34 weeks down, and at the most only 6 more to go.  According to 'My Pregnancy', an app on my phone, my son should weigh approx. 4 3/4 lbs. and be almost 18 in. in length.

Pretty crazy to think that this child, My Son, is already this big and still able to fit in my stomach. I guess it's true . . . God really does make miracles happen.  As you can tell in the picture above, his layers of fat are filling out. He'll use these to regulate his body temperature once he's born.  His lungs are well developed; and  even if he was born today, he would be fine and most likely have no major long term problems. So I'm not worried a bit. It seems like every day his kicks and hits ensure his health, and although I sometimes feel like he's fighting me from the inside, I know it's a good sign. He's getting stronger and can't wait to meet the real world.
 
Now all I can do is wait and hope I make it through my graduation and confirmation. But if not, oh well. I'm more ready than ever to be a mother. Thank God for my boyfriend and son, I couldn't ask for any better.

Just saying, we're not the same.

It's funny to hear so many people's stereotypical comments on pregnant teens. They categorize us as one, although we are each an individual. Sure plenty of young, teenage girls have no business bringing a life in to this world if they're not going to care about it. Still people don't see we are all not the same, some (not all) of us are actually ready to be a parent. We have goals, and are willing to work for them. We realize what we have created and are ready to bring it up to be better than we were. We know the work we've made for ourselves and are ready to take on the challenge. We are more mature than those other teen girls, and even more mature than most of you. We grow up so fast, but that's only possible because we have the ability to rise above those we have seen crumble underneath the pressure. I remember for me, the first thing my parents were worried about was whether or not I'd finish school. I told them that since the moment I found out I was pregnant I knew there was no other way. I knew what I must do to be able to become a good parent, and that (to me) was to finish what I've started and continue on with my education. Now in my 8th month, I will be graduating in 20 days. I will then be "out" of school for 4 days and then will return to begin my third semester at Central Arizona College.  I realize I will be in my final month of my pregnancy, but I am taking an adv. class that will be done after a month (apprx. 2 days after my due date). This, I believe, will get me started on my way to a good future; I know my return to college may take a while, but I know I will be ready to return as a part-time student and a full-time mother.....just saying we're NOT all the "same". We live our lives the way we choose, we chose to win--they chose to loose. Just like your not the same as the next, neither am I or any other pregnant teen in this world. :)

3D/4D Sonogram!

Being pregnant comes with, what seems to be, a new challenge every day; but to hear your child's heart beat or see him or her in a sonogram makes the waiting all worth while.  Being 8 months pregnant with no complications, I have already went to all three of my normal sonograms. Still there is a way I, or any other pregnant woman, can see their child(ren); they're called 3D/4D sonograms and are available at many places. They allow you to see a more realistic, or life like, picture of your child. You can even see the little bit of hair on their head. Amazing right? I think so. I am really considering getting one of these done through a company called "Already Adorable". They are, as far as I know of, the only place in Tucson, Az that offers this type of sonogram. They have plenty of packages, but can be kind of pricey, but hey who can put a price on taking a sneak peak of your unborn child??? Any who, they offer six packages ranging in price from $75 to $249. These sonograms, how ever, are not like any normal 2D one though. Not only do they provide you with black and white pictures of your baby, but even recordings and colored pictures as well! You can find out more information online HERE , so stop wasting your time and check it out NOW!!!! :)

And from that first moment...

Finding out you're pregnant can be one of the scariest, yet most exciting events in your life . . aside from hearing your baby's heartbeat or seeing your baby during the ultrasound, or better yet once he/she is actually born. Being a teen mom, however, could change your reaction. It happens to the best of us, but was in God's plan all along. We were chosen for a reason, to become a parent at such a young age. For me, the moment I found out I was pregnant was a shock. I didn't do or say much; just stood there speechless.  The first person I thought about was the father, my boyfriend Alfonso. I didn't know how he'd react, but I knew this all was "supposed to happen" for some reason. Now, almost beginning my 8th month in this pregnancy, I know why this all happened to us. It was a blessing, a chance to give life to our son; and although we have not yet seen him face to face, he is our whole world.  It has not only brought us closer together, but our families and friends as well. It is an opportunity to better ourselves, and better the lives around us.  Now we are sitting down, buckled in, anxious as ever for the long ride to begin. It's a miracle how a life comes about, think about it as two souls combined into one newborn life ready to see the world . . . truly just Amazing.

Alfonso Ray at 21 weeks, 2D sonogram.