The Hospital

I love this video. I love the genuine smile on Ellery's face and I love the ever so slightly creepy carousel music in the background. I love that we had the opportunity to create this memory.

One of the last days we were in Southampton, I took the baby for an afternoon walk. I think it was around 5pm. My mom was making dinner and thus I had no evening obligations. The baby was a little fussy and a walk always seems to appease her. So, I plopped her in the stroller and walked around the block. It was refreshing - it was just what we both needed.

I was reminded of just how fortunate I am, how fortunate we are. What a view!

A few nights before....this was my view. It was devastatingly sad to see my sweet baby in pain and then drugged up and listless. A few of you have asked for more details of what happened to sweet Ellery in Southampton. The short story is that we took her to the ER for severe stomach pains. Two different doctors at two different ERs thought she had appendicitis. After seeing a pediatric surgeon and getting an ultra sound, they determined she didn't. It made for a long night but it was the BEST outcome we could have hoped for.

I was thankful for access to great doctors and fabulous medical facilities. I was thankful that even if it had been an appendicitis - that was something that could be treated. There were quite a few other patients in the ER whose prognosis was certainly not as good.

Any of you who have spent time in hospital know HOW COLD it is. Alan and I rushed to the ER at 2am, throwing on clothes and slipping on flip flops.

I love these shots of Alan tucking his feet into Ellery's sheets, trying desperately to warm his toes!

I will take the long night and cold room anytime my child gets to walk out feeling tired but oh so much better!

Turning 4

This little one turned four today!

This morning, I reminded Vaughan of the details of the day she was born. I told her how we had a little party on Friday night. I explained that on Saturday night, Daddy, Ellery and I all stayed in. After Ellery was tucked into bed, Daddy and I ordered Chinese; we were planning a movie night.

I plopped onto the sofa, excited to relax - anxiously awaiting the arrival of the food when something seeded not quite right. I told Vaughan, she was knocking on my belly - ready to come out. We called Gagi and PopPop and they arrived within 30 minutes. Before I knew it, we were at the hospital and we were informed that our little baby would be delivered within the hour. I had a placenta abruption which meant that there would be no dilly dallying.

Vaughan was a delicious baby. She was plump and healthy and squishy.

Oh happy birthday sweet Vaughan. You add a little spunk to our family. You wiggle your hips and shake your head. Your storytelling and imagination are beyond anything I have ever, ever heard before. You can cuddle like there is no tomorrow and give a cold shoulder like you don't care. Oh my baby, your smile melts my heart. I feel so blessed to be given the chance to care for you!

Did I forget to mention

Did I mention that Latham has been walking? Someone with the excitement of family visiting and heading to the beach and all of the other stuff....I think I forgot to let y'all know. I definitely had not documented it.

So today, while in the midst of trying to get dinner sorted out, I grabbed my phone and took this little video.

Latham LOVES LOVES LOVES her sisters. I mean, I am sure all babies love their older siblings but Latham needs to be with them at all times. The girls had been back in their bedrooms playing when I heard Latham wandering back down the hall. That was when I grabbed the camera. Do you like the "gift" she brought me?

While I can't really explain it -- I will say that whatever Latham finds that belongs to the big girls -- she wants!

New York State

We headed north a little over a week ago. And it has been quite a week.

Key activities have included:

• Lots of pool time




• A day at the beach




• A trip to two hospitals (they thought Ellery had appendicitis but all is well!)




• A train ride to the city




• City Highlights - Central Park carousel, horse ride around Central Park, Pedicab ride, Time Square, High Tea at the Plaza, and a fabulous visit to our old building where we had the chance to catch up with all of our old doormen (they loved seeing Ellery)

Last night, we went to the concert in the park here in Southampton. It is always one of my favorite summertime activities. Every Wednesday, there is a concert on the huge lawn in the center of town here. Some people are fancy with table clothes, candles and catered dinners while others are casual with pizza or sandwiches. The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast.

Each day, Ellery asks me how many more days until we go back to Atlanta; moaning as I count down the days. We are soaking every last ounce of summer that we can.