[Haxzor50]

Grr I'm glad I'm not going to be a father for a while...
That's one "gift from god" I don't need right now...

[Tasha in Florida]

I had my daughter at 18yrs old and was very mature for my age. The early years were easy for me because I've always been independent, I went to college, and have a good job. I never had the need to go hang out with friends so I wasn't missing anything. The hard part is now that I'm 32 with a 13 year old. My daughter knows I had her young and had to denye her a lot of things her friends may have been able to have... I had to work and go to college so there were a lot of important things like school recitals and plays I wasn't there for, school trips I couldn't afford, brand name clothes she wants for High School that's out of my budget. The earlier you start, the more behind you seem to be. I'm finally catching up just before my daughter 's about to be on her own.

The best thing you can do for your cousin is be supportive. Have your family give her guidance and unconditional love, and advise her to take parenting classes. She needs to continue her education and focus on her child's future. As far as the adoption advice you were given earlier... If she is a woman of color, our children do not have an abundance of eager adoptive parents, and many of our children end up in the foster care system. I f she has a supportive loving family, it takes a village to raise a child anyway, create a net work of strong people that can be role models for that baby and the child and mother will be just fine.

As for her Baby shower, I received coupons from every manufacturer of baby supplies from my best friend, it must have been time consuming, but inexpensive for her to do us being so young. I t saved me a lot of money and was well appreciated. She also gave me a hand made book of coupons for different baby chores. I turned them in each time I needed her help. It was a heartfelt gesture kind of like the ones we give our mom on mother's day.

[Haxzor50]

Heh,

Well if I was the father, I would like a break every now and then... I mean, if it was my cuzin and I was close to them, ide offer to babysit for a couple of hours so they can go chill with friends...

[Emily94]

Just to let you guys all know Sadly she missedcarried at 81/2 weeks:(

[buzzman]

For a different side of the story. I am adopted. I have been absolutley blesses to have had the parents I had. I think about my real mom and what she must have had to go through to give me up now that I am a parent myself. I think it would be the most unselfish thing to do as well as the most realistic.

[Nanajua]

Wow she ust wanted to know what to get her cousin for the baby shower.. shes not asking what you thinko f her cousins situation.. honestly... its not her decision anyway... and its been made... and I'm glad that she's going to go back to school and graduate, and have the abby... its one less baby that's going to be aborted.. anyway... to the OP I think you should get a few outfits that you can get on sale.. anything will be welcome.. or maybe a baby bath or something.. and if you are feeling very ambitious then I guess you could get some kind of a bassinet? Something cute depending on the gender... hehe.. I don't know... its an exciting time.. so maybe you can just go shopping and take her around and she can go ooo an dahhh.. and then.. go back and pick her favorite?. have fun.. and congrats on the new addition to the family.

[Synnen]

just to let you guys all know Sadly she missedcarried at 81/2 weeks:(

I am so very sorry for her loss.

[KayGates]

Ok, obviously this girl(15 or not) decided to keep this baby. It is no ones place to judge that decision, because it is a lot easier to say "Oh yeah, just give her up for adoption." then to actually give up your own child that you carried for nine months. I am not condoning having children at such an age, but you people have NO right to say that she is wrong.

As far as a gift, practical things such as diapers and wipes would most likely be the best. Send all of my best wishes, and she is very strong for deciding to keep her.

[KayGates]

Whoops, just read that. I am so sorry for her loss.

[ashley1312]

I don't think its fair that you are judging her,yeah she may be young but at least she is taking responsibility for her actions! I got pregnant with my daughter when I was 15 and had her not long after I turned 16 and hey guess what I even finished school! I'm not saying it was easy all the time but I have NEVER EVER regreted having her.She is now almost 8 in 2nd grade and doing great.. my point is I KNOW this girl can do it if she really wants to all she needs is love and support from her family and everything will work itself out.

[ashley1312]

Oh no I just read that,I'm so sorry :(

[KARIEMELIA]

I would get her a chastity belt for after she has the child!!

[Synnen]

I would get her a chastity belt for after she has the child!!!

1. This thread is a YEAR AND A HALF OLD. Please watch dates before just jumping in with your opinion.

2. If you had read the ENTIRE thread, you would have realized that she miscarried the child, a traumatic experience whether your pregnancy was planned.

Please--pay attention before just throwing your opinion into a thread.

[div2wice]

Well I guess it would depend on the mom to be and her situation. Sure 15 is way young to have a baby, however, it HAS been done. My grandma was 13 when she gave birth to my dad which was a very long time ago but she ended up having 12 more after him. It obviously didn't scare her enough, lol. Anyway, the books and the coupons for help, bath stuff, candles, all great things for a new mom. I would go with a huge box of pampers and some lavender bath stuff for both mom and baby. It definitely helps with calming down baby before bed. My little sister got pregnant at 16, she asked me to adopt her baby as she can be in her life but she knows she will be well cared for and never want for anything. We did it all by ourselves without lawyers. My adopted daughter is now 5 years old and my sister is graduating from college. Just be a form of support for your cousin. She will need it but it IS possible to take care of her baby at this young age. Not going to be easy but it IS possible.