One Fish, Two Fish

This past weekend we met our good friends The Doehnes in Atlanta for a weekend getaway. We left on Friday after work and made it to the hotel around 11 p.m. I'd love to tell you that it was a smooth ride but that wasn't the case. Well, the ride itself was smooth, but once we got there things got a bit rocky. After an hour of the hotel searching for a crib that was supposed to be in our room I went ahead and crawled into bed and brought Colton with me. Of course a few minutes after dozing off they knock on the door with the crib, ugh. I'll just sum up the rest of the night by saying that it's amazing how much space a 30" long, 21 lb baby can take up!

The next morning we threw back some coffee and forged on :) We headed over to the Georgia Seaquarium and it was AWESOME! I highly recommend it if you are anywhere in the area and it's great for kids AND adults. The line for tickets wrapped around the building but we really lucked out. We called to ask how long the wait was and learned that we could buy tickets over the phone and pick them up at "will call." We probably waited a total of 10 minutes and got in quicker than even the people with tickets in hand...just crazy!

The aquarium had tons of giant sharks, Belugia whales, otters, millions of fish and really cool viewing tanks that you could walk through. Colton and Connor (the Doehne's 16 month old) seemed to really enjoy it. They loved to look around at all the pretty colors and moving objects (fairly certain Colton doesn't understand the concept of "fish" just yet). Both boys took their naps despite all the loud noise and movement around them and they were so good during lunch.

For dinner we went to Seasons 52 which is one of my favorite restaurants. I've never had a bad experience there. The food is always the freshest of the season and the menu changes out all the time. They have a great wine list also. Of course we were a bit nervous about taking the boys to such a nice place but they did great and we only had a few loud squeals and toys thrown around.

Sunday Jamie and I managed to squeeze in a quick trip to the Ballard Designs Outlet. It's one of my favorite decor stores and they have two outlets in Atlanta. We both left with some great finds and it was fun trying to squeeze them in to already packed cars :) I got a great end table that I can't wait find a home for in the house! Jamie picked up some great finds to furnish the new home they are building. It's going to be GORGEOUS and I hope to show you the "after" photos when we visit them in Charlotte in November.

Here are a few photos from our getaway. I will post the aquarium pictures when I get them from Jamie, I forgot my camera!!! This weekend my parents and grandparents will be visiting to celebrate my upcoming 30th birthday. More on that later... I have to run and dye the gray hairs asap (kidding...sort of).

xxxooo

Jenny

Georgia Weekend

On all FOURS!!

And we have a crawler! Just before he turned 8 months old Colton started really showing an interest in crawling. He would get so frustrated and just kick his legs while sitting up and attempt to lunge forward. For the first week he would just lay on his belly and get into the crawl position but never really go anywhere. Finally he moved on to one leg forward, sit down, try again with another leg forward. He would slowly get where he wanted to go. At the same time he was also starting to pull up on the ottoman and at daycare and get to a standing position.

Just before I left for a conference and meetings (gone for 5 whole days!!) he just took off. I think he knew momma was leaving and that I would have been devastated if he started crawling after I left!! By the time I got home he had it pretty much perfected and now he even crawls to the ottoman and pulls himself to standing all on his own. I have said all along that I thought we were going to have an early walker and that definitely seems to be the direction we're headed, yikes!

In addition to his new crawling skills he also has three new teeth (five total). Yes, you read that right, three! We have had about three weeks (one for each tooth?) of very restless sleep. He is not a happy camper when he wakes up and his teeth hurt. Now that all three are out he seems to be doing much, much better and I'm hopeful we'll be back to our full 11 hours of sleep at night...at least that's what I'm praying for.

Alright, that's it for now. I have a TON of laundry to catch up on since returning from my trip and tonight we're off to Atlanta to meet our friends the Doehne's for a little getaway. We'll be visiting the Georgia Seaquarium and I can't wait :)

xxxooo

More Summer Travels

This past weekend we went back to Crestview for Nana's 92nd Birthday. On Saturday Josh and his dad did some yard work and his mom and I (and Darby) went swimming. The weatherman said it was "oppressively hot" and I couldn't agree more! I attempted a run in the afternoon (yes, you can call me crazy) and it's a miracle they didn't have to come peel me off the pavement! I'm determined to get back into my running routine though and I'm planning to run a 1/2 marathon next February. There, I said, now I have to do it!!

After recovering from yard work and naps we loaded up and took Colton to the Destin Commons to meet his Uncle Boone and Stephanie. Uncle Boone is actually Daniel, Josh's childhood best friend, and his girlfriend Stephanie. Josh's parents took Colton back home and babysat for us while we went out to a few of our favorite places. Red Bar in Grayton is an all-time favorite and despite the heat and packed crowds it didn't disappoint. We also went to Sandestin, a resort nearby, and made it a much later night than we're used to these days! We never made it to the beach so I can't report directly on the oil spill but it appeared as though the usual summer beach crowd was still around. The restaurant wasn't as busy as it normally is - 45 minute wait instead of 2 hours - but still seemed like the businesses in the area were doing well. We talked about taking Colton to the beach but ultimately decided that we'd wait to learn more about all the dispersant they've been using to combat the oil. Makes me sick to think of what's happened to the environment.

Sunday was wonderful. Nana came home from her nursing facility for the afternoon. We had a huge supper and a delicious 7-layer chocolate cake for dessert. Nana was able to hold Colton and even gave him a bottle. She was able to visit with her grand-pup Darby and she said many times that it was the best birthday she's ever had. I'm so glad we were able to be a part of it. Nana helped to raise Josh when he was little. He stayed with her while his parents worked and has so many wonderful stories. To say she spoiled him is an understatement....but that's what grandparents are for!

Keep us in your prayers - we have a big week coming up. I'll be traveling for work and gone from Sunday through Thursday. I'm dreading being away from Colton but I know his daddy will enjoy the special time with him. Thankfully when I get back we'll be leaving for a trip to Atlanta for a little mini-vacation.

Hope everyone is well! Sorry for the lack of pictures, Josh's mom took a bunch but I only snapped a few and didn't even get any from Nana's visit!!

Love,
Jenny

Visit to Crestview

More Summer Fun

I’ve been meaning to get on here and post and just haven’t made the time in the last few weeks. Here are some new photos from summer – lots of pool time and house projects around here. This past weekend Josh’s parents came into town and while Josh and his dad worked on some things at the house, his mom and I took Colton to the Butterfly Exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History. We ended up checking out most of the museum as well. Colton seemed to really enjoy it, he was tuckered out! On Sunday we went to the Ivy House for lunch, it was my only meal the entire day and I swear I probably could have skipped breakfast today too, I ate that much! What else is a girl supposed to do when you put a plate of the most amazing home cooked Southern food in front her.

We’ve got a few upcoming trips planned – back home to see Josh’s Nana, Atlanta with the Doehne’s and Orlando for a quick getaway. Believe it or not after that we’ll be moving right along into College Football season!! As you all well know, that’s big around these parts. We spend all week anticipating the next weekend’s games and preparing for our tailgate. I’m so excited to introduce Colton to college football, no pressure there to like the Gators or anything :) Is it wrong that when we picked his name Josh practiced saying it out loud as if he were saying it over the speaker at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium? Nah…nothing wrong with that at all.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I have really enjoyed seeing the blog updates and photos from all of our friends and family, keep it up!

Love, Jenny

More Summer Fun

6 month photos

Our friend Wendy took some more photos for us. These are more like 7 month photos because it took us so long to finally pick a date and then we did and it was BLAZING hot outside so we split the shoot into two parts. Colton was a great little model. He actually smiles at the camera now without asking (most of the time). Having a friend do your photos is the key, it makes it so easy to just be yourself and let them capture the real moments of your life. Well, maybe Colton in the bowl isn't "real" but you know what I mean :) We had fun at the ballpark too, Colton was just learning to sit up so Josh and I were standing just to the outside of the frame so Wendy could get the picture before we dove back in to catch him. In the few weeks since we did those photos he now not only sits up but stands up! He will pull himself to a complete standing position. It's made life interesting...it's not as easy to plop him down and fold laundry or do chores. I can't even imagine when he actually gets mobile.

[If Wendy posts new blogs you'll have to scroll down to find the photos of Colton]

http://www.lifestillphotography.com/

July 4th and more beach

We had a great 4th of July weekend, very low key and relaxing and we got A LOT done around the house. We have so many projects around here building up that we decided to try and get a few things done while we had a three day weekend. Josh spent a lot of time on the yard and he also finished digging a drain and hung curtains. It felt good to get some of these things checked off. We're moving slowly but surely to get the house where we want it. Of course it's in perfect livable condition, but we are putting our own touches on it and decorating. I'm thinking sometime in 2020 we'll be done :)

We did squeeze in some fun. We visited with our friends the Cornells and attended Evan's (their son) magic show. I remember those days when I would gather my parents and anyone who would listen and put on shows for them. On Sunday our friends Brad and Katie came over for a cookout and James and Colton played and napped. The plan was to go in the kiddie pool but naps didn't coincide so we never quite made it in...well not with water anyway. We decided not to do the parade/fireworks thing this year and instead opted for sparklers in the front yard. It turned out to be a great day. Next year when he's old enough we'll do it up a little bigger and join in the festivities at some of the great 4th events in our area.

The weekend after the 4th we got away for a night to Flagler Beach on the East Coast with our friends. It was Brad's 30th birthday and we stayed at the Si Como No Inn on the beach. It was an awesome little place that was kid and pet friendly and had access to the beach and intercoastal. I took ZERO pictures at the beach. I was focused on swimming and relaxing with my baby boy while Josh and Darby frolicked in the water (best way to describe it although he'd probably disagree). To say Darby and Colton love the water is an understatement. Colton even splashed saltwater in his face multiple times and never batted an eye, he's already such a little beach baby. Darby was in hog heaven and was having so much fun that he didn't even get out of the water to "do his business." Oh yes, we were those people that let their dog go in the water. What choice did we have? And no, Josh didn't chase it down to dispose of it. Gross!!

Here are some photos from both weekends. Lots more summer fun coming up with a trip to Atlanta with the Doehnes, a trip to see Josh's family in the panhandle and a trip to Orlando!!

Happy Summer.
Jenny

4th and fun

Summertime...

This past weekend we went back to West Palm Beach to attend a baby shower and visit with my family. We attended a coed shower for our good friends the "Awesome Abneys". They had a shower at their favorite place in Palm City, Wine Styles. It was perfect and perfect for them. Kyle and Harmony are such fun loving, wonderful people and it was great to celebrate the upcoming birth of Winnie/Parker (Winnie if it's a girl and Parker if it's a boy). I also got a chance to catch up with some of my sorority sisters who I love and miss more than they'll ever know! They are such amazing women - mothers, lawyers, doctors, wives, and all around amazing women. Josh loves their husbands as well, which makes it so much fun for both of us. Colton made an appearance at the beginning but then left with Grammy and Grampy to head to Vero.

My grandparents recently moved from Toccoa, GA to Vero Beach and so far, they seem to love it. They moved north when I was 13 and have been gone ever since. They loved living in the mountains and the relaxed life up there but I think we can all agree that they have missed a lot while they were gone. They have made it for all the major occasions - graduations, weddings, funerals, but I haven't spent a holiday with them since they left 17 years ago and that breaks my heart...but, they're here now! I am so glad Colton is getting a chance to know his great grandparents on both sides of the family. I had my great-grandma around until I was in high school and I have so many fond memories of her - most of which included pork rinds, cornbread and Milwaukee's Best. She was such a firecracker! Anyway, we spent the rest of the afternoon with them, Aunt Kathy and Roger, and my cousin Kelly and then returned back to my parents to grill and relax with mom, dad and Kelly.

Sunday was a lot of fun. We started with breakfast at Red's where they know my mom and dad by name (scary!!) and Aunt Sandy, Darrell and my cousin Lexi stopped in to eat and visit. After we spent the day relaxing in the sun and Colton got to play in his new floatie. Funny story there, I got Colton all situated and started to put him in his floatie. Josh and I stood there holding Colton trying to figure out if it was just made for bigger babies or something until he finally pointed out that I hadn't inflated the raft part of it... Thank goodness I hadn't let go! Crazy toys these days (or maybe momma should have read the directions)! Of course Darby, being a lab, just LOVES the water and we could NOT keep him out. He would jump and run and jump and run and then relax on the step and if we weren't there to throw the float he would just swim laps around the pool. He is still sleeping off all his hard work.

Here are some photos from the weekend...and up next is 4th of July, Si Como No Inn for Brad's 30th and Atlanta with the Doehne's!!

WPB Visit

Father's Day Weekend

This past weekend we celebrated Josh’s first Father’s Day. My parents came into town on Friday night. Josh and I had plans to go with some friends to Ginnie Springs for the day to celebrate our friend Kristin’s birthday. They offered to watch our friend Katie and Brad’s baby as well so all the parents could go and have a little sun and fun. James was born 3 weeks after Colton so they are very close in age. Now for most people it’s no big deal to watch two babies, however, for my parents it’s a new experience. I’m an only child so they never really had to handle two children before…yikes! They did great though and I think they really enjoyed it. Thankfully James is a super chilled out baby who loves to smile :) They were on opposite schedules for napping and eating so it worked out pretty well.

While mom and dad were home with the kids the adults went to play at the springs. It’s about 15 minutes to the springs from our house and it’s such a beautiful part of natural Florida. The water is a bit chilly (and a little dark for my taste) but it’s so much fun to tube down the river. We had a BLAST and thoroughly enjoyed acting like the carefree college kids we used to be.

On Sunday mom and I made a huge breakfast for the dads which included thick sliced bacon of course. Josh and dad opened their cards and Josh enjoyed the book of Daddy and Me photos that I made for him. His gift was actually a surprise on Friday. Colton and I had his truck detailed while he was at work, something he hasn’t been able to find time to do lately. Back to Sunday, my dad being the man that he is couldn’t take it any longer and went out back to finish the drainage system he started installing the day before :) Josh being the man that he is couldn’t stand by so he was out there with him in the yard digging things up and sweating like crazy in the 100 degree heat. After my parents left we just relaxed and had a lazy Sunday. Josh and Colton spent much of the day just hanging out on the floor in Colton’s playland. According to Josh, it was the perfect day.

The next two months are going to be a bit crazy. We’ve got travel plans almost every weekend and lots of fun stuff in store. More posts to come soon!

Hope this finds everyone doing well and enjoying your summer! Stay cool out there!

Love,
Jenny

Misc 6 Month Fun

Ginnie Springs

Big Boy is Getting Bigger!

Today was Colton’s 6 month check-up. He’s actually almost 7 months now, which his so hard to believe. He was almost 20 lbs (75th percentile), 28 ¼” long (90th percentile) and 85th percentile for head circumference. Such a big boy! He’s wearing mostly 9 month and 12 month clothes at this point and when I have to carry him in his car seat it’s about all I can do to lift him up. We’re getting ready to switch over to a convertible seat in at least one car which will mean no more of that heavy lifting, phew.

Our big boy is reaching lots of milestones. He sits up very well on his own and will stand holding onto furniture. He will stand up on his own if you hold his hands and is also taking a few steps backward (although not forward yet). He holds his own bottle and is working on drinking water from a sippy cup. He sleeps very well at night…most of the time! Things he doesn’t like – rolling over and taking naps, ha! He is such an active little boy. I think we are seriously going to have our hands full when he gets mobile. When we sit him down on his changing table he immediately lunges forward to grab items from the container I keep diapers and supplies in, he also grabs at the blinds. We’re teaching him “no, no” when he does this but it’s very apparent we don’t understand the word yet :)

As far as talking and sounds go he has a favorite expression now – “uh da” and on occasion he will say “da da.” He loves to babble and we call it dolphin talk when he does his high-pitched squeal. The best ever was one morning at 5:15 a.m. when we could hear him in there practicing his “uh da” – he eventually went back to sleep, thank goodness.

Alright, more to come in another post on Father’s Day weekend!!

(P.S. The photos are previews from a shoot we did with our friend Wendy. It was 100+ degrees outside and Colton was such a trooper. I love how you can totally see his personality in these. He has such expressive eyebrows and is such a little boy... all rough and tough. I'll post the rest soon)

Random 6 month fun

A few fun photos -

1) Working in my "office"
2) Getting two bottom teeth and one top tooth ALL AT ONCE!
3) Not sure what this look means - Momma, stop taking my photo or Momma, you scared the crap out of me!