marching band in 2002 and it kept me out of trouble throughout high school. It kept me active and busy and in really great shape! -
1st Drug Experience
My first experience with drugs in my life was in my second year of high school. An older classmate offered me marijuana during a science class. Wanting to seem cool, I thaned him and said I was "good for now" knowing full well I wanted nothing to do with the situation. -
1st Serious Boyfriend
I started dating my first serious boyfriend when I was 17. My relationship was immature at first, but lasted 4 years and we grew together. -
ACT
I scored a 28 on my ACT which allowed me to apply to some good universities in Michigan. My math teachers had really prepared me well and I scored highest in this category. -
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Emerging Adulthood
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21st Birthday!
For my 21st birthday, I had just gotten dumped by my boyfriend of almost 4 years. I was pretty crushed but still managed to go out and have a good time. I got very inebriated and went dancing with all of my friends. Some great guy friends had my back that night! I was and am really lucky!! -
Graduate from College!
I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2010! My boyfriend and I watched President Barack Obama give our graduation speech! It was a really exciting time. -
Yoga
I started doing yoga when I graduated college and was no longer walking to classes. It helps me relieve stress and keep physically active. -
Jennie and Matt get married
My boyfriend and I had our first wedding of our close friends in 2012. Matt just graduated law school and Jennie is an engineer at Dow. It is just the first of many! -
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Adulthood
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Wedding
Cody and I got married in Michigan after dating for 5 years. We are living in Tucson, AZ. -
First Baby
Cody and I have our first baby, a boy we name Spencer Robert Martin. My family came down from Michigan to help us out. It was really special to have my own brother there to participate in my child's first weeks of life. Cody was a great support and we enjoyed the first days and weeks together, despite a lack of sleep! -
Become a CNP
After getting my Master's Degree in Nursing, I went back to school and became a Pediatric Nurse Practioner. It keeps me active all day long and on top of my family's health. -
Spencer graduates high school
Our oldest son graduated from high school! We enjoyed the experience and were nostalgic about our own experiences in our education as well as Spencer's own life growing up!! -
First pet for the kids
We got the kids their first dog of their own. It was a black laborador retriever that we named Albus. He was 6 weeks old Christmas Day and the kids were really happy! -
Buy a cottage
We buy a beach house for our children to visit in the summers when they are home from college. We made it big enough for all 4 to have their own rooms. -
25th Anniversary
Cody and I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We spent it on the beach in Mexico just enjoying each others company. -
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Late Adulthood
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Retirement
Cody retires from engineering! We have a party and I promptly ask him to start working on the house. -
Trip to Europe
Cody and I go back to Europe where we got engaged and dtoured for 2 weeks. We started to feel our ages with all the walking that we did and it was definitely a challenge but it was an emotional achievement. -
Christmas
We all went to Mexico for Christmas this year! We celebrated drinking margaritas on the beach and salsa dancing. -
Walking on the beach
We enjoy beach walks after dinner to spend time together as well as keep our muscles moving. We discussed a trip to visit our daughter on this evening. -
Death
I died in my sleep with my dog laying next to me.