We're engaged!� I couldn't be more thrilled.� To be honest,� I was feeling a little out of the loop for a while, since both James and Emmett share the same last name.� Well, it looks like I'll soon be able to join the Vaughan Club, too!

[caption id="attachment_1222" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="The Bling"][/caption]

It happened on Father's Day -- June 20.� James and I had headed back to our same camping spot from last year, on an island in Casco Bay off the coast of Freeport, Maine.� Emmett was staying right across the bay with James' parents.� The weather was fabulous, and we were enjoying all the sun, extra snoozes and s'mores that a camping trip usually offers.

After watching a short afternoon thunderstorm roll in, James thought it'd be fun to set up the camera to take a picture of us in front of the sun setting over the water. On take two, James knelt down and proposed -- and we have the picture to prove it! Clever one, that James.� Neither of us can even remember exactly what he said when he proposed, but the gist of it was that he was so happy with our family already and that he wanted to be together forever.� I said, "Of course!" and then proceeded to tell him to "put the ring on my finger already."

[caption id="attachment_1212" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="James' Proposal"][/caption]

Besides the wrong ring size (I just got it back from getting re-sized today!) and the resultant scare in the woods that involved me briefly losing my new bling (it was too small for my ring finger but apparently way too big for the pinkie I ended up wearing it -- and losing it -- on), I couldn't have dreamed up a better engagement.� What was Emmett's reaction, you ask?� I'm pretty sure he couldn't care less, and it sounded like he actually said something like "so what?" when we told him.� But let me tell ya -- he's going to make the most adorable little ring bearer.� Now let the planning begin!

[caption id="attachment_1213" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Boat Smooch"][/caption]

For more photos from our trip, check out the album, "Camping Engagement."

Visit our wedding website, http://jamesandpamgetmarried.com.

Age Timer: 17 Months

Topics: Milestones, family, camping, proposal, Surprises, Announcements, engagement

Benjamin Alec finally graced us with his presence yesterday afternoon, following a 2-day long induced labor and subsequent C-section (phew!).� Mother, father and baby are all doing well despite their excruciating exhaustion.

Congrats to new parents, Sara and Shawn - you two were definitely troopers!� Ben clocked in at 8 lbs., 11 oz. and 21.5 inches long at 2 weeks late.

Now for a look at the handsome little fellow ...

[caption id="attachment_1024" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Baby Ben"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1025" align="aligncenter" width="538" caption="Daddy Shawn with Son Ben"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1026" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Uncle James (Officially!)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1027" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Me and Little Ben"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1028" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Cousin Meets Cousin (An Attempt)"][/caption]

Age Time: <1 day

Topics: birthday, Surprises, Announcements, cousin, nephew, uncle, newborn

[caption id="attachment_888" align="aligncenter" width="604" caption="Sleepy Gus "][/caption]

It's official - little Rus Gus has finally made his debut into the world!� The blond Russel Augusten Nutter was born this afternoon, breathing his first fresh breath of air at 2:26 p.m.� That's right, no more swimming around for the little guy.� And I must say, he's quite a handsome little guy at that.� Though Gus was born via an unexpected C section due to his breech position, the operation went smoothly and Adrienne, Mac and the Gusbuster are all happy and well.

Some stats:

Birthday: July 7, 2009

Weight: 7 lbs. 7 oz.� (on 7/7!)

Length: 20.6 inches

Apgar Scores: 8 and 9 (same as Emmett's!)

I'm super excited to be an aunt, and I can tell Emmett is chomping at the bit for his new cousin to be his playmate as well.� Congrats, Mac and A!� Can't wait to meet the little trouble maker :)

[caption id="attachment_889" align="aligncenter" width="604" caption="Naked Gus"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_890" align="aligncenter" width="604" caption="Gus and Adrienne "][/caption]

Gus Age Timer: 7 hours, 20 minutes

Topics: Surprises, Announcements, cousin, nephew, sister, breech, birth, C section, Gus, aunt

[caption id="attachment_625" align="aligncenter" width="368" caption="Adrienne & her lovely baby bump"][/caption]

It's official - as far as the medical people can tell, Adrienne and Mac's little Nutter butter is apparently blue-flavored.� It looks like Team Gus (as opposed to Team Fiona) is the victor.� Emmett's very first cousin is going to make a great little playmate at family events.� I'm pretty sure if Em were old enough to understand that there was going to be another little boy his age in the family, he'd be thrilled.

Congrats, Mac and A!� We can't wait to meet him!

Age Timer: 3 weeks

Topics: family, Surprises, Announcements, cousin, flavor, ultrasound, gender, boy