My Life!

By marsdenr
  • Period: to

    Prenatal/ Birth Period

  • My Conception

    I am a zygote! Within hours, I (a single cell) will begin duplicating my genes and dividing.

  • I am a blastocyst.

    I have formed two distinct parts: a shell that is a placenta and a nucleus that will become "embryonic me".

  • I have developed buds that will become my arms and legs.

  • My fingers have separated.

  • My toes have separated.

  • I have developed sex organs.

    If my parents want to (but they don't), they could find out that I have two X chromosomes via ultrasound!
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    My brain is growing in size and is rapidly developing neurons and synapses.

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    My lungs are maturing and are exercised as they begin to expand and contract.

  • I can hear my Mother! I am beginning to be aware of the taste of her food and her behavior patterns.

    I am starting to hear my Mother's heartbeat, and I can hear when she talks and sings! Luckily for me, I am beginning to register the taste of her ice cream, which she craved throughout her pregnancy with me. It is a good thing that Mom is not too stressed. Her calm emotions are keeping me calm and my heartbeat steady. Mom isn't very stressed out

  • Preparation for birth

    My brain is releasing oxytocin in preparation for my birth.

  • I'm born!

    I'm born around 5am, at a 10 on the Apgar scale! I am pink and screaming so vigorously that I have to be kept in my mother's room throughout the night so that I don't wake the other babies.

  • I am beginning to form a bond with my mother and father.

    My parents are excited that I'm here! My Dad is especially happy that I arrived on his father's (my grandfather's) birthday.
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    First Two Years

  • I recognize and prefer the sound of the English language.

  • I understand that lip movements coordinate with the sound of voices.

  • My first smile.

    I can now view and comprehend individual faces. This smile is a result of perception rather than a random facial expression.

  • I can now sit unsupported.

  • I can recognize distinct English words, like "Mom" and "Dad".

  • I cry when I realize that Mom and Dad are leaving.

    I have separation anxiety!

  • My first word!

    My first word was "no".

  • I am beginning to experiment with the world around me.

    I push buttons at random and spill my milk just to see what will happen! These experiments are not well thought out.

  • I am beginning to learn social cues that will help me get what I want and to express what I dislike.

    For example, when Mom tries to feed peas to me, I firmly close my mouth and look away.
  • Period: to

    Early Chldhood

  • I can feed myself.

    I am becoming more independent, and can perform physical tasks such as feeding myself, running, and climbing the stairs.

  • I am learning how to play with (rather than around) kids my age.

  • My first dance recital

    My first dance recital was to the "Hokey Pokey". I scared the crowd by running to the edge of the stage to make sure that my parents were watching me!

  • I can spell my own name without help!

  • I am learning that the world is complex.

    I remember thinking that day and night occurred because the sun and the moon took turns rising everyday. I asked my Dad if this theory was correct, and he explained that the earth rotates around the sun. I found this fascinating, and think of this experience as the first time I understood that the world is more complex than my immediate experience within it.

  • I won the hoola-hooping contest in my kindergarten "field day" competition.

    I am becoming more coordinated and I've learned how to keep the hoola-hoop around my waist for an extended period of time.

  • My first day of kindergarten.

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    Middle Childhood

  • I read my first chapter book.

    I am quickly learning to read. I love reading chapter books like "the Bailey School Kids" and "Ramona".

  • My parents divorce.

    My parents did their best to minimize the impact of their divorce on my brother and I, but this was the first time I became aware of the social complexity of families. As the oldest child, I felt responsible for sheltering my younger brother from the divorce and caring for him when my Mom returned to work.

  • I build an electrically wired mini-house in my science class.

    I can now apply information that I have learned about concepts like electricity.
  • Period: to

    Adolescence

  • Sex Education

    The dreaded sex education class, where the teacher tells me and my classmates about (the dreaded) changes that our bodies will undergo during puberty.

  • I get my first cell phone.

    Now I can talk to my friends anytime I want to.

  • Sleep deprivation

    Class starts at 7:00am, but I stay up until 2:00am every night chatting with friends on instant messanger. We all arrive to class late, and can't help but fall asleep. Why can't school start later?!

  • I create a Facebook account.

    Now I'm spending way more time talking to friends than I should. Homework, what homework?

  • I take the ACT.

    I am lucky enough to attend a great school district. My scores are pretty good, and can get me into any of the schools I'd like to attend.
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    I argue with my parents frequently.

    In general, my parents and I have a good relationship, but I hate being told what to do!

  • I change my religious identity.

    I upset my parents by telling them I am agnostic, and no longer describe myself as Catholic

  • I attend my first party with alcohol.

    My parents wouldn't be thrilled if they found out. I only drink when I don't have to drive, and I'm careful not to drink too much. I just can't resist the social event!

  • I begin applying for colleges.

    I want to get into Michigan State University. Great school, and just far enough away from home.

  • Prom!

    I go to prom with the guy who becomes my first boyfriend.
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    Emerging Adulthood

  • I begin college at Michigan State University

  • I become a vegetarian.

    I become a vegetarian for a variety of health and ethical reasons. My vegetarianism only lasts about a year, but my healthy eating changes last indefinitely.

  • I care too much about my weight.

    I reach a BMI of 16.4 before I realize I need more calories.

  • I switch my major to Comparative Cultures and Politics.

    Finally, I've found a major that challenges me to think critically and creatively. My morals and understanding of the world will change drastically over the next few years, thanks to my curriculum and peers.

  • I feel comfortable with my identity

    After a series of "crises", I finally feel completely comfortable being me, just how I am!

  • I begin my first job.

    I begin working as a Project Associate at Arbor Research Collaborative for Health.

  • I go back to school for a Masters in Nursing.

  • Period: to

    Adulthood

  • My Wedding.

  • My first child is born.

  • I finish my PhD in Medical Anthropology.

    I learned a lot writing my dissertation!

  • My second child is born.

  • My first wrinkle!

    I have my first wrinkle. but its ok, I've earned it!

  • My kids leave for college.

  • My Mom and Dad move nearby.

    They took care of me when I was a child, and now it's my turn to take care of them.

  • I become a yoga instructor

    My kids no longer live at home, but I enjoy staying active. Becoming a yoga insttructor is a great way to stay social, too!

  • My first Grandchild is born.

  • Period: to

    Late Adulthood

  • I take a painting class and begin piano lessons.

    I have always wanted to take a painting class and to learn how to play the piano. Now that I am thinking about retirement, I can start these new artistic projects!

  • I retire.

  • I begin volunteering at a literacy center.

    I always liked working as a volunteer tutor at a literacy tutor when I was an undergraduate student, so I decide to get involved in this work again as a retiree!

  • My ability to learn about new technology is waning.

    My Grandaughter is trying to teach me how to use new computer technology, but I am finding it difficult to learn. Nonetheless, I am still interested in learning new things. I guess it's a good thing that I've developed patience!

  • My memory isn't what it once was.

    I am beginning to forget things more often than I used to. My working memory has suffered the most. I sometimes have trouble processing sensations and words quickly.

  • I am no longer able to drive.

    I have never been a great driver, so when my children told me that I probably shouldn't drive anymore, I agreed with little resistance!

  • My husband and I move into an assisted living home.

  • I die.

    I develop pneumonia. I ask for palliative care, am given morphine, and have a chance to say goodbye to my family.