Know Better Love: Day Fourteen Hundred and Fifteen

The Fifth Month of Millie

Amelia, My Lovely,

You're such a BIG girl and just the sweetest, most precious part of my days. Daddy and I are absolutely crazy over you. Every move you make, every sound you squeak, stirs up in us a pride greater than ever before. We're probably biased, but girl, you are so smart, so alert, so strong, and so easy! We feel completely blessed by all your smiles and giggles and are thankful for your friendly demeanor. This last month, you changed drastically. Most notably, you're obsessed with standing up in your Johnny Jumper (such strong little fat legs!) and you LOVE blowing bubbles (zerberts) on Mommy's shoulder. With my arm covered in slobbery, dripping drool, I can only smile. It's too funny!! Maybe the cutest thing you do now is pull covers and blankets over your face in a sort of peek-a-boo game that has you laughing every time. And me too! You cover your face and immediately, your legs flail. Mommy says, "Where's Amelia?" And after a second or two, I yank the blanket from your face as you laugh and I say, "There she is!!!" I can't get enough of it!! You're finally also ticklish, so Mommy gets you down on the floor, holds your arms above your head, and uses her chin to tickle your ribs and neck. Hearing you squeal is probably my favorite thing. That and your snuggly cuddles. You still love when I hold you close and that hair dryer sound effect on my phone is your night-night go-to. Most of the time, you won't fall asleep without it.

It didn't take me long to learn after purchasing Daddy and my new toothbrushes, that you love vibrations. So, I went out and bought you your own vibrating toothbrush and every day, you buzz that thing in your mouth! It's adorable! And the same day I bought your toothbrush, I also found you a Bumbo that you love to sit in. Dad's great idea to sit you on the counter in it has made for some fun kitchen memories, as you "help" cook food for us!

Maybe one of the sweetest things you enjoy these days is waking up and reading your Bible. Miss Judi gave it to you last month, and your eyes light up at the turn of each page. It makes my heart so happy to know that even though you probably don't know what you're hearing, you're drawn to the colors and pictures in that particular book. I hope one day you have it entirely memorized and that eventually, the truth of the Gospel and of Creation resonates so deeply in your soul that it changes your life forever.

Girl, this month was pretty busy for the three of us. Daddy was pitching so so good that he was selected to the AAA All-Star game as the PCL's starting pitcher. Just two days before we were heading out to Omaha to meet him for the ASG, he called us and told us he that was called up to start a game in Miami. So we hustled, packed, and flew to Miami to watch Daddy throw in his very first Big League game. You LOVED it! And you loved even more your pretty Marlins tutu! The next days after that, you helped Daddy and Mama hunt for houses in the Jupiter area, and finally, I think we have an idea of what we might buy and where! It was (and is) an exciting time for the Conley Clan, but we do have to wait for Dada to play just a little bit more for the Fish before we make any decisions.

Amelia, you've become the most friendly little lady around! All the girls at the ballpark absolutely adore your playful personality and crave your attention!! I makes me so happy! For a while there, I was worried that maybe since you and I are so close, that you didn't care for more friends...but I'm SO glad I was wrong! You go to anyone and everyone - just as long as you're not hungry or tired - and you play and play, just as if you were with me! It's fabulous and really, you're the star of the Zephyrs every single night! You and your big, adorable bows!

You've got one tight, strong grip, My Lady! So many people have made the comment that your strength is impressive. Must be all that Mama Milk you love to gulp!

Your chubby legs are being used more and more now. In the morning when you first wake up, I roll you over onto my stomach (so that we're stomach to stomach) and you use those toesies and leggies to crawl up to my neck so you can blow bubbles on it! Daddy and I laugh and laugh as we watch you squirm. Goodness, Amelia, even writing this and thinking of that makes me grin. You're such a cutie pie, and Baby, I love you more than you could ever know. Just like I love Daddy more with each passing day, so too, I love you the same way. You're so easy to love. So easy to cherish. And so easy to care for. I feel like one lucky Mommy to have such a great girl by my side. You make our lives better than we ever knew. Thank you so much for the greatest five months ever!!! We love you, Darling!!

Always,

Mama

____________________________________

Our photoshoot yesterday looked like this in between "Millie Monthly" shots. Ha!