20 baby names facing extinction 🦖

Heroic teen saves baby during ice storm

Author

The Weekly Parent
January 23, 2024

TOP OF MIND

Oregon teen saves the day
A crippling ice storm slammed nearly the entire state of Oregon this past week, resulting in at least 10 deaths across the region.

But that number could have been 11 if not for the heroic efforts of 18-year-old Majiah Washington. The Portland teenager was inside her home on Wednesday when she saw a flash outside her window.

When she looked outside, she noticed a vehicle with a downed power line on top of it.

Inside the car? A baby.

The important bits
A man and woman were outside the car trying to get their baby out. Washington recalls hearing the mother screaming, "Take my baby out of the car! Take my baby out of the car!"

Once they got the baby out, the father attempted to walk up an icy hill with the child, but tragically, he slipped and fell backwards, making contact with the power line. Washington remembers seeing a small spark of fire and smoke. The baby's mother ran over to help her partner and baby, but she slipped as well and made contact with the power line.

The woman's brother, a 15-year-old boy, came running to help, but he also slipped and sadly made contact with the power line, resulting in another spark of fire and smoke.

Washington, who was still watching from her home, dialed 911 and begged for help. "I didn't know what to think. It all happened so fast," she told reporters. "I was concerned for the baby. No one was moving," she added.

But then. She noticed the baby's head move. Despite watching what just happened, Washington knew she had to save the baby. 

I slid down there, kind of crouched. I briefly made contact with the baby's father, but didn't feel a shock. I kind of touched him with my hands and then I just kind of grabbed the baby out of his hands and made my way back up the hill.

Majiah Washington via ABC News

The 911 operator warned her of the risk of electrocution, but all Washington could think about was saving the baby.

Tragically, the mother, father, and the 15-year-old died from their injuries, but thanks to Washington, the baby survived.

What's it all mean?
The real superheroes aren't on the big screen. They're your next door neighbors.

DID YOU HEAR

20 baby names facing extinction
Much like dinosaurs and Taco Bell's infamous "Waffle Taco" these 20 baby names are facing extinction. Topping the list are Brooke, Blake, McKenzie, Julius, Jaiden and Johnny. It's up to our readers to bring them back!

Mental health days might be bad for children
A recent survey of more than 1,000 parents found that nearly 60% of them have let their tween or teen take a mental health day, which means they let them stay home from school. It's a growing trend and is often praised on social media, but some experts believe there is real danger to this. You can read why that is by clicking here (pro trip: open in private browser if it's asking you to sign up to read!) And if you'd like to raise a more resilient kid, read this article.

Who needs veggies?
Chrissy Teigen discussed parenting with Jimmy Kimmel last week, and she revealed that her 5-year-old son Miles has never eaten a single vegetable, unless you count the tiny piece of broccoli he accidently ate in a fried rice dish. "He was so upset about it," Teigen admitted. If your kid is like Miles, and you've tried all the picky eating tips out there, maybe this plate, which turns eating into a board game, will help.

Your pants are on fire
Did you know 78% of American parents admitted to lying to their children? And while most of the lies seem harmless, like telling them their pet hamster went to live on a farm, some experts believe even the smallest of fibs could harm your child. Read all about it here.

Kids say the creepiest things
Parents are sharing some of the creepiest things their kids have said, and honestly, we're afraid.

A DOSE OF GOOD

BITES WITH KIYAH

Rice Krispie Bars transport me to childhood and are one of the best desserts (second only to lemon bars, IMHO), so when my husband sent me a version claiming that black sesame seeds would elevate the classic recipe, I was skeptical. But also curious. And hungry. So I did what any rational person would do and went out to buy 20 pounds of marshmallows to do a little taste test.

My family and I tested three recipes: classic, salted brown butter, and black sesame.

The conclusion? If you’ve been making the classic version your whole life, spend the extra five minutes it takes to make the salted brown butter version instead. It was preferred by everyone over the original. But the black sesame bars actually came out on top (with everyone but my 11 year old son). The addition of black sesame seeds (and a small amount of sesame oil) beautifully balanced the otherwise sweet bars. You can eat more, and bigger, bars before the sweetness is overwhelming.

Black Sesame Bars:

  • Brown 6 Tbsp butter over medium heat adding 1/4 cup Black Sesame seeds in the last 2 minutes of browning.

  • Lower heat and add 12 ounces marshmallows. Stir until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and add 2 tsp sesame oil.

  • To this mixture, add 6 cups Rice Krispies and 1 tsp flaky sea salt. Stir to mix fully, press into a lightly greased pan (13x9” for thinner bars, 9x9 for nice thick ones).

  • Let cool for 10 minutes (if you can) and then dig in! If you have any left, you can store it in an airtight container.

Kiyah is the co-founder of Kizingo Kids and an expert in nutrition. Follow her on Instagram.

DEALS & FINDS

Couponing on Amazon? It's a thing, and this post features the hottest deals of the month. Some of the deals include nearly 300 diapers for just $60 when you subscribe & save and use the code "PGSTOCKUP" for a $20 credit.

Deals aside, have you seen this vacuum cleaner designed to pick up legos? Seriously. It sucks up small toy pieces and separates them from other debris like dust and hair. It weighs less than six pounds and has a rechargeable battery, because, why not? Check it out here. 

PARENTING WIN/FAIL

This week, loyal reader Amy V. shares a pretty neat bedtime win!

Most nights, getting my toddler down to sleep is a challenge. My husband and I have to read him what feels like an entire library of books. The other night, my husband put him to bed, and 15 minutes later, he woke up and came downstairs saying he was scared. Instead of letting him fall asleep in our bed, I decided to try a trick I read online somewhere. I kissed his palm five times and then closed his fist.

I told him to hold the kisses tight and if he gets scared, he can open his hand and let one out to protect him. He went back to bed by himself and slept through the night!

Aw, how sweet! Mommy kisses are the best protection

If you have a parenting win/fail you'd like to share, email us at [email protected] and your story will be featured in a future edition!

HERE’S A QUESTION

At what age did you start feeling like an adult?

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RECALLS

Nearly 50 people have been sickened across 22 states, thanks to tainted charcuterie meat sold at Costco and Sam's Club.

The products that are suspected to be contaminated with salmonella are the Busseto brand charcuterie sampler, which is sold at Sam's Club, and the Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta, sold at Costco. They come in twin packs and contain dried meats like prosciutto, salami and coppa.

At least 10 people have been hospitalized because of this outbreak, and it's likely that number will grow.

Get a full list of impacted products (with photos!) by clicking here.