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Prenatal Development
Here marks my journey into the world. I am conceived and begin implantation into my mommy's uterus, where I can be nourished and protected on my journey of development. -
Prenatal Development
Although my mommy is young, she can tell something is different by now. She discovers that she is pregnant and becomes overcome with emotions of joy, fear and excitement. She may be going through some changes, but I am going through changes of my own. I am now considered an embryo as my eyes, ears, nose and mouth begin to develop. My legs, feet, fingers and toes also begin to emerge. I feel something in my chest begin to pulsate. Later, I will discover that this is my heart. <3 -
Prenatal Development
I am now in the third trimester and developing just beautifully. My mommy receives proper prenatal care, maintains a healthy diet and drinks lots of milk! Because she is young and healthy, I have a low risk for Down Syndrome. She has the support of my father and her family, so this low stress level also helps me to develop well. -
A Star is Born!
On 8/09 at 8:09 am, I was pushed out of my mother's womb and into my grandmother's hands, literally! The doctor stepped out of the room and told my granny to catch me if he wasn't back in time and that is exactly what she did! Oh, look!
There he is...I've heard his voice for months now, but now I finally get to see my daddy's face! I am surrounded by family and loved ones. What a beautiful and joyous occassion! -
First Two Years: Cognitive Development
Vibrant colors and moving objects hold my attention. I love watching Barney and Seasame Street. My family is surprised as I am entering the "Name Explosion" phase. They don't realize that's what it is. They just know I can name almost all of my family members and favorite foods. -
First Two Years: Psychosocial Development
I'm such a big girl now! I can use the potty all by myself! I have learned trust and autonomy. My caregivers are pleased that I have a calm temperment. I notice my parents' and others' actions and I am taking note of it, teaching myself how to do certain things. -
First Two Years: Biosocial Development
My, how time flies! At least that what my mommy says. She can't believe I'm two already. Genetics can be to blame for my growth spurt! I am told I am "tall for a two year old" but I think I am just right! Because I was breastfed, I received all the vital nutrients as a growing infant and my motor skills are right on target. You can more often than not, catch me singing and dancing! -
Early childhood: Biosocial Development
My "gross motor skills" as they call it, are developing nicely-- I can ride a bike, play catch and play on the swings in the park! -
Early Childhood: Cognitive Development
Mommy takes me to preschool everyday and I love it here! The social interaction and learning has really helped with my language learning. I have about 3.00-10,000 words in my vocabulary now! -
Early Childhood: Psychosocial Development
Sociodramatic play is my favorite past time... I love to play barbies, teacher, house, and doctor. I can play by myself or with my cousins and friends. I have quite the imagination! The "My Size Barbie" and Barbie Jeep I got for Christmas are among my favorite toys to play with. -
Middle Childhood: Psychosocial Development
I am sad and feeling a little stressed. My mommy and daddy are seperating and he is moving out. I'm going to miss having my dad here with me everyday but I am resilient. I am making the best of the situation and putting on a happy face for my parents. Other than this incident, I am a very outgoing, happy and confident 6 year old! My family structure has changed but not their love for me. I still smile, play with my friends and love life! -
Middle Childhood: Biosocial Development
I am very conscious of personal hygiene and oral care. I love to take showers and brush my teeth twice a day. I am proud that I don't have any cavities!. -
Middle Childhood: Psychosocial
I value family, friends and education. At this point, I am becoming midful of what other kids think of me. I do not want to be too different from them. Therefore, I sometimes tell them my name is not really "MarLanna", instead it is a more common name, like Ashley or Jessica. -
Middle Childhood: Cognitive Development
I love to learn and have fun time with my friends. My vocabulary is expanding. Believe it or not, one of the words I know is "encyclopedia", thanks to my big cousin, Brandon! "Hola" and "Adios" are also words I know as my school teaches Spanish as a second language. Education is important to me and I try to use memorization strategies to help me remember all of the information I learn. -
Middle Childhood: Psychosocial Development
Although I've lived with my mommy at my grandmother's house all of my life, now it's just me and my granny. My mommy has moved into her own place and is getting married. My grandparents have gained custody of me. Despite this change, I still maintain a relationship with both of my parents and I love them both! I don't fully understand it now but in due time I will understand that this is what's best for me! -
Middle Childhood: Psychosocial Development
My baby sister is here! I am so excited to have a sibling. I was the only child for 10 years. I cannot wait to play with her and teach her everything I know. I love her so much already! -
Middle Childhood: Psychosocial Development
Wow! I'm a big sister again... This time by my dad and it's a boy! I have a little brother now and once again, I am very excited to love him with all my heart! -
Adolescence: Biosocial Development
I think my growth spurt is finally over! I stand at 5'9 at age 16. I have been told many times I should model and it is something that I am interested in. Besides that, I seem to have a high metabolism. I eat all that I want and I don't really gain weight. My grandmother tells me this is something I will have to watch for in the future because it may catch up to me. I know that she is right but I am enjoying the freedom for now. -
Adolescence: Cognitive Development
My dual process model of cognition has developed. I have two modes of thinking-- intuitive, which I use on an everyday basis and analytic, which I use when deeper thought is required. This helps me to analyze situations and make better decisions. -
Adolescence: Psychosocial Development
By this time, I have 3 little sisters, 3 little brothers, 1 step sister and 2 step brothers. I know that I have to set a good example with school and the decisions I make in life because I am their role model. -
Emerging Adulthood: Biosocial Development
I feel a lot more comfortable with my height now that I am older. Also at this age, I am experiencing mood disorders. I have a few issues with my mom and realize I am taking it out on the wrong people. This is something that I am working to improve. -
Emerging Adulthood: Cognitive Development
An emotionally charged event has caused my complex thinking to degrade a bit. For the most part, I am feeling a lot of resentment. However, I have been able to forgive and move forward. I have gone from thesis to antithesis to synthesis thinking. I learned that life is not always perfect. It's about growth and adaptation. -
Emerging Adulthood: Cognitive Development
I know that many people my age have delayed discount but not me. I am always planning ahead and thinking about my future. I plan to attend college, work while in school and graduate. I also want to get married and have children soon after graduation. -
Emerging Adulthood: Psychosocial Development
I am still with the man that I've been with since age 16. I am in love and our love dimension is all inclusive-- friendship and committment. The sort of ideal love style. I am looking forward to marriage, children and a life of love and happiness. -
Adulthood: Biosocial Development
I do my best to maintain my appearance. I eat a balanced diet and exercise. This helps maintain my skin and hair. My hearing and vision are in good condition. I regularly get check ups. My fertility will be affected by age 30, so I plan to have another child soon. -
Adulthood: Cognitive Development
I am highly intelligent and mature. I have chosen an occupation that allows me to help people and understand their needs. I have had many experiences and I am an expert in my field. I fully enjoy my work. -
Adulthood: Psychosocial Development
I have been married for 9 wonderful years and have two beautiful chidlren. I love my family and the bond that we share. We encourage open communication and trust. -
Adulthood: Biosocial Development
I have gained a little weight by this age. However, I am eating right and still exercising. For the most part, I deal with the stresses of life with problem-focused coping--attacking the situation head on and confronting the problem. -
Adulthood: Psychosocial Development
I feel like I may be having a "mid life crisis". My children are all grown up and moved out. I know that I raised them right but I question if I've done everything I set out to do. But I know I have. More than anything I wanted a marriage, a family and a succcessful career. I have all of those things in abundance and I couldn't be more happier. I love my life and my family. At this age, my happiness is high and steady. -
Late Adulthood: Biosocial Development
At this age, I strive to keep my blood pressure low as cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Knowing this, I keep an eye on my husband's blood pressure as well. I do have a family history of high blood pressure so I know it is something that I have to watch out for. Also, to maintain good health, I exercise regularly and do not smoke. I do find that my sleep patterns are changing lately... I am awake before dawn and frequently take naps during the day. -
Late Adulthood: Cognitive Development
I am now 80 years and noticing a slow down in my brain functioning but I refuse to accept this! I regularly do activities to sharpen and enhance my mind.This training carefully targets my needs and abilities. My father's dad developed Alzheimers disease and I do not want to do the same. It would not be pleasant for myself or my family. Therefore, I will continue to do everything in my power to remain sharp and witty! -
Late Adulthood: Psychosocial Development
I have gained intergrity instead of despair. I am happy with my life, family and career and I feel that I am whole. Following retirement, I spent my time volunteering, mentoring and caring for my home. But now it is time for my husband and I to join an assisted living (AL) facility. We have a loving and great relationship with our children and grandchildren but we feel that it would be best for everyone to join an AL facility. It is a safer environment and has on call help available. -
Death and Dying
At age 95, I have come to terms with my life. I love my husband, family, friends, and career. I have no regrets. I can accept the fact that death may be near and if it is so, I want my family to celebrate my life, love and legacy. Laying in the arms of the love of my life, I can feel his love surrounding me as I take my last breath. I smile as I think of all the joyous years we've had together. I wouldn't want to live it or end it any other way. Our souls are at peace and together for eternity.