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Germinal Period
This period begins refers to the first two weeks (days 1-14) of prenatal growth. At this time, I begin to develop from a single cell after conception into an embryo and later a fetus. -
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Beginnings: Prenatal Development & Birth
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Embryonic Period
This period takes place from the third through eighth week after conception. At this time, my heart begins to beat, and my eyes, ears, and mouth begin to form. By the eighth week I have all of my basic organs, with exception of sex organs. -
Fetal Period
This period of prenatal development extends from the ninth week until birth. By the end of the third month, all of my organs and body structures have formed, including my sex organs. -
Birth
On October 15, 1993 around 11am, I was born a healthy baby girl at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. I made the fifth family member, including my parents and two older sisters. -
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First Two Years
In the first two years of my life I began to grow taller, gain weight, and increase in head circumference. My birthweight doubled by 4 months, tripled by 1 year, and quadrupled by 2 years. -
(0-2) Biosocial Development
During this time, I began to grow taller, gain weight, and increase in head circumference. As that occurred, my brain maturation increases and my motor skills improve.
I was finally able to sit up without any help! -
(0-2) Cognitive Development
During this time, my memory starts to improve. I begin to recognize people and develop a preference for certain people (especially my mom!). I also begin to develop language. First I started to babble, then began to understand words and gestures, and eventually I could even form short sentences on my own.
My mom has always said that I loved to be held and would always gesture this by raising my arms to her and my dad. I also spoke my first word, which to no surprise by me was "mama". -
(0-2) Psychosocial Development
During this time, I began to experience emotions including stranger awareness and separation anxiety. I also developed social bonds at this time. Unlike my sisters who developed indifferent attachment, I developed a secure attachment to my mother. At Little Tots daycare, I played well with others while my mom and dad were at work. -
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Early Childhood
This time period takes place from ages 2-6, also known as the "play years". -
(2-6) Biosocial Development
During this time, my brain and motor skills continued to develop and change. As I got older, I became less clumsy and more comfortable with my body movements. My favorite thing to do was play outside.
When I was 3, I kicked my very first soccer ball. Little did I know that I would end up paying soccer for 18 more years. -
(2-6) Cognitive Development
During this time, my language started to develop rapidly and my vocabulary increased dramatically. I began to understand things such as the concept of time as well as simple commands.
I was a very energetic and silly child. I was always running through the house, singing songs and playing games. Most of all I loved climbing all over , especially in public places. (That picture is actually me!) -
(2-6) Psychosocial Development
During this time frame, I learned to regulate and control my emotions depending on my feelings. I always tried to play with my two older sisters and their friends. However, when she would tell me to go away or how annoying I was, I quickly became angry and upset. -
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Middle Childhood
This time period refers to development occurring from ages 6-11. -
(6-11) Biosocial Development
Luckily, in early childhood I experienced little to no health problems. I also started to become a very good athlete during this time period, specifically with soccer. When I was 8 years old I joined my very first club travel soccer team, the Michigan Hawks. -
(6-11) Cognitive Development
At this time, I began elementary school where I started to academically advance. I started to understand logic and theory. My memory was excellent. I would recieve 100% on almost all of my spelling test, mostly because I could memorize the letters or sound it out in my head. I loved being able to hang my spelling test on the fridge in my house too! -
(6-11) Psychosocial Development
Although my parents still influenced me during this time period, I started to depend less on them and more on my friends from school. I also advanced morally, differentiating right from wrong. My friends and I influenced eachother so much, we would even plan to dress similar on some days. -
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Adolescence
The time frame of development that occurs between ages 11-18. -
Cognitive Development (11-18)
I began the transition from middle school and became a freshman in high school. -
Biosocial Development (11-18)
Puberty begins around this time. I had a major growth spurt & got my first period. -
Pyschosocial Development (11-18)
During this time, I begin to establish my own identity and discover more about who I am. I also had my first boyfriend. -
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Emerging Adulthood
The period between the ages of 18 and 25. -
Biosocial Development (18-25)
I became interested in running, therefore I began to routinely work out throughout the week and signed up for my first 5k. I also began to socially drink at college parties. -
Psychosocial Development (18-25)
I became slightly depressed due to the breakup with my boyfriend of 2 years. Thankfully, I had my bestfriends support every step of the way to help cheer me up. -
Cognitive Development (18-25)
After 4 years of hard work and studying, I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a bachelors degree in Health Science. -
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Adulthood
The time period between the ages of 25 and 65. -
Psychosocial Development (25-65)
I will get married to the love of my life and start a family. -
Biosocial Development (25-65)
My husband and I give birth to our first child. -
Cognitive Development (25-65)
I will graduate from a Doctorate of Nursing program & begin to practice medicine as a pediatric Nurse Practitioner. -
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Late Adulthood
The time period occurring after the age of 65 and beyond. -
Biosocial Development (65 & on)
I really begin to feel the wear and tear taking place due to my aging. I realize my increased risk for diseases such as cardiovascular disease and go to get a routine check-up. -
Cognitive Development (65 & on)
I watch my grandchildren grow up and play. However, my memory is deterorating and I begin to forget things. My eye sight is also starting to go. Therefore, I write things down to help me remember and I wear glasses to improve my eye sight. -
Psychosocial Development (65 & on)
I start to lose the ability to successfully maintain the activities of daily life. Therefore, my kids decide to put me into an assisted living facility. -
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Epilogue: Death & Dying
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Death (95 years old)
Unfortunately, my life comes to an end on this day. Although, I consider myself lucky for many reasons. I lived a long, successful life with the love of my life, kids, and grandkids.
