my first blog ever

     Every child deals with some type of stress throughout his or her life.  One stress I can remember from my childhood was when my parents separated and thought about divorcing.  My parents barely fought in front of my siblings and me, so it was a shock when they sat us down and told us this news.  I didn't understand how this could be happening.  I was scared of what would happen to us kids if they did get divorced. Who would we live with? What would become of our "happy" family?     Because we were young children, my parents thought it would be best if we would talk to a counselor, by ourselves and together as a family.  And that's what we did. However, not only was I able to talk to a professional about what I was feeling, my parents were extra supportive during this difficult time, which lasted for a little more than a year.  I can't remember how much and if either of these things helped me back then, but I know it did affect my future relationships with ot

                                                                      Immunizations Prior to 2010, as an adult, I got immunizations because I was working in a school and it was required for me to get certain ones (i.e. MMR, Tdap, etc.). I never thought about getting the flu shot because who wants to be given small dose of the flu in the first place, right? However, in December of 2010 when my nephew was born, my sister, in the most loving way possible, let our family know that if we wanted to be around her newborn son we needed to get the flu shot.  Of course, I wanted to see my one and only nephew, so I got the shot even though I, like most people, do not like any type of shots or needles. Yes, my arm becomes a little sore but that is the worst side effect that has ever come from getting immunizations.  I understand that for some families, they do not immunize their children because of religious beliefs or because they fear and/or are uncertain about any side effects that may occ

      I do not have any children of my own, however I know plenty of friends and family members who do.  After talking to many of them after they had their baby, I realized what I would want to do if I ever have the chance of giving birth. I imagine I would mostly likely have my baby in a hospital just like all the other women I know.  I believe in getting an epidural as long as it will not harm the baby in any way and having a natural birth. I am not opposed to having a C-section either.     In addition, prior to giving birth, it would be difficult for me to give up certain favorite foods and drinks of mine, especially sushi and wine.  I understand that some women have sushi and wine occasionally while pregnant and it didn't effect the baby.  However, I wouldn't want to chance anything going wrong if I can. Hopefully one day, I will be able to experience having a child.  Until then, I will have to keep on enjoying being a "Tante" (aunt in Dutch) to my niece and ne