We changed our baby duty dates slightly, now Tara has 'Bella'(the baby doll) on Tuesday and Wednesday, I (Jennie) will take over Bella after school on Wednesday, then give her to Georgia after school on Friday. Georgia will take the weekend shift, and Alex will take the last shifts--from Monday morning to Wednesday after school.
'Bella' isn't as sensitive as a real baby but she still brings small insights into a teen mum's world. Bella brings challenges that a normal baby would bring, such as keeping a close eye on her, constant crying etc. We must be able to detect what she wants when she cries. Therefore, although Bella isn't a real baby, she is still a big challenge to us (remember we are TEENAGERS!).
We have finalised our final outcomes today. I am responsible for this blog; Tara will be doing a poster; Alex is in charge of our report which will be a newspaper article; and Georgia will be doing a sketch/drawing.
Interview with Tara, who is currently looking after the baby
Jennie: How does it feel to carry a baby with you all the time?
Tara: I find it hard to concentrate on other things...and the responsibility is quite big considering a baby is such a fragile thing.
Jennie: Did you get any prejudice from the public?
Tara: Yeah, I went on the tram, and I got lots of glares, evil looks, greases, and a lot of elderlies were staring.
Jennie: Is it a tiring job? Did you get tired of it?
Tara: Yead, I did, it's quite... It would be a lot harder with a real baby, and this is a mechanical one, and I'm already tired with mechanic baby. It's hard to balance your school work with looking after a baby.
Jennie: Did you feel embarrassed when the baby cries in public?
Tara: Yeah, very embarrassed, because I can't do anything about it.
