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Cowlitz County is undergoing a minor baby boom

Sunday, February 10, 2008 1:55 PM PST

By Barbara LaBoe

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Washington and the nation are in the midst of a "baby boomlet," and Cowlitz County may be helping lead the way.

Not only did the number or babies born here increase from 2005 to 2006 - the county is ahead of both state and national averages. Preliminary 2007 numbers show the "boomlet," or mini baby boom, increasing.

Is it time to start building new schools and planning for a population explosion? No. But if the numbers continue that is something officials across the state will want to start planning for, said Pat Starzyk, a research investigator for the state Department of Health. Already the increase is having ramifications on the amount of money available for prenatal care, she said.

The increase isn't news to new mom Melissa Toney, who gave birth to daughter Samantha in December. Everyone around her seems to be pregnant these days, the Mill Creek-area woman said.

"My sister had a baby a year ago, and a bunch of my friends in California and here are due soon, and my sister-in-law and I had our babies a week apart," she said. "I didn't notice until I got pregnant, but then everywhere I looked there were pregnant women."

There is no one answer for why births here are increasing, but one major reason could be that more people are moving into the county. Officials say other likely factors include some social trends and the continuing echoes of the baby boom generation.

The number of babies born to women living in Cowlitz County increased 6.6 percent from 2005 to 2006, from 1,242 babies to 1,325. The county's birth rate -- the number of births per 1,000 women - also increased from 13 to 13.7.

Statewide, the number of babies born increased 5 percent from 2005 to 2006. The birthrate - which rose from 13.2 to 13.6 -- increased for the first time since 1992.

Nationally, total births jumped 3 percent in 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The national increase was the largest in one year since 1989 and the largest number of births recorded since 1961.

The increase at Longview's St. John Medical is even larger - 7 percent -- partially confirming the hospital's belief that its new birthing center is convincing more women to stay in town to have their children. The hospital totally revamped and upgraded its birthing wing as part of its tower renovation, opening in the summer of 2006.

In 2005, the hospital recorded 1,186 births. A year later - and six months after the more luxurious birthing center was available - the number had jumped 84 babies to 1,270.

At times, the maternity unit is so busy that all 12 of the high-tech birthing suites are taken, meaning mothers who already have given birth may be transferred to regular patient rooms to make room for someone else in labor, said hospital spokesman Randy Querin.

Toney had to wait in triage for a room for a few hours before being transferred to a birthing room to have Samantha. She also said she heard every room in a Beaverton, Ore., hospital was full when she was there with pregnancy complications.

Chris Baker, St. John's regional director of women and children's services, also thinks migration north from Vancouver and Portland could be boosting St. John's birth numbers. As families move to Cowlitz County for lower home costs, they still may commute to Portland but likely have their children at home, she said.

The rise in births at St. John is only anecdotal evidence of an increasing birth rate, though, because the state tracks the county's births by the mother's residence, even if she gives birth in Vancouver or Portland. That bolsters the theory that an influx of people moving to the county also is playing a role in the county's overall increase in births.

The county's population increased by 7 percent from 2000 to 2007, according to U.S. Census estimates. That means there are more women of child-bearing age in the county - and thus more births.

From April 2000 to April 2006, 7,411 babies were born in the county, compared to 5,703 deaths, showing a net gain in population. Additionally, 2,144 people moved to the county during those six years, according to Melissa Taylor, senior planner for the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments.

The county's rising Hispanic population also may be contributing to the boomlet.

Nationally, Hispanics as a group have higher fertility rates, which in turn boosts the number of babies born as the Hispanic population increases, according to the Centers for Disease Control statistics. In Cowlitz County, the Hispanic population grew 38 percent, from 4,291 to 5,922, from 2000 to 2006, according to U.S. Census estimates.

In addition, Baker, of St. John, said anecdotally she sees more women choosing to have larger families these days or scaling back work specifically to spend more time child rearing.

"I'm a child of the 1960s when the zero population growth movement was huge," she said. "Then it was more culturally acceptable to have two children. Today it's not unusual to see moms have their third or fourth or firth child and beyond."

Toney said she also believes a lot of people are settling down sooner than in years past - meaning they start having children sooner. State and federal figures, though, show birth rates up nearly across the board in 2006, from ages 15 through 44.

"I got married a week after graduation and I know a lot of girls who did the same thing," the 19-year-old said.

Starzyk, the state researcher, said she's also heard talk of another "Baby Boom echo" these days but cautions it's too early to know if this is the start of a trend.

The explosive birthrate after World War II created the largest generation in American history. And the Baby Boomer's children are now having children of their own - the Baby Boomer's grandchildren. The numbers aren't anywhere close to the Baby Boom itself, but this factor could be one explanation for a sudden increase, Starzyk said.

The 2007 numbers aren't all in, but the baby increase seems to have continued.

St. John's numbers for the first few months of 2007 show birth rates at or above 2006 levels, and state officials say they see the same thing.

"I don't have any specific 2007 figures, but looking at the numbers we've been getting there do seem to be more births in 2007 than 2006," Starzyk said. "Maybe not as much of an increase (from 2005 to 2006) but still an increase."

And if the nation's economic downward trend continues, Baker said that could well translate to even more births in 2008. Though it sounds counterintuitive to have more children when money is tight, Baker said maternity wards have long noticed just such an increase.

"It's kind of like when the power goes out and there's nothing else for people to do," she said, adding couples often stay home more when they're trying to save on expenses.

And that, Baker said with a chuckle, could keep her labor and delivery staff busy for months to come.

County's most popular names

Cowlitz County elementary school teachers should brace themselves for plenty of Aidens and Haleighs in about five years.

Those names were the most popular for boys and girls born in the county in 2007, according to St. John Medical Center records.

Statewide results for 2007 aren't yet available, but in 2006 Jacob and Emma remained Washington's most popular baby names, and both appear in the county's 2007 top five lists. Nationally in 2006, Jacob and Emily were the top names, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration.

For more details and to track popular baby names by year, go to http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/.

The top10 Cowlitz County names in 2007 are*:

Boys:

1) Aiden

2) Jaden

3) Landon

4) Austin

5) Jacob

6) Ethan

7) Kayden

8) Hunter

9) Alexander

10) Noah

Girls:

1) Haleigh

2) Isabel

3) Emma

4) Hannah

5) Lily

6) Maddison

7) Abigail

8) Grace

9) Kaylee

10) Elizabeth

* Some names have more than one spelling.

- Barbara LaBoe

Proud Mother wrote on Feb 10, 2008 7:30 AM:

" Praise God that families are having more and more children! The "quiver-full" movement is strong. More families are open to the blessings of having children and they shall be rewarded. My third is due in May and I can't wait to have my fourth. Congratulations Cowlitz County. You're finally number 1 in an area to be proud of! "

common man wrote on Feb 10, 2008 7:50 AM:

" Hard to be happy to see the return of the family, while we see the loss of our jobs. I wish them them all the best in this unstable time. "

The Real Reason wrote on Feb 10, 2008 8:31 AM:

" Too many unemployed people laying around the house with nothing better to do... "

Wog wrote on Feb 10, 2008 8:46 AM:

" I don't remember hearing that the marriage rates were going up - Just the birth rate. Why the comment about "settling down earlier?" I don't call this trend settling down - more like the fruits of promiscuity. "

I wonder? wrote on Feb 10, 2008 9:24 AM:

" What is the birth rate of people on welfare verses working people? The Mexican statistic is kind of disturbing too. "

Angel wrote on Feb 10, 2008 9:26 AM:

" More and more families from the Portland and Vancouver area have moved into my neighborhood. They still commute back their for work. I think Longview is becoming more of a bedroom community with cheaper housing they are finding the commute is worth it. And I see more women and men becoming pregnant without even the consideration of a wedding. I think marriage is becoming obsolete "

Ever think wrote on Feb 10, 2008 9:38 AM:

" That everyone's pregnant because the only thing to do in Longview is ..... well, you know. Either that or meth and sometimes both. "

Jynx wrote on Feb 10, 2008 9:38 AM:

" "There is no one answer for why births here are increasing..." Seriously? More people = more people doing the 'natural' thing that causes babies. Is it that complicated? "

re Proud Mother wrote on Feb 10, 2008 9:42 AM:

" We'll see how proud you are when your boyfriends/husbands leave you barefoot on the street after five or six more. People like you are a disgrace to the more prevalent ethics and morals of today's society. Obviously you don't care what kind of world you leave your "quiver" to... or perhaps you've just never heard of birth control. "

WOW Angel, wrote on Feb 10, 2008 9:50 AM:

" You see more men getting pregnant? "

full quiver/empty head wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:20 AM:

" Dear lady, you are bringing your full quiver into a world that can barely support the life already in it...crippling national debt, poor health care whether you're insured or not, a poisoned environment, etc. Yes, God gave you a uterus, but presumably he also gave you a brain. I am not "anti-children", but I find your choice irresponsible and selfish. "

re re proud mother wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:24 AM:

" WOW! what's wrong..... can't have children yourself? "

To re: Proud Mother wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:33 AM:

" You should be ashamed of yourself to write such a hateful comment to someone (Proud Mother) you don't even know. To have children is her and her family's choice, not yours. I hope she is responsible for these children as far as caring for them physically, financially, socially, emotionally and spiritually. If not, she, and others, should not be having children. Children need all of these things from their parents.

These anonymous forums are a haven for you cowards where you know you can write anything you want without the consequences of people responding to you personally. If you feel that strongly about what you just wrote to her, leave your name on this board.
"

Maybe? wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Did you know that meth use gives you a higher chance of getting pregnant. We also have a high Meth Addict rate.Maybe this is linked together. Something to be really pround of cowltz county! "

Shatan wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:43 AM:

" To see this follow the STD rate climb seems to support the promiscuous theory. What is the rate of Meth births here too? "

ACP wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:49 AM:

" I would like to see the stats on how many pay for there children and how many live on my tax dollars. "

re re proud mother wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:56 AM:

" What a mean comment you left for proud mother. Do you see how she signed her post... PROUD MOTHER! You have some bitter, hateful and jealous issues! "

longview wrote on Feb 10, 2008 11:07 AM:

" I've got 2 of my own and not ready for any more. I support them on my own, except for the little help I receive from getting daycare assistance. So what this article is saying is that Hey lets have as many kids as we can lie to the state because the father is working under the table and get all the state money and food stamps available but us that work our butts off to take care of our kids can't get help because we make to much. Oh and don't forget the nice vehicles that do pull up in the welfare parking lot or the very well dressed Gap, Tommy Hillfiger and whatever else that is popular these days girls pull out there food stamp cadr to pay for the groceries. WRONG!! WRONG !! WRONG!! Why don't we hire some people to do some investigating and keep the honest honest and the scammers to pay back what they are taking from those who really need it. Then to prove it to the state under the welfare fraud doesn't do so good either. "

so cute wrote on Feb 10, 2008 11:37 AM:

" Such a cute baby in the picture :) "

goodforthem wrote on Feb 10, 2008 11:39 AM:

" Seems to me these folks have found a good way to help out our local economy -babies take day care and the state will pay for that! more day care jobs! and all those food stamps produce more jobs at the grocery stores etc!!! let's face it most of our women in this town can maintain a good paying job... since they are usually out getting pregnant by all sorts of men they have just met.. i know of four different gals who right now are trying accuse me of having gotten them pregnant...i barely even had many sex adventures with them so I am doubtful...and for them for wanting me to pay up.. i cant see it .. i would have to get a job and i am not really wanting that cause the state pays pretty good! "

Dumb Move wrote on Feb 10, 2008 11:40 AM:

" Wait until they see how expensive it is.

And how little this nation cares about the welfare of their children.

We will never EVER see a sustained boom until we have nationalized medicine.

I wonder how many of these births are covered by insurance? And how long that will last.

Remember a Democrat in office can't fix the drained treasury overnight. It took Bill Clinton 6 years until prosperity began to trickle in.

Sometimes poverty does raise the birth rate because poor parents have nothing else to do with their spare time.

Sometimes the cult talks innocent young into making this decision before they are prepared to pay for it. I hope if this is the case the cult will support the couples through the hard years ahead. "

Joel wrote on Feb 10, 2008 11:56 AM:

" Just more cannon faultier for Republicans to use in the future to send off to meaningless wars! Remember they love the fetus but hate the baby! "

COW Town wrote on Feb 10, 2008 12:12 PM:

" Only in Cowlitz County can the local report mention the top 5 names for children and list 20 names.

Maybe you need more math in school! "

kalama res wrote on Feb 10, 2008 1:01 PM:

" top 5... LULZ... TDN is just so intelligent.

As for the article, this saddens me, just more cowlitz county scabs being produced. "

Concerned wrote on Feb 10, 2008 1:14 PM:

" I believe in the right to have children and have two myself. However, I would really be concerned with creating more just because I do not think the earth can handle much more from us humans. We are over 6 billion strong and growing and it seems very arrogant and short sighted to me to believe that any one of us should think that we can have as many children as we want. Saw a chart once that listed how much waste and pollution that would be crated by each child over the course of their life time and it was enlightening to say the least. Please, have a kid ot two but stop and think about it after that. It's really not that cute. And maybe the resources we have now will last a little longer so all can enjoy. "

working Mom of 2 wrote on Feb 10, 2008 1:20 PM:

" To Longview

I agrre with what you are saying. I am a single working Mom and can't get food stamps. I am $11.00 over the income limit. I also see a lot of welfare Moms buying new clothes for there kids and driving nice cars. My money is so tight because I have to buy my food with cash that on my day off I go to my local clothing bank to get clothes and ride the bus to get around. Lets not forget about the community house, most everyone there is on some kind of state aid but the paper is always asking us to give food to feed the people staying at the shelter. Why can't they help with food they get stamps. But I guess thats a whole new story. "

Re Joe wrote on Feb 10, 2008 1:26 PM:

" Are you one of those meth babies I've been hearing about? "

united way wrote on Feb 10, 2008 1:30 PM:

" These stats are misleading, DAPC has a women's shelter that houses pregnant and post pardum women. They are from around the state and are giving us the numbers.Sorry for the kid's fathers no room "

just wondering wrote on Feb 10, 2008 1:57 PM:

" With the high cost of living being what it is today, why would any one think of having 5-6 kids and have a life of any kind , with out being pretty well off to start with.
Gas , food , shelter, education , transpotation , all come with a high price tag, and if some thing happens to either parent it just gets worse . that is the real truth of life today, it is !@#$%^ expensive . You can not even die cheap. "

Samuel wrote on Feb 10, 2008 2:02 PM:

" I am the husband of Proud Mother and I will never leave my wife barefoot and pregnant. I love my wife and children and am committed to them the rest of my life, whether good or bad, in sickness and in health, in wealth or poverty. My parents divorced when I was 4 years old and I despise divorce and the consequences of divorce. I make it my life's goal to be better than my parents and to be a Godly, unselfish man who cares for my family above all. In fact, I work two jobs so that my wife can stay home and provide for our children. Proud Mother wanted to stay home and was not forced or coerced by me. We are very conscious about our large family not being a burden upon others or the environment or taxpayers. That is part of the reason we homeschool, don't use daycare, use cloth-diapers, limit our trips, and never drive our van over 60 mph (to conserve gas by getting better gas mileage). I assure you that I care for my children and that my wife is secure in her marriage, no matter how many stretch marks she has. She is my soulmate. "

Whale wrote on Feb 10, 2008 2:23 PM:

" Now atleast I know the names I will see in the future, in the police blotter................................ "

Isn't the welfare population big enough wrote on Feb 10, 2008 3:08 PM:

" What I'd really like to see is the average household incomes of the parents of all these children. "

Mr. Pragmatist wrote on Feb 10, 2008 3:44 PM:

" Are these planned? "

too many wrote on Feb 10, 2008 3:59 PM:

" I see way too many people having babies that have nooo business having babies as they cant take care of themselves, let alone support kids. I am sick and tired of seeing people buy expensive name brand groceries and pay for it with their welfare card. teaching their kids how to swipe the card, instead of teaching them anything resembling a work ethic!! I would like to see the stats also, for who pays for all these babies being born here!!! "

re Samuel wrote on Feb 10, 2008 5:08 PM:

" Hum , Work 16hrs a day, boy thats a good life! Does your wife and family ever see you for long ?
You really do not impress me with all your self righteous I am better than you stuff. All I said was it is very expensive to raise a large family . If you can afford it go for it . With your 16 hr. no life, life . "

Samuel wrote on Feb 10, 2008 5:18 PM:

" It is not large families that have the most impact on the environment. Mostly the rich have the most impact on the environment. They are the ones who use airplanes the most and buy the most material possesions that end up in landfills. Even with my family of five, our garbage can is only halfway filled each week. Yet I see smaller families whose garbage cans are overflowing each week. "

FDR wrote on Feb 10, 2008 5:26 PM:

" Samuel, way to go. It's too bad every child doesn't have such a responsible set of parents. "

MOM wrote on Feb 10, 2008 6:19 PM:

" For those people putting down Samuel and Proud Mom.... get a life!! Who do you think you are? Go vent at welfare moms who live off of taxpayers and have kid after kid. Why gripe at a responsible set of parents who are taking care of their kids and are not a burden to anyone. Why the bitterness? Sheesh! "

Kay E. wrote on Feb 10, 2008 7:52 PM:

" Proud Mom and Samuel seem to be responsible parents who are confident they can take care of all of their children.

But, too many unmarried teen moms are having children without a clue how they are going to support those children. Children aren't toys or status symbols. They are tiny, helpless humans, not punch tickets for welfare checks and food stamps. "

Hellion wrote on Feb 10, 2008 8:09 PM:

" Just from reading these comments, Longview has to be the least educated town I know. Keep your comments to yourself unless you actually know what you are talking about. And to "Proud Mother": thanks for actually finding the positive in society rather than spending your day infront of the computer finding something to gripe about like the other 99% who have posted today. "

re MOM wrote on Feb 10, 2008 8:37 PM:

" who is atking shots at any one ? You just did about people on welfare . It could be some of them have little or no choice in the matter. I was told by this state to quit working , i was no longer healthy enough , to do my job.
This is real life stuff , it happens.
You need to learn how to spell off not of. Stop blowing off about things you know little about . Walk a mile in their moccosins {shoes) before shooting off your mouth. Oh Bill Gates makes huge messes and never cleans them up, you bet, what does that have to do with kids? Garbage? UH? We as A country are the most wasteful in the world, your no diffrent Sam. If you go to the grocery store or to the toilet you add to the problem. "

Samuel wrote on Feb 10, 2008 9:20 PM:

" I don't use welfare. If you would like to know my income, it is about $40,000 per year. I work about 52 hours/week between my two jobs and I don't work weekends. My family sees me as much as is possible. My children always see their mother, which I believe is better than children in daycare who don't see either parent all day. If I wasn't taxed $600/month for programs that I don't use, I wouldn't need to work two jobs. I don't work to spoil my children. We don't have cable or satellite TV, cellphones, new cars, retirement plans. I'm not trying to be self-righteous. I'm trying to live the Christian life that many people accuse Christians of not living. You know, one that is not based on capitalism and materialism. I actually try to live out the saying, "Live simply so that others may simply live." I find it odd that many liberals love John Lennon's "Imagine". Yet I don't see very many people willing to give up many of their possesions and "live for today". I realize that a lot of people live off the government, but I'm not one of them. I'm too much of a libertarian to use government programs. "

Tazer Baby wrote on Feb 10, 2008 9:38 PM:

" Here's a quote from the Bible...somewhere in the front, I think.
Spare the TAZER, spoil the child. It warms my heart to see that alot of you have labled these families, and their children, as worthless and basically a drain on our system. If you are not going to be part of the solution, in our community, than you are definitely part of the problem. "

don't judge all wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:24 PM:

" When my husband and I had our daughter, we were both working full time and still needed assistance. After our son was born we were still on state for a few things. We had rent, PUD, and phone. No car payments and no credit card bills, and yet we still needed help. Now that was at least 4 years ago. We have since moved to a 3 bedroom house instead a 2 bedroom apartment, and let me tell you, we could use some help every now and then. Cost of living has gone up for everyone. It isn't easy. So don't judge someone because the have more than 2 kids. I agree about the parents that don't work and just sit on welfare, they should be kicked off. "

To Re Mom wrote on Feb 10, 2008 10:48 PM:

" Excuse me? I spelled everything correctly. You? "taking" is not spelled "atking", anyone is one word, "I" is supposed to be capitalized, it's "moccasins" not moccosins, "different", not "diffrent", oh, and my name is not Sam. Good day!!
PS. Please go back to school. "

somedude wrote on Feb 11, 2008 7:55 AM:

" Tazer, you crack me up! Also Kalama Rez I'm still laughing at your comment. My Wife and I both have good jobs, she works 14 hours with drive time and I work 10 with little drive time. The biggest problem I see for people is not having enough time with our Children, this is where I see kids suffering and to the person who complained about health care, I believe that everyone should have it! EVERYONE! Healthcare should not = Profit and many people suffer under our current system and we are better than that! Also about the Hispanic population comment, When My wife and I had the last of our Children we had it while she was laid off from work, so we applied for Wic we were surprised to be the only English Speaking people in the building we couldn't help to wonder if any of them had green cards. We actually felt bad because we could not communicate with other parents in the Waiting room! This is where our Drain on the Economy is and we would have more for our Citizens if someone would do something about illegal immigration! Our people go without so people who are not even citizens of our Country get all the help programs and This Needs to Stop! Sorry if you don't like my comments but you don't see us draining other Countries economy’s this way and they wouldn't stand for it they would throw us out! "

Just Me wrote on Feb 11, 2008 8:47 AM:

" WELFARE MOMS??? What about WELFARE DADS?? Last I checked women don't get pregnant on their own! "

somedude wrote on Feb 11, 2008 9:56 AM:

" Welfare dads? Who are we kidding, we live in Washington State where they belive no matter What a Cracked out mommy or a Drunk mommy or a meth mommy is still the better choice for a parent! Men can be just as good a parents sometimes even better than the Mom! Also "welfare mom" is a popular lifestyle choice in our area the problem is we allow it! "

ACP wrote on Feb 11, 2008 10:37 AM:

" I raised two children I fathered and two I adopted from scum that never deserved the children they brought in to this world. I got no help from the state. Some need the programs that are available just to survive. others bleed the system for all they can get by having more children. if you can't support your self by the second child you have no business breeding take some responsibility for your actions and pay your own bills. no more handouts to the morally depraved and under achievers, and stop throwing around good Christian values as an excuse for your decisions they were your choices to make. keep your hyper moral self serving religious views and your responsibility's to your self as they should be. "

Tazer Baby wrote on Feb 11, 2008 10:58 AM:

" Somedude makes alot of sense. Frustration level extremely high when it's obvious that the system is being bent over by the hordes of illegal aliens and repeat mommies who have no intentions of caring for even the children they already have spawned, not to mention the new ones at the plate. This leaves no hope for the people that really deserve the benefits, the families in which the programs were originally designed to assist. "

kalama res wrote on Feb 11, 2008 11:03 AM:

" also, proud mother, you are very very very ignorant. keep bring more of your filth into this world. thank you "

Re: somedud wrote on Feb 11, 2008 11:16 AM:

" No that wasn't a typo. Get over your personal issues and look a the BIG picture. Of Course men can be just as good and sometimes better parents than women. So, why is only "welfare MOMs" get accused of the downfall of society?? "

Hey Samual wrote on Feb 11, 2008 11:20 AM:

" Are you sure the kids are yours? With the amount of time you're gone who knows. The stats I've seen...17% of the kids out there are fathered by someone who isn't the mom's husband. You might be the most devoted father/husband in the world but you can still end up in divorce court and your kids will end up on welfare. "

ap wrote on Feb 11, 2008 11:43 AM:

" This county isn't the only thing growing! My family this year is gaining 8! With the last one in October. So within 10months time, my family will have increased by 9! I love babies! I too am guilty of populating the world with one on the way! And WELFARE mom I AM NOT! "

Geeeze . . . some people wrote on Feb 11, 2008 11:46 AM:

" The comments here sound like Malthus at an Aryan Nations meeting. "

somedude wrote on Feb 11, 2008 12:10 PM:

" Im sorry but there ar way more many Welfare moms who abuse the systems then welfare dads, that's all I'm saying! It's not ignorance it's fact! "

FROGGY wrote on Feb 11, 2008 12:16 PM:

" How many of the pregnant women are in high school or jr.high? It's been long known around cowlitz county that teen prgnancy has been a in high numbers. We need more for the younger generation to do around here so that they know partrying and gettin naked is not the only thing to do around. PEACE OUT!!! "

will someone please wrote on Feb 11, 2008 2:46 PM:

" Cut off the local middle schools internet connection, comments are going beyond ridiculous. Apparently TDN needs to create an adults only section. "

Goodness wrote on Feb 11, 2008 4:40 PM:

" I'm well aware that there are many women out there having babies who shouldn't... but this little baby boom isn't COMPLETELY due to cracked out, jobless women. I'm pregnant and I'm very excited! I have a great job, a nice home, and I will provide for my child every step of the way. I also have three friends who are in different stages of pregnancy right now, and they are all decent people who won't be relying on any state funds!!! So yay for the baby boom... it isn't ALL bad!! "

SISCO wrote on Feb 11, 2008 4:57 PM:

" Come on people what is wrong with a couple choosing to have a large family.You act like they have commited some crime. I have 8 brothers and sisters, and my husband has 11.We were never on welfare,food stamps, or state medical. We didnt have a lot of material things, but what we had, far out weighed them. God bless you Samual, and your family. "

Local Mom wrote on Feb 11, 2008 5:47 PM:

" It is my humble opinion that TDN commenting needs to be taken off-line permanently. Some of these comments are way off the mark and have nothing whatsoever to do with birth rates. Attacking the members of your community does not serve any purpose other than showing your lack of common sense. By the way, why isn't TDN preventing some of the comments that are nearly slander? "

Sarcastic wrote on Feb 11, 2008 6:47 PM:

" I am just wondering...instead of reporting on how high the birth rate is in Cowlitz County...lets report on how many of these births are from our children having children. I am a mother of high schoolers and middle schoolers and let me tell you it is very disturbing when you can go into the two schools and find a majority of the girls there pregnant. When exactly did it become cool to be pregnant in school? Maybe we should educate the kids that when you become a parent that the kids become the #1 importance and not the #1 income provider. Get a job children and keep your legs closed till you can afford to take care of yourself first. "

re Local Mom wrote on Feb 11, 2008 6:51 PM:

" How many children has your Panama Canal passed? There - a comment having everything to do with birth rates. Another humble opinion: not allowing these comments would be akin to implicit agreement of these ovens to continue spitting out buns at such record rate. Perhaps some of these people have never heard of raincoats and other products designed to keep them dry. It would be a shame not to allow such messages, would it not? "

TwentySomething wrote on Feb 11, 2008 7:43 PM:

" Here's another perspective. Parents like Samuel and Proud Mother are raising good citizens, whose work ethic, compassion, and great character will improve the lives of the people they come in contact with. Children like theirs will reach out to better their communities and help offset some of the selfishness and filth that abound. Their many children are an asset to this country, and I hope they out number those who are not. "

RE: Local Mom wrote on Feb 11, 2008 8:35 PM:

" It cant be slander if you don't know who you are slandering. That's why you don't tell people who you are on this sight. I do believe that some of these comments are out of line, particularly kalama res, but we have the first amendment for a reason. "

so sorry wrote on Feb 11, 2008 9:31 PM:

" Is it less abortions? It would be nice to see some depth to this story. After nearly 8 years of "values" it would be nice to know if that translated into less abortions
to number of pregnancies. "

Local Mom to RE:Local Mom wrote on Feb 11, 2008 10:14 PM:

" I am well aware that it is not slander, that is why I said "nearly slander". As college graduates in a devoted marriage you won't be able to get away with implying that we are not able to care for our child. How's this for nearly slander. You show your true ignorance by your crudeness. "

Just Me wrote on Feb 12, 2008 2:05 PM:

" RE: Somedude
there are NO "Welfare Moms" without "Welfare Dads". See it takes 2 to tango! "

ugh! wrote on Feb 12, 2008 5:22 PM:

" Pass the condoms to Cowlitz County. Most of you sound like you are brain dead and should not be passing it along to the next generation "

re: Local Mom wrote on Feb 12, 2008 6:21 PM:

" Thanks for the compliment. We don't know your real perspective though, as you haven't answered about the usage of your Panama Canal. Is it in good maintenance, or does it need widening or deepening to allow continued ingress and egress of such large Funships? "

Lori wrote on Feb 12, 2008 9:45 PM:

" Well I sit here tonight and read in my home town newpaper here online that there is a three time arrested woman with Meth who is facing 40 yrs. and now Cowlitz County is on the top 5 list for making babies.. I just have to say I wish that for every woman who was having a baby in Cowlitz County they all took parenting classes, and drug tests on a regular basis, with finger printing, Full back ground checks including the so called father and have their house inspected for child saftey,because all the drugs and babies in foster care/ and not in foster care yet. The ones to take those kids in to raise are the ones who hurt the most. You don't have to do much to get pregant but you sure have to do a lot to raise them. Having lots of kids are fine but I have to say, I adopted 3 out of Cowlitz County who were drug babies and the mother had 6 kids and she lived on welfare and did all the drugs she wanted on the Longview Tax payers.No one thinks about what is going to happen when they lay back and do their thing until a kid pops out. Then what? I tell Longview has changed.. The economy stinks there.. No jobs, lots of kids, WELFARE!!! amazing what that places is becoming.. I come home for vacation and I am sadden by the morales that these people have. "

Celebrate Diversity? wrote on Feb 13, 2008 3:09 AM:

" Some people seem very hypocritical. It is okay to choose to have an abortion or a small family, but not choose to have a large family? Our society is so anti-children, which is very odd considering that we all were children once. I wonder how much we would have appreciated our parents feeling so negative about us. That attitude is the reason why so many people are on anti-depressants and needing counseling. It seems that diversity never includes religious conservatives, or stay-at-home moms, or homeschoolers. Why is it okay to be a bigot toward those groups? "

Baby #4 on the way! wrote on Feb 13, 2008 10:11 AM:

" While I understand where some of the negative comments are coming from, people need to remember that these stereo types of irresponsible, drug addicted parents, don't apply to all of us. I think a huge problem in this community is that it is packed with narrow minded, judgmental people who make rude generalized statements about entire populations of people whose lifestyles very greatly. Quit being so negative, and try to recognize that there are happy, healthy, economically stable families out there, who should have whatever size family they like! "

Necomer wrote on Feb 13, 2008 12:21 PM:

" CELEBRATE DIVERSITY - I don't see that we are ANTI children, that is just a ridiculous reactionary/inflammatory statement on your part. What people are, at least those who are educated and with some interest in preserving this planet, is increasingly PRO POPULATION CONTROL! I don't want to rain on anyones reproductive parade, but frankly, I think it's irresponsible to have large families today. This planet only has so many resources to give, and we are rapidly draining them. Why can't two children be a reasonable amount? Then those children can receive a better chance at the attention and guidance they need, and hopefully the college education they SHOULD receive! It's sad but true, the rich just keep getting richer, and the poor keep having children. You know all of those Sci Fi movies we've seen where the aliens come to Earth to take our recources because theirs are gone? I often think that is US. We are the parasite on this planet, draining its very last resources for wreckless profit or the misguided notion that `just because we CAN, then we SHOULD'. I'd love to see more couples make a conscientious decision to leave their children a healthier planet & brighter future by reducing the amount of siblings their children will have! "

No Prob wrote on Feb 14, 2008 10:07 AM:

" I have no problem with large families. Nobody I know is against large families. Have as many kids as you want, just don't ask me to pay for it! "

to Baby #4 wrote on Feb 14, 2008 7:37 PM:

" Your Panama Canal has exceeded its maximum width and needs to be closed to all outgoing traffic. "

mother of one wrote on Feb 14, 2008 9:35 PM:

" I have only one child, because I feel we can only afford one, I only have the energy for one, and I want to give her the best of me. Have as many kids as you want if....
1.) you can AFFORD them 2.) you can be an active and engaging parent 3.) you are capable of raising a child who doesn't become a punk or spoiled rotten brat

The problem is not the large families, the issue is unplanned pregnancies. I would rather see a healthy hispanic family of 5, than a family with 2 kids who aren't taken care of by unprepared parents. TDN should do a report on who receives welfare. My bet is not on hard working hispanics, but on single white mothers (with multiple "baby daddies") ages 20-28 "

Single Mother of 2 wrote on Feb 15, 2008 5:58 PM:

" Do any of you really read these comments and pay much attention to them. I suppose that none of you people had children within the time frame mentioned, and if you did you are welfare moms or meth addicts? since you all have formed very strong opinions. It sounds like almost all of you believe that everyone in cowlitz county are welfare moms or meth addicts. I am a single mother of two beautiful well behaved litte boys that I am raising without any state assistance. My children and I live in the highlands area and we always have, you know just because you come from somewhere bad doesnt mean that you have to turn out to be just like those, if you are wise you will learn from others mistakes without degrading them, and if you are really wise you teach this life skill to your children. "

I have 6 kids- wrote on Feb 16, 2008 12:30 PM:

" I have 6 children who live in my house, 7 between me and my long-time boyfriend. 2 are from previous relationships of mine, 2 are from his previous relationships, and we have 3 together. He is a former meth user from 6 and a half years ago when he lived in Walla Walla. I have never touched that nasty drug, if it don't grow green it can't be clean-and I do not use that particular herb either. My boyfriend supports our whole family without aid from the state, and he pays his child support on time every month for his daughter that does not live with us. We use the Kids Resale stores, to recycle our still nice but no longer fitting clothes. We conserve energy by turning things off when we are not using them, and try to not waste what we do have.I stay home while he works, the kids attend public school and 3 of our kids were born in Cowlitz County. Seems like there are alot of ignorant people on here who are perched upon their pedestals, come down, take off your shades and take a long look around. Just because you see a person with a nice car or nice clothes does not always mean they have a way to stiff the state. Some people do take pride in what they have, and choose to use their money to buy nice things rather than a bunch of cheap junk. "

Talking Trash wrote on Feb 17, 2008 3:33 AM:

" I cant believe how a group of people would verbally attack a pregnant woman and her family. Mind your own business, keep your nasty opinions to yourself!! Everyone is entitled to make their own choices about having kids...even you trash-talkers!! And now you say..."not if my tax dollar is paying for it!" Well at some point everyone uses tax dollars for something... To Samuel and his pregnant wife: I apologize for the ignorance of my fellow human kind who think they can impose their values and beliefs on other people, and who think they have the right to judge other people...they kind of remind me of Saddam... "

Reality wrote on Feb 18, 2008 1:03 PM:

" Must have been a ( ( brrrrr ) ) cold year! We have a new generation to look forward to. Maybe we can all stop complaining about the fact that they are here and actually come together to raise them with a sense of community, educational import and pride in their local area! Instead of all the worthless bickering on who should and should not procreate, once they are here...they are here. Let's make the most of it and show 'em their inherited community! "

to Samuel wrote on Feb 18, 2008 6:11 PM:

" Its none of anybody's business how many kids you two decide to produce, and I applaud your integrity in taking care of your wife and family. But have you ever considered what they would do if one of the abundant Cowlitz County Meth users decided to run a red light and hit you while you were on your way home from your job(s)? OK, if you were killed you might have life insurance, but just suppose you lived, but were totally disabled requiring 24 hour care and your wife wouldn't even have the option to go out and get a job to provide for your family. What would you do for an income then? No one ever plans for these calamities, but they do happen. Also, if I were in a position to support a large family I would probably consider adopting some of the unwanted throw-away babies that were produced by "parents " who were less devoted to their offspring than you are. Just IMO. "

to I have 6 kids wrote on Feb 18, 2008 6:39 PM:

" Man, what a confusing gene pool. Just how many parents are actually involved in this grouping of yours? Has marriage ever been a factor in the production of these offspring? Do they have college bank accounts? Do you have adequate health insurance for each of them? Many take pride in what they have accomplished (besides reproducing) and in making a positive contribution to society, not what they HAVE. Perhaps buying nice things should be secondary to having a nest egg so that your collective children will be able to get a good education. Good Luck. "

I Am One Of... wrote on Feb 19, 2008 9:28 AM:

" Nine children. No, we did not always have insured healthcare, nor did we have the latest fashion, or the popular television shows, or the nicest house on the block, and our parents didn't buy us our first cars. We worked to split, stack and haul wood for heat; we peeled potatoes for dinner every night (except when we had beans), we were told "No" more often than not, we went to school and were expected to have no less than a B average, we participated in sports only because we mowed lawns and babysat for the money to pay for the team jerseys. Mom and Dad both worked and between the two of them, we had a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and we actually had a great deal of fun in our childhoods. We did not think we were deprived at the time. On today's standard, we must have been the poorest of the poor, but today, each of us has become what you would term "a success" as we haven't gotten into trouble and we all support ourselves and our families AND OUR PARENTS, too. No nursing home for them! They may not have been "prepared" to have all of us (7 of us were adopted) but they did and they made the best of it. We kids didn't know it could be any other way. For me, big families = lots of love. $ never mattered. "

re: I Am One Of... wrote on Feb 19, 2008 10:39 AM:

" Your comments illustrate a previous writers note perfectly. Rather than continue to reproduce with wild abandon, your parents opened their home and hearts to 7 children who were considered expendable by their birth parents. Your compassion and success as parents yourselves attests to their good judgement. With all the "spare" kids just waiting for someone to care about them, why on earth do people keep producing more and not caring for those who are already there? "

How Sweet! wrote on Feb 19, 2008 1:42 PM:

" What a heartwarming note this blog has taken...wretch. Many only adopt because their own organs don't function so well...not necessarily all, but definitely some. So lets get back to all the bun throwers and why they deserve to deplete our resources like they do...etc. etc. "

sisco wrote on Feb 19, 2008 4:41 PM:

" we rant and rave about save the fish, save the trees , save the sea lions, and we kill the children "

re sisco wrote on Feb 19, 2008 6:42 PM:

" When was the last time your spawn was endangered? Keep the legs closed people! Use BC or drop them off with the other kiddies at the pool - just do something Most of with families with so many are disgusting and a turn off to mainstream society. You don't need ten to twenty kids to tend your fields, prove your a good Mormon or fight off those inner demons. The fact that you MAY be able to adequately feed and clothe them until of age means very little in the big picture. Absolutely disgusting! "

distrubed wrote on Feb 20, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Longview/Kelso will run out of street corners! "

Opinion wrote on Feb 22, 2008 7:31 PM:

" Abortion over newborns! Coat hangers over adoptions! Pills over prepubescents! Sterilization over all! "

Curious wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:41 AM:

" I wonder if people realize when families have more then two children and the population booms, when these children have children, will there be enough resources to feed them? We need to think beyond our immediate needs and realize what will happen to future generations. By the way who's supporting all these children? The taxpayors. "Food for Thought" "

re Curious wrote on Feb 24, 2008 10:40 AM:

" Very valid and very true. Unfortunately these baby factories are so blinded by their own shameless greed and gluttony that things like that don't matter to them. "

Poll Time - no pun intended wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:51 PM:

" Why doesn't TDN take a poll of all these mothers to see how many are teenagers, meth heads, on welfare and jobless. I bet the numbers will be high. "

Ilovemykids wrote on Feb 26, 2008 7:50 PM:

" Why is everyone looking at the negative, I admit I at one time was a single mother of one on welfare but that was only so I could attend College to better the life of my daughter and myself. Not everyone who has baby's are on welfare. I am married now and just had my third and final baby, my husband and I both work with benefits through our jobs. There is nothing wrong with getting help from the state if you truly need it and have a plan to make it temporary help, thats what welfare is for. Please to all of you who judge, at least know what you are talking about first. "

minority wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:29 AM:

" hey some welfare recipients do have jobs. they work for the welfare dept. they get paid to have sex,do drugs,support dead beats,illegals and give birth to there insurance policies in return the government pays them w/out having to take a (UA).it seems to be the american way. i mean its allowed why do you think we are minorities? other countries want there share of the wealth so they are coming here to get there piece of our tax dollars to.so are we as a country smart,stupid or bent over? you decide i have and i am tired of grabbing my ankles. "

Hey "ACP" wrote on Feb 27, 2008 3:12 PM:

" Kudos on raising adopted children. In reference to your previous comment, "...and how many live on my tax dollars", you must be quite rich then and are taxed very heavily. Social services are often quite underfunded (which leads to undersupervision and corruption)... So get off your high horse and complain about your tax dollars going to even more worthless places... like the quagmire known as Iraq. "

Kristanna Boettcher wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:09 AM:

" This isn't necessarily a good thing. A closer look at the people actually creating this mini-boom could show that. These are kids having kids. They don't have the education or the career-related training to support the children they're making. These aren't necessarily planned pregnancies, and I'm willing to bet that a majority of them result in an unhealthy family situation for the children being made. Even the babies born into wedlock aren't completely safe. Getting married a week after graduation is absolutely absurd. A person doesn't have the life skills or experience to make a decision about something so large as marriage.

Speaking as someone raised in the Longview area, this way of thinking is entirely too prevalent to be healthy for the community. We should be encouraging safe sex and continuing education for teenagers, not pushing them into an unsuccessful adulthood.

This baby-making trend is just one example of the sub-wonderful concept of living that creeps into life in the Longview area.

Its disgusting to think of people who should have their entire lives in front of them being faced with very adult responsibilites. The worser thought is that its because the community they were brought up in collectively won't correct the situation. "

Kristanna Boettcher (and one more thing) wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:43 AM:

" It only seems fair to add that I myself am an eighteen year old girl who graduated from the Longview area last June.

I chose not to tie myself to anyone via pregnancy or marriage a week after graduation.

Instead I got on a plane and moved 1,700 miles away to escape being like the last generation of Cowlitz county residents who did.

This forum in itself is a demonstration of the absolute ignorance and lack of education that's destroying my hometown.

I am perhaps the first generation in memory on either side of my family to set a no-teenage-pregnancy boundary.

It strikes me as absurd that I am somehow the anomaly.

This article concretes my reasons for getting out.

I left a community with a system in place for young people to repeat their parents' mistakes that couldn't have been any more perfect.

The economy is failing so horrifically that a week at Sylvan couldn't pass it.

There are no systems in place to really allow for the success of either individuals or the society as a whole; any government programs are insufficient for the mass of people who cling to them for survival.

Children are left with no choice but to lead a slightly different version of the same unfulfilling, unsuccessful, ultimately pointless existences their parents did.

And too many in the community don't have the education to even pick that statement apart.

Congratulations on your pregnancies.

Really.

Congratulations. "

Father wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:26 PM:

" Just what the area needs; more semi-literate wage slaves to feed to the local meatgrinder economy. You sheeple need to read "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair. Substitute Longview/Kelso everytime you hit the word Chicago and maybe you'll get a clue. Probably not but for those who can actually read it might be worth a try.
Congratulations on your escape, Kristanna. You sound like you have a chance to make something of yourself. The best and brightest of each generation leave if they can, leaving the dregs of society to continue perpetuating the poverty and blight that is Longview/Kelso. "

Kristanna Boettcher (to Father) wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:31 PM:

" Thank you. "

kalama mom wrote on Mar 2, 2008 8:47 AM:

" I work for the state. I can tell you that I see many more "welfare mom's" than "welfare dads" simply because the mom's usually get custody and the dad's are out there working to pay their court ordered child support. Food Stamps is the only program a family can utilize and not forfit their child support back to the state. If they recieve medical or cash benefits their child support rec'd goes to the state. I'm not against large families, if you can support them and love them, great for you! I'm devistated though at the number of kids in foster care in our county. We need more foster parents! "

TO: Kalama Mom wrote on Mar 3, 2008 8:45 AM:

" You are so very right! We do need more foster families. Too many kids in the system with not enough love to raise them. The system was never designed to raise our kids. "

What wrong here? wrote on Mar 3, 2008 12:40 PM:

" Check out your own crime map. It comes out weekly. Add that by 52 weeks and there would be no map. Stamp out kids in Kelso-longview and you will stamp out future crime in the area. Then there will be a nice town for nice people "

re TO: Kalama Mom wrote on Mar 4, 2008 6:43 PM:

" You are right in your statement that the system was "never designed to raise our kids." However, I believe the last thing we need is more foster families. What we are in desperate need of is increased ABORTION! The method doesn't matter, what counts is lowering the number of unnecessary births. Society should not be made to pay for those unable (due to intelligence level, drug usage etc) to use birth control or otherwise correctly plan their lives and family. Abortion should be promoted, with incentives given for undergoing approved procedures. At worst this would amount to rewarding certain women for repeat behavior every six months or so.... at best this could have far ranging and positive economic and societal impacts. Think of it as a win-win all the way around... "

Here is an idea wrote on Mar 6, 2008 8:50 AM:

" Abortion is not birth control. Its a serious consideration. If a person cannot be trusted to use birth control then the next option is tubal ligation or the dreaded manfix. Then those druged, illerates can do each other all they want - and apparently thats all they want. "

re Here is an idea wrote on Mar 6, 2008 2:30 PM:

" Agreed... and if all else fails then force the abortion. "

kalama mom wrote on Mar 7, 2008 5:20 AM:

" I won't even dignify your comments about abortion. I spport a womans right to choose, but you'd never pass any law forcing a woman to have one. It's tragic... I know. Addicts having one baby after another, clogging up the foster care system. I see it everyday. "

re kalama mom wrote on Mar 7, 2008 7:15 PM:

" A woman should never have the right to choose. It was her choice to enjoy unprotected intercourse, so she should not have the right of bringing the unncecessary child into the world. Mutual decision, in cases yes. The point is that many more abortions should be performed than are. Our society and economy do not need these "children." Thanks for the partial agreement... "

Job Security wrote on Mar 8, 2008 1:21 PM:

" All these babies, you've got to love it. Its a new life. It is sad because of the majority of Cowlitz county shouldn't be reproducing anymore because they can't even take care of the ones they have. I also can see the frustration for the people who can't have kids but are still paying for everybody elses by paying taxes. I am going to be a early childhood educator so the more babies that are born the more job security for me and others in the same field. Just remember the more people around here the more business' and customers and the more job security for everyone. So quit being so negative and think more positively, you can't change the fact that more babies are being born so try to see the brighter side. "

I like that wrote on Mar 8, 2008 2:19 PM:

" Nice, I agree. I wonder why it is that the smart ones have one or two children while those lacking in education have many. I guess you cant educate a drug addict but you can put a cork in it and cut off the pickle so they cannot profificate. Now that is what should be legal. "

re Job "Security" wrote on Mar 8, 2008 5:24 PM:

" You are obviously young and nieve and this job you speak of may even be your first. So please enlighten us as to your theory that having more babies is the solution to world problems. This would be why the most populous countries in the world are in such great shape, right? With your attitude and opinion I am not quite sure as to what kind of valuable education you could possibly provide. You might wish to study something besides fornication and preschool 101. Those two subjects have little to do with world problems. "

Longview wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:10 PM:

" This article is not a surprise. As the demographics of the area plummets (which it HAS been), the Longview/Kelso area creeps closer and closer to 3rd world nation status. All I see are more and more poor, uneducated, welfare-sucking people without the know-how to use birth control replicating like bacteria in a steamy garbage can. Way to go Longview!! "

re Longview wrote on Mar 10, 2008 6:46 PM:

" And that's only considering the legal population - factor in the illegals and we're by far 3d world nation status. Poor, uneducated welfare-sucking people who don't even have a right to be here! Oh it's great to be an American!!! "

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