Day Two Thousand and Sixty-One

The Long but Fruitful Days

At 3AM, we arrived home from Tampa (HOME home. Oh how much I missed home!).

 At 11AM, Mrs. Tawnyia came to visit, to encourage, and to help hold me accountable in my faith during this transition period. It was so refreshing. 

At 1PM, we had our final appointment with our midwives!

 

Ella Mae has gained almost 3 pounds in 5 weeks and is just the sweetest little thing there exists! She's totally healthy, growing so much, and is resilient beyond comprehension.

  

I could never write enough or say enough to adequately thank the women at Abundant Life Birthing Center. The care they've shown my family, the grace they've extended, the knowledge they pursue, and the love they've poured over us is simply unmatched. Something you just don't get to experience often. Or ever. I can't wait to share Ella Mae's birth story and will once I receive my images from our precious photographer. Thank you forever, ALBC. And a most special thank you to the woman who "caught my baby." Maya, you are beautiful. You are wonderful. You are courageous. And oh, so so wise. I am forever grateful for all you provided for me during my pregnancy, but especially on March 29th. You will be etched into my heart forever. 

 

At 4PM, we all took naps. 

At 5:30PM, we suddenly woke up and drove 30 minutes to our chiropractor. 

At 6PM, we got adjusted by Uncle Lucas - another person in our life that we are SO grateful for!!! 

 

At 7PM, we went to the grocery store. 

At 8PM, we arrived home and ate supper with Auntie Brandi, Trent, and Landon. 

At 10PM, we made brownies and ate them with ice cream. 

And at midnight, we said goodnight to our superly long - but fruitful - May 4th day. 

 

Speaking of May 4th...

May the Fourth be with you!!

Say hello to Adam's first ever bobblehead!!!  

Hahahaha! Hilarious! I can't believe this is real life sometimes. I don't know how he was selected for this, but on Star Wars night this year, the Fish will be giving away Adam's bobblehead! I'm pretty sure it's scheduled for September 30, so if you're local, mark your calendars!

Day Two Thousand and Forty

The Emergency Relief

 

Yesterday built me up pretty high. I was on cloud Nine when I received this first sneak peak of my baby seesters. 

   

Your heart is a pile of mush now, surely?!!

I can't even believe how whimsical and beautiful the Lord has made my little ladies. 

And one more perfect moment before my world crashed in on me: Ella Mae's first visit to the ocean

 

 

And then this. Yes, that's the 16th inning, and yes, THAT IS ADAM pitching in relief the day before his scheduled start. And yes, after 16 innings, Adam and the Fish walked away with the loss. My heart didn't recover until this afternoon. It's been a never/ending marathon these past few weeks in the Conley home and last night was apparently the straw that broke me. 

Because of the team's emergency necessity for an arm, Adam was backed up one day. He'll therefore now NOT be pitching in Seattle anymore. Total bummer right?

Day Two Thousand and Thirty-Three

The Colors of the Rainbow

(My computer is dead and I'm laying in bed between two sweethearts. Some of the photos that I wanted to use from yesterday are on my camera and I can't get them onto the blog without my computer. And since the computer charger is in the other room, I'll just have to upload them tomorrow because walking the 30 steps is so not worth it right now. #MomLife )

___________

We experienced lots of firsts yesterday. 

Ella Mae took her first shower. Eight days old and with a head smelling like Mom's armpit, we decided it was time. She loved it. And I loved her not smelling like armpit anymore. Truth: I have stinky armpits and I know it. And these extra hormones ain't helping. 

All showered and un-stinkified (<--- not a word), we got into the car and together drove for the very first time - just the three of us. Our destination? The birthing center!! Turns out, Ella Mae actually doesn't mind the car so much - a far cry from the days of her infant sister, whom absolutely abhorred the car. 

Our one week appointment has already come and gone and I can't even believe it. Ella Mae was eight days old yesterday has already gained 0.3 lbs. She is doing great and so is Mama. Thank you Jesus!! 

 

And a huge thank you to the women whom surrounded me and covered me in love over the course of my pregnancy and labor.  Since we won't be seeing our birthing angels anytime soon, we decided to put together some gift baskets as a thank you for helping us welcome our little Rainbow Baby home. I couldn't have done it without the six women who were there by my side, just like you can't have a rainbow without all the colors. Love you so much, ladies. My mom being one of them. 

Cynda: red 

Sonia: orange

Maya: yellow

Tammy: green

Brandy: blue

Mommy: purple 

 

Exhausted from our huge day of firsts, we closed our eyelids and drifted off to sleep together. The three of us as cozy as can be. I love being their mommy. 

Day Two Thousand and Twenty-Five

The Day We Met Ella Mae 

 

 

Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it spring forth, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wildnerness and rivers in the desert. 

- Isaiah 43:19

I remember so vividly reading this scripture days after an ectopic pregnancy ended my second child's life and clinging to it's truth. 26 months later, I held that truth in the sweet embrace of our third child. 

Meet Ella Mae Katherine Conley!

We welcomed this beautiful GIRL to our family at 7:53 yesterday morning after only ten hours of labor! 

What a sweet treasured blessing she is!

 

 

8 pounds, 19.75 inches, and another 14 inch head. She came earthside into a birthing pool at our home and it was everything we hoped it would be. 

Daddy's in love. 

  

Amelia's in love. 

 

And we just can't get enough of this precious gift from our Lord. Thank you Jesus for such a wonderful and perfect addition to our family. 

 

Ella Mae, I love you forever and in a way I'll never love anyone else. I can't wait to obediently raise you in the sight of the Lord. May you come to know Him at a young age and glorify Him faithfully the rest of your life.

__________

(Professional photos taken by Liansley Photography)

Adam pitches tomorrow evening (Friday) at 7:05 at Roger Dean.