Day Fifteen Hundred and Seventy-Nine

The First Postpartum Daddy-Mommy Date

We escaped! For two whole hours!

On our very first date since Amelia's birth!

Oh what fun!

Wanna know where we went?!!

The dentist!

Wah wah.

Puh.

We didn't even get to ride in the same car and we didn't even get to have our teeth scraped in the same room. The romantic level probably hovered between a -7 and -3. How sexy. But at least we made it out alive! That's gotta count for something.

But alas!

Yesterday did have fun built into it after all!

Amber and Zack are having a baby and last night, they revealed to us Baby Rickard's gender! Pop that balloon!!

SHE'S A GIRL!!

SHE'S A GIRL! A GIRL!

DADDY ZACK, YOU'RE HAVING A GIRL!

The very best kind! <3

Day One Thousand One Hundred and Forty-Four

The Birthday Wish

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER!!!

We are so blessed to call you Friend and absolutely adore the woman you are!

Hope this year is your BEST one yet!!

Baby Conley - looking all cute in her outfit from Grandpa - says:

 "Happy Birthday Auntie Amber! I love you!" 

Errrr, wait a second.

Baby Girl is still in my belly.

Baby Girl won't fit those clothes yet.

Baby Girl surely isn't that white?!

Then, who the? What the? How? Hey!! Whitacre!! Those are BABY'S clothes, not yours, you sneaky imposter! Give them back! You're not even a girl!

I stand corrected: Whitacre says "Happy birthday Auntie Amber!"

Baby Conley seconded that with two kicks to my abdomen.

Day One Thousand One Hundred and Forty-Two

The Three Thankful Conleys

Want to know how to make us smile? 

Be sure the Rickards (and Jim) are around.

Then - for extra large smiles - reserve dinner at Hokkaido.

And finally, prepare a juicy filet mignon at said restaurant and serve it to us. 

Piping hot.

That's exactly how to make us smile…and just the reason there were so many yesterday!

We love you three and are so grateful for your friendship, generosity, and silliness. Thanks for making our night such a happy one!

 (Hope you made it home safely, Jim! Thanks again!)

AND THANK YOU GRANDPA DAN!!

Little Lady kicked with joy when her surprise new outfits arrived in the mail yesterday! She told me to tell you that she especially likes the giraffe one...and that ruffle butts are her favorite. Then she said, "I sure love my Grandpa." 

Day One Thousand and Three

The DL Spy

I spy with my little eye…

A BASEBALL PLAYER THROWING A BASEBALL!

Can I get an amen?!! Yaaaaaaaaaaaay.

I haven't seen Adam throw in over a month. But yesterday, I finally got lucky enough (and close enough) to witness a little Southpaw action!

_______________________

We also picked up our third car. 

This time a rental. $18/day - not terrible.

For once I am thankful for being 26. Saved us a bit of cash. But, because I'm the only driver in this family over 25, I'm also the only person allowed to drive the car. 

Rental car = chivalry killer

And finally, we celebrated Zack's 24th birthday.

 It was a good day.

Day Nine Hundred and Eighty-Six

The Shiny Two-Four

My golden boy turned 24 yesterday.

So, we celebrated accordingly.

With lots of gold!

I still remember the first cake I ever made Adam. On his 20th birthday, I had no money and no idea he'd be the one I'd spend the rest of my life with. But I scraped my bank account nearly clean and whipped up that cake anyways. He was worth it. I surprised him with a sixer of MGD and a cake that said, "Happy birthday Messy." It might've been slightly illegal, but that may've been the day I won his heart, so we're gonna let it slide just this once. 

Babe, I hope you liked your beer and cake just as much yesterday as you did four years ago. (You liked it a lot back then. But maybe that's because you didn't have any food in your fridge?!)

And though your wish was thwarted, you still have lots to smile about. 

Adam's looking forward to another year of firsts. Another year of growth. Another year of changes. And another year of wisdom. He's excited about the future and ready to go wherever the Lord takes him next. I'm just glad I get to be by his side through it all.

Honey, you're my life's sweetest blessing. 

Thank you for being my support. My strength. The reason for all my giggles. And such a genuine friend. 

I love you. We love you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

Day Nine Hundred and Twenty-Four

The Last Lunch

We're doing a lot of packing...

And a lot of goodbye saying.

This part is always the hardest. Even though it's only see ya later, it still stinks having to leave those who we've come to love as family. Thank you - every single on of you - for radically impacting our lives with your friendship, encouragement, kindness, and love. We'll miss you all SO MUCH. 

___________________

Adam still throws tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1PM.

Day Seven Hundred and Sixty-Five

The Women of Wednesday

While we were away, chasing baseball dreams in Jacksonville, a group of Jupiter ladies started meeting once a month on Wednesday for a Bible study. They call it Women, Wine, and Worship. It's just a night for the girls to get together, socialize, and dig into the Word of God. And that is something that sounded like a fun night to me! Of course, it was. But more than fun, it was just so refreshing. It's good to be home, my friends. I am forever grateful for every one of you!

Day Five Hundred and Eighty-Two

The Blessed Weekend

A house full of girls. Makeup everywhere. Product everywhere. Cords everywhere. This is what I grew up with (only in a bathroom much smaller haha). And gosh, having these girls here this weekend made me realize just how much I miss these moments. Yes, we blew a fuse. Yes, we made a mess. And most certainly yes, I enjoyed every second of it.

Ok, so yesterday was just a bit frustrating. First, let me just say that I'm so thankful for Amber and Channing's company on such a bummer Sunday afternoon. The three of us decided to try a new Jacksonville church together. Well, that was a disaster. We left the "church" feeling confused, worried, and offended by the unsound teachings preached to thousands. Wow. Never seen anything like it. Safe to say we unanimously crossed that one off the list. Hungry (in more ways than one), we then made our way to get something to eat. An hour later, we discovered that downtown Jax is the WORST place to find food in America. Either it's not opened on Sundays...or it just doesn't exist. We literally drove around the streets of downtown for an entire hour before I about lost my mind...

Finally, we managed to find a Jersey Mike's (that both existed AND was open), and though I haven't eaten any sort of sandwich in over 3 months, I scarfed that thing down without question. The girls calmed me down as we ate and talked life. I'm so blessed by their friendships and examples. 

 My weekend was an absolute surprise of all sorts. I haven't experienced that sort of community and fellowship in a VERY long time and I am so grateful for it. THANK YOU Channing and Amber for leaving your husbands to visit me. I truly cherish your spontaneity and love.

Alone again (hahaha).

But really, not even close to alone at all.

After they left, I decided to GO TO CHURCH at the 6PM service at First Baptist Church Jacksonville, just 2 minutes from our condo. And would you believe it...their pastor knew exactly who I was! For real! After the service, I was introduced to him by an usher that I had left my connection card with. In about 3 sentences, Pastor Brunson said, "Oh yeah, Jimmy Scroggins told me you'd be coming. We'll set you up nicely here!" Like whaaaaaat? I was completely unaware that OUR pastor at Family Church grew up here...in this church...and had already contacted Dr. Brunson on our behalf. Seriously, feeling ultra, super duper thankful, blessed, and overwhelmed by the Lord's provision and the people He's placed our lives. Just incredible.

The FC Women of Jax

It wasn't until late afternoon that the three of us finally walked out of the door for our first day in Jacksonville together. But with a 3 AM bedtime from the night before, a super late Paleo breakfast (that's the only food I had!), and so much to talk about, we were ok with our sluggish departure. We had no idea where the day would take us...but we're in Florida after all, so of course, we ended up at the beach! The waters here aren't as Jolly Rancher blue as down South, but the beach is beautiful and I can definitely see myself spending some quality time here! We explored this too-big-of-a-city together, just hanging out, giggling, and loving each others' company. I am seriously such a blessed woman. The Lord knew just what I needed when He introduced me to them a year ago.

Starving (and looking so pretty!), we made our way to The Jacksonville Landing for dinner...a place I've yet to explore here. And I think we were all pleasantly surprised! Located just a few blocks from my home and also on the water, this place was busy with live music, amazing views, and really good food! I'll be taking Adam here on lots of date nights in the future...rather, he'll be taking me ;)

 No girl's weekend would be complete without a sappy chick flick and ice cream. And we just couldn't commit an injustice! So, equipped with two pints of Ben & Jerry's (a hard commodity to come by in downtown Jax) and a redbox, we went home at midnight with the very best of intentions. I'm pretty sure Channing finished her ice cream before the movie even started (haha ;) ) and was passed out within 5 minutes of the opening scenes. Amber did much better and lasted a solid hour and a half. But she too succumbed to the *comfort* of her blow-up mattress and was lights out before movie's end. I finished up my blog post (and the movie) before finally finding my pillow at 2:30 AM. Whew! It was a full day. In so many ways. And I just can't get over how deeply satisfied, comforted, and loved my heart feels. There is something true and undeniable to be said about a friendship built in Jesus, and I thank Him every day for welcoming me into the arms of His family. Thank you for such a beautiful day, ladies.

Day Five Hundred and Eighty

The Biggest Surprise (And Adam's Second Start)

Well, it's safe to say I got my booty kicked yesterday. I tried out a new CrossFit gym...loved it...but hated how far away from home it turned out to be. Rats. I can't decide if the 9 miles I have to drive each way is worth the hour long workout...especially considering there's another CF gym less than two miles from home. I'll be giving that one a try next week!

I did my best to keep myself busy the entire day because waiting around for Adam's starts are just painful, annoying, and downright anxiety-ridden. And that's how it is when he's here. Multiply those above feelings by like 28 and that's how I feel when he's on the road (like he is now). Uhhh. My man finally took the mound around 9 PM in Huntsville, Alabama in the second game of a doubleheader. And clearly, I wasn't there. Yesterday's game was only the second professional start that I've ever missed of his...and I was all by myself...so safe to say that I was pretty emotional. But I did my best to keep my cool. The smile and thumbs up reflection in my computer only lasted until the fourth pitch of the night though, when Adam hit their first hitter. Then he hit a second hitter...tack on three errors and four runs...all in the first inning, and well, I was a mess. Especially considering that all I had to go off of was the words and reactions of the radio host (which I streamed online). No visual for this game! Uh! But it wasn't all bad. He ended up throwing quite well after that, and we even pulled out the win! His line for the night:

4IP, 3H, 4R, 2ER, 0BB, 2HBP, 5K, 2.00 ERA, No Decision

Whew! Less hits than innings pitched and more strikeouts than innings pitched. I went to bed feeling relieved and relaxed. But still alone...

And then...SURPRISE! COMPANY! AHHHH!!!

It was 1 AM when Adam called to tell me to check the front door. Uh, honey? I'm trying to sleep...stop playing games! He insisted I check. I was thinking to myself, "Why is he delivering me flowers at one in the morning?!" (I know, delusional haha) I reluctantly got out of bed. Then I opened the door...AND THERE THEY WERE! Amber and Channing! Right there in front of me...with big fat grins stretched across their faces! No way!! Like seriously?? 5 hours of driving? Leaving their husbands? For 2 days? For me?!! I have the greatest friends I could have ever asked for. Wow. Wow. Thank God for them. And that's why this blog post went up so late...because all day (today) we've been together with no time for me to sit down and write! I love my girls so much. They're a couple of blessings, surely.

Day Five Hundred and Sixty-Seven

The Last day of Spring Training 2013

Looks like I'm not the only one in Jupiter busy packing! The Jacksonville boys loaded their gear onto the truck yesterday after their last practice of Spring Training 2013.

While they loaded their few items into the moving truck, we moved our many items into this 5x10 storage unit. Our promotion really started sinking in yesterday. And clearly, I have mixed emotions about the whole thing. Obviously, I went with Adam to the storage unit willing and ready to get this new journey started. However, I'm also deeply saddened by the 5 hours that separates me from all my Jupiter friends and our amazing church. It's going to be so hard without them, but I'm praying hard that the Lord will bring some neat ladies into my life in Jacksonville this season. They won't measure up to my Jupiter ones though, so don't worry girls ;) Hehehehe.

After days of packing, this is what was left.

And Adam even commented on the fact that we were bringing "THAT MUCH stuff." Uhhhh...you want me to pack up my entire home for 6 months and expect me not to take at least this much stuff? You're crazy. (Maybe someday I'll learn how to be more decisive and selective with my items, but how am I supposed to know if I need my bike...or my printer...or the two green spatulas that my mommy gave me for St. Patrick's Day last year? You NEVER know!)

The Conley's last photo together in 1136 Town Center Drive #14. 

Apartment #3: gone forever.

Ok...let me tell you something.

Adam and I have few marital issues...but this bed is one of them. 

And he won. Which means I lost.

Not good. 

Last year (and a half), we moved to Jupiter with literally 4 suitcases and nothing else...into a completely bare and unfurnished apartment. Since then, we've accumulated a decent amount of things, but nothing - and I mean NOTHING - more important to me than our bed. We promised each other that we'd splurge a bit on our bed because it was really important to us. One, because we had each slept on cruddy college mattresses and futons for 4 years. Two, because we felt that a good night's sleep was an important investment in Adam's career. Three, I've already had back surgery, so a good night's sleep for me wouldn't hurt either. And finally four, because...well it's just really comfy. And big. And awesome. 

Guess what Adam made me do? 

PUT THE DANG THING IN STORAGE!

FOR SIX MONTHS.

SIX!

Like...uh...total marital fight.

But instead of making us put the bed in storage along with the rest of the stuff yesterday, he let us sleep on it one more night. We did get a much better sleep than we got last year when we moved on Day 203. I cherished that 8 hours of Tempurpedic rest! This next 6 months is not going to be so comfy! Boooooooo.

A BIG THANKS TO THE RICKARDS AND GERBERS WHO HELPED US MOVE AND CLEAN AND PAINT ALL DAY YESTERDAY! YOU'RE ALL SO WONDERFUL...SO WONDERFUL, IN FACT, THAT YOU'RE WORTHY OF CAPS LOCK!!!

Hehehe. Love you :)

Day Five Hundred and Fifty-Nine

The SURPRISE Dinner

So...uhm...

SURPRISE!!!

We walked into Zack and Amber's thinking we were getting dinner with some friends...

And this is what we got instead!!! A whole truckload of them! 

Ahhhhhhh!! We just absolutely love all these people and are completely overwhelmed by their encouragement, support, friendships, and prayers. This bunch will be dearly missed as we make our way to Jacksonville, FL next week for our second season with the Marlins.

 

Playing games, laughing out loud, and joking around.

I couldn't have asked for anything more.

We feel so blessed.

Like seriously? Who does this?!!

They're the best! How stinkin cute!!!

And the notes they wrote to us...uh! They had me tearing up the entire ride home. 

You're all so wonderful.

And this too?! Hahaha...couldn't stop smiling.

We will, friends...we will! :) 

And after we're done "Gettin 'em," in Jax, we'll be back to your arms in Jupiter (uh...I hope)!

Thank you...thank you, thank you, thank you.

It's going to be harder than ever leaving Jupiter and Family Church...and I've already shed tears over it. But we know that the Lord has something else in store for us, and we're excited to see where He leads us. Thank you...again.

Day Five Hundred and Fifty-Three

The Dockside Polka-Dots

Normally, Adam would be at the field during this hour. But yesterday, they were let out early and got an entire afternoon in the Florida sunshine. Naturally, Adam chose to spend his time doing "truck stuff" with another truck obsessed Texan. Their one-hour waxing project went awry and turned into a 4-hour panic. Apparently, the turtle wax they used to remove some scratches from the King Ranch wasn't meant for his kind of paint job. The wax left the truck looking cloudy and unpolished - like it took the clear coat right off the top. They went back to the store, got some polish, and tried to shine it up, but the luck of the Irish wasn't on their side. Hopefully he can get it buffed out...nothing like a brand new truck with dull polka-dots all over it. Eeeek.

Following the fiasco, we went to dinner and relaxed dockside with the Rickards and Jim. This hole-in-the-wall was quite the pleasant surprise, as its curbside appeal was less than inviting. But one step onto their waterfront porch and everything changed. And then the food came out...

Like, holy smokes! 

This is some seriously beautiful food!

And soooooo good too! Adam got the steak sandwich...yes, that's their steak sandwich! Literally a piece of steak atop a slice of garlic bread, covered with onion rings. Too fun! We had a sweet time with our friends and enjoyed catching up with Jim! (Thanks again for dinner!!)

Day Five Hundred and Thirty-Three

The Bad Start to a Good Day

Yesterday didn't start off so good. And if texts came with voice tone, my reply wouldn't have sounded too kind. Not at all. Adam was scheduled to pitch yesterday, but when he left the house at 7:00 AM, he didn't know what time the game was at. So, he said that he'd just text me when he found out. Well, he forgot. And then he remembered 20 minutes before the game started. Not good. Oh boy...between feelings of frustration, anger, hurt, and sadness, I cried like a baby all morning. And then, as I started thinking of my sick husband - who's brain hasn't been functioning properly at all since Friday - I felt beyond guilty for even being mad in the first place. Ugh. So, needless to say, I missed his game. I had just gotten out of the shower when I received his second text, so there was no way I could have made it.

In Adam's professional career, I've only missed him pitch once (which is why missing this game was such a big deal to me), and that was when I went to Spokane last April. He pitched terribly that day. Like, really bad. And since then, I've nominated myself as his good luck charm. But apparently, I'm no so lucky anymore. Because yesterday, battling whatever sickness he has, Adam pitched eight outs, striking out 3 (maybe 4? He can't remember exactly). Not too shabby, Darlin'! :)

Sunday night was Breakfast for Dinner at the Gerber home. On the menu:

Breakfast casserole (which I couldn't eat)

Pancakes (which I couldn't eat)

Bacon (which I could eat, but brought my own)

AND

Paleo Pancakes (which I COULD eat because Channing made them especially for me!!)

She's the best :)

And, turns out that Paleo pancakes are a bit more difficult to flip than the regular ones. It took one messy pancake to figure out the proper technique. 

(P.S. isn't she just adorable in her little apron?!)

Hungry and ready for some breakfast. Love LOVE LOVE these people.

The only thing that could've made last night better was having Adam there. He stayed home and rested his sick self. I felt bad for leaving him a second night in a row, but we've had these plans for a week now and I missed my friends! Darnit! I just want him to feel better :(

My dinner! Ah! So good! 

Paleo pancakes, topped with strawberries and a mixture of melted almond butter and Enjoy Life chocolate chips (dairy, nut, and soy free), 2 scrambled eggs, and turkey bacon. Channing also found me some all natural, 100% pure maple syrup that I drizzled lightly on the side for some additional flavor (not that it needed any!) Between good food and good company, I was one satisfied lady when I left! Thanks Channing and Andrew!

Day Five Hundred and Twenty-Five

The Signing and The Driving

THIS IS NOT MY PHOTO AND I DID NOT TAKE IT.

 I found this on the Facebook page of Roger Dean Stadium, and since my husband didn't take a picture of yesterday, this is the best I could do!

Adam and the entire big league spring training team signed autographs for their fans after practice on Saturday. So neat! I wish I could have been able to see this for myself, but I think Adam's reputation in the locker room might've been affected if I'd gone, so I stayed home and waited for his pictures like a good little girl. Haha! They never came though. ADAM! He said he forgot...I need to figure out a way to make him not forget!!

While my boy was out doing his baseball thing...I was out doing my shopping thing. Well, technically I was out doing my designated driver thing, and that landed me at IKEA! Amber and Zack made the HUGE grown up decision to re-furnish their entire living room...and because I'm the friend with the big truck, I got to go with them to help pick stuff out! In 5 hours, we filled the Raptor - tire to roof - with boxes and boxes of new Rickard goodies. SO fun. I can't wait to make the same kind of trip one day - only next time, I hope I'm filling the truck up with Conley goodies.