Day 4,268

The Hometown Downton 

Spokane Falls

The house I grew up in <3

Brother!

Day Sixteen Hundred and Ninety-Three

The Sissy's 26th

Happy birthday to my sissy Ellie!
And since she loves being outside so much, we spent another day at the park!
(Love you SO much, Ellie - thank you for being the best friend a girl could ever ask for! You make my life so beautiful, so rich, and so much fun!)

Day Fifteen Hundred and Thirty-Seven

The Baby's First Thanksgiving

Give thanks with a grateful heart <3

First Thanksgiving with Amelia.
First Thanksgiving with my family and Adam.
We are so blessed.
So grateful.
So happy.
So thankful.
I love you, sweet family of mine.

Day Fourteen Hundred and Twenty-Three

The Reason I Write Is...

Because of her.

Almost four years ago, Adam's college pitching coach's wife, Diane, suggested that I take a photo a day for the first year of our marriage and to write about it. She even gifted me with a special 365 scrapbook called Project Life, in order to encourage me just a little bit more. Well, encouraged I was...and fourteen hundred and twenty-three days later, I'm still going strong. Only the Picture-a-Day turned more into Pictures-of-the-Day...a minute difference that I'm positive nobody minds!

We love you, Swensons!! And we're so very blessed to have you all in our lives. Thanks for taking time out of your day to drive all the way from Pullman to hang out with us!

Because of him.

The words on these posts and the thousands upon thousands of photos I've taken would've never existed if not for this man, who's so incredibly easy to love. Who's continued to stay humble and fun as our lives pick up speed in unknown directions. Who's supported me as I've supported him. And who loves unconditionally, with everything he has.

Daddy!!!! Uncle Adam!!!!

You're on TV? But why aren't you on the computer screen like you usually are? Ha!

Adam pitched in relief last night against the Mets in Miami. So surreal. For the first time ever, our family sat around together and watched Adam throw from the comfort of Nana's couch. It was the coolest baseball game I've ever seen...mostly because the close ups of Adam were so close that I could see the sweat beads budding up on his nose. With the kids screaming "STRIKE" on every single pitch, the butterflies swarming in my tummy, and his most handsome face plastered life-size in front of us, it's a memory I'll never forget. Plus, he threw well, so that has to count for something!

2.1IP, 2H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 2K, a sac bunt and a 2.61 ERA

Because of them.

I wouldn't have anyone to write to (at least originally) if not for my family. 

It's so hard to be away at times. We miss so much of the day to day of the people we love most, but this blog gives us a way to stay somewhat connected, even from the opposite corners of the country. I love you all, you crazy, insanely lovely and precious people...even though a lot of times, you make me want to punch things ;) Amelia and I miss you already. And Adam still misses you. Haha.

Day Fourteen Hundred and Twenty

The Mays Wedding

My only brother married his beautiful bride yesterday, in what was a gorgeous summer wedding alongside their closest friends and family. It's a pleasure and an honor to welcome my new sister into the family; Tiffany, we love you and are forever grateful to you for bringing such joy into Jacob's life. In my (almost) 28 years of knowing my brother, I've never seen him smile, giggle, or flirt more than I've witnessed in the last six months. She lights him up in a way that is so genuine, so pure,  so true. I'm proud of you, Jacob. And I'm excited to watch you grow as a man, a husband, and a father figure in the years to come. Stay true to your word, honor Tiffany, and provide an environment for her and those babies to flourish in. Marriage takes two people choosing to say yes to each other every single day. So choose yes, my brother...every day, just as the one before. I love you!!

_________________________

Behind the scenes: What you didn't see...

A 20 minute car cake-transfer. Complete with a crying baby, a frazzled kid, freezing cold AC hands, and two overly cautious cake makers.

An explosion...

...of epic proportions.

And a would-be fevered baby by night's end.

It was a long day for this cutest, most adorable and precious little munchkin. But she held out the whole night and didn't complain until around midnight when I put all her symptoms together and realized that she might've caught a little bug somewhere...poor girl. But Mommy is so proud of you for sticking it out, smiling and laughing with friends, and being just the best kid around. Your immune system is kicking butt and I'm happy to report that 24 hours later...no more fever!

__________________________

Mr. and Mrs. Mays!!!!!

You love is so sweet...and so was Ellie and my cake ;)

Can't tell you enough how happy we are for the both of you!

Congratulations, Jacob and Tiffany!

And now...we dance!

Celebrate good times, c'mon!

I love you, Tiffany. 

You are stunning, courageous, strong, and true. 

Your resilience is admirable and your sarcasm, my favorite.

I will never tire of your smile and your unique way of making me laugh.

So proud to call you Sister.

Thanks for being my date, Amelia! Aside from Daddy, I couldn't have asked for a better one!!

____________________

Speaking of Daddy...

Adam was called back up to Miami on Friday and pitched two innings of relief for the Marlins last night!! It was bittersweet being away from him, but even without us in the stands, he threw tremendously. He mentioned feeling very confident out there, in a way he hadn't felt before. We're looking forward to more innings and more experience in the League that he's always dreamed of pitching in!! 

(Photo by the Marlins via Twitter)

His line:

2IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 1K, 1HBP (hit by pitch)

His recall:

http://www.foxsports.com/florida/story/miami-marlins-recall-adam-conley-chris-reed-from-triple-a-080115

His two scoreless frames with a video clip of each out:

http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/140451202/marlins-recall-rookies-adam-conley-chris-reed

Amelia and I will be meeting Adam in Atlanta for their series agains the Braves on the sixth! Can't wait to see you, Adam! Amelia says, "Where's that (slightly) hairy-faced man I like to wake up to?! I miss him."