the state we're in

Can it be that this little guy has been in our arms now longer than he was in my tummy?  In a way, it feels like he’s been with us forever, and it’s sometimes hard to remember our B.C. (Before Conley) life.  That’s okay though because this A.D. (After Delivery) life suits us pretty well these days. 

Conley’s ninth month of life was so fun.  I’m starting to really understand that “progress is a spiral” concept.  I seem to oscillate so quickly between “this is so haaaaard” and “this is so WONDERFUL!”  I consider it a victory if I can keep one eye on the other camp whenever I’m experiencing one of these polarized emotions.  It’s good perspective to remember that, hard or wonderful (yes), the only constant is change.

 

And change he does.  Conley spent much of his ninth month perfecting his crawl.  I wish I had audio to post of the thwack-thwack-thwack sound of his hands and his delirious, anticipatory panting as he high tails it after one of the cats across the house.  He’s so busy, but also becoming a little independent, which allows me a few minutes here and there to work around the house while my little shadow follows closely behind (thwack-thwack-thwack).

We’re still enjoying great sleep at night, from about 8:00pm – 7:30am, while naps are erratic as ever.  At his 9 month appointment, Conley weighed 20 lbs 5 oz (~ 65%) and was 30.5” long (98%), so he’s holding pretty steady on that trajectory.  He’s also nearly half my height (62”), which is sort of harrowing to me. 

I don’t think I’ve written about what a daredevil he is before, but this boy LOVES to defy gravity.  He can’t get enough of Kendrick tossing him through the air, upside down, spinning, twisting, flipping—the wilder the better.  I have to squeeze my eyes shut sometimes and let the boys be boys.  I’m thankful that Kendrick will have a non-me partner for rollercoasters in the future.

Of course, we also celebrated Thanksgiving last month!  Conley made the 15 hour trip with us from Texas to Georgia (and back)—whew!  I have to brag on the little guy who made the trip like a major champ!  He didn’t cry for more than 20 minutes in either direction, which is a miracle!  We were so proud of him, and being with family in Georgia certainly made the car time worthwhile.  Specifically, it could not be more fun to watch Conley play with his adorable 8 year old cousins, Jeb & Jenna.  He and Jeb seem to have a special, “one of the guys” sort of bond that is too precious.  We would love to be closer, but until then, we treasure all the time we get with the Browns and my brother in Georgia.  We have so much to be thankful for this year.

  

Thanks for nine of the most adventurous months of our lives, sweet Conley.  We could not be more tickled to know you or more humbled by and grateful for the privilege of raising you, our sweetest boy.

 

I came across this post a few weeks back about Paul Newman and his wife, Joanne Woodward.  I’ve kept it open all this time and I find myself scrolling through it again and again, staring at the photos, savoring the quotes.  I just had to share—I’m smitten with them!  I can’t get enough of their playfulness and the way they look at each other.  Obviously, this is just a tiny, edited glimpse into their relationship, but it sure seems to point to oodles and gobs of mutual love and respect.

Joanne’s quote about a man who makes you laugh jumped out at me because that’s always been my mom’s marriage advice—find a man who makes you laugh.  I’m so glad I heeded her advice!

Check out Paul & Joanne.  Don’t you wish you knew them?  Don’t you think they’d be the best dinner party guests?