...Give me just one second to respond to the many posts, please...
1. I conceived while on OrthoTricyclene. The same contraception that I've been on for the last almost 8 years. There wasn't a skipped pill, it simply happened. The only thing my doctor could come up w/ is: A; the pill isn't 100%-just pretty darn close. B; I was working out-getting ready for some testing,(I tested for a local police department and got the best numbers and times in the women's catagory that day and I was PREGNANT at that time and didn't know it) and was under a lot of stress. Both of which often afflict the levels of your hormones. Given those two circumstances, it's no suprise that the effectiveness of my pill decreased and I simply didn't think about that.
2. I think that IF I keep this child, it'll be hard, but it would also be fun in that weird way. I do have the support of my immediate family. I don't mean just financially if needed, but more so just their attention and time. I'm 25...I was born and raised overseas (thanks to the US Military) and have literally travelled the globe at ages that I was capable of remembering most of my travels. I've partied, I've dated, I've done all those wonderful things that most people my age are just BEGINNING to do. So on that tip, I know I wouldn't feel like I'm missing out. I feel, rather, that I could take those life experiences and pass them on to this child.
3. Financially, I have a lot of maturing left to do. I'm quick to make money and once I have it I can budget appropriately. The key is to make enough for myself + 1!
At THIS point in my life, w/ no college degree, I don't think that's possible. I would most likely need assistance from the father. If he doesn't provide such, I will be in a pinch and feel like a dumba$s for keeping this little one. However, I know that there are people out there much less fortunate than myself and don't have the kind of support that I do. If my parents died tomorrow (please god, I hope not! I don't really pray, but THIS I would get on my knees for any day! I've got the best parents in the world, imo) then I'd be okay financially (they're not rich), but I would miss out on the most important thing and that's just their physical/mental influence.
FINALLY...
4. My number one reason for seriously considering this?
I've thought about having kids in the past. Not an infant, but from like 4 and up. Don't ask me how I intended on achieving that.
I just couldn't see myself happy w/ an infant, but those around me think I'd be fabulous. Either way, IF I were to ever have a child of any age- mine or otherwise -A MUST is for my parents to be around in it's life and preferably my grandparents as well. GRANDPARENTS are sooooo important in my opinion to a child's life. It was in mine. They never really babysitted me, but they had a good balance of proper discipline and praise as needed. They travelled w/ us, they both have taught me SO much when it comes to love; patience- even cooking! lol
And this goes for both grandparents on either side of the family tree!
IF they passed away in numbers and all I had left were my parents and their health was failing. I would NOT have a child. Most likely ever. Seriously...I'd want to devote the rest of my time to them and not a pregnancy and a child, even though I know that's what they'd probably like to see most-is ME (their only daughter) produce a child if it's something I was even remotely interested in at the time.
Since they are in the position to assist me in this unexpected pregnancy, and more importantly WANT to, why not do it?
My mom tells me that in my position it shouldn't be as tough as many of the people on here have had it. It won't be a walk in the park, but the child and myself should be just fine. And to not worry about the future. Finish my schooling to be a Veterinary Technician (and they only make so much!), continue training dogs if I choose and let life just happen and it'll work out.
lol, one last note: My parents have always told me; "Leslie, you and your older brother are the only people we know that could jump in a pile of $hit and jump out smelling like roses!"
...I hope my luck holds through!
THANK YOU for all the posts of insite and opinions. I sincerely appreciate it!
I will continue to check back-
~Leslie W.