Proof that the Moo has an Unusual Heart

We have learned some new words and phrases this week, as a result of the Moo's annual check up with the pediatrician. The first phrase was "pediatric heart murmur" which unfortunately the Moo has. It should have come as little to surprise to us, given how chatty the Moo is, that her heart also has some extra things to say, but Mom was both shocked and dismayed to hear the news.

The next phrase was "floppy valve" or more technically speaking "mitral valve prolapse" which was a potential cause of the problem. The Moo's doctor immediately referred us to a pediatric cardiologist, and assured us that most likely the murmur would end up not being indicative of a larger, congenital heart defect. Nonetheless, we worried.

The cardiologist was able to schedule us for today at 1045, so at least Mom only had to suffer through two days of trying to focus on the best, but fearing the worst. Both Dad and Mom went with the Moo for her EKG and echo cardiogram - she was an amazing trouper through both, especially the echo cardiogram which took quiet awhile and involved large amounts of gel being smeared over her chest (the Dr. laughed when the Moo immediately wanted to get it all off when the exam was over - he said that the boys who come into his office always want to keep it on!).

The Dr (Dr. Robert Escalera, for anyone in the area looking for a pediatric cardiologist) was WONDERFUL and was able to determine that the Moo's condition is an "innocent murmur" (another new phrase!) that should have absolutely no impact on her health, activity, and development, and may even resolve itself with times. He also printed out four pictures of her heart for her to take and show to her class; she is excited about doing that tomorrow!

In the meantime, Dad and Mom are both exuberant and relieved. The only thing we need to worry about now is getting her to he school on time tonight for the Kindergarten play: she is playing a luna moth in "The Very Quiet Cricket." We promise to post pictures of our murmuring Moo moth after the performance. :)