Random Thoughts

If you haven't read "The Last Lecture". I would recommend it. Written by Randy Pausch, a renowned professor of computer science who was stricken with pancreatic cancer.
It isn't a story about dying...Its about living! He lives his life with a unbelievable optimistic spirit. His wife is amazing. The book chronicles his life and it seems every one of his experiences had a life lesson to be learned and passed on to his children.

Yesterday I was reminded why I do car seat education! We had a car seat check in South OKC. The parents were the most needy. But they we also unusually inquisitive, and thankful! Almost every seat I checked, the parent asked questions and was genuinely concerned for their child's safety. You don't even get that in affluent areas, most parents want to get a free seat and get out of there!
It was just super rewarding even in the 95 degree weather!

You'll notice a link for Haley Palmer on my blogroll. She is a little girl who lived in our neighborhood in Owasso who recently lost her battle with cystic fibrosis! They are an amazing family! Here's a link to an article about her an another girl from Oklahoma.

You all knew it was coming...

Its my passion. I believe its my calling to educate others. It's Child Passenger Safety. But really not just child passenger safety, but motor vehicle safety. The bottom line is that child restraints (car seats) and seat belts save lives. In case you need more reasons to believe this truth I am here to educate you with the facts.

*Each year 975 children die in motor vehicle accidents.
*Car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 80%
It is important to use a child restraint EVERY TRIP! But it is also important to use your restraint correctly. Unfortunately, 8 out of 10 child restraints are used incorrectly. The most common form of misuses for all child restraint system (CRS) included loose vehicle seat belt attachment to the CRS and loose harness straps securing the child to the CRSs.

Its important for everyone in the car to be restrained in every trip. Here's why:
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELTEVEN IN THE BACKSEAT

Basic child restraint use suggestions:
Infant should ride rear facing as long as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests until they reach the upper weight limits of a rear facing seat. Some seats that means 22lbs and some up to 35lbs. At the VERY LEAST until the child is 20lbs AND 1 year old.
Children 20 to 40 lbs should ride in a forward facing seat (preferrably a 5 point harness) and always use the top tether for optimal protection.
Children above 40 lbs should use at least a booster seat until the child can fit in a standard seat belt correctly. (Some car seat manufacturers have 5 point harnesses up to 80lbs.)
All 50 states have child restraint laws. 25 states have primary or standard laws for child restraints, meaning police can stop a vehicle soley for seat belt violations.

Ok... I'm glad to get that out. Much more info to come.
Please know I am not making any of this up. Feel free to check my information.
Visit: www.usa.safekids.org or www.carseat.org
I welcome any questions or comments!
I'll leave you with this... The reason for my passion.

Him a few months ago in his new big boy seat!

Hanging in the swimming pool... Some kids have a blankie for comfort...Our has a pink hammer!

Words to Live By

My hair has been successfully repaired. Thank you Kyla!
I'm glad to report not many of you had the privledge of seeing the disaster.

Words to Live By:
"Remind yourself that one day, you will be caught up on laundry, your house will be spotless, and your babies won't fit in your lap anymore."