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Period: to
Prenatal development-birth
This period was marked by my mothers healthy pregnancy. It was the 70's when women still drank and smoked during pregnancy, thankfully mine did neither. I was not subjected to any teratogens to alter my normal development. Labor was complicated by a beech delivery, in which I did not descend head first but rather was turned sideways. For some reason, they were not able to administer any anesthesia thus literally being a severe pain to my mother since birth. :) -
Born Feb 7, 2015
After a difficult breech birth, I finally made my way into the world. -
Happy Birthday!
I was born healthy, with good Apgars at delivery, weighing 8lbs 12 oz and was 21.5 inches long. No concerns of low birth weight here. Though my mother needed some additional healing, those first hours were critical bonding time. -
Period: to
First Two Years
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My first steps
Learned to walk about 13 months shortly after my first birthday. (Biosocial-sensorimotor skills) -
First words
Was saying my first meaningful words at about 10 months, just before Christmas sometime. Momma, dadda, bye bye. (Cognitive-language) -
Potty Training
Sometime in the summer after I turned one, about 18 months, was potty trained. (psychosocial) -
Period: to
Early Childhood 2-5 yrs
Biosocial: Time period marked by slower growth rate, poor eating habits. I definitely did not like food. I was such a picky eater for as long as I can remember, until my 20's. Psychosocial: Raised by grandmother during these years, reflecting on her nuturing ways helped develop a prosocial behavior. I was a well behaved, sensitive child. -
Emotional Regulation
Children develop the ability to regulate their emotions during early childhood. They have more control over how they express emotions and how intense they respond. They also develop an understanding of what is acceptable displays of emotions through their cultural norms. I was a tearful child, still can cry easily, though my family are typically not cryers. (psychosocial) -
Language development
During early childhood, language development is the "premier accomplishment" according to our book. This period is marked rapid growth in vocabulary and grammar. Since a large portion of my family was from the south, I developed a bit of a southern drawl and spoke in phrases typical in southern culture such as y'all and yonder. (cognitive) -
First Day of School
The formal learning journey began as I started kindergarten. Was well on my way, could recognize shapes, colors. could count to 100 and recognized letters. Was shy, so my social skills were not great but seemed to make friends easily enough. -
Period: to
Middle Childhood 6-11 yrs
Marked by increased indepence and some peer influence but still primarily dependent on family. -
Language-reading and comprehension
Voracious reader. I loved reading and could spend hours at the library. I remember in third grade I was reading at a 6th grade level, my teacher made me read in front of the class. I still so shy, it was tortuous but I was proud of myself that I was able to do so. (cognitive) -
Music literacy
During the summer of 1979 my grandmother taught me how to read music and play the piano. Needless to say, I hadn't yet mastered it but could at least beat out a recognizable tune. She inspired a love of music in me. I went on to join band that following school year and played all through to my Senior year. -
Healthiest Years
General health of middle childhood is usually pretty good, as the book indicates any fatal illness would present by now and vaccines are up to date. Oral hygiene improves. Seems like those were the worst health years for me. Meningitis, constant runny nose, colds and ear infections, hospitalized for concussion from afall and terrible teeth despite good brushing. I think I had cavities in nearly every tooth and many baby teeth pulled, which I attribute to unflourinated well water. (biosocial) -
First major loss-maternal grandmother passes
I was 10 at the time, and just remember being really sad and feeling so bad for my mother and grandfather, who were devasted. As our textbook states age 7-11 are the prime years for developing morals and empathy, the ability to put yourself in someone elses position. -
Period: to
Adolescence 11-18 yrs
Psychosocial needs shift from family to friends. Marked by increased independence, onset of puberty, first loves, and other milestones in a young persons life. Biosocial: body changing from a child to an adult, increasing in size, developing secondary sex characteristics. I remember reading Judy Blume's "Are you there God, it's me Margaret"--for young girls this was getting their period, needing to buy bra's and crushes on boys. Thinking was more logical but often emotions overtook us. -
Onset of Puberty
This was the year for first crushes, development of true best friends, onset of menses and secondary sex characteristics. (Biosocial) -
Egocentric early teen years
As a typical adolenscent, My tween and early teen years were marked by placing signifigant importance on what others thought about me. I started wearing make up in 6th grade, was mortified if I had a pimple. Having the approval from my girlfriends, in how my hair looked, what I wore, the music I listened to etc; was very important to me during these years. (cognitive) -
First Love
The summer of my 15th year, I met my first love. He was a grade ahead of me. We continued to date through my Senior year. I remember being so heartbroken after our breakup. Though close with my family, it was friends that I turned to for support. (pyschosocial) -
Identity Development
From about 16-17years old, I started developing my own identity. I didn't care as much about what my friends thought. I had obvious opinions about who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. I thought I would be a school teacher. Although these ideas changed over time, the core of my values and principles were fairly solid. (pyschosocial) -
Vocational Identity: First Job
The summer of 1986, I got my first job. Little did I know then, that it would shape my life forever. I got a job at a nursing home, on the recommendation of a friend because it was close to home and I could walk there. Worked there for 8 years before finally deciding to switch majors from Elementary Education to Nursing. (pyschosocial) -
Peer relationships
My teen years were heavily influenced by my friends. There was a large group of kids in the neighborhood, who hung out regularly. Usually this was a constructive relationship though we may have expirimented with marijuana and alcohol. By 17, I was less influenced by them. I had begun working, had other interests and drifted away from childhood friends who's behaviors hadn't changed. Less sense of invincibility and egocentic behavior. Evidence of maturing frontal cortex (psychosocial/biosoci) -
Drivers License
Got my license after turning 17, was nervous and excited. Gaining new independence and additional responsibilities. -
Period: to
Emerging Adulthood 18-25 years
Emerging adulthood is the age of Post Formal Thought, with dialectical thinking along with the ability combine objective and subjective thinking into reasoning. Being employed brought many more influences into my life, working with a diverse group of people of varying ages, backgrounds and ethnicity. (cognitive) -
Start of College
Began, what seems like a lifetime of education, my college career. I had technically graduated a semester early from high school, which was approved because I started college at Schoolcraft that spring semester. I went to my highschool prom and commencements as a college student, which was not very common at that time. -
High School Graduation
Senior year: Graduated in January, started college that Spring. Attended prom and walked in commencements that May. Though independent in most ways, still lived at home and relied on my mother for housing and food. -
Health
This time span marks the healthiest years of adulthood. I was in great shape,healthy weight, exercised regularly, often rode my bike to work, and still didn't have a great passion for food as a picky eater. I could handle my job well as a nurse assistant, which was physically demanding, with heavy lifting and being on my feet all day. And oh, did my skin look great! No wrinkles or sun spots. My primary reason for going to the doctors was for birthcontrol and annual PAP smears. (biosocial) -
Legal Age of Drinking
The year I turned 21, I had already been drinking for a few years, though nothing too extreme, I had already experienced my share of hangovers. Went through several years, enjoying weekend libations on a semi-regular basis, as many young adults do. Though maintained employment and remained in college without interference (albeit I may have veered from my courses from time to time, it was not in relation to drinking). (psychosocial) -
Time Management
Time management is a cognitive development that typically formulates during emerging adulthood and further mastered in adulthood. I'm not sure that I've quite mastered that. I still struggle with time management and am late for practically everything despite recognizing the importance and significance. I certainly can prioritize, I just seem to always be running behind. -
Period: to
Adulthood 25-65 years
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Nursing Graduation
Completed the LPN program at Schoolcraft college. Marking my true journey into Adulthood, graduating college, starting my nursing career, and purchasing my own house. -
Vocational Identity: New Job, New Career
After completing the LPN program and passing my board exams, it was time to find a "real job". Feeling an official grown up, I got a nursing job at Glacier Hills. I was working fulltime for the first time in my life. (psychosocial) -
Devastating loss of Paternal grandmother
Unlike with my other grandmother passed, when I was young, this was devastating to me. I was closest to my paternal grandmother than anyone, having lived with her from the time I was one until I was 12. As an adult the loss was more difficult, perhaps having a fully developed brain to understand the finality and significance, having forged those bonds for such a long time. (psychosocial) -
Health Changes-Vision
The year I turned 30, I had to get my first pair of glasses for nearsightedness. I had to quit wearing contacts by age of 40 due to the inabilty to accommodate distance well. I couldn't read things close up with them. Now I find, I have a hard time with or without glasses close up, and may be facing bifocals. (biosocial) -
Job Change
I am a creature of habit and don't like a lot of change typically but was ready to expand my nursing skills beyond the Nursing Home. I was offered a job at the University of Michigan, in an outpatient clinic. It was a great career move with so much potential. -
Vocational Identity: Job Change- from worker to leader
I had been working in a nursing role either as a nurse assistant or LPN since 1986. It was time to stretch my abilities. An opportunity arouse to move out of a nursing role into a management position with increased salary and responsibility. A challenge I welcomed. (pyschosocial) -
Family
Marks the year I started a family, when I brought home my three nieces to raise. (pyschosocial) -
Health-Shape and Agility
By the age of 25 or so, I discovered I loved food, of all kinds. Being a very picky eater my whole life, my taste matured and enjoyed things I had never before. Given the change in my eating habits and more sedentary life, I began to pack on the pounds in my early 30's. I've gone up and down in weight over the last 15 years, at my heaviest again now. (biosocial) -
Graduation EMU
Graduation from EMU with my Bachelors of Health Administration, opening up career opportunities that I wouldn't have otherwise had. Took on an additional clinic to manage and a bump in salary (and even more responsibility) -
Health-Physical Changes
When 40 rolled around, I started to feel and look old. Much more graying hair, wrinkles around my eyes and forehead. I noticed some sunspots on my face too. I was a long lover of the sun and though my face regrets it now, I love the warmth and glow from it. (biosocial) -
Father passed away
Heartbreaking loss. I helped my father quite a bit over the last few years of his life due to weakness from emphysema. I think I was more prepared for him to go becuase he had suffered for so long and had such a poor quality of life due to limits of his breathing. (pyschosocial) -
End of Reproductive years
In April of 2015, I had a hysterectomy after many years struggling with fibroids, cysts, anemia and other issues associated. It was a difficult decision, as I had no children of my own. I always thought I would have a large family but by 45 years old, not in a committed relationship I felt the time had come. (biosocial and pyschosocial) -
Vocational Identity: Career change/back to school
After working in Management for 10 years, decided it was time to complete my RN degree and return to my passion in nursing. (cognitive) -
Health-Menopause
Despite my hysterectomy last year, I have one ovary still so did not go into immediate menopause. I think I am now entering menopause. Hot flashes and sleep disturbance are new symptoms these past few months. It may be time to think about calcium and Vitamin D supplements to stave off osteoporosis. (biosocial) -
Health-overall
Despite being overweight, I have no real physical ailments. My blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are all excellent. I am acutely aware that I need to get in better shape now before that changes thus am on that journey again now, hopefully for the longterm. (biosocial). -
Post Menopausal
I suspect by early next year, I will be officially post-menopausal. Though I had a hysterectomy last year, one ovary remains. But I've started with hot flashes recently and some moodiness that I can attribute to the change of life. (biosocial) -
Vocational: RN completion
As long as I get into the LPN-RN ladder program this fall, I should be once again changing jobs into an RN position. This will afford me more job security being in the union, job opportunities and increase in salary. -
Intimacy and Committed Partner
Here's to hope that there is still love to be found. After many years of terminal relationships perhaps I can find one that will stick. I like the idea of growing old with someone, perhaps my Mr. Right is still out there. (pyschosocial) -
Retirement Planning
I figure I will do some more formal planning next year once I've moved into an RN position. I'll be part of the union, making more money and will need to adjust my retirement contributions to plan for my retirement. (psychosocial) -
Children Graduating college-empty nesting
My first child should be graduating college, the second with two years left and on their way to independance. I'll be an empty nester, which I foresee being a difficult transition for me. (psychosocial) -
Aging Parent
Anticipate a time when I will be responsible for the care of my aging mother. Who is now a vibrant active soon-to-be 70 year old. It's difficult to imagine her anything less. (pyschosocial) -
Morbidities
Developing a little hypertension, that will need to be addressed and treated to avoid further complications. (biosocial) -
The aging brain
There will be a time as we've said in nursing for years that my synapses won't be snapping as well. Cognition will slow. Multitasking is already becoming increasingly difficult and I can't remember a litany of things like I used to ten years ago. (biosocial) -
Period: to
Late Adulthood 65+
Retirement, Decreased cognition, onset dementia, multiple health issues common at this age, decreased mobility, size shrinks, muscles weaker. But still can be vibrant members of society and offer years of experience and knowledge to younger generations. Anticipated age of death 93. -
Loss of mother
Another heartbreaking loss, both parents will be gone. Had been able to care of mom for quite a while at home before her passing. Was thankful I was able to do so. (pyschosocial) -
Retirement
Plan to retire from U of M nursing at the age of 67. (pyschosocial) -
Knee replacement
My aging body needs a minor tune-up, getting a knee replacement. (biosocial) -
Published Book
In my retirement years, I'll keep my mind active by writing a childrens illustrated book. I like to tell stories to my young nieces and nephews. There are a couple we keep saying I should write out and print. -
Health-Hearing Aids
Also using hearing aids now as my hearing is failing. (biosocial) -
Volunteer work
Volunteer in the old folks home to help with laundry for seniors. Also will volunteer in the neonatal units to hold and rock the babies. (pyschosocial) -
Aging in Place
I will be a mobile independant elderly woman and stay in my own home, until I can no longer drive and larger household chores become too strenous. (pyschosocial) -
Health-Accessory needs
Using a walker now to steady gait, with weakened strength. (biosocial) -
Driving surrendered
I'm optimistic that I will be able to drive into my 80's as well but anticipate with failing vision and hearing, along with slowing reflexes, it will be time to surrender my drivers license. (pyschosocial and biosocial) -
Aging in Place/transition
I will age in place, maintaining my own home until into my late 80's. But then needing help with larger house hold chores and yard work plus not being able to drive anylonger, I will move in with one of my nieces.(biosocial and psychosocial) -
Cognition
Will experience increased difficulties with memory loss. (cognitive) -
Death
May I rest in peace, knowing I lived a full and loved life. Predicting I die peacefully from a bout of pneumonia that my old frail body couldn't recover from. (biosocial)