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."

Day One Thousand and Seventy-Seven

The Second Lie

Though I got a few evil eyes for this lie, the secret was totally worth it.

Once we found out we were pregnant, Adam and I made a few immediate decisions.

One being: we'd try to tell at least part of our family in person. 

But that meant waiting nine weeks...

And lying the whole time about what was really going on in our world…including…traveling to Arkansas, packing our entire NOLA household, and moving back to Jupiter at 9 weeks pregnant. Whoops.

But we were determined. Because of baseball, there was basically no chance for Adam to be present for any reveal we'd celebrate with our family and friends. Which sucked. But that didn't mean that I couldn't be there! So, we held onto our little baby surprise until I landed in Washington during Week Eleven. Remember that time…? The family and I were busy planning and celebrating Ellie's bridal shower, which gave Adam and I the perfect setup. 

I gathered the family together and explained to them that Adam was feeling really bad that he couldn't come to yet another family function. I told them he felt so bad, in fact, that he'd put together a little something for Ellie (the bride-to-be) to make up for his absence. I wrapped a gigantic box, gave it to Ellie, and told her to open it. Inside was a letter written by Adam…and the start of a huge family scavenger hunt.

The scavenger hunt took them all over the house and eventually ended in front of my computer screen, where Adam was waiting on Skype with the surprise. He asked if everyone was ready - they still had no idea what was happening - and they screamed yes! Then, he held up the ultrasound, and this was their reaction! 

A lie totally worth it...

even though they admonished me for keeping a secret that long! Mwahahaha.

Next, we told Adam's dad and stepmom.

We'd delivered three packages to their new home in Kentucky and told them not to touch the presents until we gave the ok. When the call came that the boxes had arrived, Adam Skyped his dad and FaceTimed me (this was while I was in Washington), and we both got to watch them unveil their new coffee mugs with "Grandma" and "Grandpa" printed on them. 

Once again, the lie was worth every shriek, gasp, and smile!

Finally, we got to tell Adam's mommy.

Her package arrived, and again, we told her to call us when it did. On a three-way phone call, Katy opened the present and found inside, a crochet book. 

Sidenote: Katy's a master crocheter and makes the coziest, most comfiest blankets around. 

When Bearett was born, Katy made him the sweetest little white blanket to cuddle up in, which gave us the idea.

We told her to open the book, and inside was a note that read:

Another lovely surprise, made possible by that little white lie!

And finally, after our families were given the news, we were able to spill the beans to the rest of our loved ones. Brandi was one of those. We told her over Skype last weekend, together at a pool party with some of our friends. She couldn't be there, but I'd been wanting to tell her for so long and I didn't want to wait another week! So we told her, and finally yesterday, got to celebrate with her in person. Yay! 

The truth has set us free and we're having so much fun with it! No more lies!

Day One Thousand and Sixty

The Gang's (Almost) All Here!

My kind of people.

We haven't been all together like this in almost two years. And boy, was it a night to remember! So thankful we were able to finally find the one night that none of us five kids - or parents or grandparents or aunt - had something to do other than to be right where we were. At home with each other. Victory at last!!! This is no easy feat, and makes times like these a little more special than they already are. 

And yes, that's a photo of Adam on the computer screen I'm holding. He's wearing boxer briefs. And flexing. Mwahaha! I thought he deserved to be apart of our family time too, so we Skyped him in for a good portion of the night. What a lucky dude. But then he went to sleep and wasn't available for my picture, so, I improvised. 

Day Six Hundred and Fifteen

The Baby Boy's Baby Shower

Morgan is having a baby!

And yesterday, we gave the two of them the cutest Rumble in the Jungle baby shower ever!

Welcome, friends!

 The roaring jungle waterfall!

Once-Starbucks glasses, re-decorated and used to enjoy the Jungle Juice.

Baby Man's coolest present!

Ryker's future cousins...all excited to meet him!

Family and friends.

Day Six Hundred and Nine

The Best Mother's Day

1 hour of sleep does no good to a face. Hahaha :)

After finally hitting the pillow at 3 AM, my alarm woke me up at 4 AM and ordered me to get ready for Spokane. I obliged. And walked out the door at 4:30.  

 3 planes delivered me safely to Spokane, but not before flying straight over downtown Seattle. In all my years of flying, not once have I ever been privileged to witness this view. Holy WOW!

My long day and lack of sleep was far forgotten when I laid my eyes on these ladies. 

It was the sweetest Mother's Day I can remember...and all because I was in the company of (almost) every one of the mommys I hold most dear to my heart.

(And now, because it's 3 AM...here's a quick journey through our lovely Sunday)

Hunter reading his mommy (my sister) her Mother's Day card that he obviously picked out and bought. Hahaha ;)

Hunter giving Grandma (my momma) her Mother's Day painting...this one he actually made. And it was quite good for a 2-year-old too!

(Partial) Family shot!

He has the ability to make anything cute.

Oh, how I missed this sweet boy. He melts my heart!

Only 2 and he already knows how to use the camera. 1...2...3...cheese!

This is Hunter's "Get Excited" face. And now, the whole family does it. Day: made.

Happy Mother's Day to every hard working, dedicated, passionate, and precious momma out there. Know that you're a blessing to so many. We couldn't make it without your unconditional love and support.

And of course, the most special shout out to my Mommy, who's been my rock and closest confidant over my 25 years of life. Thank you for your honesty, your strength, your compassion, your drive, and your love for Jesus. I learn more and more from you as I grow older and cherish every bit of wisdom I can glean from you and your experiences. The Mays kids are each richly blessed with a mother who knows their every need, and who stops at nothing to see them through. Mom, I love you and speak on behalf of Jacob, Elizabeth, Shelby, and Morgan when I say that we are so fortunate to call you Mommy. You are simply wonderful.