Young Love

He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11

We are both just kids ourselves. Becoming a mother at age 15 and a father at age 18 is just as hard as it sounds.

When we found out I was pregnant, feeling angry, hurt and scared were emotions we both felt. Angry because our carefree teenage years were coming to an abrupt end; hurt because we let a lot of people down; and scared about what the future would hold. Abortion was also a brief thought.

Then we found out about First Care through our counselors at school. The people at First Care have helped us learn about what to expect and how to be the best parents we can be.

We are still a little nervous and stressed about being parents, but together with First Care on our side we know we can give our baby all of the love and care he deserves.

Krista & Chauncey

Photography: ©2005 J. Scott Kelly/Island Images
Image Enhancement: Matt Dee
Camera: Olympus E-20n
Focal Length: 24mm
Exposure: f/4 @ 1/125th ISO: 80
Lighting: Natural Light

It's a Girl!

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16

At last, we have been blessed with a daughter! You can’t imagine the joy and peace I felt after giving birth to a daughter after the struggle at the beginning of my pregnancy.

My husband and I went to an abortion clinic after deciding that I had to have an abortion because there was no possible way I could have another baby. After all, we had two sons and we were already struggling financially. While we were signing the papers at the clinic, my husband’s heart suddenly changed and we knew we could not abort the baby. I was very relieved. It was a miracle.

That’s what my baby girl is . . . a miracle! It was an answer to our prayers to find out about First Care from a friend. With their help, we never would have had this precious little girl. First Care has helped us through the whole process, emotionally, economically and through education. I have learned a lot through the videos and parenting classes, even though I had two children.Now my life is complete.

Maria

Photography: ©2005 J. Scott Kelly/Island Images
Image Enhancement: Matt Dee
Camera: Nikon D2X
Focal Length: 105mm
Exposure: f/10 @ 1/60 ISO: 100
Lighting: Studio Strobes
 

Bright Future
 

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16

I never imagined things would get so much better. At the time I found out I was pregnant, I was confused and angry. Angry with myself for letting this happen, angry at my baby’s father and with my mother. Not only was I dealing with the end of a relationship with Alyssa’s father, but I found out she had a kidney problem. I am so happy I decided to go through with my pregnancy and have my beautiful daughter.

Finding First Care on the internet was one of the best things I have ever done. They really helped sort through my anger and frustration, as well as teach me parenting skills.

I am very grateful for my daughter and my family. My daughter is the greatest gift in the world. Alyssa still has a kidney disease, but today she is healthy. The unconditional love I feel for her is amazing. She makes me laugh. No matter what happens, she makes everything okay.

Jennifer

Anticipation

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:5

My pregnancy has been such an exciting time for me. I feel so blessed and truly feel my daughter is a gift from God. I have never felt such instantaneous and powerful love and she’s not even here yet! I feel so much stronger and fearless toward the unknown. All I have to do is think of her and I know I can take on the world for her and our family.

First Care has been there every step of the way. They were able to confirm my pregnancy, I have been able to parenting classes and had the opportunity to talk and interact with other pregnant women.

The anticipation is killing me! Time feels like it is standing still. I know I don’t have too much longer to wait. I am curious about the birth experience and anxious to become a mother.

Christina

Life's Plan

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

At this point in my life, having a baby was not a part of the plan, or so I thought. My life was turned upside down when I learned I was pregnant. I was shocked, angry, confused and worried. How could this be? I did not want to do this!

I went to a counselor who told me about First Care. The women at First Care are exceptional people! I think you can tell, I was very hostile and angry throughout my pregnancy and they always treated me with patience, kindness and respect. First Care also relieved a lot of stress because all of the necessities for the first few months were taken care of. The items were "earned" so I was able to educate myself while preparing for my child.

The moment Nikki was born, I knew she was part of the plan. I am so happy she is in my life and thankful for her. I feel fulfilled each day and at peace with my life.

Julie

May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!
Proverbs 23:25

Believe it or not, sometimes dreams really do come true! For three months before I found out I was pregnant, I had a recurring dream that I was pregnant with a son named Emmanuel. Unbelievably, I have learned that I am going to have a boy!

There are so many emotions we both have while waiting for this new life. We are full of hope and peace. At the same time, we are nervous and anxious about the baby’s health and providing for him.

We have found comfort and help with all of our emotions through First Care. The education and friendship of each staff member has helped us in preparing for our little angel – our dream come true.

Diana & Carlos

May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!
Proverbs 23:25

There is no one I love more in the world than Aubrey Mikayla! From the moment I knew she was inside of me, I have loved her. Of course, I was also scared and nervous, hoping there was nothing wrong with her or me and wanting to be the best mother I could be. The excitement and joy I felt was so overwhelming!

First Care has been amazing. They taught me things in class that every parent needs to know. They have also provided things I have needed for the baby, which has helped me tremendously. The women at First Care are like a family to me. They have welcomed me with open arms.

Now that Aubrey is here, I can’t wait for every new stage of her life. Every day she grows a little more and does something new.

Mallori

Yet, O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.
Isaiah 64:7

What a joy it is to know she is mine! She is so precious and sweet, fragile and tender.

When I first found out I was pregnant, I was so happy to know that I was going to be a mom again – for the fourth time. I was also worried about whether the baby would be healthy.

Through a friend, I found out about First Care. They were the ones who told me I was pregnant and let me see my baby through a sonogram. They have supplied me with the most basic things. The greatest thing they have done for me and my family is to get to know the greatness of our Lord.

I want to say that the people who work at First Care really care about us and are attentive to our needs. When we need someone to talk to they are there. I would like to emphasize how good these ladies have been to us.

Elcy is so full of life. My hope is that I have enough life to raise her.

Maria

Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.
Isaiah 49:1

This is not happening! That was the first thought in my head when I found out I was pregnant. I have always wanted lots of children. I just wasn’t expecting it to be right now! There is no way I could have a baby right now! I was scared to death and undecided about what to do. I strongly considered abortion. In fact, I had the appointment scheduled, transportation plans made and everything. Then I realized there was no way I could live with myself if I went through with the abortion.

I then turned to First Care, after finding out about the organization through our church. They have given both Nick and I guidance, friendship, knowledge and the resources we need to handle anything – even the unexpected! Everyone has been so supportive and helpful.

Now I really believe that this baby is a gift from God. We are still a little scared, but mostly we are excited about our new little person coming into this world and being the best parents we can.

Alicia & Nick

Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4

This is not my first time as a mother. Raising my first son has not been a piece of cake. Some of the choices I made were not the best. When I found out I was going to become a mother for the second time, I was so afraid that I would mess up again. I didn’t want to make the same mistakes twice. I was determined to get help and do things different this time.

I found out about First Care through Health Mothers/Health Babies. The people at First Care have become so much more than just counselors; they are true mentors to me. They don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. I trust them completely. They have given me such support and help me to feel safe and secure.

I truly feel that I have been given a second chance. I feel complete and grateful to have a family to love.

Lisa Marie

Triplets!

For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them.
Matthew 18:20

Triplets! One little word with three times the joy, love and work. When I found out I was going to have triplets, overwhelmed doesn’t begin to describe how I felt. I was scared, anxious and happy all at the same time.

As you can imagine, my pregnancy was very difficult. At one point I was put on complete bed rest and at the time my husband had been in a car accident. First Care was there for us. They were there through the entire pregnancy; they helped with baby items and continue to help with much needed advice.

Taking care of three babies every day is very tiring and stressful, but the enjoyment I get from caring for them is immeasurable.

Chandra & Eugene

Photography: ©2005 J. Scott Kelly/Island Images
Image Enhancement: Matt Dee
Camera: Pentax 645N
Focal Length: 75mm
Exposure: f/8 @ 1/60th ISO:100 Kodak TMX 100
Lighting: Studio Strobes

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6

When I learned I was pregnant, it was a scary and confusing time for me. I didn’t know how I would deal with the decisions I was faced with. I was frightened to tell my family and disappointed in myself for being so irresponsible.

Slowly, things fell into place. My family has been very supportive of me, both then and now. A friend told me about First Care, which has also been a huge support for me, not only with parenting classes, but in preparing for life as a mother.

I can’t believe my baby is an active toddler now. He has given me more joy than I have ever felt before. I am so proud that I made the hardest decision in my life and I feel like I made the right one. Watching my son grow and learn brings happiness to me every day. I am excited to live every day knowing Jamie will do something new.

Carissa

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

Disbelief was my first reaction when I first thought I was pregnant. I took two home pregnancy tests because I was sure I wasn’t pregnant. I had no idea what to do or where to turn. Then I remembered a friend mentioning that First Care offered free pregnancy tests. I wanted to know for sure, so I called them. The same day I called First Care, they gave me an ultrasound. Until that day, I was seriously considering having an abortion. When I saw my baby’s heartbeat on the ultrasound, I knew that I couldn’t have an abortion.

I am so thankful that First Care was there to inform me about the choices available to me. I am so glad that I decided to go through with the pregnancy. I have chosen an adoption plan for my baby. I feel so relieved and at peace knowing my son is being adopted by a wonderful family.

Margaret

We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

I can honestly say that not only did I bring a new life into this world, but I have also been given a new life in the process. Before I became pregnant, my life was far from being on the right track. I was addicted to the night life, addicted to the attention and addicted to the money. Even though I had all of the “things” I needed, I still felt empty inside.

When I first thought I might be pregnant, I felt very alone and afraid. I had no one to turn to. I found First Care in the phone book when looking for some outside help. I contemplated calling the number and when I finally did, it was the best choice I have ever made. The counselors at First Care have been there for me. They didn’t judge me - they listened.

I can’t begin to express how grateful I am to First Care for all they have done to help change my life and all they have done to help me with my new life as a mother.

Tiffany

Gift of Life

The seeds that fell on rich soil stand for those who hear the message and embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.
Luke 8:15

Life is a precious gift, not to be taken for granted. I know that all too well. This is not my first pregnancy, it is my fourth. Unfortunately, my first three pregnancies ended in miscarriages. I cannot tell you how excited and happy my husband and I were to learn that I was pregnant again. At the same time, I have been terrified and worried over every little thing.

A friend told me about First Care and their pregnancy tests, which is what I needed to show my insurance company I was pregnant. Their caring staff has given us the help and support we have needed during my pregnancy.

I am so thankful for this precious gift of life. I appreciate each day and that we have made it this far.

Tara & Richard

In Awe

Great are the works of the Lord, exquisite in all their delights.
Psalm 111:2

When you’ve waited a long time before being able to conceive a child and then waiting again nine months to deliver the child, it seems like forever. Now that my husband and I are able to hold our son in our arms, we are so thankful and in awe of this miracle of life.

We are excited and look forward to all of his accomplishments, from his first steps to whatever path he chooses in life.

First Care has helped us so much by just being there to listen, giving us advice and providing us with valuable information to help us care for our child. They have gone to such great lengths to provide for our needs. Without their help, we might have gone without the education and support needed in becoming new parents.

Jennifer & Marco