There are ten days left in 2009. It's time to take a look back at the top stories that affected parents and families everywhere. From the swine flu to a salmonella outbreak to the Obamas moving into the White House, a lot has happened! How much do you remember?
The Obamas move into the White House
For the first time in a long time, young children took up residence in the White House on January 20. President Obama was sworn into office and his family, including wife Michelle and two young daughters, Malia and Sasha, moved into the most famous home in America. A treasure hunt helped the girls become familiar with their new home, not to mention a lovely letter from outgoing First Kids Barbara and Jenna Bush. In the spring, the Obamas welcomed another family member to their home: First Dog, Bo!
The swine flu hits
Who could have predicted that this flu from Mexico would have become a pandemic? Since April, the swine flu or H1N1 virus has become a household phrase and a common story in the daily news. Over 15,000 deaths worldwide have been attributed to the swine flu, 4,000 of those in the United States alone. A vaccine was developed, which spurred a debate amongst parents over whether this vaccine was safe enough for children given that it's so new. Not that this mattered much - production of the vaccine has been slower than expected, leaving many high and dry if they wanted to receive it. And now comes word that roughly 700,000 doses of the vaccine have been recalled for not being strong enough to protect children.
Peanut butter salmonella outbreak spurs massive recall
As if peanut butter wasn't already a public enemy thanks to peanut allergies, this year it came under attack thanks to a salmonella outbreak. In early January people began falling ill and the culprit was linked to peanut butter products. Hundreds of people in 43 states were affected and over 125 products containing peanut butter were recalled.
Jaycee Lee Dugard returns home 18 years after she was abducted
In what is quite possibly the most uplifting story of the year, Jaycee Lee Dugard was found and able to return home to her family eighteen years after she was abducted at age 11. Dugard was abducted in June of 1991 by Phillip and Nancy Garrido in South Lake Tahoe. She was held by them and Phillip fathered Dugard's two daughters, who are now 11 and 15. Dugard lived in tents in the Garridos's backyard. After suspicious behavior on the part of Garrido led to him being questioned by police, the gig was up and Duggard was free. She and her children have been living quietly with her mother and sister as they attempt to adjust to their new lives.
The economy
It's the biggest story of the year: Our failing and now recovering economy. Families across America were faced with the reality of downsizing as many people lost jobs. Spending went way down as needs overpowered wants. Things are slowly recuperating, but mall Santas this year have gone on record saying that they are hearing far more sad stories this year and more requests for simple items like socks and shampoo than ever before.
Check out part one of the 2009 Parenting Year in Review: Remembering Balloon Boy, Octomom, The Gosselins and more
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