kate fix

The next few photos are NOT of Kate (gasp!). So, I thought I'd provide a quick fix for the grandparents to hold them over until our next post, which I'm sure, will once again be all about Kate.

i love this place!

I really, really do. JCS is a great school both for our students and our faculty. I am surrounded by great kids and wonderful friends everyday! This week is Spirit week, and although we all know that Kate is, hands down, my absolute most favorite kid in the world, I thought it might be fun to share some photos of my other kids.

By the way, see the gorgeous building in the background? That's our new home! We should be moving in any day now (crossing fingers!).

an amalgam of sedulous super-heroes

Confusing title? Not for these smarty-pants! These are my AP students, with the exception of one stick the mud who shall remain nameless.

We've got all of our bases covered here...we've got the Incredibles, Batman, Superman, Storm (from the X-Men), and even Neo from the Matrix.

the force

I love these girls! Jamie and Jill are two of my sweet friends, and they are a part of a mysterious super-hero group known only as "the force." Hmmm....

the red mark

I revealed my alter-ego today...the Red Mark. My mission: to rid the world of poorly written essays, to eradicate the incorrect use of the semi-colon, to obliterate run-on and fragmented sentences, and to protect my fellow man from the pitfalls of passive voice (among other things). My side-kick is my trusty red pen (that's the awkward spear-looking thing-a-ma-jigger that I'm holding.) Many thanks to Mr. Burton, the creative genius behind all the madness.

beautiful south florida day

Sometimes it's really tough being so far away from home. But, occasionally, we get a day like this that provides at least temporary relief from the aches and pains of homesickness. South Florida may not be home, but it definitely has its perks.

By the way, Dad, I thought of you all day long, just as I always do out on the water...So maybe there's no cure for homesickness after all.

and we're on our way!

Our friend Jeff was so nice to take us out on the boat today. It was Kate's first time trying out her sea legs, and she did great! She was ever so slightly apprehensive at first, but she was all smiles in no time. Thanks, Jeff!

Kate wasn't exactly thrilled about her life-jacket, but she tolerated it well enough. But, take a look. Isn't it amazing how she really does look cute in everything!

water, water everywhere!

Kate absolutely loved hanging out at the sand bar! Our fearless one faced the waves and even did a few face plants...she had a blast!

the gangs all here!

For once, Kate, a.k.a. "the Ham," is NOT looking at the camera!

Whoa...wait up dad!

welcome to my crib!

It occurred to me this afternoon while vacuuming Kate's room that we've never shared pics of her nursery. So, Kate would like to invite you on a tour of her crib. Enjoy!

The changing table is actually an old desk of Kate's NanaNana. We love the authentic distressed look, and Kate is doing her part to maintain the look.

Notice the small CD player? In a nursery full of fun things, this is Kate's absolute favorite "toy" of all. Leave her alone for one minute and our Praise Baby CD is nowhere to be found.

Hiya! This is the infamously chipped crib, but, no worries, the crib is now baby-safe. Nothing a little scotch-tape couldn't handle!

Ahhh...Kate's favorite place in the world. This glider has been a God-send. I've rocked Kate to sleep in this chair for almost a year now. Just the two of us...I love it.

Correction: It should be noted that I, mama Burton, rock Kate to sleep most nights. Papa Burton, however, has spent some serious quality time with Kate AND the chair. Thank you, "anonymous," for so kindly pointing out the mistake :)

uncommentable???

Okay, friends. It's time for a serious heart to heart. Stephen has just recently noticed that our blog seems to be "uncommentable." We're just not feeling the love. For those of you who stop by for your daily Kate-fix (and we know who you are!), how 'bout leaving a little note? A quick hello? A shout-out? We really do love hearing from you! And, to be completely honest, Kate is starting to notice. I didn't want to have to tell you, but it's true. So, next time you're paying a visit (which is mostly likely now), how about letting us know you're around. Thanks, gang! You're the best!

mom, do I have something on my face?

This is what Kate calls a great dinner. A little bit of carrots, a little bit of pears, a little bit of cheese, cheerios, black beans, rice, tortilla chips, sour cream...Put it all together and VOILA!

Here's a little glimpse into my daily routine. I clean, Kate makes a mess. I clean, Kate makes a mess. Pretty simple.

and the winner is....

Brush. Not mama, not daddy, not juice or ball or cracker. Our little diva's first word was "brush." I have a sneaky suspicion that this means trouble.

Considering that Kate' affections are clearly attached to the brush (what else would explain "brush" beating out "mama"? Trying not to get my feelings hurt here!), we've decided to immortalize the beloved brush right here on the Burton Blog (say that ten times real fast).

And, yes, it's only half a brush. It fell and broke while at Nana's house. So, my baby girl loves a cheap, broken brush more than her own mama? Say it ain't so!

our sweet little carnivore

The goal of this fuzzy picture was to show off Kate's pearls...and here they are... all four of 'em!

GET THESE THINGS OFF OF ME!!!

Poor Kate. She hasn't had to wear shoes a single day in her whole life. But with daycare just around the corner (sniff, sniff), we thought we'd better break her in. I hate covering up those oh-so-kissable footsies!

how do you like the do?

Our sweet friend Sandra put Kate's hair in its very first pony-tail! I've tried to recreate the look, but I just haven't developed that mommy super-power yet. How in the world do you get an 11 month old to be still long enough to put her hair in a pony-tail holder????