World Forestry Center

Our trip to the World Forestry Center in Portland. It's a cute little museum about forests, trees, conservation, and managing wood harvesting. Very cool.

World Forestry Center

Molting

Ninja proudly came home from school last week with this little baggie.

The next morning, Daddy helped make the hole a bit bigger.

Go 'Zers!

We love the TrailBlazers!

Did I mention we are Blazer fans?

Family Pictures

We attempted to get a family picture since we have very few pictures with all of us in them. It turned out okay, at least everyone is looking at the camera and looking somewhat decent. I am in love with this picture of the boys. Rocket is hugging on Ninja and it just melts my heart! On another note, Rocket had his first tooth pop through today :)

6 Months Old

A little late, but that's okay. Rocket is 17lbs 10oz now and such a happy baby! He still loves to interact with people and gets mad if you aren't paying attention to him. He loves to laugh and giggle. No teeth yet, but mommy knows that he can bite hard with those gums. Ouch! He sleeps cuddled up with mom so he can take advantage of some late night visits at the 24 hour buffet.

Don't be a Punk. Face the trunk!

Did you know?

*A child does not need to be turned forward facing in a car seat at one year old, and in fact, is much safer rear facing for as long as the car seat allows?

*The AAP recommends rear facing to the upper limits of the child's car seat (generally 35-40lbs) as long as their head is below the shell of the car seat?

*A rear facing child between the ages of 1-2 is 5 times less likely to be severely injured in a motor vehicle accident?

*A forward facing child between the ages of 1-2 is at serious risk for head and neck injuries, including internal decapitation (yes, it's as horrble as it sounds)?

*Most convertible car seats on the maket can keep children rear facing to at least 2 years old, and some up to 3-4 years of age?

*Leg injuries are far more common in forward facing children and a child's feet or legs touching the backseat in a rear facing car seat is not a safety concern?

*A rear facing car seat absorbs most of the forces of a crash while cradling the child, whereas the body of a child in a forward facing seat would absorb crash forces, placing significant strain on the neck and spinal column?

*A rear facing child is far better protected in the event of a side impact collision, the type that is statistically the most deadly?

We all want our kids to be safe, and as parents it's our job to do our best to make sure that happens. Keeping kids rear facing as long as we can is the best way to keep them safe in the car. Motor vehicle accidents are the number one killer of kids over the age of one. No pediatric organization encourages parents to turn their children at one year /20lbs. That is merely the BARE MINIMUM, and all empasize the importance of rear facing to the maximum limits allowed by the child's car seat. So, don't be a punk. Face the trunk!