Day Seventeen Hundred and Sixty-Two

The Eighteenth Start of 2016

I wore my backward K shirt and magically, people just kept getting punched out left and right! It was awesome. So, I smiled and cheered and smiled some more. I can't decide if I like it better when guys swing and miss or if they're caught looking, but my mom thought that a forward  K wouldn't get the point across as well, so this is what we went with. And if I have any say, I think it's totally, super cool. It even is glittery! Mom LOVES making me my game day shirts, even though sometimes she's almost late to the game because they make her crazy. Maybe you shouldn't procrastinate, Mom. Just sayin. 

Dad had a pretty good game. I like it more when he pitches shutouts, but yesterday, he allowed two runners to score. Drats! But I guess you can't always shut 'em out, so I'll take two runs any day! At least any day that our team scores more! The most awesomest thing about Dada's start yesterday was that he 1) has a two-game hitting streak. Like, WHOA! 2) He crossed home plate for the very first time this year!! Weeeeeeeeee! There he is stomping on home! Atta baby! Dad got his hit with two outs in what became a rally to take the lead! Mommy and I were going nuts in the stands! He's gotten so much faster since I met him 16 months ago, but after watching all the other guys run the bases, I coulda sworn there was some extra quicksand placed right exactly where he was running. G-oo-ooooo-oooooooooooo Daddy!

When all was said and done, Dad was in line for the win after 5.2 innings. He came out with two outs in the sixth and though Mom and I were both shocked and sorta upset to see him come out, it did give me time to do my makeup. So that's good. I know exactly how to open makeup by myself now - I especially like blush - and I also know how to dip the brush in and apply it to my face. Mom always says "Oooooooooh, SO pretty!" I just smile. Because...I know.

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Adam's line:

5.2IP, 4H, 2R, 2ER, 1BB, 7K, 1HR and the W.

He's now 6-5 with a 3.62 ERA heading into the All-Star Break.

Adam's hit:

http://m.mlb.com/mia/video/v915242083/cinmia-conley-singles-for-second-hit-of-the-season/?c_id=mia

Adam's highlights:

http://m.mlb.com/mia/video/v914826183/cinmia-conley-fans-seven-allows-four-hits/?c_id=mia

Video interview:

http://www.foxsports.com/florida/video/adam-conley-says-it-was-a-battle-against-reds-070916

Write up

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/baseball/fl-marlins-reds-0710-20160709-story.html

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After the game, Adam was asked to speak at the Florida Chiropractic Society convention by Dr. Matlock's request. And so, the three of us hopped into the truck and drove up to Fort Lauderdale to tell the room of doctors just how grateful we are for the care and education we've received and what a life changing difference subluxation-based chiropractic care has made in our lives. Adam spoke about the parallels between his own faith and the practice of true chiropractic - an unlikely parallel, but one that was so beautifully put. He stood in front of those doctors and told them about Jesus, about his own testimony, and about how he never would've imagined himself standing where he was six years ago. But praise God he was!!

Thanks for the invite to share, Dr. Matlock! It was an honor and a treasure and worth every minute of bumper-to-bumper traffic - for an hour and a half - back home to Miami!

Day Seventeen Hundred and Thirty-Nine

The Big Girl Adjustment

A MUCH-needed off day helped the Conley Three get back on track after 10 days of never ending travel. We were all sore and stiff, so we spent our day driving up to Dr. Matlock's office for an adjustment. Dada went first and Amelia helped line him back up! 

Then it was Mimi's turn! We decided to test the waters and see if she'd be willing to lay on her tummy for her first ever big girl adjustment and...

...she did!!!!! My heart! She's basically all grown up now and though I'm so proud, I might just curl up into a ball and cry my eyes out. She's amazing. So so big girl. 

Day Sixteen Hundred and Seventy-Four

The Backyard Beauties

Sun. Fun. All day long.

And a few kisses for good measure too! It was SO nice to be back home these past few days. There's nothing like cuddling up in your own bed, the smell of your own dryer, and the comfort of 82 degrees lying next to your pool. 

And though we absolutely missed Daddy while he was away in New York, he was doing just fine - especially after an emergency adjustment by Dr. Matlock's colleague and friend! Because Adam's been feeling so horrible these past ten days, I was getting concerned - he's not been sick in well over a year now and it's not like him to have symptoms this long. So I reached out to Dr. Matlock to see if he knew anyone in NY who could clear Adam's spine and get the trapped swelling and gunk out of his head!! Sure enough, one of Lucas' close friends and fellow brother in Christ was available and met Adam and some of the guys after the game (11:30PM) at their hotel!!! He adjusted 5 or 6 of the Fish before praying over them and heading back home to his family. We were all blown away by his generosity and care, and for Dr. Matlock's willingness to help these guys every step of the way. It was an answered prayer and we are so grateful for the Lord's provision and healing over Adam and his teammates last night. Adam mentioned that the adjustment was one of the best he's ever received (because the doctor was good AND because he needed it so badly), and get this - he woke up this morning WITHOUT the headache that's been plaguing him for 10 straight days!! In chiro language, we say to that: "his power is ON!" Finally!! We are so grateful for the chiropractic care we receive - it's changed our lives positively forever. We are amazed at what the body can do when it's working at the capacity God created it to work at, which can absolutely be helped by routine adjustments that remove subluxations from your spine (think of a subluxation as a kink in a hose - when you remove the kink, the water is able to flow more efficiently)! 

Day Sixteen Hundred and Seventy-Three

The Sweet Little Answer

On our journey back home home yesterday, we stopped by our chiropractor's office for a visit. Holy smokes did we need it! The last time we saw Dr. Matlock, Adam and I gifted him a framed jersey for his office, as a small token of our appreciation for everything he's done for us. Fast forward a few weeks, and this is now how his waiting area looks! So special!!! I asked Amelia, "Mimi, where's Dada?" She looked around and then pointed to his jersey! She knows! And she sure loves her Dada!

We drove the hour and a half up from Miami to our home - I can't even describe how good it felt to sleep in our own bed. I think we just needed a little break from the constant movement, sickness, stress, and travel that the past few weeks brought. But before we went home, we stopped by Brandi's and said hi to all our friends! Amelia was sure missing her fave Carston! 

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Adam pitches tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1:05 EST! 

LET'S GO DADDY!!!!!

Day Sixteen Hundred and Sixty

The Backfield of Dreams

Amelia wishes this were the atmosphere of a Big League game. She just LOVES baseball up close and personal. No aisles. No one blocking her view. No rules. Plus: dirt! This is the life.

Daddy played on the backfields of Roger Dean yesterday. He was originally scheduled to pitch against the Mets in Port St. Lucie, but the decision was made that he'd throw in a minor league game instead - this because he'll likely be facing the Mets' lineup in a couple weeks. And so, he got his work in against their High A team. Adam probably pitched the best he has all Spring yesterday and worked his way up to 90 pitches. He's primed and ready for the beginning of season and we can't wait to see how the next seven months play out! He's made so many huge strides this offseason and this spring, and so it's going to be a whole lot of fun watching him put it all together!

I can't say for sure how many innings he pitched yesterday or what his line was. He struck out quite a few (more than ten) hitters and recorded 5 and 6 outs in multiple innings. Adam was efficient and effective, but in order to lengthen him out, they let him continue pitching, even when the inning was technically supposed to be over. That's the nice thing about the backfields though - anything goes when guys are trying to get their work in or test new things! 

A girl and her Daddy. 

She knows exactly when he's on the mound. 

Oh, she loves him so!

Truth: she loves the bleachers too. 

And, well, just baseball in general. Every inch of dirt included!

Goodness, my kiddie is the coolest baby baseball girl ever!

Speaking of cool!

For all Dr. Matlock's work on keeping Adam, Amelia, and I healthy for the past two and a half years, we finally put something special together to show him our appreciation! We LOVE YOU, Dr. Lucas! And although this doesn't even come close to our gratitude toward you and what you've done for us, we hope this is a constant reminder every day at the office of just how much we cherish and believe in you! Thank you to the world's greatest chiropractor! We praise God for you!

When we finally got back home from our long day at the park, The Conley Three nestled up in bed and hung out together for the last time at home before the crazy life of baseball begins tomorrow. Thank you Auntie Sue for these lovely, beautiful shots! You're so talented!! And I love you, little family!

http://www.susanjohnsonphoto.com

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HUGE NEWS: 

ADAM MADE THE OPENING DAY ROSTER!

He'll be pitching third in the rotation!!!

We were given this news this morning and are SO excited, grateful, humbled, ready, anxious, prepared, and BUSY! More to come tomorrow, but since it's SUCH BIG NEWS, I thought I would share it officially today!

Day Fifteen Hundred and Ninety-Eight

The Life of a Conley

She says, "Hey Doc, I think Dad's got a few subluxations. Fix him up for me, will ya?! I'll stand right here and make sure you get them all."

We love SO much how much Amelia loves chiropractic care. She's the healthiest, most fun girl I know, and we have Dr. Lucas - in part - to thank for her outstanding health and happiness!

We have Daddy's craziness to thank as well.

And Mommy and Dada's daily (and nightly) dance parties!

Being a Conley is just so fun!

Day Fourteen Hundred and Fifty-Six

The Marlins Girls

After a few-game hiatus, the girls are back!

We took a little break after traveling for a straight month. We were tired, but not anymore!

I think Amelia missed the sounds and lights of the stadium. She was very active, very curious, and very cute in her new pink romper! So happy to be back in the stands supporting our Fish!

Especially on a day like yesterday!

Bases loaded, one out. Full count, tied 3-3 against the league-leading Mets. Our third baseman fouled off SIX pitches in a row before a sac fly to left field scored the winning run! Fish Win! The guys are on a roll and games are so much fun!

Oh, and of course, after yesterday's game, Lucas came to our house and got the family adjusted! WE LOVE YOU! THANK YOU! A million, bajillion times over.

Day Fourteen Hundred and Forty-Seven

The Fifth Daddy Start, Second House Call, and Channing's Debut!

You thinking what I was thinking??

Matlock? Is that you? IN WASHINGTON D.C.?!

Yep!

Can you even believe it?!

This man is a wizard!

His beautiful sister and her two children live close to D.C. and he made plans long before to come visit them this weekend. Turns out...the Marlins were in D.C. to play the Nationals this weekend too! SOOOOO, he brought his family and his table and adjusted the Conley Three right before Adam left to the field!! Just...incredible! Lucas is SUCH a blessing to our family. I say it every time, but we are so beyond thankful for his care, his heart, and his passion for health. Adam is throwing harder than he's ever thrown (in August - 95s and one hit 96 yesterday!) and feels better than any other time in his career. We have a few ideas in mind to say "thank you" to our favorite doc, but for now, family tickets to BP and the game would suffice! Love you Lucas (and the rest of the Matlocks too!)!

Aaaaaand, your starting pitcher for tonight's game against the Nationals and Max Scherzer...

ADAM CONLEY!

Hey, that's my Daddy!

Everyone loves my Daddy! Even the Nationals vendor! GO #61!

Adam and the Marlins defeated the Nats in Game One of a three-game series at Nationals Park. He threw five solid innings of 2-run baseball, but ran into some trouble in the 6th. With bases loaded and nobody out, Adam was pulled from the game. I knew he was angry - I sure was - but up here, it's all about winning baseball games. In the minor league system, it's all about development, so they'll let you get yourself out of jams when you find yourself in one. I wish  they would've given him a chance to show his guts last night and fight his way from bases loaded, but I do understand. He came out with three of his guys on base, and thankfully, only one of them scored. Our bullpen pitched mightily last night to preserve the W for Dada! Yahoo!

(And sidenote: what's a Nationals game without the President's Race?!)

His line:

5+IP, 6H, 3R, 3ER, 1BB, 2HR, 6K and the W.

So proud of you, Adam! 

Interview:

http://www.foxsports.com/florida/video/adam-conley-says-he-s-still-learning-082815

Video:

http://m.mlb.com/mia/video/topic/8877454/v423396983/miawsh-conley-fans-six-in-five-innings-vs-nats/?c_id=mia

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Saving the very best for last...

MEET CHANNING MAE JOHNSON!

Born yesterday, August 28, at 8:16AM, weighing 7lb 6oz and 20 inches long!

My best friend and her baby are doing wonderful - both healthy and beautiful as can be!

And want to know something INCREDIBLE?!

Susan was only 38 weeks pregnant when she delivered. Much of her pregnancy, she was worried that Channing would come before Daddy Kyle was back from rehab in Florida with the Mets. So yesterday at 9AM Florida time, she posted to our baseball wives group on Facebook that she'd been having contractions 8 minutes apart and wondering whether or not she should call Kyle home from Florida - since she's in Idaho. I checked Facebook around 11AM yesterday - just two hours after her original question was posted - and immediately called her to tell her to get Kyle home. But before I could utter a word, all I could hear was crying! Like, super happy crying! And between the tears, she said, 

"I JUST DELIVERED CHANNING ALONE IN MY BATHTUB AT HOME!!!!!!!!!!!"

Wait, what? You did what?!

Sure enough, just an hour after her water broke, and before her midwife or doula could get to her house (she was originally planning a birthing center birth), Susan delivered baby Channing ALL BY HERSELF in the Johnson apartment!! Four minutes after Channing's debut, the doula arrived to assist with everything else! Like, is that incredible or what!? Coolest, most amazing birth story ever!

Infinitely proud of you, Suey! Channing, you have one brave, resilient, and impressive Mama! ESPN, this deserves a story, yeah?!

Day Fourteen Hundred and Forty-Two

The Fourth Marlin Start

The best wake up call you could ever want.

Better than breakfast in bed.

Better than cinnamon rolls.

Better than...well, you get the point.

Dr. Matlock drove down from Jupiter to Miami to meet Adam in our condo at 9:15AM to remove his subluxations and clear his spine of any interferences before his 1:10PM start agains the Phillies. 

I can't speak highly enough of Lucas if I tried. I say that every time, but it's so true. We've never, not ever, met a doctor so passionate, so honest, so informative, so caring. He's helped change our lives - and our family's lives - forever, and I don't know how we'll ever repay him. God has truly blessed us with a man who's heart is pure and who cares for us in a way that nobody else does. The Conleys absolutely love you, Dr. Matlock and your kindness and sacrifice do not go unnoticed! Thank you for everything you continue to provide for us!

All adjusted and ready to go, Adam entered the game yesterday wearing orange and set for his fourth start as a Miami Marlin.

I was positive this was going to be good from the beginning. I had a feeling. Turns out, I was totally wrong.

Adam labored through 3.2 innings of rough baseball. He couldn't find the strike zone. His slider was bad (his words). And he threw way too many balls. By the end of four innings, his pitch count was at 84.

And he didn't even get a hit!

Thankfully, they let him go out and fight in the fifth and the sixth. And it was clear to everyone watching, that Adam finally turned a corner. He got out of jams. He was throwing hard (95!). And you could see him coming alive out there. For the first time, I watched Adam get emotional on the mound. With bases loaded and one out, he struck out two...leaving the field with a double fist pump and setting the tone for the next two innings. Finally, progress!

As his wife, it's hard for me to watch him struggle. I get sick and worry unnecessarily...because I hate seeing him like that. And literally, there's nothing I can do about how he performs. However, watching him compete and breakthrough barriers makes all the heartache completely worth it.

We love you #61. And we're so proud of your efforts out there.

Part of Adam's little fan club!

Auntie Marissa put Amelia to sleep without the binky yesterday!! Amazing! She's the Baby Whisperer, no doubt!

And Bob finally got to meet Amelia!

He's been with us since the early days of Greensboro and now - four years later - he's with us in Miami! So happy you could make it, friend!

Cheeeeeeeeese! Grrrrr! Good job Dada! Even though you got the loss, you're still a winner to me!

His line:

6IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 4BB (1 intentional), 5K, and the loss.

The Marlins were shutout by the Phillies. Adam threw 106 pitches and touched 95 on pitch 104, struck out swinging, and earned his first quality start since being called up. He's now 1-1 with a 4.88 ERA.

Highlight video of yesterday:

http://m.mlb.com/mia/video/topic/8877454/v402891483/phimia-conley-fans-five-gives-up-only-one-run/?c_id=mia

Article

http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/144893428/aaron-nola-phillies-shut-out-marlins?partnerId=as_mlb_20150823_51311106&adbid=10153502124167349&adbpl=fb&adbpr=47716487348

Day Fourteen Hundred and Twenty-Seven

The Atlanta Adjustment

"Gooooooood morning Dada!! Wake up, wake up! We have things to do! Places to be! People to see!"

What are you talking about, Amelia? I'm sleeeeeeepy!

"We gotta go get adjusted, please Daddy!!?"

That's right!! We got adjusted in Atlanta!

It just-so-happened that Dr. Matlock was in Atlanta for a chiropractic convention on the exact same days the Conleys were in town! So, we met up with our most favorite doctor at a hotel just 2 miles from ours, and had our "power turned on," before the game! We're so grateful it worked out this way, and felt completely loved and poured into the entire afternoon.

Thanks for everything you do for us, Dr. Matlock! 

We'd be nowhere near as healthy as we are without your care, encouragement, and support. So incredibly grateful for your heart to serve others as selflessly as you do.

And then, we were off to the field, feeling a little taller, and a whole lot better!

The Braves honored their 1995 World Series Championship team last night at Turner Field. Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and the rest of their teammates rode into the stadium parade-style in what was one heck of a show! The crowd went nuts over their beloved Braves, and it sure was fun to watch...even from the seat of a purely Marlins fan!

And speaking of Marlins fans...

Guys...do you see what I see? 

Number 61...in the dugout?

Do you realize he was in the dugout the entire game?

Do you know what that means?!!!

Adam is STARTING against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon at Marlins Park!!! 

We don't know if he's only starting this once, or if they're going to give him multiple opportunities over the next...however long, BUT we're completely grateful and honored that they'd give him the nod - and the ball - to start Wednesday's interleague game against the Red Sox! Florida family and friends, come down and cheer him on! Game is at 4:10!
Yaaaaay Dada!

Day One Thousand Two Hundred and Ninety-Nine

The Last Adjustment Woes

Mille loves the chiropractor.

Correction:

Millie loves her chiropractor.

He helps keep her healthy and strong.

And he has her whole life - even from the womb.

And so, moving to NOLA is going to be extra hard.

We LOVE you, Dr. Matlock and we're forever grateful for the care you've shown our little family. The hours we've spent picking your brain and learning new things have been some of our favorite times. You've helped to transform our lives in ways we never could've imagined, and we're so much healthier, happier, and educated because of the wisdom, energy, time, and effort you've poured into us. By FAR - actually, it's not even a comparison - you top the list of doctors we've "seen"...and for a couple of athletes, that's saying a lot! We so wish we could take you with us wherever baseball sends us...and who knows...maybe someday, we could make that happen!

Thank you for everything you've done for us and been for us. We feel better than we ever have, and because of you, our lives will NEVER be the same. And that's great news.

Power's on, baby!

We'll miss you!!!!!!!!