Long Time, No Blog

OK, so I'm not doing too well with updating this blog. It seems life has gotten away from me. My last post was in August - it is now December. December 23 in fact.

The Funs have been super busy these past few months. In September, Ryan and I celebrated 11 years as a couple. It truly is an amazing feeling to share my life and a family with my very best friend. October brought the SC State Fair and Halloween. I was sick for Colin's first Halloween. It sucked, but Ryan and Aunt Ashley took care of our little lion man and treated the neighborhood tricksters.

We had our first Thanksgiving in November. I spent my first nights away from Colin in December when I attended the Carolinas Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Society conference in Asheville, NC. It was difficult being away from my guys, but the conference was great. And we had the added bonus of staying at the Grove Park Inn, completely decorated for Christmas.

We just got back from a quick visit to see my Aunt Debbie in West Palm Beach, FL. We drove down for the weekend to spend much-needed time with her and so she could meet Colin for the first time. Colin was completely smitten with her. My Aunt Debbie is such a remarkable woman. I'm blessed to have her in our lives.
I think that briefly catches us up. We are now two days away from our first Christmas as a three-and-a-half-some (including Molly). Ryan and I are so excited! Tomorrow (Christmas Eve) brings church and continuing my Grandma's tradition of snacks and presents. Then it's the BIG day. We're enjoying "just us" family-time in the morning, followed by a visit from my brother Ben, his girlfriend Mary and my parents. Ashley'll stop by next and then it's off to Ryan's parents' house to celebrate. Keep your eyes open for photos/video. I can't wait to share our day with you!

Here's a photo to hold you until then.

This was our Christmas card photo. It's the whole Fun clan!

SoCal Summer Vacay!

We took our first family vacation to Southern California on August 11-16 thanks to Ryan's wonderful and generous parents. Ryan and I were very concerned about how well Colin would travel/fly, but he did so well. He totally wins "best airplane baby ever" (if this award even existed).

On our first day in San Diego, we visited my Aunt Dotty. We are so glad that we had the opportunity to see her and that she could meet Colin. It was great visiting, catching up and looking at old photos of her and my grandmother.

The next day, we enjoyed breakfast with Ryan's Aunt Sandy and Uncle Larry as well as his cousins, Shelly, Doug and Doug's daughter Alyssa. One of the main reasons for our trip was Alyssa's wedding. We loved sharing Colin with our California family. It was great seeing everyone!

After breakfast, we set off for Huntington Beach at the recommendation of Cousin Doug. It was beautiful and such a fun place, complete with surfers and fish tacos! We ate at Wahoo's (recommended by Alyssa and Brian - Alyssa's new husband).

We watched Alyssa and Brian exchange vows on Saturday. It was a gorgeous ceremony. Colin and I both got a bit too much sun, but we still had a great time. It was so surreal being back in California to watch Alyssa be married six years after we were engaged. She was with us on that day as well.

Sunday took us the the San Diego Zoo! It was so much fun to go again and have with Colin with us. This zoo just blows me away - there is so much to see and do.

We went to the Hotel del Coronado on our last day before meeting up with Ryan's family for lunch with Grandpa Dick. The Hotel Del is a beautiful place. It's more than 120 years old and a national historic landmark. And, you'd never guess what I had for lunch later - FISH TACOS! I just can't get enough of these delicious noms. It was really special to see Grandpa Dick and great that he could meet his great-grandsons.

Overall, we had a truly fantastic first vacation. It was such a blessing to visit with our family and take a few side adventures. Even though Colin won't remember this trip, Ryan and I always will. It will forever be close to our hearts. I think I'll end this post with one of my favorite photos of my two guys from this amazing SoCal Vacay. Enjoy!

How Time Flies

Well, it has been quite some time since I've updated our family blog. And a certain someone has been after me to post an update. A lot has happened since Father's Day. Ryan and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. I can't believe it has been five years since we were married. They have truly been the best years of my life, full of travel, growth and love. And now we have our sweet little boy.

We celebrated Colin's first July 4th by going to the Gilbert Peach Festival. Ashley joined us and we all had a great time! Colin slept through most of it, but Ryan and I especially enjoyed the delicious peach ice cream. Ashley's favorite was the peach slush - she thought it was epic. We are so glad she can join us on outings like this.

After the festival, Ryan's sister Heather and our nephew Brayden joined us at our neighborhood pool. He is too much fun! We then had everyone, including my parents and Ryan's parents, join us at the house for burgers and hot dogs. Ryan did a good job firing up the grill - nom, nom, nom.

In other news, Colin sat in his high chair for the first time. He's really sitting up on his own now, so we figured it was time to get out of the bouncy seat and into the chair. He seems to like being up at the table with mommy and daddy. His first food was sweet potatoes. Since then, he's had apples, green beans, squash, pears, bananas and carrots. Next up - peaches.

We also celebrated Ryan's birthday and his Dad's birthday. Ryan got a lawnmower from his family, some new clothes and a surround sound transmitter. After making his birthday breakfast, I had to take a photo of my two guys.

We had Colin's six month doctor's visit on Monday. He weighs 18 lb 14 oz and is 27.5 inches. This puts him in the 75th percentile for weight and 90th percentile for length. That's our growing boy! Dr. Dodds is pleased with his development, which makes us a very happy mommy and daddy. We still have no words, but we have more babble, laughing and smiles. Colin sits up on his own now and is loving the new perspective. He has enriched our lives more than I ever thought possible. We love you, Colin. To the moon and back.

First Father's Day

Yesterday was Ryan's very first Father's Day. We started the day with breakfast. While Ryan slept, Colin and I made sausage biscuits for Daddy. Breakfast (arguably our favorite meal) was ready when he came down the stairs. Next came presents - an ipod classic and two cards (one from me and one from Colin). The ipod is 160 GB. He'll never fill it up and it should last a long time. If anyone is interested in future gifts for my husband, itunes gift cards are a sure-fire win.  

While the ipod charged, it was time for cuddles with our "kids." Ryan curled up with Molly and Colin for a little lovin'.

 Then we went to church.

 

After church, Ryan requested wings and beer for his Father's Day feast, so it was off to Wild Wing Cafe in Harbison with my mom, dad and Ashley. Wings and Blue Moon = Deliciousness. We also visited with Ryan's family (Mom, Dad, Heather, David and Brayden) to celebrate. We had the most amazing Key Lime Pie (I'm still thinking about it), Apple Pie and ice cream.

All in all, I hope that we gave Ryan a memorable first Father's Day. He deserves it. I could not have a better husband and Colin could not have a better father. One thing is for certain - I've got my hands full with my two guys and wouldn't have it any other way.

 

Rice, Rice, Baby

Since our last blog post, things have been quite exciting at the Fun house. Colin had his four-month doctor's visit. He is 15 lb 5 oz and 26.5 inches. According to his pediatrician, he is doing great, growing and developing just has he should. It is a bit alarming to know that he is almost wearing nine month old clothes and size three diapers. He's such a healthy, strong and growing little man. As a result, we've come to the realization that time is simply moving too fast.
Colin had his first taste of rice cereal this weekend. His pediatrician said that four months would be a good age to start if he seemed ready. He's been watching us eat and making chewing motions with his mouth, so we though we'd give it a try. Watch his first attempt at learning to eat something other than mommy's milk.

We went to the pool on Saturday morning for our second swim. It went well! Colin really likes the water. And, since it has been so HOT here lately, the water was the perfect temperature. Because we went early, we ended up being the only family there. That was awesome.

Colin is going through a growth spurt right now, wanting to eat all the time. But he's developing very well. He can roll over from his tummy to his back. He still "talks" all the time. He smiles and laughes, which always makes Ryan and me feel so good. Colin has started grabbing things. He recently found his feet and now can't get enough of grabbing them! It is pretty stinking adorable, but that's our boy.

Colin - You have already made us so proud at only four months old. Mommy and Daddy love you with all our hearts. Always, always and always.

Funs Take to the Water

This weekend has been fantastic! Ryan was off from work and we made the most of our time together, running errands and having fun. I got a haircut while Ryan and Colin did the grocery shopping. Then we had lunch at Jimmy Johns. They have the most delicious sandwich called the Beach Club. It is totally my favorite and Ryan's too. We went out to Babies 'r Us to find Colin some swim gear. It has to be said that he is the most adorable little boy is his swim clothes. We also had dinner with Ryan's parents. Turkey burgers, potato salad and chips = yum yum

Today was our first day down at the neighborhood pool. We had such a great time. It took Colin a while to figure it out, but he really liked it. He is definitely our little water bug. We can't wait to spend weekends this summer with him at the pool! Check out the videos!

Before going in the pool

In the water for the first time

Afterward, we went for lunch and visited Lowes to look for paint. I think we found the perfect color for the living room/kitchen. Once we finished at Lowes, we had to take a detour to Cold Stone for ice cream! Considering it was so hot today, ice cream was a necessity. Ryan is making lemon pepper fish for dinner while I rock Colin to sleep. Weekends together really make us realize how truly blessed our lives are.

First Mother's Day

Yesterday was my very first Mother's Day. Ryan really worked hard to make it a special day that I would always remember. I received a beautiful amethyst pendant. Amethyst is Colin and my birthstone. I know that I will treasure it forever and think of my two guys every time I wear it. I also got two Mother's Day cards - one from my sweet husband and one from our amazing son. According to his daddy, Colin even signed my card at only 13 weeks old! Ryan also made me a delicious waffle breakfast before going to have hibachi for dinner. He is an amazing husband and I am so blessed. Here's a few photos from my first Mother's Day.

Our official Mother's Day photo

He's such a handsome, sweet little man

And so happy - he loves smiling at Mommy and Daddy!

Before taking me for a Mother's Day dinner, Colin and Daddy enjoyed tummy time.

I can't believe how strong Colin has become.

My first Mother's Day was certainly a day that I won't forget.

It's Been Awhile

It's been more than a week since my last update, but we have been a bit busy. Sunday was Easter and Colin's first major holiday. He went to church for the first time and my mom was a walking cliche! The most accurate being "kid in a candy store." Afterward, we had lunch with my parents and went to visit Ryan's family. All in all, it was a wonderful day. Colin was in great form - talking and smiling. He loved the attention and reaped some serious Easter swag for 11 weeks old. He is such a happy baby and taking care of him is pure joy, even the poopy diapers. For your Easter enjoyment...

In other news, we found out that Timmy is being deployed to Afghanistan next month. We are worried about him, but trust that God will watch over him. Ashley is coming back to Lexington while Timmy is away to be with her friends and family. While we are sad that Colin's Uncle Mato is leaving, we can't help but be glad to have more time with Aunt Ashley.

We also learned that Roby, Ryan's best friend, has been hired at Emory University, which means that the boys will be back in the Southeast. We hope that he'll be happy there and I know Ryan is secretly thrilled that his best friend will be within driving distance.

Ryan's schedule is pretty great this week, so I'm looking forward to having dinner with him several nights. Speaking of my husband, his latest project is growing a garden. He keeps calling himself a farmer. That's my husband. The farmer. He's so excited that all the seeds are sprouting. Never did I think he would become so involved in growing vegetables. I'll post photos when we actually have food.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Life for the Funs is a bit hectic right now. I'm still trying to acclimate to working mom status. I think Colin and I are making the transition quite smoothly, but it still hard leaving him. It helps knowing that he's in great hands and going to nurse at lunch really breaks up the day. We are even working on a regular schedule. Hopefully this pattern will keep and I didn't just jinx us. Work is going well for me. I'm getting back into a bunch of projects and it feels really great to be productive.

Ryan is working like a mad man because of all the catering orders for the hospital's luncheons. All together, Salsarita's will have catered for more than 2,000 hospital employees during this week. We have plans to go out on Saturday night to blow off some steam and enjoy each other's company. Yay for Date Night! Ryan's parents, whom I affectionately refer to as McMom and McDad, are going to babysit Colin for the first time. I know they are super excited.

In other news, we had our first family portrait on Sunday. We also had a few photos taken of Colin by himself - we couldn't resist. I promise to post them once we've shown them to our parents. I can't wait to show them off. In the meantime, this will have to hold you over.

He's our man of a million faces. I swear I could kiss those cheeks all day. I almost forgot. Ryan has also been busy being the "man of the house." We now have black mulch in the front yard and pine straw in half of the backyard. It looks great! As if he didn't work hard enough outside the home.

Looks Like We Made It

We did it! Day one of work and day care is down for the count. It was great being back at work. I am working my way through e-mails and projects, trying to get my bearings. I can't wait to start once I catch up. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful co-workers. They welcomed me back with open arms and tons of support. They even made a "Welcome Back" sign and gave me balloons. One of them even brought me a muffin for breakfast.

Colin's first day went well, too. His teachers said that he had a wonderful first day of school. I went to visit/nurse during my lunch break. It was great to steal a few cuddles and smiles in the middle of the day. I think this will help both of us (definitely me). I know it will get easier everyday, but I sure do miss him.

Tomorrow is the Day

Ready or not, here it comes. Tomorrow is my first day back to work and Colin's first day at the Child Development Center. I can't believe how quickly time has passed. I'm filled with a flurry of emotions - anxiety, excitement, nervousness to name a few. I hope that we make it through this transition smoothly. I'm looking forward to returning to work, but am sad at the thought of someone else caring for our little boy. I'll let you know how it goes.

Ashley came to visit this weekend. Mom, Ashley and I had lunch at Panera (home of delicious broccoli cheddar soup) and dessert at Cupcake (need I say more). It was wonderful to spend time with her. We miss her and her Mato. Colin decided to ham it up a little when we got home and Ashley was able to snag this wonderful photo. It's the first one of him smiling/laughing. I can't get enough of his gummy grins!

At Two Months...
Colin, you have grown so much. You are learning new things about the world, our family and yourself everyday. I love watching you discover your surroundings. You smile and laugh more (mostly at me, which I'm secretly thrilled about). Your favorite thing to stare at is the ceiling fan. Apparently this is a common thing among babies. You are definitely a momma's boy, but you love your daddy, too. You are super strong. You can hold your head up on your own and lift your head during tummy time. You are really close to rolling over in one direction. You have found your hands and really like putting them in your mouth. I could never say how much we love you and how much you have enriched our lives.

Always, always and always.

Rendered Useless (Well... Sort Of)

Colin had his first bottle this weekend and he took to it like a champ. I'm glad that we haven't had any problems getting him on the bottle because he starts the Child Development Center in less than two weeks. He's still getting my milk, but not directly from me. This new independence will take some getting used to. It also makes me realize that my little man isn't quite so little anymore. Ryan had a good time giving Colin his first bottle. I think they have plans to take over the world - one fun day at a time.

We also went to the pediatrician today for his six-week visit, which included four vaccinations. According his doctor, he's doing beautifully. His heart murmur sounded softer and will be checked again when he is six months old. He weighs about 12 lbs and is 23 inches long. Colin is living up to his daddy's name as a "Big Fun" baby.


In other news, Ryan had the weekend off and we made the most of it. We took Colin to Ikea on Saturday to shop for the spare bedroom and pick up the last chair for our dinette. We enjoyed lunch at PF Changs and even went by Cheesecake Factory for Red Velvet Cheesecake and Linda's Fudge Cake to devour at home. Neither dessert made it through the night. On Sunday, we stumbled upon the froggy shower decorations we have been searching for. Colin now has an adorable bathroom! We still have to paint every room in the house (except the nursery), but it is coming along. We also printed a bunch of photos for Colin's baby book. I plan to start working on it this week. We'll see how that goes...


Our privacy fence will be installed by the end of the day today. Molly will finally have reign over our backyard kingdom. It's silly that a fence can make us so excited. Even though I'm sure others aren't interested, be assured that a photo of the fence will make an appearance on Living the Fun Life. We are quite proud of the home we are building as a family.

Inaugural Post

OK, here it goes. This is my first post of my first blog - Living the Fun Life. I came up with the name for our blog because my husband Ryan is known in our circle of friends as "Big Fun." He has had that nickname longer than we've been together. So, on our wedding day, I officially became Mrs. Fun. We have continued to grow our Fun family with the addition of Molly, our golden retriever, and Colin, our wonderful son.

Colin turned six weeks old on St. Patrick's Day and I can't believe how fast time is passing. He is about 12 lbs and learns more each day. 

He has started to speak "whale" and discovers new things such as how to move his arms and legs. He is awake and alert during the day. He can lift his head and turn it from side to side. He smiles more every day. Everytime I see that gummy grin, I can't help but melt for my sweet little man.

I return to work in two weeks and Colin will start at the Child Development Center at the hospital. We met his teachers this week and we feel confident that he'll get the best possible care. As excited as I am about going back to work, I will miss spending the day with Colin. It shouldn't be possible to love someone so much. To top off my love for him, I never thought it would be possible to love Ryan more than I did when we were married, but the addition of Colin to our family has made me love him more. My life feels so blessed.

Ryan is off from work this weekend, so we will have much-needed family time. I am looking forward to enjoying the beautiful weather with our family unit.

I hope to make this blog my new hobby. It will be my way of telling our friends and family how we are "Living the Fun Life."