Spanking isn't harmful?

For those who say that spanking never killed a kid...

Boy, 4, frightened of spanking, dies in fire

Now I have no idea how severe the "spankings" were in this household. But this is just tragic. I've pointed out before that the threat of a spanking might actually induce a child to sin...I'd never contemplated that it could to lead to a child refusing help to leave a burning building.

Previous posts on my blog about parenting:

• Embracing Motherhood
• When Chocolate Cake...
• Life Action, Part IV
• Houdini in a Carseat
• Mommyless Mommies
• Using LATCH...
• Rebel in a Diaper
• Discipline of Children
• AAP Breastfeeding Guidelines
• A Challenge...
• The "Latest Spiritual Gobblydeegook?"
• "Reasons for not Smacking"
• Children vs. marriage
• Modeling and Explaining

Hey...it's my 2 year anniversary!

I made my first post 2 years ago today! I was posting then with marvel at my 4th child's upcoming first birthday.

The progression of "1st birthdays" really is funny.

• 1st child--we planned a party at least 2 months in advance, inviting "great aunts" and out of town family & friends. I was up until 2 or 3 a.m. decorating an "ABC Blocks" theme birthday cake. We made up votive candles with her picture on them as favors.
• 2nd child--we had a comfortable picnic in the backyard with a few close family members and friends. I was up until 2 or 3 a.m. decorating a "Circus" theme cake--complete with animal crackers. Favors????
• 3rd child--A week before the party we remembered to invite Nana (unfortunately Poppop was in the hospital with his first bout with cancer). I recycled the "ABC Blocks" theme for a cake, and probably spent less time decorating it than the first cake--fewer icing colors. We had 3 guests.
• 4th child--The day of the birthday I stopped at the grocery store over lunch and picked up the free "First Birthday Cake." I think Nana might have come...I don't remember.

Today we are looking forward to his 3rd birthday. He peed on the potty for the first time today--much to his own amazement and his mom's happiness. Maybe a day with no diaper changing is coming soon?