I'm a good-hearted girl...

...or at least the doctors say so!

Stephen and I got some great news today, but before I share, let me bring those who don't know what's been going on up to speed.

I came down with a kidney infection just a few weeks after Kate was born. My midwife put me on a medication called Bactrum to fight off the infection, but, as it turned out, I am deathly allergic to Bactrum. Within a week my fever had spiked up to 1o5 and a really unattractive rash had completely taken over my body. My mom came down to help take care of me and Kate (thank God!), and I was admitted to the hospital for 4 days. While there, they used steroids to combat the allergic reaction, and these caused me some uncomfortable sensations in my chest. So they sent in the cardiologists, and I ended up having an echo cardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart).

A week later, the Monday before Thanksgiving, Stephen and I got a phone call from my cardiologist. He explained that I had a disease called cardiomyapathy and that my heart was functioning at a little less than half of its normal capacity. And though that was some pretty frightening news, we hadn't yet heard the worst of it. The doctor went on to explain that my condition was most likely caused by my pregnancy, and because of that, Stephen and I should never have another baby.

I was devastated. Really. I must have cried for a solid week. Not only was I scared to death about my own life, I was absolutely broken by the thought of not having another baby. But Stephen and I prayed hard for grace to get through it all, and before long, I began to see a new side to my sorrow. I began to realize that the story Stephen and I had planned out for our life wasn't going to happen, and that must mean that God has another story in mind. We don't know what it is, but we do know that it has to be better than the very best we can imagine.

So, here's the good news. We had an appointment down in Miami today where they gave me another echo test. The doctor found nothing abnormal with my heart. Nothing! My ejection fraction (a grade for how well your heart is pumping...55-60% is an A+) was 55! Before, it was around 30. Those of you who know me well know how happy I am to be back in the "A" range!

We still don't know about any future pregnancies. It's possible that my heart repaired itself or that the medications improved the function. We'll never know. Nor will we know if the condition was brought on by my pregnancy. And there's the rub...if it was, then another pregnancy could cause some severe problems. I suppose I could worry about that, but not today. Today I'm just happy and so incredibly thankful.

I know that most of you who occasionally visit this blog have been praying for me and my family, and that's why I wanted to share this good news with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for loving us.

Flip Flop

I shamelessly admit that Stephen and I have morphed into those annoying parents who assume that everyone is as interested in the mundane details of baby life as we are. Today, I told the girls at work that my chest was going to explode if I didn't get to Kate and quick. TMI? Maybe. I realize that few are as intrigued by major diaper explosions, spit bubbles, and the miracles of the bulb syringe as I am, but I'm somehow still compelled to share the specifics.
But tonight, we have some truly exciting news. Drum roll, please........

KATE ROLLED OVER!!!!

I went into her room to cover her up, and there she was, lying on her back, staring at me with those great big bright eyes and a grin that melts my heart. She was so proud of herself! I wish we had a photo to show off, but the camera's batteries were out. But don't you worry, we'll get one posted soon!

Rise and Shine!

It's about 6:30 in the morning, and Kate and Stephen have both been visited by the bed-head fairy. They are my two most favorite people, despite their unfortunate do's.

Quick story. Kate had a rough day this past Tuesday in the way of bodily functions. It started around 10 a.m. when I ran over to the church to nurse her. I had hoped to walk in, catch her eye, and get one of those shy, sweetest-thing-you've-ever-seen smiles. But instead, I'm greeted with crying, pouting, more crying and more pouting. Dirty diper, no doubt. So we get started, I lean over to grab a diaper from her bag, and when I come back up, Voila! She's all the sudden smiling, cooing, acting as if life could not be sweeter. I think, "My baby girl is so sweet! She is happy to see me!" And then I notice the drenched changing table. She's peed (sp?) all over herself and finds the whole thing hilarious.

I change her into the stand-by outfit I had tucked away in her diaper bag, nurse her, hug and kiss, hug and kiss some more, and then head back to work.

About 2 hours later, I decide to meet Stephen and Kate at the mall for lunch. As I'm on the road, Brent calls. We have an emergency. Kate has now pooped and spit-up all over outfit #2. They've checked and double-checked--there is no outfit #3. Can I stop by and pick up a onsie and some socks?

I stop by the house...I'm locked out. If this "quick story" weren't getting so long, I'd take a minute here to tell you just how peeved I was by this situation. Moving on...I call Stephen, and he's already at the mall. Ten minutes later, I finally arrive at the mall to find my baby girl wrapped up in a toga. Apparently, the "No shirt, no shoes, no service" policy doesn't apply to 3 month olds. So there I sat, lunching at Chic-fil-A, looking like a red-neck with my naked baby girl.

Another day in the life of Teamburton.

Rare Moment Caught on Film!

Stephen and I were hoping that Kate and her carseat had finally made up and decided to be friends, but this was a short lived reconciliation. Moments after this photo was taken, she was back to her old self again.

Mini-van...Big-heart

I think it is worthwhile to occasionally jot down my thoughts regarding motherhood for posterity's sake and all. I could wax poetic about the joy of mothering, the unthinkable, unimaginable love I have for Kate, and the overwhelming wonder of it all. But tonight, I believe I shall talk minivans.

Stephen and I realized pretty quickly that our sprightly little civic, cute as it may be, is not baby-friendly. Imagine me struggling in the mall parking lot in a fierce tug-of-war battle with Kate's monstrous stroller. Though I eventually come out the victor, it is not without some serious battle scars (both on me and the car). And though we've managed to squeeze Kate's carseat into our back seat, it is an amazingly tight fit (could this be the cause of those carseat scream-athons????)

So this weekend, Stephen and I (with Kate in tote, of course) visited a few car lots. Now, my naivete had already been shattered by an unexpected stop at Carmax a few weeks earlier. Who knew that used cars could cost that much? But that's neither here nor there. Here's the point (at last)...as I stood there looking at a shiny silver minivan, I realized just where I've arrived in life.

First, a look back...In 2001, I sat with my dad in a supercute white civic that was soon to be mine. I had just finished up my Master's program at Carolina and had accepted my first teaching job in Charlotte. As I waited for the salesman to finalize all the details on my 3-year lease (I could digress here and make this a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of leasing...Focus!), I anticipated all the change that would take place in my life while I owned this car. I hoped to fall in love, get married, have a baby. And whatdya know? That same little civic is sitting outside right now, and those 5 years between then and now seem like no time at all.

So, back to yesterday. As I sat there in that minivan, I couldn't help but wonder where I'd be in another 5 years. Long after the new-car smell has given way to stench of stale doritos and long-forgotten burp-cloths, where will this minivan be taking us? I hope that there will be yet another screaming baby in the backseat. I hope Stephen and I will still be sharing absurdly random thoughts and analogies in the front seat. I hope I'm as happy as I am today. I hope my family is as happy as I am today.

At the end of the day, we left the dealership in the same little civic we arrived in, but I suspect that a minivan is in our near future. Yes, mom, you're right. We've turned into suburban yuppies, and I couldn't be happier.



On a different note, Kate would like to send a shout-out to her favorite pals--Tyler, Blake, and Sam. We miss you guys and can't wait to see you again!

Happy Birthday Granddaddy Burton!

We're thinking of you and hope you have a wonderful birthday! We love you!

3 Months and Counting!

Our sweet friends Heather and Tripp (a.k.a. Heavy-D and the Tripster) paid us a visit this weekend. Tripp was gracious enough to take these beautiful photos of Kate...Hope you enjoy!

Daddy's girl...big time

I don't know what this means, but this is the face Kate made when her dad insisted that we watch another football game.

See...cuter everyday!

Don't worry, NanaDana. It's only looks like we're having fun. Truth be told, I'm miserable without you.

Back in the Saddle Again...

Sort of. I returned to work this Monday, but my administration has allowed me to continue on part time (an enormous blessing.) But despite being away from Kate for only 4 hours, I have shed more than a tear or two. It's heartwrenching to think that I'm missing smiles and giggles and ahgoo's. And for all of you who think I'm being a drama queen (Stacy!), just wait. You'll soon know the agony of leaving your sweet baby with someone else. In my case, that "someone else" happens to be her daddy, and it's still a challenge.

Well...I think it's time for a Kate Update. For all of you Kate Elizabeth fans out there, our girl is growing! We took her to the doctor office this morning, and she is a whopping 14 lbs.!!!! And she's making all sorts of strides. Last night, I read her the book, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," and she was absolutely enthralled! And who wouldn't be? She was on the edge of her seat as we read about a particularly demanding little mouse who couldn't be content with just a cookie. Nope, he had to have a glass of milk, a nap, and a haircut! Kate kicked and giggled and studied each page...a thrill for her bookworm mother! She has also grown especially fond of her mobile (many thanks to NanaNana!).

But, it isn't all fun and games in the Burton household, or at least not in the Burton vehicles! Kate's aversion to her carseat has not lessened over time. She starts working up a good cry at first sight of the car, and the girl has some strong lungs! We recently took a road trip down to Miami, and, oh, what a ride! Kate screamed (not whimpered, not pouted, not even cried, but SCREAMED) for a solid hour and fifteen minutes. Fun times. She has certainly formed her opinions on her likes and dislikes! Likes: swing, mobile, nursing, books...Dislikes: carseat and bottles! Yes, our baby genius picked up the whole nursing thing like a pro, but the bottle...it's simply beneath her. She refuses all bottles, and believe me, we've tried all bottles. Her perseverance (notice I didn't say stubbornness lest Stephen says she's inherited it from me!) has required some adjustments on our part. Her dad brings her to the school so I can nurse her. I, of course, am fine with this set up because I get to see her in all of her mid-morning glory, but Stephen isn't quite as happy with the arrangement. He has no problem with his role as Mr. Mom (he's a natural), but he's not so thrilled about being a chauffeur, especially when his passenger is a screaming baby.

We miss our family. We miss our far-away friends. We miss the movie theater. But, all in all, life is pretty wonderful these days.