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2 Prenatal Influences
My mom did not consume anything that could pose a risk to me while she was pregnant including caffine. She also refused to receive an epidural in order to decrease any risks of complications to me during labor. -
Birth
December 17, 1993 at 8:00 AM was when I was born. -
Devlopment of Trust
During the first year of life infants develop either trust or mistrust depending on the care of the parent(s). During this time in my life, I developed trust from both my mother and father as they would hold and care for me. They would bond with me and provide skin to skin contact, which created a sense of security. -
First Steps
I walked for the first time on my first birthday. My parents had a birthday party for me with all of my family, but I waited to walk until just after the last person walked out of the door. My mom and dad helped to encourage walking and continued to instill trust and security. -
Started Swimming
I started swimming when I was 3. My mom and dad put me in swim lessons at my grandparents golf club, The Victoria Club. I enjoyed the water and when we would visit the beach my mom or siblings would take me in the water with them. -
Started Pre-School
When I was 3 I started attending pre-school at a private school called The Growing Place. My older brother and sister went to this school and I loved it. I felt safe and comfortable there. -
First Soccer Team
I started playing soccer at age 4 on a community league that my sister's also played in. My dad helped manage the league and my mom was a team mom. I bonded with my sisters through the process although during games I would focus on playing with the grass and flowers more than kicking the ball. -
First Softball Team
I was on my first softball team when I was 5. I played in the same league as my sisters. My dad was one of the managers of the league and my mom was a team mom. I wanted to be just like my older sisters and would want to play the same positions as they did. -
Kindergarden Graduation
I graduated from Kindergarden when I was 6 years old at a private school called The Growing Place. -
First Dance Class
When I was 7 I was unofficially diagnosed with Lupus. Because I couldn't play sports outside anymore, my mom started me in dance. I attended my first dance class at California Dancer and fell in love. From then on I started to compete with the studio and continued to dance through my senior year of high school. -
East Coast Trip
When I was in 8th grade, I went on a school trip to the East Coast. It was the first time I was that far away from my parents. We visited many historical locations and monuments while on the trip. It was a really amazing opportunity to go on such a cool trip and I felt independent and excited. -
Moved to a new city
After my 8th grade promotion, my family and I moved to a neighboring city that was safer and provided a much better education. This was a very difficult transition for me as I missed all of my old friends and didn't want to make new ones, which ultimately led to some rebelling and negative behavior towards my parents. In the long run it was the best decision for me, but it took some time to accept it. What helped me most with this transition was joining the dance team at my high school. -
New Dance Studio
During my Sophomore year of high school the dance studio I was competing with closed down. During the next dance season I started to dance at a new studio closer to my high school. It was here that I met my closest friends through the next three years. -
Driver's License
On my 16th birthday I passed my driver's license test as a sophomore in high school. I was the first out of my friends to be able to drive and it made me feel more independent. -
Sister to Auntie
When I was a senior in high school I became an Auntie. My brother and sister-in-law had their first child, Emma. She captured all of our hearts instantly and has been the best niece I could have ever hoped for. I am now known as Gus Gus (as she couldn't say my name and started calling me that) and I am an incredibly proud auntie. -
High School Graduation
At 18 years old I graduated high school and planned to attend Fort Lewis College in the Fall. I was the last in my family to graduate and all of my family was there to support me.