Go-Go Mommy

In Support of Friends

I just learned two very important things today. First, a friend informed me that an ex-coworker and friend of ours has just been diagnosed with IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer) this past week. And second, as I went directly to Toddler Planet to review "Why Mommy's" information on IBC, I learned that she just received a clean bill of health after her long battle with IBC.

Both pieces of news rocked me to my core. Both have shown me the fragility of life.

I hope everyone can take the time to visit Why Mommy's site and please share your positive vibes with each woman.

Here's a BIG HUG to all the woman warriors that we all know!

Photo Friday! 04.04.08 (Fire Safety)

Last weekend KB, Poppy, Sweet Pea and I went on a tour of a local fire station with our Parents' Club. The kids had a great time learning about when to dial 9-1-1, what to do if there is a fire at home, how to develop and practice practice practice an emergency plan for leaving the home and meeting outside at a specific location, and even watching one of the firefighters put on all his gear so they wouldn't be afraid of a fully-suited firefighter.

For the kids, the highlight was definitely getting their photo taken in the fire truck.

Hats off to all firefighters and rescue workers for all you do everyday!

Protect Our Children, Protect Ourselves

Well here's a reality. Victories are usually short-lived.

Here in California, we could finally claim a victory in the struggle to keep our children safe. In the midst of the "toy recall controversy", Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed into law legislation banning the production, distribution and sale of products for young children which contain more than .10% of the harmful chemicals called phthalates ("THA-lates") which is added to plastic to help make it pliable. While this mostly effects things like teething rattles, pacifiers, etc., and doesn't take effect until 2009, at least it's a step in the right direction.

Then, POW! We get knocked down again with another disheartening discovery. After what I read today, plastic concerns are passe - the new threat is "GHB" for babies. Millions of "Aqua Dots" toys are now being recalled after two U.S. children went into comas after ingesting the "Aqua Dot" beads. This toy is made of beads that are arranged to make designs and then fused together with water. Apparently when ingested, a chemical in the beads converts to the "date rape" drug. Where does this end?

In addition, we are finding out more everyday about harmful carcinogens which are now in everyday products like shampoo and babywash. While we can't test every product we use, I did want to share a cool find: a cosmetic database called Skin Deep. You can find loads of cosmetics and bath care products for adults and babies that have been tested for ingrediants which are linked to causing cancer, reproductive/develpmental toxicity, etc. One thing you'll find on this site is a "buying guide" for parents of safe products for children. Whether you're looking for babywipes, diaper cream, or sunscreen, you'll find brand and off-brand products that are rated on a scale from 0 to 10 (0 = safest, 10 = highest hazard). You can even create your own shopping list.

Hope you get a chance to check it out!