We've done such a fabulous
job keeping this blog going (sike). Our cover photo is almost 3 years old and
there have been two more babies added to the family! So for you, mom, one last
update for your books.
Charles Dalton Elliott was born in a blizzard in NYC on February
09, 2017. He came in 2.5 weeks before his due date but still a solid 8 pounds 1
ounce and 21 inches long. One day I will find the words to describe the whole
event and experience but hopefully for now pictures will suffice. One remarkable
thing is that just hours after hearing that Charles was on his way, the
incredible Yay Yay had booked herself a flight to Connecticut when all flights
to NYC were full, found a ride to our apartment in the city, dropped her stuff,
hopped in a taxi, and traveled from downtown Manhattan to the Upper West Side.
She made it in just as the blizzard was picking up strength and was there to
see baby Charles minutes after his arrival. I'll never stop being thankful for
her intrepidness. The doctors, nurses, and midwives were so impressed - they
never really expected her to make it on time but Spencer and I knew - where
there is a will there is a way. Moments after giving birth, I just wanted to
hug my mom and she made it happen. Praise the Lord for the best example. 
Earlier in the year and in 2016, Spencer and I had been grappling
with what we wanted for the next phase of our lives. We were loving NYC, our
friends, and our general lifestyle but were starting to get an itch to
professionally branch out in ways that would take us from our careers in New
York. Spencer and I both love being in a close knit community, finding ways to
devote time and energy in causes we care about, making decisions somewhat
autonomously, and being more flexible with schedules. So after much thought, we
decided to resign from our work at AppNexus and Sankaty, pack up our apartment
in the Financial District, and relocate to Greenville, SC. We will spend the
next 12 months or so pursuing dreams of small business ownership. So far we are
off to a promising start as friends, family, and acquaintances are all reaching
out to connect us with various people to make friendships and business
partnerships flourish. It's been fun reconnecting with people from all phases
and locations of my life!
On a sad note, I'd be
remiss in writing a post without mentioning Pax. His health is rapidly
declining as we've discovered that he suffers from Laryngeal Paralysis and
likely has a cancerous mass in his nasal cavity. Both of these things make it
difficult for him to breathe. He spends his days curled up on one of his beds
either upstairs in our bedroom or downstairs in the home office. Pax and
Charles are starting to notice each other which has been such a joy for me to watch. Pax sneezes often (trying to get that mass out of his nose)
and Charles watches in wonderment. Pax is happy and as comfortable as he can be
but it is difficult for me to watch him struggle to move like he wants. I have
to remember the fabulous adventures we've had - he's lived an incredible life
and I am a better person for it. 
Charles is six months old
now and is starting to show a bit of personality. Overall he is a very happy
baby. He loves to bite my nose and be tickled while he does it. Diaper changes
are hilarious because he loves having his bottom rubbed (thanks to Lea's
brilliant doTerra baby booty balm). We've been reading the Chronicles of Narnia
since birth and are on the Voyage of the Dawn Treader now. Read them faster
when he was a newborn because it feels like allllllll we did was rock. The boy
loves to be rocked. But now he seems to enjoy the way my voice changes to tell
the story. He laughs and grabs my cheeks as often as he can. Just started to
eat solid food and so far we haven't found anything he doesn't like - and that
includes broccoli and spinach. I'm sure that will change but I'll take it while
I can! Charles has added such joy to our lives and I feel a great sense of
responsibility as his mom. I think we are in for the best adventure and am so
grateful to have watched Lea raise her brood - I get to shadow a clear
expert. 
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