Checkout Bitsy Birdie's New Blog - http://blog.bitsybirdie.com/

Checkout Bitsy Birdie's new blog here: http://blog.bitsybirdie.com/. Click here to go there now.

Mexican Swine Flu - An Easy Explanation of WHO Pandemic Phases 1 thru 6

In case your curious, like me, here's a convenient link to the WHO Global Influenza Preparedness Plan. It provides a clear, concise explanation of the different phases for epidemic alert and response and is easier to decipher than some news reports that may or may not be a bit sensational.

Phases 1 through 6 are summarized on page 2 along with the World Health Organization's proposed response for each. Perhaps most relevant to where we are now, teetering at Phase 3, is the following note below the Phase and Public Health Goals summary on page 2 - "The distinction between phase 3, phase 4 and phase 5 is based on an assessment of the risk of a pandemic. Various factors and their relative importance according to current scientific knowledge may be considered. Factors may include rate of transmission, geographical location and spread, severity of illness, presence of genes from human strains (if derived from an animal strain), and/or other scientific parameters."

Now Showing at the BB Blog - The Toy Fair NY Adventure

Click over to check out what we've been up to this week - www.bitsybirdie.blogspot.com.

Current Confession -- I'm an Addict

Did I ever mention I'm an addict? Oh sure, I have some of the ususal common addictions, you know, caffeine, chocolate, strappy sandals. But there's a darker, deeper addiction I usually keep secret. I . . . I . . . like to draw. I just can't stop. Some people say they must write. I must draw. My pen, pencil, marker, always makes its way to drawing. Writing down a phone number, taking notes, even on the grocery list at times, doodles, characters, and swirling geometric patterns emerge almost unintentionally. When I see them looking back at me, it makes me happy -- a smooth, peaceful high, releasing my stress through the tip of my pen, creating something new and fun.

So, I've created a new home for some of my drawings, The Birthday Stamp Store on Zazzle. Truth be known, I've been selling my drawings and photographs at Art Accompli for about a year. As I've found increasing success, it's been an impetus to create a new line focused on illustrations for children's birthday party invitations, cards, and matching stamps. You can visit the store at http://Zazzle.com/BirthdayStampStore.

If you have a special request, you can message me through the store and I'll be happy to work with you.


make custom gifts at Zazzle

Time for . . . a Cool Change

As the holidays near and things get busier with Bitsy Birdie and another new venture I will share with you here soon, I will be focusing most of my blogging efforts here: http://bitsybirdie.blogspot.com. I will still be around, just refocused, talking more about kids and toy safety, less about domestic splendor and potty training.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In a time when economic turmoil grabs the headlines, this month is a reminder that there's something even more valuable than money -- our health. Whether it's an aunt, a cousin, or friend, most of us know someone who has had breast cancer. With today's early detection and treatment methods more women are winning this battle. Learn more about early detection and winning the battle against breast cancer here.

Why Indeed

During dinner tonight:

Three-year-old Z: (chanting) Caul-i-flower! Caul-i-flower! Caul-i-flower!

Me: Hey, what's up?

Three-year-old Z: Mama, why we not have any cauliflower?

Me: (refraining from dancing in jubilation) I don't know. Would you like some?

Three-year-old Z: Yes.

Me: Okay. I'll make some.


So does this redeem me for that day in the grocery store a couple weeks ago in the grocery when they both began chanting, "Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate!"

She's Got a Great Sense of Smell

A few days ago as I was cooking dinner --

Three-year-old Z: Mmmm. I smell something good.

Me: What is it?

Three-year-old Z: Mmmm. I smell macaroni and cheese.

Three-year-old K: Mmmm. I smell something too.

Me: What is it?

Three-year-old K: It's bracelets!!!


Should I be worried?

The Hazards of Three-Year-Olds' Haircuts

Tonight as I was helping Baby K with the potty --

Me: What are you doing Z?

Baby Z: Picking up brains off the step stool.

Me: What? That doesn't sound right. Say again.

Baby Z: I'm picking up brains of the step stool.

Me: What?!

Baby Z: I'm picking up brains of the step stool!

Me: Oh, bangs! You're picking up bangs off the step stool, Honey.