So I just figured I let everyone on the board know that I am two months pregnent. Me and my boyfriend are very happy but I am kind of nervous. I still live at home with my parents and have not told them I am pregnent. I am worried they will get very upset with me. I know it will be tough for me being 22 and just out of college but I am very excited. Being pregnent gives me more of a reason to stay sober. I wonder if my baby will have problems with alchohol...but trying not to think too much about that. Any advice would be helpful.
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That is amazingly AWESOME!!! How totally BEAUTIFUL!
Parents? They will be happy. Believe ot or not, under whatever their reaction is...they'll be happy inside, or maybe even on the outside...who knows? I have two daughters, granted, they're only 9 & 5, but when I run through the worst-case possibilities in my head... "Dad, I'm 15 and pregnant. I'm not sure who the father is, it could be any of the guys in that death-metal band I hang out."
I'm still elated at the thought of being a Grandfather and helping to guide my daughter through parenthood. One thing I'm learning is that what I hope for them, and what they actually do and become are two entirely different things.
My wife is pregnant with our 4th. The timing isn't perfect and River wasn't planned (bad math, ya see ) but who cares!? I'm looking forward to having a child that may never see thier father drunk.
So - I'm happy for you.
If it's a boy, name him William Robert - for Bill & Bob!
Congrats Kristen! Just imagine how cool it is that that baby, with your grace of your Higher Power, will have a sober mom! And just think that what wisdom and love that you can pass on to your baby now! :)
I'm a dad to a three year old rascal, and I tell you, being a sober parent must be one of the greatest feelings ever. Yet another great reason for sobriety (along with all those other ones)!
I totally agree Steve, sober parenting and grandparenting is AMAZING!! The only time a child is likely to be affected by alcoholism is if the mum drinks throughout the pregnancy, in which case they can be born addicted and with 'Foetal Alcohol Syndrome' which ain't very nice for any baby.
I am so lucky that both my daughters were born normal and healthy, even though I drank and smoked for the duration of the pregnancy, didn't even bother to try cutting down on either.
Congratulations, do you know what sex and what date is the baby due?
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Serenity is Wanting what you have, not having what you want
Always remember non-alcoholic beers are for NON-ALCOHOLICS
Congrats Kristen! That is awesome news! As far as wondering about the risks of alcohol. I think maybe you were wondering if you would pass down your genetic risk to him or her becoming alcoholic. That is far far less likely if your child does not grow up seeing you drink because at some point, the behavior has to be learned. Also, informing him or her of the genetic risk when they are a teenager will help them make better decisions about alcohol. Also, I'm pretty sure the genetics are most strongly passed from father to son. Not sure if that was what you were wondering. In either case, it isn't something to be too concerned over as much as you staying sober and the fact that you are going to be a GREAT AWESOME MOMMY! Yay Kristen!!!!!
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Congratulations....one of life's greatest gifts is coming your way.
As far as your parents dear, well if you were in the middle of your college years, that might have upset them, but on the inside, just like what was already written, they already know the Joy of the event, (you) and will be jumping with Joy on the inside for you.
Happy pregnancy, and has your Doctor giving you some tips on some wonderful pre-natal vitimins.
I failed mind reading in school not sure how your parents will initially feel but I bet your parents know way more than you think... probably won't be shocked; and as they see you take responsibility for yourself in your sobriety, they will see this as a gift to you and them. Stay strong & healthy for your baby, look ahead with great anticipation of being a mom.... the greatest role a woman could ever dream of. From your post I can see you love being pregnant, so did I, I felt very protected and set apart.
Tell your parents ... they are your Mom & Dad and they deserve to know . Let them deal with how they feel about you being pregnant.
Parenthood .. a huge responsibility. No 'how to' book on it. Just you, the baby, God, loved Ones and the fellowship of ppl who Im sure want to help you on this journey.
Dont drink no matter what happens ... You're stayin sober for 2 now
Congratulations, Kristen! What wonderful news & a beautiful gift you have within you, for you, apart from & of you. How lovely! I hope your bundle already continues to bring you newfound mysteries unfolding & a love like you never knew you could have. Times will be challenging but you're so in the care of & with the graces given to you as brought about by your efforts in sobriety I know your rewards will deepen & surprise you. I'm sure you'll make a splendid Mum. May all your family rejoice. Keep on with your program, dear lady & your child will benefit from its discipline like we do. Love & God's will wished for you, Danielle x
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Congratulations. I remember when Jeannie was pregnant. The hardest thing I ever did is be with her when we told her parents(we weren't married. She was 19) Caitlin has been such a blessing to us...No matter what happens between me and my wife, I still have that "baby" (and a son later.) Children are such a blessing, I can't even begin to describe. Even through there are hard times, it is so worth it all.
You're a grown woman. Sit down and talk with your parents, it won't be easy, but it will be ok. As a father, I would want my daughter to be able to tell me, although, I don't want to have that conversation... Be strong. Your parents may not like the conversation, but it's one you need to have...They're going to be grandparents!!!
BTW, I never looked to see how old you were until today...You've helped me so much and now I feel "weird" a 22 year old helping save an ALMOST 40 year old. You have so much to offer, a child and the world! Thanks for how you've helped me, and good luck! Congrats...Mom...
Wow Kristen, congrats, I wish you, your BF, and baby the best. Man how life, as you know it, is going to change. I was so not ready, at age 27, for a child and man do I remember the changes that my wife and I (and our relationship) went through over the next 2 years. Well you've got a head start in a couple ways as you're already sober and women are like pretty instantly ready for parenthood (for the most part) whereas, imo, many men have to arrive. I remember feeling quite left out and behind the curve. I wish you the best, and contrary to what ljc said, there are plenty "how to" books available. I found John Bradshaw books insightful as reverse parenting books ie: what not to do in order to break the multi-generational dysfunctional family cycle, as his books deal with the core issues of Acoa. Check out "On the Family". I know that my son (who's 22 now) benefited greatly from the studying that I did in this area.
-- Edited by StPeteDean on Sunday 15th of November 2009 08:27:41 PM
You are SOBER and done with college!! That right there is a promising sign that you are going to have it together by the time the baby comes along. (Not that you don't now... being sober is A#1, and you know that!!
You are goig to have a little bundle of joy in your amrs soon... wow. We are here for you anytime you have moodswings, sweats, food cravings,. ANYTHING!! Some of us have not been pregnant, much less pregnant and sober!! So you can teach us a lot!!
And my grandfather was a severe alcoholic. But his 2 daughters and one son eneded up being non alcoholic, and very successful happy people. So don't worry about it!!
Love and hugs,and congratulations, Joni XOXOXO
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
Congratulations! A pregnancy is a wonderful gift. The experience may alternately confound and amaze you. I always thought those words were superficial when I was younger. I waited till I was older, then we found we could not concieve, even with fertility treatment. Now I am accepting; as a sober person I admit that I probably would not have stopped drinking if I had gotten pregnant. So I say with complete sincerety that HP has given you a treasure for the ages.
I think William Robert is a great name.(See Aquaman's post above) But what if it's a girl- Willamina Roberta?
When I got to tell my parents that I was pregnant at 19 I got a mixed bag of reactions -- my mother went screaming out of the room--- "How could this happen" (Yes, lots of responses to be had - but she meant TO HER! - not to me) and my dad said "Wow. When do I get to meet my grandchild!"
Bottom line - the anxiety of telling them was over, I told them and their responses indicated who I would be spending more time with while incubating my cherub.
Soon you will be responsible for a tiny little being -- Similar to sobriety where it is necessary to find a support system and learn and lean on them the same will be true in pregnancy and parenting -- line up your cheerleaders early!
Good luck to you - being pregnant was one of the happiest times of my life -- I was so glad to do it sober - no feelings of remorse when I finally met my daughter -- but that's my story - yours has just started. Enjoy.
CONGRATULATIONS KRISTEN!!!!! 
) but who cares!? I'm looking forward to having a child that may never see thier father drunk. 
not sure how your parents will initially feel but I bet your parents know way more than you think... probably won't be shocked; and as they see you take responsibility for yourself in your sobriety, they will see this as a gift to you and them. Stay strong & healthy for your baby, look ahead with great anticipation of being a mom.... the greatest role a woman could ever dream of. From your post I can see you love being pregnant, so did I, I felt very protected and set apart.